Chapter 1 - Tristan's Crush

Tristan groggily got out of bed and silenced the alarm on his phone. 

“Another Monday,” he mused as he started his morning routine. After a quick shower he picked out his uniform for the day.

As he put one of his arms through the sleeve of his button-down shirt, he felt a piece of soft clothing balled up in there. He removed it and out came a pink thong.

“Ew,” he said, jumping away from the feminine undergarment as if it was a tarantula. “Mom! I found a pair of her underwear in my clothes!”

When nobody answered he finished getting dressed. He looked in the mirror to adjust his red and gold tie, and put on the navy-blue blazer. When he was finished, he picked up the panties from the floor, held them with an outstretched arm as if they were radioactive, and then threw them into his stepsister’s room.

He came down from his bedroom and entered his family’s kitchen. His mom was in a tizzy getting ready for work, while his stepsister, dressed in her own school uniform, was seated at the table, scrolling through her phone, while eating a Pop Tart.

“Mom,” he loudly complained. “I found her clothes with mine!”

“Then just put whatever you found in her room, honey,” his mother replied, adjusting one of her earrings.

“It was her dirty underwear.”

His stepsister gave him a snide look.

“I assure you all of the laundry was clean,” Mom replied, grabbing her purse.

Tristan sighed.

“You can always help with the laundry, too, Tristan,” Mom added.

Tristan didn’t dignify that suggestion with a response. “Hey, I can’t find my phone.”

“Kaitlyn, honey,” Mom said, “Can you give Tristan’s phone a ring?”

“Ugh, do I have to?” Kaitlyn whined.

“No wait-” Tristan said, knowing that he gave her a personalized ringtone.

“Too late,” Kaitlyn replied.

Suddenly, “The Imperial March” from Star Wars played from the living room.

Kaitlyn gave him an evil look. “That’s rude.”

“No fighting,” Mom reminded us. “Tristan, please change that ringtone. Anyway, have a good day, honey,” she said, kissing him on the cheek and running out of the house.

Tristan retrieved his phone then went to open the cabinet to grab his own Pop Tart. As he reached into the box he realized it was empty. “Did you take the last one?” he accused his stepsister.

She didn’t look up from her phone and shrugged.

“Ugh,” Tristan grunted and slammed the cabinet door. “Those were mine!” He threw the empty box in the recycle bin.

“I didn’t see your name on them,” Kaitlyn taunted.

Tristan grunted in frustration and searched the cupboards for breakfast. He pulled out an old box of Cheerios, then a bowl and milk and sat at the table.

He sighed as he poured his cereal and milk and started eating.

It was silent - except for Tristan obnoxiously chewing his cheerios. With each bite he made sure to chew louder.

“Do you mind?” Kaitlyn finally growled. “That’s gross.”

Tristan relented and turned his focus to his own cell phone that he had brought downstairs with him. He checked his QuikChat application to see if any of his friends messaged him last night. None did.

“Hey, after school, can you drive me to the outlets?” Kaitlyn asked in a friendlier tone.

“Why should I?” he retorted. “After you ate the last of my Pop Tarts.”

“Don’t be such a drama queen, Tris. Remember, Melissa and Dad want us to be good siblings and share.”

“First of all, Mom said I didn’t have to chauffeur you around. Second, maybe you should’ve asked Steve for a car.”

“Dad promised me a car for my 17th birthday,” she smugly replied.

The kitchen erupted in the sound of angry chewing again as both siblings turned their attention to their breakfasts and phones.

Finally, Tristan's curiosity got the better of him. “Who is all going?” he reluctantly asked.

“Me, Ava, Abby, and Izzy.”

Tristan smiled at the mention of Ava’s name. Kaitlyn noticed.

“Ew!” she complained. “I know you have some weird creepy crush on Ava. My friends don't date losers.”

He quietly mumbled, “Well, clearly they’re friends with one.”

“What was that?” she asked with furrowed brows. “Anyway, I need to get going.” She dramatically got up. “A certain selfish stepbrother forces me to take the bus.” 

“Your school is in the opposite direction of my school!”

She didn’t acknowledge his retort and stuck the last of her pilfered Pop Tart between her teeth, grabbed her backpack, and left the house.

“Finally some peace and quiet,” Tristan announced out loud to the empty house.

It had been like this since Tristan’s mother, Melissa, and Kaitlyn’s father, Steve, started dating last year. At the time, neither Tristan nor Kaitlyn knew each other and their social circles never overlapped. When they were introduced, it was hate at first sight.

The parents pleaded for their teenagers to behave. They gave it a try. Tristan introduced Kaitlyn to his friends. She instantly called them losers. She invited him to a party, where he was treated like an outcast by everyone - except for one person. Ava.

Tristan knew Ava long before he knew Kaitlyn. He sat behind her in fifth grade when they both went to public grade school. One day he walked her home from school - the opposite direction from his own house. They instantly became friends and would often hang out on weekends. They’d explore the woods, ride around town, and make lemonade stands. She was his best friend before Ryan. And he fell madly in love with her. Well, as much as any 11-year-old knows about such things. But things changed when they got older. Puberty happened. They split and went to different private schools. They made other friends. Unfortunately, Tristan never got a chance to tell her how he felt. They’re still friendly today to each other. Tristan just wishes for more.

While he was surprised Ava and Kaitlyn were friends, he was certainly excited at the prospect of seeing Ava more often. Perhaps even Kaitlyn would put in a good word. That unfortunately never happened, and the thought of Kaitlyn doing Tristan a favor was growing slimmer by the day, but Tristan relished every time Ava would visit Kaitlyn, until the evil stepsister shooed him away.

Then the day arrived that changed everything. Melissa and Steve announced they were getting married. Over the next month, the parents were hitched, and Tristan’s new stepdad and stepsister moved in. Now he had to share a bathroom and food. Now he found random girls' clothes in his clothes. Home was no longer the safe haven it used to be. He was lucky to keep his bedroom.

He cleaned up from breakfast and headed out the door, locking it behind him. At least he had a car and she had to take the bus.

* * *

When Tristan arrived at homeroom, his best friend Ryan was waiting for him.

“I’m freaking out, dude,” Ryan lamented to his friend.

“What’s wrong this time?” Tristan sighed.

“I haven’t been asked out to the Sadie Hawkins dance yet.”

“So? Neither have I.”

“So, our entire high school reputations are on the line!”

“Really? It’s not like we went to homecoming when we were expected to ask out girls.”

“It’s the Leap Year Sadie Hawkins dance, Tristan!” Ryan replied with emphasis. “This only happens once every four years. The next time it happens, we’ll both be long graduated.”

It wasn’t easy to ask girls to dances to begin with. Both Tristan and Ryan went to a private all-boys high school. Similarly, Kaitlyn and her friends went to its sister school for all-girls. Since the genders rarely interacted during the school year, the schools organized occasional mixers that were heavily attended by many chaperones. One such mixer was the quadrennial leap year tradition of the Sadie Hawkins dance. Apparently the organizers found it funny to only encourage girls to do the asking once every four years.

“I don’t know, Ryan. The dance is still a month away.”

“What are you doing tonight? Will you be online to play games?”

“Not tonight,” Tristan sighed. “I have to chauffeur around my stepsister and her friends.” 

“That sucks, dude. Why do you put up with it? Just because your mom got married doesn’t mean you have to put up with your stepfather’s spawn.”

“My mom really wants us to act like a normal family. Plus she threatened to take my car privileges away if I’m not nicer. And…” Tristan paused. “And Ava will be there.”

“Ha!” Ryan said, nudging Tristan’s shoulder. “I knew it. I knew there had to be a reason to be nice to that troll.”

Tristan's thoughts turned to Ava. That chestnut hair. Her smile. Those dimples. The way she didn’t treat him like a loser. Their shared experiences of budding adolescence.

Tristan’s daydream was interrupted by the school’s morning announcements. 

“Hey,” Ryan said, walking away. “Hit me up on QuikChat when you’re back.” He took his seat and Tristan sighed and prepared for the school day.

* * *

No words were exchanged when Tristan and Kaitlyn came home from school until she got up and commanded them to leave.

Tristan silently complied knowing his reward for doing this was seeing Ava - even if it was only for a few seconds.

They got into the car and Tristan drove to Abigail's house. Then Isabella’s house. Each girl greeted Tristan, then each other. Finally, Ava’s house.

There she was - sitting on her front porch waiting for them.

Tristan nervously bit his lip as he admired her sitting there in that cute white shirt and pink skirt. As she got up and walked toward the back door of the car, she seemed to float like an angel. Tristan quickly got out of the car and opened the rear door for Ava.

Izzy and Abby scooted over so Ava could cram into the back of the car.

Ava greeted everyone in the car. “Hi, Kate. Izzy. Abby.” Then a pause. “Oh, hi, Tristan. Thank you for getting the door.”

“Hi, Ava,” Tristan happily replied. “How-”

“So Ava,” Kaitlyn interrupted, pulling her friend’s attention away from Tristan. “We were thinking of hitting up Sephora first.”

“Sounds great,” Ava replied. 

Tristan scowled at Kaitlyn as he got back into the car then pulled out of the driveway and continued to their destination.

“Then we’re going to shop for dresses for the dance,” Abby added.

The dance! Tristan was hoping a certain someone would remember he was there in the driver's seat.

“I’m not sure if I’m going,” Ava sighed dejectedly. 

“Why not?” Kaitlyn asked.

“I don’t have a date.”

“There’s a few cute boys who would die to go with you.”

Tristan sat up straight, hoping his stepsister would hook him up.

“Yeah, I know Greg from the Boys Prep basketball team thinks you’re cute. He’s on QuikChat if you want me to see if he’s interested.”

Tristan slumped over deflated.

“I don’t know,” Ava chuckled.

“Remember, it’s a Sadie Hawkins dance,” Isabella said. “The girl does the asking. You can pick from any boy in town. Just ask.”

“It’s not that easy.”

“I know, right?” Abigail said. “I had it narrowed down to four guys. But I was afraid of rejection so I wound up asking someone safe.”

“You should’ve asked that one guy I suggested,” Kaitlyn said.

Tristan chuckled to himself. See, it’s not easy to be the one asking. Rejection sucks. That’s when the conversation changed to something else, and Tristan lost his potential opening. He drove in silence while the girls chit-chatted the rest of the way to the town center.

Tristan found a place in the parking garage. The teens made their way to the shops. The girls went one way, and Tristan went the other.

He figured he’d check the gaming store for any sales on new releases.

When he was done, he strolled along the sidewalk looking at the other stores. But at the outdoor cafe, he saw a teen couple locked at the lips. Typically this wouldn’t phase Tristan, but he recognized both the girl and boy. Two individuals who should not have been locked at the lips. 

The girl was Addison Thomas, student body president and girlfriend of Lamar Benjamin, star quarterback. The boy was very much not Lamar. It was Jackson Williams - or was it William Jackson? Tristan wasn’t sure, because there was a boy named each at his school. But he was certain whatever that boy’s name was, it most certainly wasn’t Lamar. 

Typically, Tristan didn’t keep tabs on the social hierarchy of either the all-boys or all-girl’s prep schools, but Lamar was in one of his classes and made a huge deal about dating a girl like Addison. And Addison always made the local headlines for various activism, charities, and scholarships. Everyone knew who Addison Thomas was. She had a squeaky clean good-girl persona.

Seeing Addison Thomas locking lips with Not-Lamar gave Tristan a chuckle. It was incidents like this that made Tristan a little timid to actually join the local dating scene. The exception, of course, was always Ava. 

Tristan silently walked past the couple, and arrived at the fountain at the center of the town center. Speaking of dating, there at the fountain was Tristan’s crush. Ava was sitting on the fountain’s ledge scrolling through her phone.

Tristan walked over to her and sat down. “Hi, Ava.”

“Oh, hi, Tristan,” she replied. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing much. Just checking out the new video games.”

She nodded. “Cool.”

“What’s new with you?”

“The other girls are looking at dresses. I decided to just hang back since I wasn’t planning on going to the dance later this month.”

“I heard,” he replied. He nervously tapped his foot.

She slowly nodded. “Are you going?”

“No girl has asked me.”

“Oh.”

Tristan pleaded for her to take the hint. Instead another twenty seconds of silence passed. “Ava,” he finally said. 

She looked at him inquisitively. 

It was now or never. He opened his mouth, but the words weren’t coming out.

“Are you OK?” she asked.

“Yeah,” he choked out. “I - uh. I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime. Like just the two of us. Like a date.”

Ava suddenly had the look of surprise on her face. “Oh my God, you’re so sweet,” she said. “But I’m going to have to decline.”

Tristan sighed. “I’m so stupid. Of course an attractive girl wouldn’t go out with me. What was I think-”

“Tristan, stop,” she interrupted. 

He looked at her quizzically.

“You’re a great guy but I just want to be friends.”

Tristan rolled his eyes. “That makes things even worse. I’m going to graduate lonely with just friends. They’ll put it on my gravestone. ‘Tristian died with a lot of friends’.”

Now it was her turn to roll her eyes. “Stop beating yourself up.”

“I’m good at it. I have plenty of experience with rejection.”

“I have a hard time believing that.” she forced out a chuckle. “I know girls who think you’re cute.”

“Believe it! Now I can add the biggest rejection of all to my tally.”

“I’m sorry,” she said with a frown.

At that moment, Tristan realized he was being a dick. “Actually, it’s me that's sorry. I’m being totally unfair to you. It’s not your fault.”

“You’re a good guy, Tristan,” she asserted. She looked at his demeanor. He didn’t believe her. So she added, “I mean - I’d totally date you if I was into guys-” She suddenly stopped and stared at him wide-eyed in fear. She cupped her mouth.

Tristan was stunned. That wasn’t what he expected her to say. He tilted his head. “You’re a-”

“That just came out. That isn’t what I meant.”

“Oh,” he replied. Another awkward pause. “So, what did you mean?”

She looked around and searched for words. Her face was turning red from embarrassment. “I mean it is what I meant - but oh my God, I can’t believe I told you. Nobody else knows.”

“You’re serious?”

“Please, Tristan,” Ava begged, “you can’t tell anyone-”

“Tell anyone what?” Kaitlyn suddenly said from beside her.

“A… about how she failed her math exam,” he quickly replied.

“Ha,” Kaitlyn chuckled. “You are really bad at keeping secrets.”

Ava silently mouthed, “Thank you” to Tristan. He nodded.

He wasn’t sure what to do. He was now in possession of a trusted secret.

* * *

Later that night, Tristan was done with his homework and was playing video games. He wasn’t getting very far because his mind was preoccupied with what Ava told him. 

Was she telling the truth? Was she really a lesbian? He didn’t know any gay people at school. Except maybe that one dude in the drama club who hung out with only girls. People called him gay, but he denied it.

He needed someone to talk to. Maybe Ryan was around. He paused the game, pulled his phone out of his pocket, and opened up QuikChat. He saw that Ryan was active. “Hey, man.”

“What’s up T?” Ryan responded.

“I asked a girl out today.”

“You did? How did it go?”

“Badly. She said she was a lesbian.”

“Ouch. Bummer, dude. Don't let that discourage you.”

A few minutes went by and Tristan typed, “Do you think she was telling the truth?”

“Why would she lie about something like that?”

“She told me not to tell anyone. Do you think she was just letting me down gently?”

“I don’t know, man. That’s not something people lie about.”

Tristan sighed. Just as he was about to return to the game he was playing, his mom and stepfather walked into the family room.

“Family meeting everyone,” Steve, Tristan’s stepfather, bellowed.

“What’s going on?” Kaitlyn came in from the kitchen.

“We wanted to let you know about something,” Melissa replied.

Tristan said nothing and gave them his attention.

Steve put his arm around Melissa. “We’re finally taking our honeymoon!”

“Yeah,” Melissa smiled. “We’re going to Punta Cana!”

“We’re leaving on the 25th.”

“For how long?” Tristan asked.

“Six glorious days of sun and fun!” Melissa gleefully replied.

“What about us?” Kaitlyn skeptically asked.

“We figured you kids are old enough to not need a babysitter and see yourselves off to school.” Steve replied.

“You’re just going to leave us here?” Tristan asked.

“Honey,” Melissa said, “Steve’s right, you can fend for yourself. We’ll leave our credit cards here so you can order dinner.”

“Why now?” Tristan asked.

“We couldn’t take the time off or afford it last year after the wedding,” Melissa explained. “Now we have the leave and the money.”

“It’s about time too,” Steve smiled, pulling his wife closer, causing her to giggle and slap his arm playfully.

“Cool,” Tristan replied. “I guess.”

“Meeting adjourned,” Steve announced. 

He and Melissa walked out the family room talking excitedly about excursions. Kaitlyn rolled her eyes and left the room too.

“Wonderful,” Tristan sighed. Just then, his phone buzzed. He had momentarily forgotten he was chatting with Ryan. Maybe Ryan had something insightful to add about the Ava situation.

Tristan was surprised to see that the message wasn’t from Ryan but was from Ava. His palms clammed up at the thought of Ava directly messaging him. Tristan kept telling himself to play it cool. He glanced at the message.

“Hey, Tristan,” the message said.

“Hi, Ava,” he curiously replied.

“Thank you for covering for me today.”

He didn’t know what else to say. He needed to play it cool, so he replied, “No problem.”

So many questions were swirling in his mind. Why hasn’t she told anyone else? Not her family? Not her friends?

Tristan didn’t know what it was like to have that kind of personal secret, so he considered there was something else stopping her from coming out.

His thoughts were interrupted by her reply, “You’re a good friend, Tristan.”

He replied with a smile emoji.

But that didn’t matter much to Tristan. He didn’t want to be Ava’s good friend. He wanted to be her boyfriend. But she didn’t want a boyfriend. She wanted a girlfriend and he wasn’t a girl. The girl who does get a chance to date her will be a very lucky girl, Tristan mused. 

He chuckled. “I wish I was that girl,” he thought.

He paused as if a light bulb went off in his head. He could test if Ava was telling the truth. He could pretend to be a girl.

Thoughts and ideas were swirling through his head. He turned off the video game and went to retrieve the laptop he used for homework. He was going to need a fake identity. Therefore he would need a new QuikChat account.

He opened the laptop and went to the QuikChat account creation screen. 

What would be her name? The first girl name to come to his head was “Lisa.” It was a pretty name.

He needed a last name. A simple keyword search revealed the most popular last names in the country? Smith? Nah. Johnson? Nah. Williams? Nah. Jones. That could work. He thought maybe a cute nickname for Lisa’s friends to call her would be LJ.

Now he needed a backstory. Why is a random stranger turning up? She was going to move here. In a few weeks. She was doing research on the school and the area.

Tristan filled out the form. It felt weird putting in a girl’s name and choosing “female” in the registration page.

When he was done, he logged in for the first time. He needed an avatar, so he found a picture of a butterfly and used that.

Next step was to announce his… her presence. He joined the general chat group for high schoolers in town. It was the common co-ed meetup for the students in the area for the two private schools and the public school.

Almost immediately, he got messages welcoming “her”. Some seemed to be automated bots trying to get people to click various links. Eventually there were some real people too.

He typed out his welcome message. “Hi everyone, my name is Lisa. I’ll be moving here in a couple weeks. I’m kinda nervous about the move so I decided to poke my head in here to see what’s up.” He pressed send.

He re-read that. It sounded awkward to him. He worried people would see right through his fake identity.

A number of people in the public channel welcomed Lisa. A number of direct message notifications also popped up. All of the direct messages were from boys asking personal questions about her age and looks and requesting a photo. Tristan frowned and hoped he never acted like that.

Someone in the chat asked which school she was going to.

“Ada Lovelace Girl’s Preparatory Academy,” he replied. “What can you tell me about it?”

A lot of people chimed in. Boys chimed in saying how hot the girls were, the girls who went to that school showed school spirit, some students commented on how they’re the best math school in the state, and the students from the rival public school judged it as snooty.

Tristan didn’t really care. He just wanted to chat with Ava. He saw that she was still online and in the public channel. She hadn’t said anything yet. He needed to find a way for Ava to notice Lisa. He remembered how he and Ava used to go hiking when they were younger. He typed, “I really like to get outside and go hiking. Are there any good parks and trails in the area?”

A few people mentioned the local lake and the trail that wound its way around the edge. Then Ava chimed in to say she knew some very beautiful trails on the outskirts of town.

“She took the bait!” Tristan thought. That’s when he immediately direct-messaged her to ask her more about those trails. 

Before long they were talking about other things. Their age, grade, activities at school, favorite movies. Tristan was in heaven. He had already known he and Ava had plenty in common. This chat gave him an opportunity to use his prior knowledge to his advantage.

But unfortunately the conversation was starting to wane. Tristan was getting tired and wanted to wrap this up before going to bed. He messaged Ava, “Hey I was wondering, do you by any chance know if Lovelace is LGBT friendly?”

Tristan saw that Ava was typing. The minutes went by and she was still typing. Tristan was worried about what she could possibly be saying.

She finally messaged him back. “Honestly, I don't know. There isn’t anyone who is LGBT at the school (that I know of). So, I couldn’t tell you.”

Tristan read it and re-read it. “So, she was lying,” he concluded to himself. He got angry and decided it was time to wrap this up and go to sleep.

Then before he could say bye, Ava added, “Are you? I’m sorry if that’s too personal. I don't want to pry.”

He decided it wouldn’t hurt to continue for a few more minutes so he replied, “Yes, I’m a lesbian.” He nervously awaited what Ava would say back. Would she mock Lisa?

“I think I might be too.”

Tristan sat there staring at that message. He exhaled. She was telling the truth after all. He wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or not. He should be supportive. “You’re unsure?”

“Well, I dated a few boys. When I broke up with the last one, there was one person who was there to console me. We got very close and I realized the time spent with her was better than any of the times I spent with my ex-boyfriends.”

“That sucks,” he typed. He thought he should add more. “Does this girl know?”

“No. Nobody else knows,” she responded. She continued typing. “I accidentally came out to someone today. I am so nervous. What if he outs me to my friends?”

“I’m sure he won't say anything.” He was, however, feeling a little guilty telling Ryan about it earlier. He never told Ryan who he was talking about though.

“What makes you say that? The boy I told - we used to be close - but aren’t anymore.”

“If he’s a true friend, he’ll keep your secret.”

“Thank you for reassuring me.”

He decided to make up something to empathize with her. “I remember when I came out too. I was so nervous.”

“How long have you been out?”

He shrugged and picked a number. “Two years.”

There was more typing. Tristan checked the clock. He needed to get to bed or risk falling asleep in class tomorrow. Ava was still typing away. What can she possibly be saying? He logged onto QuikChat with the Lisa account on his phone, then closed down the laptop.

As he crawled into bed, his phone dinged with a notification.

“Lisa, can I ask you another personal question?” she typed.

All of that time and typing for such a simple question? “Go for it,” he replied.

“Are you single?”

Tristan smiled immediately, but he had to calm himself down. She was asking Lisa, not him. He wondered if he should make up a girlfriend for Lisa. Or maybe even an ex-girlfriend. But he found himself typing, “Yes.”

Ava sent back a smile emoji.

Tristan didn't want to go to bed yet. He was enjoying chatting with Ava. 

Ava finally added, “I need to get to sleep.”

“Me too.”

“Talk tomorrow?”

Tristan shrugged. He’d gotten all of the answers he wanted so I didn’t need to continue this charade. But he was having fun. “Sure.”

“Good night.”

“Good night.”

Tristan put the phone on his night stand and went to sleep

* * *

The next morning went exactly like the previous morning. Tristan woke up, got ready for school and ate whatever breakfast foods he could find in the pantry. His mother promised him they’d buy him new Pop Tarts over the weekend.

When he settled down in homeroom, his phone chimed. Thinking it was his mom, he looked at it. It was from Ava - on the Lisa account.

“Shit,” he thought. “I forgot to log off of that last night.” He curiously checked the message. 

“Good morning,” it read.

He replied, “Good morning.”

“Did you have a good night?”

“Yes, I did.”

“So did I.”

“Who are you chatting with?” Ryan asked, surprising Tristan.

Tristan jolted in his seat and fumbled his phone into his lap. “Nobody.”

“That’s clearly not nobody,” he smirked.

The morning announcements came on, Ryan went to his desk, and Tristan quickly sent the message, “Class is about to begin.” and put his phone away.

* * *

Tristan found himself carrying on a conversation with Ava between classes. He was so looking forward to each class bell that he was having a hard time paying attention.

Finally it was lunchtime and he sat down instead of getting lunch. 

Ava’s most recent message asked, “How was it coming out to your parents?”

Tristan tried to think what that would’ve been like. “I was scared. But they accepted me.”

Ava’s reply came a minute later. “I’m so scared, Lisa. I don’t think my parents are accepting. At all.”

“It is scary,” he replied. “But you’ve got a friend if you need to talk about it.” He then made a mental note to read some LGBTQ advice columns.

“Thank you so much Lisa! I’ve been keeping this bottled up for too long. It’s nice to have a friendly person to talk to.”

“Dude, what’s with you today?” Ryan asked, breaking Tristan’s focus on his phone.

“Nothing,” he replied. “I was just chatting with someone.”

“Someone? You looked giddy and were very engrossed with whatever you were doing on your phone. I was standing here for over a minute waiting for you to notice.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

“So?” Ryan asked with a raised eyebrow. “Who is she?”

“How do you know it’s a girl?”

“I doubt you’d get that involved in a conversation with your family.”

“Just a girl I met last night.” 

“That’s great. So you’re over the other girl? The lesbian?”

Tristan paused to look at Ryan. He didn’t have a quick enough retort.

“Oh, no,” Ryan said, shaking his head. “Please tell me you’re not chatting with her still.”

“It’s fine,” Tristan curtly replied, sliding down on his seat, making himself seem smaller.

“How’s it fine? You’re still pursuing someone who’s unavailable. I’m surprised she’s still even talking to you.”

“She doesn’t know it’s me,” Tristan said, then immediately regretted revealing that.

“Tristan,” Ryan chastised. “If she doesn't know it's you, who does she think it is?”

Tristan whispered, “A girl.”

Ryan’s eyes nearly bugged out. “Holy shit, dude. You’re chatting with Ava. But pretending to be a girl?”

“Shh,” Tristan replied. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone. Wait - I never said she was Ava.”

“C’mon, I know you man. I knew you were talking about Ava last night. Besides, who am I going to tell? She goes to a different school. And why are you pretending to be a girl?”

“I had to be sure she was telling me the truth.”

“Was she?”

“Yes.”

“So why are you still pretending to be a girl?”

“She’s kinda… flirting with me.”

“Dude. No. You can’t do this to her.”

“Just a little longer, then Lisa will disappear.”

“I want to be on the record saying, ‘This is a bad idea’,” Ryan finally said, turning his attention to his lunch.

Tristan still didn’t get lunch and returned his focus to his phone and Ava.

“Do you have any pictures?” Ava asked.

Tristan realized Ryan was right and he was digging himself into a hole. But he wasn’t ready to stop. He considered saying he didn’t have any on his phone, but realized that was a lame excuse and she’d see through that lie. “I have a friend who’s a photographer. I have some really good ones but they’re not on my phone. I promise I can send you some later.”

* * *

When Tristan got home, he was hungry due to skipping lunch, so he got a snack from the kitchen, then went straight for the laptop and pulled up an AI photo generator. He had an image in his head of what “Lisa” should look like. 5’8”. Dirty-blonde hair with pink highlights halfway down her back. He started plugging those stats into the AI generator.

It took about ten tries of Tristan adjusting stats and adding more details, but he was finally staring at a photo of Lisa. He was amazed at the work. The photo looked like a real person. Then he made several more in different poses and different settings.

He then sent a few to Ava and patiently waited.

An hour later, Ava responded. “Oh, wow, Lisa, you’re so cute!”

Tristan smiled with pride from his work.

“Tell me again, how are you single?” she added.

“Well, I’m moving to your neck of the woods shortly,” Tristan responded. I didn’t want to get into anything and risk having a long distance relationship.

“You’re so cool. I can’t wait to meet you.”

Tristan stared at Ava’s last message. The excitement he was feeling suddenly hit a realistic brick wall. Lisa could never meet Ava and this game would have to end.

He picked up his phone and called Ryan.

“Hey man, what’s up?” Ryan answered.

“I fucked up, dude.”

“What are you talking about?” 

“I was having too much fun as Lisa. I sent Ava AI pictures of a cute girl. Now she wants to meet Lisa in person. What do I do?”

“Call the whole thing off.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“I’m too invested in this.”

“But you can’t meet her as yourself.”

Tristan suddenly had thoughts of pretending to be Lisa. Could he pull it off? “What if I pretended to be her?”

“You’re going to dress as a girl? No offense, dude, but she’d know it was you in an instant.”

Tristan was silent as he tried to figure out how to make this work. Meanwhile, on the laptop, the website for the AI photographs was still up. There was a flashing banner ad on the bottom. “Make your creation come to life!”

Tristan curiously clicked on it and he was taken to “Skincognito” a company that produces realistic body suits. “A body suit?” he questioned out loud.

“A what?” Ryan asked from the phone. “What’s a body suit?”

“This website here says they could make a realistic body suit of my AI image.”

“That can’t be real. Even if it was, you’d look fake! Not to mention, creepy.”

“Listen, I’ll call you back,” Tristan said, hanging up the phone.

He searched the site. He looked at images and reviews praising Skincognito. 

Apparently Skincognito was originally used by the government. One was a spy agency. The other was the witness protection program.

He suddenly got excited that this could work. The biggest question was, “how much?”

Tristan found the price. “Five hundred dollars?” he yelled incredulously at the laptop. He stood up and was about to close the laptop when he thought of the possibility of actually going on a date with Ava. He had enough money in his bank account from Christmas.

“Let me just fill out this form first before I make a decision,” Tristan told himself. He filled out the form, giving the website Lisa’s measurements. He used one of his favorite young actresses as a template. Female, 5' 8", Long dirty blonde hair with pink highlights, blue eyes, 36D bust, size 9 shoe. He then uploaded the AI images he created. 

The next screen asked for the wearer’s measurements. Tristan put his own measurements in. Male, 5’ 10”, size 11 shoe, and pressed submit. He wondered what would happen if the wearer was bigger than the suit.

The payment screen was staring at him. Suddenly a “5% Discount” offer popped on the screen. “Surely that was a sign,” he thought.

That was still a lot of money. And no guarantee of success. But he wanted to do this. He needed to do this.

He then filled in his bank account number and hit submit.

The confirmation page came up, telling him his body suit would be ready in two weeks.

That’s when Tristan replied to Ava. “I’d love to meet you. I should be in town in a couple of weeks!’

Chapter 2 - Lisa

During the next two weeks, Tristan continued chatting with Ava as Lisa. They had started becoming closer, sometimes sharing intimate details. Especially about Lisa’s experience with “coming out.” Sometimes Tristan made up facts, sometimes he used his own analogous experiences. There were nights they would sit and chat until the early morning hours. Occasionally Tristan would feel pangs of guilt pretending these personal events happened, but those feelings were often overshadowed by the excitement of spending so much time talking with Ava.

Tristan also made preparations for the body suit’s arrival. He started getting ads for women’s clothing. He wasn’t quite sure what to buy, so instead had the idea to help his mother with laundry. There, he could examine Kaitlyn’s clothing in detail without looking suspicious. His mom had already suggested he help with the laundry anyway.

When nobody was looking, he started stashing away some of Kaitlyn’s clothing items that had multiples. A skirt, leggings, a pair of ripped skinny jeans, a pair of blue panties and a nondescript solid color top. Hopefully she wouldn’t notice these went missing.

Two weeks later, on a Thursday, it arrived. Thankfully, Tristan was the first person home. Kaitlyn’s bus wouldn’t arrive for another thirty minutes and both parents wouldn’t be home for another hour.

The box was shaped like a cube and was covered with transit stickers denoting delivery from another country. It was heavier than expected. Tristan hauled it into the house, up the stairs, and into his bedroom.

He could barely contain his excitement and wasn’t sure what to expect. The idea that he was able to create a person out of thin air was crazy. The idea of him putting on this costume and becoming a passable girl seemed even crazier. The idea he would soon be able to go on a real date with Ava was the craziest! All of this combined to fuel his burning desire to carry out his plan.

Tristan carefully opened the box. Inside of it was a layer of packing material. When he brushed that away, he was startled to see a face with hollow eye sockets staring right up at him. 

The head of the body suit was flattened and distorted. It looked real as if this was the real skin of a girl stuffed in this box. Tristan touched it and immediately recoiled his hand. It was warm! It felt like a real person.

He lifted the head and found the body suit was attached at the neck and neatly folded underneath.

He then pulled the whole suit out of the box. It was heavier and thicker than he thought it would be. Standing up, he held the suit by its shoulders and let gravity unravel it. The arms, legs, and head of the suit dangled in front of him. Strangely, all of the creases where the suit had folded quickly disappeared. 

He held the suit up against him to see if it would fit. He was surprised it matched his exact height. It made sense, considering the seller asked for his dimensions. But he told the site Lisa was shorter by a few inches. He wasn’t quite sure how that would work.

He laid the suit on his bed and read the directions that were at the bottom of the box. 

“Thank you for choosing Skincognito!” the directions read. “Please read the entire instruction sheet before your first use. Failure to completely follow all instructions may result in injury and/or damage to the suit, and will void your warranty.”

Tristan read the entire page of instructions. Apparently he had to be naked. Something about nerve receptors within the suit. He examined the head and was amazed that it looked exactly like the AI-generated Lisa - right down to the dimples he added in a later revision. “This is too cool,” he exclaimed out loud.

Tristan put the directions down. He closed and locked his bedroom door and got undressed. He now stood there naked. The head of the suit on the bed was turned towards him. The hollow eyes looked up at him, waiting for him to try her on. He snatched up the directions to re-read them, making sure he did everything right and in order. He couldn’t afford to screw this up.

He carefully put his legs through the suit, wiggling his toes to ensure each toe found its appropriate place in the suit. He then carefully stuffed his penis into the provided urethra sleeve according to the directions. When that was done he pulled the suit up to his waist. He had to hold it up as the suit’s waist felt a size too big. This didn’t deter him.

The inside of the suit felt warm and soft like fleece, but didn’t look like it. He was expecting something tight like compression pants but instead it was very loose. 

The next step was the arms. He repeated the same steps as he had taken with the legs, making sure the fingers fit like a glove. He examined his arms and hands and noticed the suit had long fingernails that were much better manicured than his own chewed-on fingertips. 

The directions had mentioned a zipper string. He found it and pulled it up, zippering up the back of the suit. The zipper stopped right at the base of the neck. When he was done, he tucked the string inside the suit as directed. He felt the weight of the breasts sagging and pulling down on the suit.

Lastly was the head. He grabbed the rubbery head and pulled the mask on. It was like a halloween mask, but was made from the same material as the rest of the suit. At first it felt hot and humid from his breath, but he adjusted it so he could see out of the eye holes and he could breathe out of the nose and mouth holes.

Tristan turned to face his mirror and was suddenly disappointed. The suit, tighter in most places but looser in some, clung to and hung from his body creating a gruesome image that looked like he was actually wearing the skin of a larger girl over his own. The grotesque form made him lurch and a wave of nausea hit him. He moved away from the mirror before his stomach turned any more. 

He shook his head in anger and balled up his fists. He couldn't believe that he had wasted so much money on something that was too good to be true. He looked in the box for anything he had missed. Just a box of blue contact lenses to change his eye color. He returned to the instructions. Then he saw that the instructions continued on the back of the sheet. What else was there? He quickly read what he had missed, reached up to pinch the left earlobe, and suddenly collapsed.

Tristan laid on the floor, unable to move as he heard and felt the flowing of air inside the suit. It started to shrink and compress against him. He was amazed when it shrunk down to his size. But it didn't stop there. It kept going. He began to worry that it might actually crush him to death.

First he felt pressure in his groin. “Oww!” he yelped as his testicles popped up into his body cavity. Then his penis was flattened. Then there was pressure at his waist. He felt his insides getting crushed as the suit clamped down on him giving his midsection an hourglass figure. It felt like all the extra mass of his midsection was being pushed down into his hips and up into his chest. He felt it hard to breathe at first. Then it was his arms and legs. Then the neck compressed his Adam's apple flat. Then his face.

Finally the suit reached its intended size. The air noise stopped, and he felt a chill down his body. It felt like he was naked again and there was no suit. When he was able to catch his breath, he got up from the floor and looked back at himself in the mirror and was shocked. He was a girl! A very naked girl. Not just any girl. Lisa. The girl he created. 

Lisa’s mouth was agape as she twirled around admiring her reflection from every angle.

“I don’t believe this is real!” Lisa said with a feminine voice foreign to Tristan. She touched her neck where her Adam's apple should be. “Is this my voice?”

She tested the suit by attempting to pull it away from Tristan’s real skin underneath, but was surprised when it hurt as if she was pulling her own skin. She couldn’t help but notice her breasts. Very perky breasts with bright pink nipples standing at attention to remind her she was cold and naked.

She timidly poked one of her breasts and she was amazed she felt it as if the breast was hers and was real.

She checked the time. She didn’t have time to explore her new body as Kaitlyn would be home in a couple minutes. She pulled out the clothes Tristan hid. She quickly slid on the panties, leggings and top. She didn’t have any footwear of her own so she put on Tristan’s own socks and sneakers which were loose on her. 

She grabbed her phone and wallet and looked down at her outfit. “No pockets. I’m going to need to find a purse eventually.” She carried what she could, ran out of the house and hid behind a neighbor's bush.

Kaitlyn’s bus pulled up, let her off, and drove away.

Lisa inconspicuously watched as Kaitlyn walked inside and shut the door. 

After a few minutes Lisa made her way to the door and knocked on it. “Here’s the moment of truth,” she said to herself.

Kaitlyn opened it and curiously looked at the girl standing there. “Can I help you?”

Lisa introduced herself, “Hi, I’m Lisa. I’m here to see Tristan.” 

“Ummm… OK,” Kaitlyn cautiously said, stepping back into the house. “Tristan, you have a guest,” she called out. She turned back towards Lisa. “So are you a study partner? Is he tutoring you?”

“Oh, no,” Lisa said with a coy smile. She wanted to get closer to Kaitlyn to test whether the body suit looked real up-close. She stepped close to Kaitlyn, then put her arm against the house. “I’m new in town. Tristan was going to take me out to dinner and show me around.”

Kaitlyn stepped back and looked at Lisa with a raised eyebrow. “You’re… going out with my stepbrother?” she asked skeptically.

“Yeah… is there a problem? He seems really nice.”

“No. Not at all.” Kaitlyn turned back toward the house. “Tristan what the fuck? Where are you?” She turned back to Lisa. “Where did you two meet again?”

“On QuikChat. I was asking for people to show me around town.”

“Oh, right. I think I saw a message about that. You’re going to Lovelace Prep?”

“Yeah, my first day is Monday.”

“Wow, you moved here with only like four months left of the school year? That must suck.”

“You have no idea!”

“Well, I go to Lovelace too. I’m a Junior.”

“Really? I’m a Senior.”

“I have a few friends who are Seniors. If you’d like to meet them, I’m sure we can show you around town…” She turned back towards the house and yelled, “If my stepbrother doesn’t get his ass down here in five seconds…” She turned back to Lisa. “I’m so sorry. He usually gets home before I do.”

A cool breeze blew around Lisa reminding her that she went outside without a jacket. She noticed Kaitlyn’s eyes drop down to her chest. Lisa looked down to follow her gaze to see that her nipples were visible through the thin top. She instantly crossed her arms and made a mental note to steal a bra. 

“I have that same top,” Kaitlyn observed, returning her gaze back to Lisa’s eyes.

“Oh yeah?” Lisa replied. “It’s rather thin,” she chuckled. She noticed Kaitlyn was a bit flustered and was biting her lip. Likely wanting to make a comment but was trying to be nice to this stranger.

“I know, right,” Kaitlyn squeaked out. “I find I need to wear a cami when I wear it.”

“I should try that next time,” Lisa chuckled. Kaitlyn nervously joined her laugh.

Either way, it was time to change the subject. She got everything she needed from this conversation anyway, as Kaitlyn showed no signs of being suspicious that Lisa wasn’t a real girl. 

“Do you want to come in to wait for him?” Kaitlyn asked, glancing down. “It’s warmer inside.”

“Oh, thank you, but if Tristan isn’t here, I can always come back later.”

“I don’t get it,” Kaitlyn said, scratching her head. “His car is here. I’ll let him know that, um… what’s your name again? Lisa?”

“Yeah.”

“-that Lisa stopped by.”

“Thank you,” Lisa said, stepping back. “See you at school!”

Kaitlyn smiled back, “See you, too,” then closed the door.

Lisa walked away from the house and down the street. She excitedly fist-pumped in the air. “That. Was. Awesome!” Her own stepsister couldn’t tell she was really Tristan underneath a body suit. She was worried the lack of a bra would make Kaitlyn suspicious.

She then texted Ryan, “Dude, you have to check this out. Pick me up outside my house.”

Ryan replied, “Omw. 10 min.”

* * *

Ryan pulled up in front of Tristan’s house. He looked around curiously but didn’t see Tristan. Suddenly Lisa opened the passenger door and got into the car.

Ryan stared at her quizzically. “Um, hi.”

“Dude, it’s me,” she confidently said.

“Who?”

“Remember what we were talking about two weeks ago?”

“I… uh.. I think you’ve got the wrong car.”

“The body suit.”

“The… body suit? Wait. Hold up.” He looked Lisa up and down. “No way. This is a trick. There’s no way you’re Tristan.”

“I am Tristan. This suit is amazing!”

“OK. Where’s Tristan?” Ryan scoffed, looking around. “You got me. Nice joke. Did Tristan put you up to this?”

“Check this out,” Lisa said, pinching her earlobe.

As air started hissing, Ryan's eyes got wider, his jaw dropped, and slowly pressed himself up against the driver’s side door. “Holy shit! Th- That’s fucking nasty! You look like you just opened up a vacuum seal. You have flesh just hanging off you.”

Tristan removed the head of the suit. “Now do you believe me?”

Ryan was still stunned. “I mean. I see my best friend sitting here wearing a girl’s skin and clothes. A few seconds ago I saw a real girl. All of this to trick Ava?”

“I’m not tricking Ava.” Tristan put the mask back on and pinched the earlobe again. He made a mental note not to deactivate the suit while wearing clothing again. The skinny jeans felt like a vice on his legs and the top was too small for his broader shoulders.

Air hissed and Tristan groaned in pain and eventually the voice changed back to Lisa’s. She exhaled in relief now that the clothes fit again.

“Does that hurt?” Ryan asked.

“At first. It feels like it’s crushing the life out of me, but when it’s over this feels like it’s my real skin. So what do you think of Lisa?”

Ryan looked her up and down again. “Of Lisa?”

“Yeah, is she cute? Do you think anyone will know she’s really me?”

“Nobody will know it’s you, Tristan. That suit is like magic.”

“Great,” Lisa replied. “I’m going to enroll Lisa into Lovelace Prep next week and I’ll have to forge my parent’s signature to give Tristan a leave of absence for a day or two until I figure out how to be both.”

“I don’t get it. What’s your end goal here?”

“To date Ava.”

“For how long?”

“Enough time to ask her and go to the Sadie Hawkins dance. I dunno, maybe a few dates after that. There's only really four months left in the school year before summer, then we go off to college.”

“I don’t know, dude. This seems like a lot just to skirt the rules of Sadie Hawkins dance. I’m desperate to go too - but you don’t see me pretending to be a girl just so I can go.”

“My childhood crush told me she is a lesbian and would have dated me if I was a girl. What else was I supposed to do?”

“I dunno… date someone else?”

“Seriously, Ryan. Just two weeks ago you were telling me this was our last chance. We’re seniors. We’re gone after the summer. This is my last chance to date Ava.”

“Dude, she said she didn’t want to date you.  I empathize, I really do. But she is going to be pissed when she finds out you’re you.”

“She won’t find out. It’s only for a week. A few dates, then the Sadie Hawkins dance. No harm done. When I’m done, Lisa will just simply move away again. I get my date with Ava. Ava gets her date with a lesbian. Everyone wins.”

Ryan sighed. He looked straight ahead, gripped the steering wheel and avoided eye contact with Lisa.

“Ryan?”

“What?”

“What are you thinking?”

“Other than you’re nuts? And you haven’t really thought this through?”

“Yeah.”

He bit his lips then turned back towards Lisa. “That you may have overdone it with the attractiveness.”

“You think I’m attractive?” Lisa felt her cheeks warming up.

“I think this fake AI-generated girl Lisa is attractive. Much too attractive to go to Lovelace Prep!

Lisa blushed. “I suppose I should take that as a compliment.”

“Have you umm…”

“What?”

“Experimented with that suit yet?”

“What do you think I’m doing? I fooled you and my stepsister, too.”

“That’s not what I meant. Have you experimented with… yourself.”

“Oh,” Lisa said and turned away from Ryan. She paused for a moment. “Not yet. Kaitlyn came home just as I was finished trying it on.”

“Is… everything… real?”

“Everything I’ve seen so far. I can feel it all. It’s a strange sensation.”

Ryan nodded. “Um, uh, Lisa, could I…”

“Could you what?” Lisa smirked. 

“CouldItouchyourboobs?” Ryan blurted out like a song on fast forward, his face turning red. “They’re fake, right?”

“No!” Lisa laughed. “When I'm in this suit, I feel everything. That’d be too weird.”

The two friends were silent for several awkward seconds.

Ryan was the first to speak. “So… what now?”

“I kinda need your help getting back in my house.”

“How so? Your house is right there.”

“Kaitlyn is in there. Can you distract her as I sneak into the house from the back?”

Ryan was doubtful.

“That is, unless you want me to take the suit off here.”

“No. Please don't do that again.”

“Especially since I don’t have any other clothes with me.”

“No. I get it. Let’s just make this quick.” Ryan opened the driver's door and walked towards Tristan’s front porch as Lisa ran around to the back. 

As Lisa ran, she felt her breasts bounce up and down. It wasn’t noticeable at first, but got real uncomfortable by the time she got to the house.

Ryan knocked on the front door as Lisa snuck in the back door.

As she tiptoed through the kitchen she could hear a very annoyed Kaitlyn at the front door.

“I have no idea where he is, Ryan!” Kaitlyn whined. 

Lisa quickly ran up the stairs and dashed into her room, carefully closing the door so as to not make a sound. She got undressed, and pinched her earlobe to deactivate the suit. When it was done, Tristan carefully removed the suit and put his own clothes back on.

His phone buzzed. It was a text from Ryan. “You owe me!”

Tristan then lifted up his shirt to examine his chest. It still hurt as if the body suit was constricting it as he ran. He looked in the mirror and noticed he had faint red marks around his pecs. He considered maybe the suit was telling him to wear a bra.

He re-read the directions and found a section on “biofeedback.” Sure enough, to avoid damage, the suit will use biofeedback to transfer signals to the wearer’s pain receptors.

When Tristan was fully clothed he folded the body suit neatly back into the box and slid it under his bed. He casually walked downstairs into the living room.

The TV was on to the local news and Kaitlyn was sitting on the couch playing with her phone when she looked at him with disdain. “Where the hell have you been? You had visitors. I had to turn them away.”

“I was taking a nap,” he replied with a fake yawn. “I had a long day. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

Kaitlyn shook her head and returned to playing on her phone.

He got a smirk on his face. “Who was it?”

“Your loser friend Ryan,” she snidely replied.

“That’s it? You said visitors, plural.”

She huffed impatiently. “Some girl you met online. I think her name is Laura - or Laney, or Lisa, or whatever.”

“Oh, yeah, Lisa. She said she might stop by.”

“Yo, it’s creepy to give our address out to creepy strangers online,” Kaitlyn admonished. ”What if ‘Lisa’ turned out to be some creepy guy serial killer?”

“Was Lisa creepy? What did she look like? Am I being catfished?”

“Surprisingly, no. She is actually rather attractive. I’m not sure how you managed to not scare her away.”

Tristan smiled to himself. That was all he needed. His test was a success. Even his own stepsister didn’t recognize him. It was time to go upstairs and plan how he was going to introduce Lisa Jones to Ada Lovelace Prep, and specifically, Ava. 

“Are you OK, Tris?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I just insulted you and you’re standing there with this awkward grin.”

“Oh, I’m just preoccupied with something.” He walked back to the privacy of his room, pulled out his phone and called Ryan. 

“What’s up?” Ryan answered. “I’m still driving.”

“Hey, can I call in another favor?”

Ryan could be heard sighing on the other end. “What is it?”

“Can you take Lisa shopping this weekend?”

“You want me to do what?”

“Lisa needs more clothes than just her uniform if she’s going to exist outside of school.”

“Why do I have to go with you? You have a car.”

“Please. I don’t want to do this alone. Plus, I trust your opinion. I know nothing about women’s fashion.”

“Like I do? Ask your stepsister.”

“Ha-ha. Very funny. Besides, you already think Lisa is attractive. All you need to do is give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.”

“OK, but you’re going to owe me big time!”

“Thanks, dude. All right, gotta go. Talk later.”

Tristan hung up and walked out of his room. He noticed a laundry basket sitting on a bench in the hallway. He looked around to make sure Kaitlyn couldn’t see him, and dug through the contents. He found what he was looking for. One of Kaitlyn’s bras. He stuffed it under his shirt and ran back to his room.

* * *

With a renewed sense of excitement, Tristan spent the next few days using his AI program to create identity documents for Lisa so she could enroll on Monday. Lovelace Prep required tuition and an interview within a week of enrollment. Tristan was confident he could push that off so that he could totally avoid it.

Meanwhile, Tristan’s mom and stepfather being away on their honeymoon next week made Tristan’s unexplained absence easier to deal with. He’d call out sick from school and make sure he intercepted the school’s automated absence email from his mom’s email account.

On Saturday morning, Tristan packed the body suit and his only feminine outfit into a duffel bag. “Sheesh, this is heavy,” he cried as he slung the strap over his shoulder. 

He walked downstairs as the rest of the family was going about their business.

His mother noticed the bulky duffel bag. “Honey, are you going somewhere?”

Before Tristan could answer, Steve joked, “Looks like you’re running off to join the Navy. Where are you headed, sailor?”

“I’m going to hang out with Ryan for most of the afternoon,” Tristan replied.

“What’s in the bag?” his mother asked.

“Yeah, looks like you have a body in there,” Kaitlyn laughed.

Tristan turned red, realizing he picked the wrong moment to stroll through the house with the body suit. “I um… Just some comic books I wanted to loan him.” He hoped his family wouldn’t interrogate him any further.

“Have fun!” his mom cheerfully said.

“Hey, sport,” Steve said, stopping Tristan before he reached the door.

He hated being called ‘sport’. “It’s just Tristan, Steve.”

“Sure. Hey, Tristan, do you want to shoot some hoops? It’s a nice day out there.”

Nobody had shot a basketball at the basketball hoop in the driveway in years. Not since Tristan’s father was around. “Nah, I’m good.”

“Aw, come on, with you going off to college in the fall, we’re running out of time for some male bonding. C’mon, just us bros.”

Tristan didn’t want to hurt Steve’s feelings. “Maybe another day.”

“We’re leaving for our honeymoon tomorrow morning.”

“Then when you come back. I promise.”

Steve nodded in disappointment.

Tristan pushed by him and walked out of the house before anyone else could stop him. He exhaled in relief and walked out to the curb just in time to see Ryan pull up. 

As Tristan got into the car, Ryan complained, “I can’t believe we’re doing this. I hate clothes shopping! I fight with my mom every time we go - and that’s when shopping for my own clothes!”

“You’re an awesome friend, Ry.”

* * *

When they arrived at the town center, Tristan took his duffel bag and quickly walked into the closest public restroom. He was lucky there was a family restroom available next to the gendered ones.

He locked the door behind him and started the process of putting the suit on. 

When the suit was activated, Lisa admired her naked reflection. This time she took a few minutes to experiment with how real the suit was. She caressed her breasts, then pinched her nipples, and was amazed she could feel everything. Then she touched her groin. The sensation was unreal.

Lisa looked at the bra she snatched from Kaitlyn and attempted to put it on. However, the band was too short to reach all the way around. She looked at the tag. It was a 32B. She knew from the order form she was a 36D. She doubted her boobs would even fit in the cups. She sighed and stuffed Kaitlyn’s bra back into the duffel bag. Now she would have to add bras to her shopping list. Then Lisa chuckled at the realization she had larger breasts than Kaitlyn. She resumed putting on the same outfit she wore the other day and headed out.

When she came out of the restroom, Ryan awkwardly smiled. “You look good.” He was doing everything possible not to look at Lisa’s unrestrained chest - or at least not get caught looking.

“Thank you,” Lisa replied. “So where to?”

“I thought you had a plan,” Ryan countered. 

“My plan was to just come here and browse.”

“Then let’s browse… quickly. What about this one?” Ryan said, pointing at the women’s clothing store in front of them.

“Sure,” Lisa shrugged, “I guess.”

The teens walked into the store and started looking around. 

Lisa was overwhelmed by the selection of clothes. “There's so much to choose from!”

”Well, let’s take it one step at a time. Girls at Lovelace wear uniforms, right?”

“Right.”

“Then we don’t need to worry about school clothes.”

“I’ll still need to buy the uniform. Aside from that, I need underwear. I only have one pair of everything.”

Ryan closed his eyes and shook his head. “Do I even want to know where you got those?”

“I borrowed them.”

“I don’t need to know,” Ryan said, trying to shut down that topic. Ryan then silently led Lisa to the underwear section. Both teens turned red in the face from embarrassment at the selection of bras and panties. Ryan was admiring the pictures of the models on the displays. He turned to Lisa only to realize she looked cuter than the models, making him blush even more. “I brought you here. Now, it’s your turn.”

“So many options,” Lisa mused, looking around.

“Do you know your size?”

“Yeah, when I designed the suit I made it 36D.”

“What does that even mean?”

“I don’t know. I looked up my favorite actress’s bra size and used that.”

“Yeah, well that isn’t creepy,” Ryan sarcastically commented. He scanned the shelf of bras and pointed at a stack of pale pink bras. “That’s your size. 36D.”

Lisa slowly reached out and grabbed one. “I feel like people are watching me.”

“They’re not watching you. They’re watching me. Wondering what a dude is doing standing in the women’s underwear section.”

“Should I try this on?”

“If you want. Maybe you should. My mom complains that all brands are sized differently.”

“I don’t want to know why you discuss bras with your mom, but that does seem like a good idea.” Lisa took the bra to the changing room where she took her shirt off and put the bra on. The bra fit perfectly and supported her breasts nicely. At least in her limited experience. She took it off and put her shirt back on and returned to Ryan. “It fits. I’ll get one for each day of the week.” 

“I thought you said you were only doing this for a week.”

Lisa didn’t answer and instead looked at the price tag. “Yikes! On second thought, maybe just two. And a sports bra for gym class.”

Panties were next, and like bras, Lisa had to sort through a myriad of cuts, styles, and colors. She finally settled on a package of simple cotton panties matching the waist size she knew the body suit to be.

She looked over to Ryan who looked to be lost in his own world while examining a thong in his hand. “Earth to Ryan.”

Ryan was startled and put the thong back on the display. “What?”

“Oh, that’s a good idea for the dance,” she scanned for a thong her size, and threw it in the cart. “I’m moving on to the next thing.”

“Right.”

Lisa was starting to get more comfortable and began pulling items off the rack and placing them in the cart. Tops, jeans, leggings, skirts, and various footwear. She even grabbed a fleece jacket. After all, it was only February, and she didn’t have a jacket of her own.

Ryan looked on silently as his friend got the hang of it.

Lisa then took a handful of items into the dressing room while Ryan leaned against a nearby column.

Lisa would change into a different outfit and model it for Ryan. Ryan blushed each time giving her a thumbs up. 

The next time she was wearing a skirt and heels. She walked awkwardly out of the dressing room and the heels caused her to nearly fall - if it weren’t for Ryan catching her.

Once, when Lisa ran back into the changing room, an older woman went up to Ryan and said, “Your girlfriend is so beautiful and radiant.”

Ryan blushed again “Oh - um. She’s not my girlfriend. She’s my um… cousin.”

“Oh, well, your cousin is beautiful and looks like she’s having the time of her life!” She smiled and kept walking.

Lisa finally came out of the dressing room wearing the clothes she originally came in with. “Some of these I’m going to get now. Some I’ll get another time.”

“Another time?” Ryan repeated. “I thought this was a one-time favor?”

“I can’t afford all of this right now. Besides, I can always come back on my own now that I know what I’m doing.”

Ryan nodded in relief.

Lisa paid for her new clothes and the two of them left the store. The next store they went to was the clothing store that sold the local school uniforms. Lisa only wanted one uniform, but at the behest of the sales person, she purchased two. After that, they were done and didn’t need to go to any other stores. Lisa changed back into Tristan and they went home.

* * *

That night as everyone slept, Tristan quietly put the body suit on. 

Lisa tried on all of the outfits she bought. She couldn’t get over how attractive she was and seeing her reflection never got old. She narrowed down her favorite outfits and placed them neatly under the bed.

She then laid down on her bed naked. A small smile formed on her face. Tristan had never been intimate with a girl before, and all that posing had made her increasingly curious. She spent the next hour testing out all of the body suit’s advertised features. And a couple that were not advertised.

Chapter 3 - First Day of School

Early Sunday morning, Tristan said goodbye to his mom and Steve as he dropped them off at the airport. Sunday night into Monday morning, Tristan didn’t get much sleep. He was too excited thinking about Lisa's first day of school. Occasionally when he would doze off, he’d have elaborate dreams, where Lisa walked into Lovelace Prep and swept Ava off her feet. Of course, he also had that one dream that involved going to class without having done any homework, which may or may not have transitioned into her being chased and having her teeth fall out for no reason. Tristan figured not all dreams could be winners.

When his alarm finally went off, he bounced out of bed to silence it. He had already sent in his excused absence form to his school, and filled out the paper forms for Lisa’s enrollment. All that was left was to go to Lisa’s new school, hand in the papers, and pretend to be Lisa Jones, a new student.

In order to change into Lisa, however, Tristan had to wait until Kaitlyn was gone. He went through his normal routine, and got changed into his usual boys-school uniform so Kaitlyn wouldn’t suspect he was doing anything else. The last thing he needed was his stepsister ratting him out to his parents or the school. And he had no doubt she would.

Tristan went downstairs and started breakfast. He reached into the cupboard and pulled out the new box of Pop Tarts, and toasted his pastries. He sat at the breakfast table silently eating, just waiting for Kaitlyn to leave. 

Neither said anything to each other, however Tristan snuck a few glances at Kaitlyn to take note of how she wore her girl’s prep uniform. How she wore the blazer, how the tie was neatly positioned. He hadn’t really paid attention before, but since he was about to put one on himself, he wanted to make sure he got all of the details correct.

When it was time, Kaitlyn got up. Tristan noted how the blouse was neatly tucked into the skirt. He kept his eyes down, but tracked her in his periphery as she walked out of the house to catch the bus.

He had to make sure he was alone, so he ran upstairs to his room, peeked out the window, and watched Kaitlyn get on the bus. As the bus pulled away, he redirected his focus on Lisa’s first day of school.

Excitedly, Tristan pulled the Lisa body suit out from under the bed, and the bag containing her new school uniforms.

He wasted no time disrobing and sliding on the body suit. As it was activated and the suit was done shrinking to Lisa’s size, she found it wasn’t as painful as it used to be. Maybe she was just getting used to it.

She pulled out the other bag of new clothes she purchased. She opened the package of panties and slid a pair up her legs, making sure they sat comfortably on her hips. Then she ripped the tag off the bra and fastened it around her chest, adjusting her boobs in the bra cups. 

The Ada Lovelace Girl’s Preparatory Academy winter uniform consisted of a gray blazer over a white button-down blouse, a navy blue and white plaid skirt, over either navy blue, black, or nude pantyhose, a blue and gold tie and a pair of penny loafers. The clothing store she bought the uniform from gave her all of the above. 

Lisa quickly got dressed into the uniform. She carefully slid the nude panty hose up her legs. During his sleepless night, Tristan had watched a video online that showed how to put on pantyhose without ripping them. Her legs were smooth to begin with, but the feel of the hose-clad legs felt amazing. Tristan never had a thing for pantyhose until now.

She put the blouse on, and was surprised the buttons were on the other side than she was used to. It took her a little bit longer than usual but she got it buttoned up. She then stepped through the skirt and pulled it up to her waist, making sure the blouse was tucked neatly into the skirt like Kaitlyn had it.

She then put the finishing touches on. The tie. The blazer. The shoes. The blue contact lenses.

When she was dressed she stood facing the mirror and adjusted the tie and buttoned the top button of the blazer. Then she looked at the other details. Her hair and her face. She ran her fingers through her hair to straighten it and fix the tangles and fly-a-ways that resulted from stuffing it in a box. She didn’t need to apply makeup as the body suit came with the makeup Tristan had designed in with the AI tools.

When she was done she stood there and admired herself. She looked just like a Lovelace student. Just like Kaitlyn. Just like Ava.

Lisa cleaned up the mess in her room, throwing away all of the tags, then grabbed her new backpack and jacket, and headed to school in her car.

* * *

Lisa thought about how Tristan had never actually been to Lovelace Prep. Most of the stuff she’d heard about it came from Kaitlyn or Tristan’s classmates who had girlfriends who went there. From the outside it looked like a typical high school.

She found a parking spot, packed her phone and keys into her backpack, and timidly started walking towards the entrance. Everywhere she looked were uniform-clad girls just like her. Some were running to the building. Some were conversing with their friends. Some were just loitering on their phones. None of them paid much attention to the new girl.

She spotted Ava first. She was sitting near the entrance on a bench under a tree. She wasn’t alone. Naturally she was with Kaitlyn, Abigail, and Isabella.

Lisa was about to pull out her cell phone from her backpack when a frantic girl charged right into her, knocking both girls to the ground.

“I’m so sorry,” the girl cried. She was in tears as she was collecting the books that had fallen out of her hand.

“Are you OK?” Lisa asked, standing up and dusting off her skirt.

“No,” she cried with mascara-tinted tears running down her face. She sat on the ground and didn’t bother getting up.

“Can I help?” Lisa asked. Tristan usually didn’t get involved in the affairs of other students, but Lisa felt confident enough to help this girl. And she definitely needed someone’s help right now. 

“Not unless you can make bullies go away.”

“Bullies?” Lisa repeated. “Here?” She extended her hand to the girl.

“Why not? There’s bullies everywhere,” she said, taking Lisa’s hand.

Lisa pulled the girl to her feet. “Who would bully you?” She found this girl cute, and definitely not deserving of some guy picking on her. “What did he do to you? Spill food on you? Shove you into a locker?” All things Tristan had experience with.

She looked at Lisa confused. “She spread a rumor about me that I’m a slut.” She then pointed in the direction of three girls. Even at a distance Lisa could tell they were laughing at the distraught girl.

“Oh, that’s right,” Lisa realized. This is an all-girl’s school. Why did she assume the bully was a boy? She suddenly recognized one of those girls. Addison Thomas. Miss Popular. All-around perfect model student. “Addison Thomas?”

“You know her?”

“I’ve only heard things. I thought she was a nice, upstanding girl.”

“Hell, no. That bitch will step on her grandmother to get ahead.”

“Interesting,” Lisa said. She had the urge to help this girl, and an idea just popped into her head. “Hey, do you want to get back at her?”

“Sure, but how?”

Lisa was out of her element, but she did manage to stop this girl from crying anymore. “I’m pretty sure I could get her boyfriend to dump her.”

“It has to be a public breakup.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Lisa promised.

The girl finally smiled. “That would be fun to watch.”

“Sorry, I’m new here. Hi, I’m Lisa.”

“Hi, Lisa, I’m Madeline.”

“Madeline, that’s a pretty name.”

“Wait, if you’re new here, how do you know so much?”

“Oh,” Lisa replied, realizing she nervously talked too much. “I was on QuikChat for the past two weeks getting the ‘lay of the land’.”

“Oh, OK.”

“Where were you heading?” Lisa asked, changing the topic away from her.

“I don’t know. When that bitch laughed at me, I just started running. I had no real plan.”

“I’m heading to the office to enroll.”

“Enroll? It’s your first day, too?”

“Yeah,” Lisa chuckled.

“Oh, my God, don’t let my drama keep you from your first day.” She wiped a tear from her face and looked at the mascara on her fingers.” Thank you for listening, Lisa. I need to go fix my makeup. And good luck!”

“You’re welcome,” Lisa said with a warm smile. “And thank you.”

The girls shared a quick sisterly hug then headed their separate ways.

Madeline walked back toward the school, this time giving Addison Thomas a wide berth.

Lisa had to refocus on the reason she was actually here. She finally pulled out her cellphone and nervously messaged Ava. “I’m here!”

She could see Ava look down at her phone and start typing. She replied, “Stop by. I’m sitting with my friends under the grand oak tree near the main entrance.”

Lisa was slightly disappointed. She wanted to meet Ava one-on-one. Not with other people around. Especially Kaitlyn. Now she had to deal with a situation she didn’t think would happen. She’d be meeting her own stepsister again!

Lisa walked over to the girls sitting on the bench under the tree.

Once she got closer, Ava, who was actively scanning the schoolyard saw her. She jumped to her feet. “Lisa?” she squealed.

“Ava?” Lisa timidly replied.

Ava walked over, grabbed Lisa’s hand and escorted her to the rest of her friends. “Everyone, this is Lisa, she’s new here.”

Lisa recited what she had rehearsed, “I’m Lisa, but you can call me LJ if you want. That’s what I went by at my old school.”

Isabella and Abigail nodded, smiled, and introduced themselves.

“I’m Izzy.”

“I’m Abby. Hey, I love those pink highlights! I wish my mom would let me color my hair like that.”

The compliment caught Lisa off guard. Guys never commented on each other’s hair. She wondered what else would be different between the genders. “Thanks,” Lisa shyly answered. “I wanted a look that was a little…edgy, I guess.” Lastly, she got to Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn smiled and cocked her head. “We’ve met - briefly. I’m Kaitlyn.”

“You two met?” Ava asked, curiously.

“She was looking for my stepbrother,” Kaitlyn replied.

A knot formed in Lisa’s stomach. She was in trouble. Surely these girls would find out her truth. She racked her brain for a logical lie. Why was she in town last week? Why was she looking for Tristan?

“You know Tristan?” Ava asked Lisa.

“Oh, yeah,” Lisa replied, settling on the lie she was going to tell. “I was in town briefly last week. We had to make two trips for all of our stuff. I met Tristan on QuikChat. He offered to help.”

“Oh, that was sweet of him,” Ava commented and flashed a confused look. Perhaps jealousy?

“Well, my wonderful stepbrother stood her up,” Kaitlyn revealed to her friends.

“That’s not like Tristan,” Ava responded.

“He apologized,” Lisa interjected before Kaitlyn could bad-mouth Tristan anymore. “He said he wasn’t feeling well and passed out in his bedroom.” She smiled and glanced at Kaitlyn, whose judgemental eyes drifted towards Lisa’s chest to confirm she was wearing a bra today. 

Lisa suddenly felt self-conscious and pulled her jacket closed around herself. She needed to get out of this awkward situation. She smiled through her teeth. “I need to get going. I have this paperwork to turn in so I can get my schedule.”

“Good luck,” Ava said, her sunny disposition returning. “Do you know where to go?”

“I think so,” Lisa responded. “I downloaded a map of the school.” A moment later Lisa kicked herself internally, realizing Ava was probably offering to walk her to the office.

“Good thinking. DM me to let me know how you made out. Maybe we have the same classes. Or maybe we can meet up later in the day.”

“Will do,” Lisa replied and smiled.

“It was nice to see you again,” Kaitlyn said.

“Bye,” the other girls said in unison as Lisa waved goodbye and headed towards the building.

* * *

Lisa had done her research, finding the necessary forms to enroll, create a fake identity, and even fake transcripts. 

“We still need the interview with you and your parents,” the receptionist said, looking over the forms.

“Do I need to do that before I can attend classes?” Lisa asked, worried that this was as far as she was going to get.

“No, but we’ll need to do it before next Monday. Please have your parents make an appointment with the dean.”

“My parents are back at my previous home this week. They’re still in the middle of moving.  I came ahead so I don't miss any school.”

“When are they coming back?”

“Saturday.”

“Then please have them make an appointment for next week. And please remind them tuition for this month and the next is due at the end of the month.”

“OK,” Lisa smiled. It appeared this was a minor speed bump and wouldn’t derail her plans. She also realized the end of the month was Thursday - the day of the dance and hoped she can delay having to pay until afterwards.

The school still needed to make an ID badge for the new student. Lisa actually enjoyed posing in front of the camera and beamed a wide smile as her official student picture was taken. Before long, Lisa was in possession of a locker combination, class schedule, and a parking pass. School was already in session by the time she was done. She quickly ran to her car to hang up the parking tag then walked back to the school for her first class.

The first class on her schedule was Calculus. “Calculus?” Lisa said in a panic when she saw it. She knew Lovelace Prep was primarily a school for girls who excelled in Mathematics, but she really didn’t consider the ramifications of that. Tristan was no expert when it came to higher mathematics.

Lisa found the classroom and knocked on the closed door to get the teacher’s attention. The teacher paused the lesson and waved her in. She walked into the classroom with that new-student dread as the teacher looked at her. Lisa held the new student form out, and the teacher took it from her and examined it.

“Class, we have a new student,” the teacher announced. “Lisa Jones. Lisa, there’s a seat back there,” the teacher said, pointing to the right side of the room.

Lisa took her seat, not knowing to smooth her skirt under her as she sat on the cold surface, as the teacher resumed teaching. The sensation traveled through the body suit and it gave Lisa the chills. She nonchalantly lifted her butt up and repositioned her skirt.

Most of the content went way over Lisa’s head. “What the hell is an integral?” she thought. She was grateful she wouldn’t have to attend Lovelace any longer than it took to win over Ava. Learning Calculus wasn’t integral to her plan.

After class, Lisa was able to find her locker and offload some of the things she didn’t need to carry around.

As the school day went on and Lisa went from class to class and introduced herself, she felt more and more like a real girl, instead of a boy in a girl costume. She started to get used to being addressed as Lisa. She also started to get used to sitting down in a skirt.

The most awkward time of the day was gym class. After Lisa was assigned gym clothes, she found herself in the locker room filled with a bunch of girls taking their tops and bras off and exchanging them for sports bras and the gym uniform. Lisa’s gym uniform was similar to Tristan’s gym uniform, but with shorter sleeves and shorter shorts.

Since Lisa wasn’t sure if the body suit seams were visible on her back, she found an unoccupied corner where she got changed. 

Gym class itself was just as boring and underwhelming as a girl as it was as a boy. The class was playing floor hockey.  As a boy, she was OK at it, but in this body suit, she found she wasn't as fast or nimble.  

After gym class was English Lit. She shared that class with the girl who ran into her earlier, Madeline. Madeline actually sat right behind her. 

When Madeline saw Lisa, she smiled and waved at her.

Lisa returned the gesture and took her seat.

Between one of the classes, Lisa finally got the opportunity to DM Ava. “When is your lunch?”

“3rd period,” Ava replied.

Lisa realized it was already 4th period. “Oh, mine is 5th period.”

“Meet me outside after school, by the grand oak tree,” Ava responded.

At lunchtime, with no one to hang out with, Lisa got her food then scanned the crowded cafeteria. There was only one open spot.

Lisa walked to that open spot and just as she put her tray down she heard a girl abruptly protest.

“Um, excuse me,” the girl said sharply. Her loud statement seemed to quiet the cafeteria crowd and they all turned to see what was happening. Lisa realized she was now the center of some much unwanted attention.

Lisa looked up and saw Addison Thomas standing up with her hands on her hips.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Addison asked. “This is our table.”

Lisa looked around again. “There was nowhere else to sit.”

“Then go sit in the bathroom,” Addison replied with a condescending laugh and her lackeys joining in. “This is our table, and you were not invited.”

“Sorry, I’m kinda new here,” Lisa replied. “I didn’t know there was assigned seating in the cafeteria.” She was unsure whether she should stand up to Addison or just walk away, worried about her plan. “Do you think you could make an exception, just for today? I-I’d like to get to know you and your friends.”

Addison briefly looked at her minions to make sure they were watching her display her alpha status. “No exceptions, new girl. You can’t sit here.”

Lisa decided to back down, shrugged, and walked away. It’s only Monday, and she figured she could deal with Addison Thomas some other time.

“Bye, New Girl,” Addison taunted.

Lisa found an isolated corner in the cafeteria and sat down on the floor, this time smoothing out her skirt, then placing the tray on her lap. 

She may not have been sure if she was going to help Madeline take down Addison before now, but the cafeteria incident cemented her resolve. Tristan may not have gotten involved in the social politics of high school, but Lisa was more confident and willing to risk it. After all, Lisa wasn’t a real person and would disappear in a week. Plus, Addison needed to be taken down a few pegs. Not just for her sake, but for other girls, like Madeline.

Lisa had just begun to pick at the green stuff on her tray when someone approached her. Lisa looked up. Way up. A tall girl with long red hair extended her hand and said, “Hi. I’m Chloe. You must be new here. We made room for you at our table. Why don’t you come sit with us?”

Lisa shifted the tray into one hand, took the girl’s hand with the other and stood up. She gave Addison a small grin as she passed by with Chloe. She thought she heard the word ‘skank’ in return. Chloe’s table was crowded, but the girls all had welcoming smiles and motioned for Lisa to sit. Lisa sat and the girls began introducing themselves. Some of them looked familiar, and must have been in her other classes. 

Lisa told the table her name and that she just moved here from out of state. The girls quickly began to fill Lisa in on everything she needed to know about Lovelace Prep. Like not to eat the green stuff, which restrooms to avoid and where the social circles tend to congregate. 

The second-from-last class of the day was World History. Lisa arrived to find Addison and a couple of her friends already seated and gossiping. As soon as Addison saw Lisa she spoke up, “Hey, New Girl, why don’t you go sit on the floor over in the corner.” Addison’s friends began to snicker, and the rest of the students, unaware of the lunch encounter, simply ignored it.

Lisa was done being pushed around by Addison, plan or no plan. She glanced around at the empty seats before staring right into Addison’s eyes and loudly responding, “No thanks, I’ll just sit here.” She then proceeded to sit in a lady-like manner, smoothing out her skirt, and waiting for the teacher to arrive. Addison and the other girls went back to their gossip, no doubt focusing on Lisa, but she didn’t care.  Addison Thomas would soon be getting an overdue dose of karma.

If Calculus was Lisa’s worst subject, World History was her best. Years of playing video games based on actual foreign wars had given Tristan insight into world politics, demographics, and cultures. Lisa quickly picked up on the topics, and was soon answering questions that left the other students in the dust - including Addison. Addison would constantly glare at Lisa when bested, and Lisa would simply respond with a winning smile that she had quickly perfected in the body suit.

* * *

At the end of the school day, Ava was waiting for Lisa at the grand oak tree. “Finally!” Lisa thought.

“Hi, Lisa, how was your first day?” Ava eagerly asked.

“It was fine,” Lisa said, choosing not to dwell on the Addison Thomas encounters. “Some of the math may have gone over my head. I enjoyed World History, though.”

“I’m sure you’ll get it,” Ava consoled her. “Calculus is fun. If you need a tutor, let me know.”

Lisa smiled. “I will.”

“Do you want to go hiking after school tomorrow?”

“Sure, I’d love to!” Lisa gushed, until she realized she didn’t have any athletic clothes. “Darn, I don’t have my hiking gear with me.”

“Oh, we could always go another time,” Ava suggested.

“Nah, don’t be silly, I’ll just buy new stuff. I need new hiking shoes anyway.

“OK, then,” Ava replied. “See you tomorrow!”

“See you tomorrow!”

With that the girls parted ways, and Lisa walked to her car. She realized she needed to buy hiking gear now. So on her way home she made a stop at Dick’s Sporting Goods. She came for hiking sneakers, but found a number of cute hiking outfits she simply had to buy for her date. She realized this week was becoming very expensive very quickly, and wondered what she was going to do with all of these womens’ clothes when the week was over.

* * *

Later that evening, Tristan had just gotten home and was poking around the kitchen looking for a snack. He was lucky the sports store had a family restroom so he could change back into Tristan before coming home. Kaitlyn didn't seem to care that he got home late. She was in the living room playing on her phone with the TV on in the background.

“So, I met your friend Lisa again today,” Kaitlyn said to Tristan.

“Oh?” Tristan replied, curious what his stepsister thought of his alter-ego.

“Did you know she is going to my school?”

“Oh yeah, she told me over chat,” he replied.

Nothing else was said. Tristan was hoping Kaitlyn would talk more about her impressions of Lisa, but he didn’t want to seem too eager for that information.

Tristan grabbed a bag of chips and settled down on the couch. He considered playing a video game, but didn’t quite feel like it, and instead mindlessly scrolled through his phone while reminiscing about today’s events. He couldn’t help but be excited for tomorrow as well. Sure lunch time was a low-point, but overall being Lisa was exciting and new and he couldn’t wait to put the body suit back on again.

Eventually, Tristan received a message from Ryan. “How was your first day of school as Lisa?”

“It went well,” Tristan replied. “I think I made some friends. How was school? Did I miss anything?” Tristan neglected to mention Lisa may have made one enemy to go with her new friends.

“Same old shit,” Ryan replied. “I’m also running out of time to get a girl to ask me to the dance.”

“Sorry, dude.”

“Hey, since you’re making all sorts of new friends over at the girls' school, do you think you could hook me up?”

Tristan chuckled, which got a rise out of Kaitlyn. He got up and left the room so Kaitlyn couldn’t hear and replied, “No promises. I’ve still got my own date to ask out.”

“How is that going?”

“Well, I have a hiking date with her after school tomorrow.”

“Cool, good luck with that.”

“Hey, um, I need a favor,” Tristan reluctantly said.

“Another one?” an exasperated Ryan asked.

“I need someone to tell Lamar Benjamin that his girlfriend is cheating on him.”

“Really?” Ryan curiously asked. “Addison Thomas is cheating on Lamar?”

“With William Jackson.”

“William Jackson is gay.”

“I mean Jackson WIlliams.”

“Shit, man. Addison Thomas is cheating on Lamar with that guy? He’s a total clown.”

“Yup. I saw them sucking face at the town center a few weeks ago.”

“So just tell him?”

“I need Lamar to break up with Addison very publicly.”

“How am I supposed to do that?”

“That’s the favor.”

“Why do you care?” Ryan replied with his unique brand of skepticism that usually keeps Tristan grounded.

“I don’t. But Lisa does. Apparently Addison Thomas is a bitch and a bully.”

“You don’t say,” Ryan seemed disinterested.

“And she spread a nasty rumor about Madeline, and treated Lisa like shit.”

“Who’s Madeline?”

“A classmate I met today.”

“Tristan, what’s gotten into you?”

“What do you mean?”

“You used to not care about this type of drama. I think you’re taking this Lisa thing too far.”

“I’m just trying to get through the week, ask Ava out, and go to the Sadie Hawkins dance. After the dance, Lisa can be stuffed back into the closet.”

Ryan sighed on the other end of the line. “I see Lamar at gym class. And Jackson is in another class, but still at the gym at the same time.”

“Awesome, Ry. This is going to work.”

“We’ll see. Those two aren’t really in the same social circle and are rarely at the same place at the same time.”

Tristan smiled as the gears were set in motion.

Chapter 4 - In Too Deep

The next day, Lisa went to school, and things started to feel normal. Like she had always gone to Lovelace Prep. More people were starting to learn her name and some girls she’d just met this week like Chloe and Madeline were quickly becoming friends.

Lisa shared her QuikChat account with Madeline and promised to keep in touch throughout the day.

Towards the end of the day, she got a text from Ryan. “Holy shit, dude, Lamar was pissed. He and Jackson were suspended for fighting! He’s going to confront Addison after school.”

“Here?” Lisa replied.

“Yes, there. You wanted a show, right?”

Lisa stared at her phone in shock. At some point Addison would learn about this. She DM’d Madeline to meet her after school.

Sure enough, when the last class ended and all of the students filed out of school, Lisa and Madeline met up near the entrance.

“What's going on?” Madeline asked.

“You’ll see,” Lisa chuckled.

Sure enough a hot and fiery Lamar came running from the parking lot. Addison was casually talking with her friends when he showed up.

“You cheated on me!” he yelled.

“Lamar,” Addison said, looking around nervously. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“You were making out with some dork?”

“That’s not true!”

“Jackson Williams.”

Addison suddenly looked guilty, and the color drained from her cheeks. “I don’t know who that is.”

“He knows you. He admitted to it. You’ve been seeing him behind my back.”

“It’s not what you think it is.”

“No? Then what was it?”

Addison was at a loss for words. 

“You don’t deny it?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said in snooty denial. He’s clearly making it up.”

“He said you two went out for Valentine's Day! You blew off my date because you said you had a stomach virus!”

“I was home sick on Valentine's Day!”

“There’s witnesses! Fuck, Addy. I’m done with you!”

“You can’t break up with me!” Addison protested. “I already paid for the dress and the limo for Saturday!”

“Watch me, bitch!” With that, Lamar turned around and retreated to his car.

Addison stood there in a state of shock as a number of spectators started giggling. “But I’m Addison Thomas!”

“Someone thinks too highly of herself,” Lisa giggled to Madeline.

Madeline made sure Addison saw her when she gave her the finger. She then turned to Lisa. “Thank you, Lisa. That was better than I hoped.” She then hugged her.

“You’re welcome,” Lisa replied. “But I have to meet up with another friend.”

“Have a good night!” Madeline responded.

Lisa first texted Ryan. “I don’t know how you did it. That worked out so well! Thanks, dude!” 

She then found Ava sitting on the oak tree bench with a backpack. As she walked toward Ava, she passed a still in-shock Addison Thomas. Lisa whispered, “Fuck around, find out, bitch!” as she passed. Addison gave her a look of disgust. Lisa kept walking to Ava.

“Hi, Lisa, ready to go?”

“I am,” Lisa responded.

“Did you bring a change of clothes?”

“They’re in my car.”

“Then let's get changed real quick.”

* * *

Lisa grabbed her change of clothes from the car. Ava waited for her at the bench. They walked together to the girls’ locker room.

Lisa wanted to go find the corner where she’d been getting changed for the past two days, but it seemed rude to run away from Ava.

Ava was casually talking about her day as she pulled off her top then bra.

Lisa followed her lead, and tried to turn away and be a perfect gentlem… er to respect her privacy. But couldn’t avoid seeing her breasts in her periphery. Her perfect breasts. She realized how awkward this situation was and how if anyone found out who she really was she could get in trouble. She then looked up and realized Ava had done the same thing, then their eyes had met. She thought, “Ava was checking me out?”

Lisa waited for Ava to say something, but she didn’t and continued getting dressed. Lisa was suddenly glad the body suit hid any erections happening under the suit. She looked away and focused on her own clothes, lest the body suit malfunctioned suddenly.

After they got dressed into their hiking clothes and shoes they left the locker room and went to the parking lot. “Do you want to follow me or ride with me?” Ava asked.

Lisa was about to suggest she drive herself until she realized Ava might recognize Tristan’s car. “Let’s ride together.”

On the way to the trail they chatted about their families. Some of that information Lisa already knew. Meanwhile, Lisa made up details. Like having a mom and dad instead of a mom and stepdad. Lisa was an only child - like Tristan used to be.

The topic of sexuality came up again too. Ava admitted having lost her attraction to her previous boyfriend as one of the first signs she noticed. She then gushed about which female musicians were hot.

Halfway up the trail, Lisa realized she didn’t break in her new hiking shoes. “Hold up,” she said to Ava. “I need to sit down. My feet are killing me.” 

They both sat together on a boulder. Lisa took off her right shoe and sock to examine her foot. It wasn’t red, but it felt like a blister was forming - perhaps under the suit.

“New shoes?” Ava asked.

“Yeah,” Lisa said, rubbing the inside of her ankle.

“Sorry. I should’ve warned you.”

“Oh, I knew,” Lisa replied. “I just forgot.” She put her sock and shoe back on. The skin on her ankle was tender. She would have to check out what it looked like later tonight when she got out of the suit. For now, she should be careful. Since their previous conversation while hiking had ended, Lisa saw this as a good enough opportunity to talk about the dance. “So, I heard about this Sadie Hawkins dance,” Lisa mentioned with feigned ignorance.

“Yeah, it's crazy,” Ava replied. “Did your previous school have anything like it?”

“Definitely not. Gender roles - bleh.”

Ava chuckled. “Right? Besides, I just don’t want to conform by asking out some random guy.”

“Yeah, it’s stupid.” Suddenly Lisa thought of something she hadn’t considered that might derail this entire plan. “Wait - are girl couples allowed to go... as couples?”

Ava thought for a moment. “You know what, I don’t think so. They haven’t said anything about it. But it’s a mixer between our school and the all-boys school across town. I could see the administration complaining that taking another girl from Lovelace would defeat the point.”

“That would totally suck,” Lisa said, “so that means you’re not going at all?”

“No. My friends have been bugging me to ask a few guys they know. They don’t know that I’m questioning whether I’m into guys at all.”

“So you haven’t asked a girl?”

“Ha!” Ava let out a chuckle. “Only in my wildest fantasy. I’m not out of the closet. Even my closest friends don’t know.”

“But - I know,” Lisa said with a smile.

Ava was silent and looked down.

“Ava, do you want to go with me to the dance? I can ask you. It’s this Thursday, right?”

“Lisa. I do, but-” she trailed off.

“But what?”

“I said in my wildest fantasy. I’m not ready to come out. I mean. I have a crush on someone. She doesn’t know about it. But what happens if I come out and she hates me?”

“Why would she hate you?”

“She might be straight.”

“Straight?” Lisa sat there stunned. She was assuming Ava was talking about her this entire time. Only now did she realize she was talking about someone else. She didn’t know what to do and could feel her lip quiver.

“Of course, we can pretend this is a movie and we go with each other to make her jealous,” Ava laughed. “That would be crazy right?”

“Right.”

“Maybe one day,” Ava sighed. “With your help I can get the nerve to ask her. Lisa, you’ve been a great friend. You’ve helped me with my confidence and self-esteem. Gosh, I can’t believe we only met a few weeks ago.”

Lisa wasn’t sure what to say. She’d been friendzoned by Ava. Again. This time she had spent nearly a thousand dollars on a body suit and clothes only to get rejected.

“You know what…” Ava suggested. “I have an idea. Maybe we should both go. But we can’t go together. What if we just bring some guys. Then we can go and have fun with each other and our friends.”

That gave Lisa a glimmer of hope. Sounds like she could spend time with Ava at the dance, but not as a couple. 

“We can even make my crush jealous,” Ava giggled.

Lisa nodded. She wasn’t thrilled about being a pawn to make someone else jealous. Either way, the writing was on the wall. Ava was into someone else. Not Tristan. Not Lisa. “Yeah,” she choked out. “That sounds like a good idea.”

“Is something wrong?”

“I’m fine,” Lisa lied. “Let’s keep going.” She got off the boulder, and Ava followed and they continued their hike. Lisa didn’t say much, she was too busy brooding over her latest failure to win Ava’s heart.

* * *

When Ava dropped Lisa back off at school after the hike, Lisa got into her car and sat there quietly. Ava had just driven away, and the school parking lot was mostly empty.

She slammed the steering wheel with her hand. She couldn’t believe how stupid she was. How stupid this plan was. How much money she blew on the body suit and the clothes. Ryan was right. Ryan was always right.

She vowed that when she got home, she’d call this whole thing off. She’d box up the body suit, and throw it into a river and donate all of the girls’ clothes. Tomorrow she’d go back to Tristan's school and pretend this never happened. 

Out of nowhere there was a knock on the driver's side window. 

Lisa was startled to see Madeline standing there. She rolled down the window. “Madeline, what are you doing here so late?”

“Band practice just ended. Lisa, what’s wrong? You don’t look well.”

“I had a bad afternoon.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“I dunno.”

“I mean it. I owe you for what you did for me today.”

“Sure.”

Madeline walked around the car and opened the passenger side door and got into the car. “OK, girl, spill it.”

“I asked someone out. I got rejected.”

“You asked out someone on your second day of school?” Madeline asked. “Wow, girl, you move fast.”

Lisa looked at Madeline and frowned. She wasn’t helping.

Madeline realized she wasn’t being very empathetic. “I’m sorry. It’s rough getting rejected. If I had a nickel for every time I got rejected… I'd have several nickels.”

Lisa laughed at Madeline’s attempt at levity.

"Who is he?” she asked. “I know a few guys over at the all-boys school. I can have someone kick some sense into him.”

Lisa decided to not correct her and come out as a lesbian just yet. “I was so embarrassed. It’s not worth coming to school again.”

“Oh, honey,” Madeline said, stroking her arm. “That’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Look at me. When I ran into you yesterday I thought the same exact thing. Tomorrow is a new day.”

“But this is different. There’s no point in me coming back tomorrow.”

“I don’t get it. You told me how excited you were to be here. How you loved this school. What changed?”

Lisa didn’t want to explain that she only came to this school because of a crush. “I don’t know.”

“Trust me, things are no better at the public school. You’re better off here.”

Lisa sighed.

“Do it for me?” Madeline asked. “Who will I talk to in English Lit? Besides, you’re like the coolest person I’ve met here in a long time. You took down Addison Thomas on only your second day here.”

Lisa sighed. “I’ll think about it.”

“Thank you,” Madeline said, hugging her.

When Madeline left, Lisa had a lot to think about. Would it hurt continuing to go to Lovelace for the rest of the week? Even if dating Ava was no longer an option? Tristan already had an excused absence all week. And this expensive body suit wasn’t going anywhere. And she had to admit, it was an interesting experience seeing life from the other side, if only for a short time. It was then she decided to continue being Lisa until the end of the week.

* * *

Early in the morning, Lisa joined Ava and Kaitlyn with their friends under the grand oak tree. She was quiet, not having much to add. To her surprise, they were looking at her.

“Earth to Lisa,” Kaitlyn called out. “Abby was asking you a question.”

“Sorry.” Lisa said. “My mind was in the clouds.”

“More like space,” Ava giggled.

“What was the question?”

“Are you going to go to the Sadie Hawkins dance tomorrow?” Abby asked.

Lisa made eye contact with a frowning Ava. “Oh, I don’t know. I’m new to town. I don’t know who to ask.” 

Ava suddenly spoke up, “You know what. I’ll go if Lisa goes.”

Lisa remembered yesterday’s conversation. About going separate. About making her crush jealous. But in order to do that, it would mean-

“Yes!” Izzy cheered. “Now we just need to find you both dates.”

Lisa wanted to run away. She didn’t want to be set up with a boy. “I don’t want to be set up with a…” She noticed Ava shaking her head at her. Don’t say it. Don’t come out to them. Lisa honestly didn’t care if she came out to them. She’d be gone at the end of the week. But this was important to Ava. “...just any boy.”

“You can always ask my stepbrother,” Kaitlyn suggested. “He doesn’t have a date, and I get the feeling he really wants to go.”

That took Lisa by surprise that Kaitlyn would even suggest that. “I- I can’t go with Tristan.”

“Why not?” Kaitlyn said looking disappointed.

Lisa raised her eyebrow. She was confused at why Kaitlyn was pushing this. What was in it for her? “Wouldn’t that be weird? Hanging out with your stepbrother?”

“He already kinda tags along with us. But he’s weird and awkward. I thought maybe if he got to know someone better he wouldn’t be so awkward.”

“There’s always basketball Greg,” Abby suggested. 

“Eww,” Ava interjected, “he’s kind of douchey.”

“Well, maybe Lisa might be interested,” Abby responded.

Lisa held up her hands to stop the conversation. “Nah, I’m good. I’ll find someone.”

“Promise?” Ava asked.

“Promise.”

“This is great!” Kaitlyn said. 

Just then, the morning bell rang.

“Bye,” the girls all said to each other as the students filed into the school.

* * *

“How are you feeling?” Madeline asked during English class.

“Better,” Lisa replied. “Thank you for that pep talk,” Lisa smiled. “Hey, are you going to the dance tomorrow? She was feeling a little anxious about going with a guy. Maybe with more friends present she wouldn’t feel as anxious.

“Totally,” Madeline replied. “I asked a guy I know from D&D. Why?”

“Oh, well, I have some friends trying to set me up, so I might be going too.”

“That’s awesome. We totally can hang out there.”

‘Well, I have to find a date first.”

“Do you need me to set you up? I know some cool guys I think you’d get along with.”

“Nah, I think I’m good,” Lisa replied. In reality, she didn’t want to go on a date with a guy at all. But if she had to pick one, she knew of only one choice. Hopefully he was still available.

* * *

When Lisa got home, she went straight to her room, locked the door, and deactivated the suit. 

Tristan exhaled a nervous breath. His heart was racing. He pulled off the head, then eagerly pulled out his phone. He paced back and forth. “I can’t believe I’m about to do this,” he mumbled to himself. He then called Ryan. 

“Hey dude, why the call?” Ryan answered. “Usually you just text.”

“I felt like talking this time.”

“OK, cool. How’s life as a girl going?”

“It’s been… Interesting. How’s getting a date to the dance?”

“No luck. No girls asked me. The dance is tomorrow. I guess I’m not going.”

Tristan took a deep breath. Here it goes. He was about to ask out his best friend. “Umm.. I can solve that for you. Lisa can ask you to the dance… If you want.”

There was a long pause before Ryan responded. “You can’t be serious.”

“I do owe you…” Tristan clenched his teeth. This was awkward.

“I can’t go with my best friend.”

“Lisa’s not your best friend. She’s super hot, and you’re totally attracted to her.”

“True, but you’re Lisa!”

“Think of Lisa as a totally different person. Remember, this is our last chance to go to this dance. You said so yourself.”

There was more silence. Ryan was clearly weighing the pros and cons of going to the dance with a guy as a date - even if that guy was his best friend in a body suit. Ryan sighed, “Fine. But you have to ask me again in Lisa’s voice.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. If you want me to think of Lisa as a totally different person, then I want to be asked out by Lisa - not by my best friend.”

“You’re lucky I’m still wearing the suit. Hold on a sec.” Tristan put the phone down and put the head of the suit over his head and pinched the ear. The suit activated, squeezing the breath out of him. Lisa regained her breath and composure, then picked the phone back up. “Ryan?” she said in her voice.

“This is too weird,” Ryan responded.

“Do you want me to ask or not?” Lisa replied, exasperated.

“Yes. Sorry, Lisa. Go ahead.”

“Ryan, will you please go with me to the Sadie Hawkins dance?”

“Yes. Yes, I will, Lisa,” he replied. “OK. Let's hang up before this gets too weird.”

“OK,” Lisa agreed, hanging up the call. She deactivated and took off the suit, and returned it under the bed.

Tristan walked downstairs and parked himself on the couch. Kaitlyn was there playing on her phone and idly watching TV. 

A text from Ryan came to Tristan’s phone. “I’m so excited, Lisa. My parents want us to take pictures. Meet me at my house after school?”

Tristan shifted uncomfortably as his best friend called him Lisa and was talking about their upcoming date. “Sure,” he replied.

“Do you know what color dress you’re wearing? I was going to get you a corsage to match your dress.”

Tristan started to get nervous. Ryan was more excited about this than he was. He was suddenly on the hook to be this perfect date for his best friend. While Ryan was well aware of the body suit, Tristan was starting to worry Lisa was leading him on. “I haven’t picked out a dress yet.”

He rubbed his temples. When exactly was he going to get a dress? The dance is tomorrow! He was running out of time. That means he’d have to go this evening or take off from school tomorrow. He should’ve called this whole thing off when Ava rejected him yesterday. Why did he let Madeline talk him into staying?

Just then, there was a knock on the door and Kaitlyn got up to get it. 

“Oh, hi,” Kaitlyn could be heard saying. “I wasn’t expecting you.” 

Tristan couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation. The other person mumbled something.

“You want to see him?”

Tristan was baffled. Who was at the door?

Ava walked into the living room with Kaitlyn.

“Ava,” Tristan said, standing up.

“Hi, Tristan,” she said. “I haven’t seen you online lately.”

“Oh,” he said, realizing that he’d been logged in as Lisa for weeks now. “I was taking a QuikChat detox. You know, social media can be toxic sometimes.”

“Oh, cool. Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?” Ava asked.

“Sure,” Tristan replied. “Let’s go in the kitchen.”

When the teens were in the kitchen and out of Kaitlyn’s hearing Ava brought up the dance.

So, I know this is very last minute, but I was wondering if you would go with me to the Sadie Hawkins dance?”

“Y- you want to go with me?” Tristan asked.

“Yeah,” she confirmed.

“But I thought-”

“Tristan, I promised my friends I would ask someone, and I have to ask a boy. And I can’t think of any other boy I’d rather go with,” Ava admitted. “We’ve been friends longer than I can remember, and I think we would have fun.”

“Yes - sure - definitely,” he stammered, his face a mix of confusion and elation.

“Great - hey since you’re on a QuikChat detox, do you want to share numbers?”

“Yeah sure,” Tristan said. 

They exchanged their numbers and saved them in their phones.

“Should I meet you here?” she asked.

“Sure,” he said, without thinking about it. His head was completely in the clouds.

“Great. My mom is waiting in the car outside. See you tomorrow!” Ava said excitedly. Tristan escorted Ava to the front door where she turned to him and said, “Thanks again, Tristan. We’ll have a great time.”

“I can’t wait,” Tristan replied. “See you then.”

She reached up and gave Tristan a hug, then turned and headed out the door.

Tristan sat down on the couch wondering what the hell had he just done. He was now on the hook for being at the same dance with two different dates - and as opposite genders to boot. He didn’t want to let down either Ryan or Ava.

Kaitlyn put down her phone. “So why did Ava want to see you all of a sudden?”

“She asked me to the Sadie Hawkins dance.”

She smiled. “Well, Tris, looks like you finally got your wish. Now just don’t be weird.”

Tristan sat in shock. What did he just do? He couldn’t be in two places at once. 

“Since you and Ava are going to the dance with us,” Kaitlyn said in a voice dripping with honey, “can you drive all of us?”

“What about you?”

“Umm. No car. Duh.” Back to snotty stepsister voice.

“What about your date?”

“Well, if you and Ava are going together, I’d rather ride with you both.”

Tristan grunted in frustration. “Fine.” No sooner had he agreed to go as himself and be a chauffeur, Tristan received a DM from QuikChat. It was from Ava.

“Lisa, I got a date. Did you?”

Tristan replied, “I did.” Two in fact.

“That’s so exciting! Do you want to go dress shopping this evening?”

“Yes!” he replied. At least he could cross one thing off his list.

That’s when he ran upstairs, stuffed the body suit and the school uniform into his duffel bag and ran back downstairs.

“Where are you going in such a hurry?” Kaitlyn observed. “What about dinner?”

“I need a suit for the dance!” he said, running out the door before she could question him about the duffel bag again.

* * *

It had been three weeks since Tristan drove Ava, Kaitlyn and their friends to this town center to go dress shopping. Now it was just Lisa and Ava here to shop for dresses. They had agreed to meet at the water fountain. Ava arrived first, having been dropped off by one of her parents. Lisa emerged from the parking garage.

The both greeted each other and shared a friendly hug before walking together to the dress shop.

“Who did you ask to the dance?” was the first question Ava asked.

“Umm…my fr- er- I mean, Tristan’s friend Ryan,” Lisa replied. “Gotta be more careful,” she thought.

“Ryan - oh yeah. That’s Tristan’s best friend. He’s a good guy. Speaking of Tristan - he’s going to be my date!”

“Cool,” Lisa replied, nodding her head.

“Tristan is the only other person that knows I’m not into guys. He’s a childhood friend, and I can trust him not to make any moves on me.”

Lisa forced a smile. It was a little uncomfortable hearing Ava talk about Tristan when she didn’t know Tristan was inside the Lisa suit. She tried to push that out of her mind and just be Lisa. Then she wondered about Ryan. Would he be a gentleman as well?

As they sifted through the garments, Lisa was confused by dress sizes. Despite all of the measurements she knew of the body suit, dress size wasn’t one of them. She supposed she’d have to hold it up against her body and then try one on. “This place is overwhelming,” she said, looking around.

“I know, but it’s fun,” Ava gleefully replied.

Lisa’s eyes caught the glimmer of a vibrant red dress. Its elegant silhouette and intricate embroidery captivated her. She held it up, admiring the way the fabric cascaded down her body. This dress would certainly turn heads. But she paused for a moment, defeated. Whose heads was she actually expecting to turn? Who was she trying to impress? 

Ava saw Lisa holding the dress and admiring it. Her eyes widened in appreciation. "Oh, Lisa, that's stunning! It's perfect for you."

Lisa timidly replied, “Really?” 

“Yes, really. You should go try that on.”

“OK.” Encouraged by Ava's enthusiasm, Lisa slipped into the dressing room to try on the dress. When she emerged, Ava's jaw dropped. The dress hugged Lisa's figure perfectly, accentuating her curves and making her look like a model. Lisa silently gave props to Skincognito for making such a flawless body suit.

"Wow, Lisa, you look incredible!" Ava gushed. "That dress was made for you."

Lisa smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. "I love it too. Did you find something?"

Ava disappeared into a dressing room, and moments later, she stepped out in a breathtaking emerald green gown. Its delicate lace overlay and flattering A-line silhouette made her look like a princess.

Lisa's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Ava, you look absolutely gorgeous!" she exclaimed. "That dress is perfect for you." 

Ava twirled, reveling in the soft swish of the fabric. "I love it too! It feels so comfortable and elegant."

Lisa was about to go change out of the dress, but Ava tugged at her bare arm. 

“Wait up. Now we need shoes!” Ava excitedly announced.

“Shoes?” Lisa repeated. “What kind of shoes?”

“Something in a matching color with a heel on it,” Ava explained. “Unless you already have shoes that go with your new dress.”

“I can’t wear my school shoes?”

Ava laughed. “No way! Those drab things the school makes us wear? You need something sexy to go with the sexy dress you’re getting!”

Lisa knew Ava meant heels, but remembered how that went with Ryan over the weekend. She didn’t want to admit she neither had a pair nor knew how to walk in them. Was there enough time before the dance to practice walking in heels?

“To be honest, I left all my dressy shoes back home,” Lisa confessed. 

Ava dragged a nervous Lisa over to the shoe section, then dove right in, finding emerald green high heels that matched her dress.

Lisa sat there in awe.

Ava looked at Lisa sitting there. “You’ve never worn heels have you?”

Lisa turned red with embarrassment. “Was it that obvious?”

“You gave off very tomboy vibes,” Ava giggled. “It’s cool though. Let me help!”

“Thank you,” Lisa timidly replied.

She scanned a few boxes of shoes. “What size are you?”

“Nine.”

She scanned some more boxes then stopped. “Yesss!” she squealed, looking in a box. “These are perfect.”

“Let me see,” asked Lisa, her curiosity suddenly rising.

Ava brought over the box of shoes. In it were vibrant red strappy-heeled sandals. She knelt down. “May I?”

Both girls giggled as Lisa offered her foot to Ava. Ava was right - this was fun!

Ava gently put the sandals on each foot, then tied the straps. “OK, stand up.”

Lisa stood up and looked at the shoes in the mirror. The red matched the dress, and the straps zigzagged up her ankle and lower calf. “Wow.”

“I know, right?” Ava said. “Super hot! You have to get these! Can you walk?”

Lisa put her arms out and took a few wobbly steps. She noticed her center of gravity was all off. The heels made her butt stick out and her legs looked even longer and sexier than before. She could see why women put up with all this hard work to look good.

“Keep trying,” Ava encouraged. “You can practice at home too.”

“Well, I only have less than 24 hours,” Lisa replied.

“You’ll do fine.”

Lisa looked at the price on the box. Well, there goes all of Tristan’s savings. Suddenly her phone buzzed. It was Ryan.

“Did you get a dress yet?” he asked.

“In fact, that’s what I’m doing now,” Lisa responded.

“Who’s that?” Ava asked.

“Ryan, my date. He was asking about my dress.”

“Oh, here, let me!” Ava said, taking Lisa’s phone. “Pose for me.”

Lisa stood there and smiled.

“Sexier, girl. That’s an awesome dress. Show it off.”

Lisa struck a sexier pose, like the models on the posters surrounding the store.

“More leg. Let’s see those heels.”

Lisa raised the hem on one side of the dress.

“Perfect,” Ava said. “And sent!”

“You sent that?” She immediately turned red from embarrassment at the idea that she sent a sexy pose to Ryan. She hoped Ryan wouldn’t get the wrong idea.

“Yeah,” she replied. “Now do me.” She handed Lisa her phone.

As Ava posed, Lisa took a few pictures then handed the phone back to her.

Ava looked through the pictures. Then pressed a few buttons.

Lisa’s phone buzzed.

“Ryan must’ve liked that,” Ava chuckled.

Lisa looked down and saw that it was a text from Ava to Tristan with one of the pictures she just took for her.

“Yeah, he did.” 

Then her phone buzzed again. This time it was actually Ryan. Underneath the posed picture that was sent was a bulging eyes emoji. She clearly got her best friend's attention with that pose and dress.

Lisa slowly walked back to the dressing room. As she stared at her dressed-up reflection one last time, she wondered how she was going to handle both of her dates at the dance. She could barely handle it now. 

She thought about Ava. The two of them had fun shopping for dresses and shoes. Lisa still felt guilty knowing this fantasy would have to end, and probably very badly. With a depressing sigh, she removed the dress and put her school uniform back on.

What about Ryan? Ryan was looking forward to this dance. He was looking forward to bringing a girl to it. Now she’s that girl and had placed a whole bunch of expectations on herself.

Lisa met Ava at the sales desk, where they each paid for their items.

“I don’t know about you,” Ava said, but shopping makes me hungry. It’s such a satisfying workout,” she laughed. “Let’s go to that pizza place we passed on the way here.”

Lisa silently nodded her agreement. Suddenly, things weren’t so much fun anymore. She had been so selfish in wanting a relationship with Ava, she hadn’t considered how devastated Ava would be when Lisa disappeared. And how could Tristan ever look Ava in the eye after that, knowing he was to be the cause of her ultimate betrayal?

“Are you OK?” asked a worried Ava.

“Um, yeah, I guess,” Lisa lied. “Things have just moved so fast since I got here, I’m not sure what I’m doing half the time.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Ava reassured Lisa while squeezing her hand. “You’re doing fine, and you’ve become such a great friend to me. I feel like I know you so well.”

Lisa managed a weak smile and looked at Ava. “I feel the same way, like I’ve known you forever. Thank you for taking me under your wing.”

“Hey,” Ava suddenly said. “You don’t have pierced ears. We can get them pierced right now and then you could get some pretty earrings to wear with your dress.”

Lisa panicked. The switch for the body suit was in her left earlobe. If someone stuck a needle through it, who knows what would happen. She might not be able to deactivate the suit. Or it might deactivate right here in front of Ava. She couldn’t take any chances.

“Look, Ava, I have this terrible fear of needles.” Another lie. “I pass out when they have to draw blood from me. That’s why I never got them pierced. Please, can we just skip the piercing?”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Ava apologized. “I didn’t know. Well, there are always clip-ons,” Ava suggested.

Since Lisa’s suit was turned on and off by squeezing her left earlobe, what would a clip-on earring do? Again, better safe than sorry. “Thanks, but I think I’ll just skip the earrings altogether,” Lisa declined. “My stomach is rumbling, too.”

“OK, let’s get some pizza,” Ava directed. “That will cheer you up. Just don’t eat too much or you won’t fit into that gorgeous dress.”

* * *

During dinner, they each got a slice of pizza and a drink, and decided to share a brownie for dessert. The girls were having fun talking about school and the dance tomorrow night. Ava started laughing and Lisa found it to be contagious. Soon both girls were laughing and carrying on without a care in the world. Just as Ava and Tristan had done so often growing up together.

“So, Lisa, tell me,” Ava said, smiling as if she was seeking the latest juiciest gossip. “Tell me about the worst relationship you had.”

Lisa paused for a moment while she chewed on a bite of her pizza. She hadn’t created enough backstory for that, so she would have to make it up on the spot. “Umm.. well… There’s not much to tell. My last relationship ended because… she cheated on me.”

“Oh, that sucks.” Ava frowned.

“Yeah. She left me for the head cheerleader.”

“That bitch.”

“I know, right? How about you?”

“My ex,” she said with a disgusted look on her face. "I really liked him… at first. But I found out he was lying to me about himself.”

Lisa swallowed hard and put her pizza down. She was glad the suit hid her Adam's apple. She cleared her throat. "What do you mean?"

"He was pretending to be something he wasn’t. Just to get close to me.”

“What was he pretending to be?” Lisa was getting worried and the pizza suddenly wasn’t sitting right in her stomach.

“This amazingly charitable saint. A guy you can show off to your friends and your parents alike. The nicest nice guy. ” She gave a sarcastic smile before her scowl returned. “He told me all these stories about helping people in need, especially women. All lies. The scary part was, it almost worked.”

“What happened?”

“I found out the truth. We broke up. Trust is so important to me, Lisa. It’s an instant deal-breaker. I haven't talked to him since.”

“I’m sorry,” Lisa whispered.

“It’s not your fault. That was right around the time I started to figure out I wasn’t really attracted to him in the first place. Just what I thought he was, and what everyone else thought he was. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah.”

“Enough of that. I don’t want to waste anymore of our fun evening on that loser.”

Lisa nodded.

It was Ava who changed the topic. “So I’m going to have my parents drop me off at Kaitlyn and Tristan’s house tomorrow. You and Ryan should meet us there! We’re all friends. We can carpool.”

Lisa put her pizza down again. There was no way that was going to work. She couldn’t be both Tristan and Lisa in the same car. “I um… think Ryan really wants to drive. He’s very chivalrous. Plus, his parents want to take pictures of us, so I have to go to his house first.”

“Oh,” Ava replied with a touch of disappointment.

Sensing Ava’s feelings, Lisa quickly replied, “Don’t worry, we’ll have a great time at the dance!”

That picked Ava right back up and the two finished their meals, each trying to grab the last piece of brownie.

After they left the pizza place it was starting to get colder as the sun went down. Lisa put her jacket on, but her legs still felt cold in the skirt. “Ava, it was so much fun shopping with you today,” Lisa gushed. “And you’re right, I’ve always been sort of a tomboy. But you’ve shown me how much fun being girly can be. I hope we can do this again, after I get more settled in.”

“I had a great time too,” Ava agreed. “We are gonna knock ‘em dead at that dance.”

And at that, Ava pulled Lisa in for a hug and, both girls parted company with smiles on their faces and headed home.

Meanwhile, Lisa’s head was swirling with dread. She had no idea how she was going to pull tomorrow off.

When Tristan got home, he grabbed his duffel bag, ran to his bedroom, shut his door and leaned against it. Now that he was alone he started breathing heavily. He thought about all the money he spent- about everything Ava said about her ex and deception- about Ryan’s growing excitement- about something he couldn’t be- for either Ava or Ryan. That’s when everything he’d done these past three weeks crashed down on him. He slid down to the floor and buried his face in his hands. “What have I done?”

Chapter 5 - The Dance

Tristan regained his composure. He felt like the walls were closing in around him. But if he didn’t want to get crushed by his own lies and deceit and lose everything, he had work to do. Before he knew it, Lisa was sitting on her bed, wearing casual clothes and tying the straps on her new high heels. 

She spent the rest of the night making logistical plans for how tomorrow was going to actually work. All while practicing walking around the room in heels. 

Logistical problem, number one. Tristan had to be Ava’s date and Lisa had to be Ryan’s date. The two could never meet, and the time spent as each person had to be balanced.

And if that magic act wasn’t enough, there was logistical problem number two. Tristan was still expected to drive Ava, Kaitlyn, and Kaitlyn’s date to the dance. That frustration made him wonder if Ava and Kaitlyn had conspired to use him for his car. Of course, this meant that while Tristan was chauffeuring that group around, Lisa was expected to be taking pictures with Ryan.

Since Ryan knew Lisa was really Tristan, he was the most flexible to plan around.

With that, Tristan determined it was best for Lisa to go home right after school, put on her dress, and head over to Ryan’s house for pictures. Then Lisa would change back into Tristan, and stash the Lisa suit and dress in his trunk. Tristan would go home to drive Ava, Kaitlyn, and her date to the country club, where he would change into Lisa to meet Ryan again.

Tristan thought it was a solid plan. Except for the part where he had to be at the same place and same time as two different people. Ryan, while a pawn in this, would surely want to dance with his date. As well as Ava. He just needed to find a private place at the club to change back and forth and hide the outfits.

* * *

Lisa spent the school day watching the clock. She didn’t have much time to make everything work, so the quicker she got home the better. It helped that the dance was the talk of the school. All of the girls were talking about their dresses and who they were taking.

By lunchtime Lisa was getting overwhelmed. She was getting DMs from Ava and Madeline about the dance. At the same time, Tristan was getting texts from Kaitlyn, Ryan and Ava. Lisa had to pause every time she responded to remember who she was pretending to be in that reply. It was making her head spin.

When the school bell rang, Lisa quickly ran to her car and went home. She wasted no time getting into her dress before Kaitlyn’s bus arrived. She noted how nice it was to not have to get out of the body suit. It made getting ready quicker and more convenient. She took a moment before leaving to stare at herself in the full-length mirror. Despite the anxiety, she was having fun getting dressed up. Then she looked at the clock. She took a deep breath. It was “game time.” She then held her heels and grabbed her clutch as she walked out of the house barefoot and to her car.

She saw the school bus in the distance and took a side street to avoid being spotted.

* * *

When Lisa arrived at Ryan’s, Ryan and his parents were already outside waiting for her - Mr. Moore armed with a large digital camera, and Mrs. Moore with a cell phone. Lisa wryly smiled to herself that they looked like tourists. Ryan was wearing his best suit. A midnight navy pinstripe suit with a red tie to compliment Lisa’s red dress.

She gracefully got out of the car, put on her heels, and slowly walked towards her date, taking care not to trip. Each step along the asphalt driveway, the heels made a click sound. After a few steps, Lisa got more confident and the clicks made her feel sexy.

Thankfully Ryan’s parents were too busy staring at their son’s date to notice that she had a suspiciously similar car to that of his best friend. 

Ryan’s mouth was agape, but his father noticed it and elbowed him.

Ryan quickly ran over to Lisa and held his arm out for her to hold onto. “L-Lisa, you look beautiful,” Ryan said, astounded.

“Thank you, Ryan,” Lisa said, blushing. The couple walked slowly up the rest of the driveway until they stood facing Ryan’s parents. Their cameras were already clicking away.

Ryan’s mom coughed at Ryan, but he was still too shocked to make the introductions. “You must be Lisa,” She said. “We’re Ryan’s parents. It’s so nice to meet you.” She opened her arms for a hug. “I love your dress.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Moore,” Lisa demurely replied. “It’s nice to meet you both as well.”

“I bought you this,” Ryan managed to say, taking a clear plastic box from his mom and holding it up so Lisa could see the corsage inside.

“Thank you,” Lisa said, looking Ryan in the eyes. She suddenly felt guilty. She didn’t buy him anything. Nor did Tristan buy Ava anything. With the chaos that was last night and today, she had completely forgotten. Not that it mattered - she was also out of money.

“I’m sorry it doesn’t match your dress,” Ryan’s mom apologized. “Ryan here, waited until last night to tell me he had a date and needed to buy flowers. They were sold out of everything else.”

Ryan looked embarrassed and annoyed at his mother for ratting him out.

“Oh, it’s OK,” Lisa said, smiling. “It’s the thought that counts.”

Ryan opened the box for her. “It’s a wristlet.”

“Oh, cool, I’ve never worn a wristlet,” Lisa confessed. She was secretly relieved Ryan wouldn’t be pinning a corsage to her dress. She didn't want him accidentally poking holes in the suit. Especially there.

Ryan glared at Lisa with an expression that communicated she needed to stay in character.

“It’s beautiful,” she added. She then held her left arm out for Ryan, and he slid the corsage onto her wrist. Between the sexy dress and dainty flowers, she had indescribable feelings. Despite Lisa’s concern about her plan, she was beginning to enjoy this on some deeper level.

“Alright, let’s get some pictures so you kids can get to your dance!” Ryan’s dad announced.

Ryan’s parents made Lisa and Ryan do a number of poses. Standing next to each other, Ryan with his arms around Lisa. Them holding hands. Fortunately, none of the poses included kissing. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were gushing over each pose and photograph taken. Meanwhile Lisa and Ryan could barely hide their embarrassment.

“Alright!” Ryan’s mom announced. “We won’t keep you two any longer.”

“Have fun, kids!” Ryan’s dad added. “But not too much fun,” he whispered to Ryan.

“Bye Mom, Dad,” Ryan said, glaring at his father.

“It was nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Moore,” Lisa added.

As the parents retreated inside the house, Ryan and Lisa stood next to her car.

“We can take my car,” Ryan offered.

“Wait,” Lisa said with a frown. “I’ve been meaning to tell you something. Don’t be angry.”

“What is it?”

“I, uh, also agreed to go to the dance with Ava - as Tristan.”

“Are you… not going with me?” Ryan looked like he’d just been dumped.

“Oh, no, no - I’m going with you. But…Tristan is going with Ava, too.” She made a “please don’t be mad at me” grin.

Ryan was silent for a moment. He looked hurt. “How exactly is that going to work, Lisa?” The tone of his words were sharp with shock and frustration.

“I’m going to switch back and forth,” Lisa replied as if it was no big deal. “Think of it like Bruce Wayne and Batman. Or maybe Superman. Or Iron Man is a better analogy. I’ll have a change of clothes nearby. I just need to find a place to get changed.”

Ryan shook his head, the hurt very visible. “Tristan, how could you? You know this was important to me.”

“I’m sorry, Ry. She asked me right after I asked you. You know me, I can’t resist her.”

Ryan glared daggers at Lisa. “I just wanted a nice night with my beautiful date. A chance to go to a mixer with a girl. Dance away the evening. Make awesome memories I’ll remember for years to come. You’re making a mockery of this!”

“Look, I’m going to be Lisa for most of the time anyway. Ava only asked me because I was her only safe date. The guy who knows she's a lesbian. And the guy with a car.”

“Then why are you still going with her?”

“Because I love her. I had a lot of fun hanging out with her this week.”

“Tristan, listen to yourself. You didn’t hang out with her this week. Lisa did.”

Lisa didn’t want to fight. “Please, Ryan, can we just get through this? I really need your help. Can I use your bathroom to change back into Tristan? Then we can meet up later at the country club.

“Maybe I should just drop out here and now,” Ryan said angrily. “That would solve all your problems for the evening, wouldn’t it?”

“No, please Ryan. I know how much tonight means to you. You’re the one who really wanted to go to this. Not me. I will make this a special night for you. I promise,” Lisa begged.

“Yeah, sure.” Ryan didn’t sound enthusiastic. “Go ahead, you know where the bathroom is.”

Lisa snuck into Ryan’s house without being seen by his parents, and came out as Tristan with the giant duffel bag and garment bag.

“Thanks man,” Tristan said to his best friend, holding out his hand in a gesture of friendship.

Ryan ignored the outstretched hand. “Go pick up your date, Tristan.”

“It’ll be OK,” Tristan tried to reassure him. Ryan gave him a doubtful look, and turned away.

They both got into their respective cars and left.

* * *

Tristan got home and dashed out of his car and into his house. Kaitlyn was already there dressed in a royal blue velvet dress. She looked more annoyed than usual.

“Wow!” he said, stopping in front of her. “Kaitlyn, that’s a very nice dress,” he said with sincere admiration, and…envy? “I like that color on you.”

She paused for a moment, caught off guard by the compliment. “Where have you been?” she asked with her hands on her hips. “Ava and William are going to be here any minute now.”

“I had to run over to Ryan’s real quick.”

“Ryan has his own date, Tristan. Are you jealous?”

“No, not at all,” he replied. “I couldn’t possibly be jealous of Lisa.” After all, he was Lisa.

She stood there for a moment confused at his answer. “I meant Ryan. Because he’s taking Lisa - and you’re not.”

“Right,” Tristan said with embarrassment. “I was confused. I’m not jealous of either of them. Who is William?”

“William Jackson, my date.”

“Isn’t he gay?”

“He isn’t gay, Tristan,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Come on, hurry up!” she urged, shooing him up the stairs.

Tristan ran up to his bedroom and pulled his go-to suit out of his closet. A classic fitted black suit with polished black shoes. It was the same suit he always used for various school formals, weddings, and funerals. Its last use was his mom and Steve’s wedding.

He quickly put on the white button down shirt, the suit, the shoes, and a green tie to attempt to match Ava’s emerald dress. When he was satisfied with his reflection, he ran back downstairs.

Awaiting him was Ava, who looked gorgeous in the same dress she modeled for Lisa yesterday. And William Jackson, who was in a very loud baby blue suit and pale yellow shirt.

Kaitlyn elbowed Tristan and whispered, “Tell her you like her dress, dope.”

Tristan almost forgot since this wasn’t the first time he saw her in this dress, but it was the first time Tristan was supposed to see it in person. "Ava, you look absolutely gorgeous! That dress is perfect for you. It looks even better in person." 

“Thank you,” she blushed.

“Flowers?” Kaitlyn nudged Tristan.

“Oh,” Tristan said, suddenly embarrassed again. “Sorry, Ava, I wasn’t able to get you a corsage. Apparently they were sold out of everything.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Ava consoled him. “It’s my fault for waiting so long to decide to go to this.”

“Anyway, Dad and Melissa are going to want pictures,” Kaitlyn interrupted.

The four teens quickly paired off and took pictures of each other. Tristan kept watching the time. While they weren’t late for the dance yet, he didn’t want to keep Ryan waiting at the dance alone. That would only deepen Ryan’s mood, and wasn’t fair to him either.

While the couples were scrambling to find different poses, Kaitlyn took the opportunity to whisper to Tristan, “Nice suit, Tris.”

“Um, thanks,” was his quiet reply.

“Looks a lot like the one you wore to the wedding. I thought you went out to buy a new one last night.”

Tristan thought quickly. Lies were coming to him much faster these days. “I tried to buy one last night, but they all needed alterations and wouldn’t be ready in time.”

She eyed him with suspicion, but let it drop. She was afraid he’d embarrass her in front of his date and her friends.

When they were done with pictures, they piled into Tristan’s car and headed to the dance. Unlike the trip to the town center, Ava was up front with Tristan, which lightened his mood. He kept glancing her way. This was finally his chance to do something with her that was more than just two friends hanging out.

* * *

Tristan pulled into the country club and looked for a parking spot near the ballroom.

“Why don’t you use the valet service?” Kaitlyn needled him from the backseat. “It’s a dance after all. Be chivalrous.”

Tristan considered it, but he remembered the Lisa suit and dress were in the trunk and he needed easy access to both of them. “I don’t have any money for the tip.”

“What happened to all of that money you got for Christmas?”

He had spent it all to become Lisa, but he certainly couldn’t tell her the truth. “I was in a hurry to get ready, and I forgot it,” he said sheepishly.

“It’s OK, Kate,” Ava said. “I like to walk.”

Tristan parked, and ran around to Ava’s side to help her out of the car.

William followed suit, and the couples headed for the entrance. Tristan began scoping out potential places to change as he walked.

He offered his arm to Ava and she took it. 

“Thank you, kind sir,” she said to him with a giggle.

As they walked through the parking lot to the ballroom, Tristan could hear the click and clack of Ava’s heels and he couldn’t help comparing it to the sound of Lisa’s heels. At that moment he had a very strong desire to change back into Lisa, so he could feel that sexy too. But that would mean leaving Ava’s side. He would have to wait a little longer.

Near the entrance, leaning up against the outside of the building, was Ryan. He and Tristan shared a knowing nod.

As they walked into the ballroom everyone admired the decorations. Except Tristan. Tristan was looking for someplace to stash his baggage and get changed in private.

They found an empty table. The girls put their clutches down, and began to search the crowd for their friends. Tristan felt now was the best time to make the switch.

“I’ll be right back,” he announced to the table. He then made his way to the exit. When he got outside he was met by Ryan. “I’m sorry, dude, I got held up. I can’t find a place to change.”

“There’s a currently unused smaller banquet room on the other side of the building,” Ryan said. “The door is open. Or rather - I paid the kitchen staff to open it.”

Tristan looked at Ryan. “Wow, Thank you. Hey - I’ve treated you like shit. I don't deserve a friend like you.”

“We can get all mushy later. Go get my date!” 

Tristan ran to the car, extracted the bags and ran to the other side of the building where Ryan was waiting and holding the door open.

Tristan walked into the building while Ryan stayed outside and stood guard.

He quickly laid out all of his things then took off all of his clothes. On went the body suit. 

After it was activated, she then got into her dress. She hung up Tristan’s suit on a nearby coat rack and hid the bags underneath. She adjusted the corsage on her wrist then exited the building to join Ryan.

Ryan’s grumpy mood changed the instant he saw Lisa. He smiled, stood up straight, and offered his arm to her.

Lisa gladly took it and was escorted back to the ballroom. As they walked, she savored the moment. The sashay of her hips, the feeling of her dress, the clicking and clacking of her heels. Oh, and the looks the other students gave her. The girls green with envy, and the guys drooling with desire. 

Lisa was everything Tristan wasn’t.

Ryan led Lisa into the ballroom and they chose a table not too far from Tristan’s table.

Before Lisa knew it, Ava, Kaitlyn, Isabella, and Abigail descended upon her.

“Lisa!” Ava gushed, giving her a big hug. 

Even Kaitlyn gave her a hug. “Wow, Lisa, that’s hot.” It was nice to not be treated like the “annoying” stepbrother for a change.

“Ryan,” Ava asked, “can we steal your date for a minute?”

“Yeah,” Kaitlyn added. “Tristan is around here somewhere. You two can get us drinks while we freshen up.”

Before Ryan could respond, Ava tugged Lisa away from the table and towards the women’s restroom.

When they were in the restroom, instead of using the toilets, the girls stood in front of the mirror primping.

“Thank you both so much for talking me into coming,” Ava said, applying lip gloss. “I’m already having so much fun.”

“You’re so welcome,” Kaitlyn said, adjusting her dress in the mirror. “I couldn’t let my best friend stay home alone. I know I’ll have more fun with you here.”

“How are you doing, Lisa?” Izzy asked. “You look overwhelmed.”

Lisa was just happy she didn’t sprain her ankles yet. “I am. I don’t know how to explain it. The dress. The heels, the way everyone is treating me…”

“You feel like a princess?” Abigail asked.

“Yes,” Lisa admitted. “Just like in the movies.”

“Is this the first time you’ve been to a dance?” Kaitlyn asked.

“Yeah,” Lisa absentmindedly replied. She felt like she was dreaming.

“Well, stick with us, girlfriend,” Kaitlyn encouraged, walking over to adjust a wrinkle in Lisa’s dress. “We’ll make sure it’s unforgettable… Hey Lisa, that’s a cute necklace. My mom had one just like it.”

“Oh, this?” Lisa said, clutching the necklace she swiped last night. “I found it at home.”

“Lisa, your date is totally smitten with you,” Izzy gushed.

“Ryan?” Lisa asked. “Nah.”

“They way he looks at you. Like a lost puppy,” Abby added.

“We’re just friends.” Inside, she questioned the accuracy of that statement.

“You could be more if you wanted,” Kaitlyn added. “Unless of course, there’s someone else.”

“Well…there kinda is someone else,” Lisa shyly admitted.

“Whoa! Hold the phone!” Izzy cut in. “Lisa, who else is there? You just moved here.”

“Oh, my God,” Kaitlyn said, eyes wide. “Is it my stepbrother? I could totally put in a good word for you.”

Lisa raised an eyebrow at Kaitlyn. Who is this girl and what did she do with my evil stepsister? “It’s not Tristan.” Lisa and Ava shared a glance, then Ava looked down at the floor.

“Oh, well. I’ll keep trying to clean him up. He’ll get a girlfriend before he leaves for college,” she declared.

Lisa looked curiously at Kaitlyn. Is that what she’s been doing?

“Yeah,” Abby agreed. “Tristan is cute. Kate was trying to set us up, but he was oblivious and didn’t even notice me.”

Lisa stood there stunned. Kaitlyn was trying to set Tristan up with Abby? “You think Tristan is cute?”

“Yeah. He was on my top four list to ask to the dance. But, I was afraid he’d say ‘no’ since I’m Kate and Ava’s friend.”

Lisa continued to stand there, shocked that Abby thought that about Tristan.

“When did you get that dress, Ava?” Izzy asked. “You weren’t dress shopping during our last shopping trip.”

“Oh, Lisa and I went out last night,” Ava replied. “Did some dress shopping, ate dinner.”

“It was so much fun!” Lisa added.

“Didn’t you two also go hiking on Tuesday?” Abby asked.

“Yes, we did.” Ava smiled.

“I have the blisters on my feet to prove it,” Lisa chuckled. It was true, it was just that the blisters were under the suit.

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with each other,” Kaitlyn said cooly, looking suspiciously at Lisa.

There’s the evil stepsister, Lisa thought. That was more like it.

“Wait!” Izzy exclaimed. “Do you hear that song? Let’s go!”

The girls quickly filed out of the restroom and back to the ballroom. Lisa followed them as they started randomly dancing to a popular song.

Lisa looked around at the girls dancing. They were smiling and having fun. Even Kaitlyn. But she had stopped acknowledging Lisa’s presence. So, Lisa did what Tristan would have done, and simply ignored Kaitlyn. She then smiled and danced with the other girls, losing herself in the moment.

The girls returned to their seats, and Lisa was making her way back to Ryan when she saw Madeline.

“Lisa!” she gushed, and gave her a hug.

“Hi, Madeline.”

“You look amazing, girl.”

“Thank you,” Lisa said, striking a pose. “So do you.”

“I have to get back to my date,” she said. “But save me a dance!”

“Will do!”

Lisa sat back down with Ryan.

“You’re a popular girl,” he observed, put off by her absence.

“I don’t know why,” she said. “I’ve only been at the school for four days.”

“You’ve clearly made an impression. Shall we go get food? I’m starving.”

“Let’s,” Lisa replied as they got up and headed to the buffet line.

Lisa and Ryan got their food and sat back down at their table. 

“This is just like lunch time,” Lisa commented. “Don’t eat the green stuff.”

“I dunno,” Ryan disagreed. “This country club’s food looks nothing like our cafeteria. How is Lovelace’s food?”

“Same.” She noticed both of them were nervous. “We sit and eat lunch all of the time, why is this so different?”

“The music is louder and we’re dressed…” Ryan looked at Lisa’s cleavage, ”differently.”

“But this isn’t real,” Lisa said, squeezing her breasts.

“Lisa, please!” Ryan laughed. “I’m trying to eat.”

“Sorry.” Lisa took a few bites. She noticed Ava, a few tables down, looking around. Lisa placed her fork down. “I should go be Tristan for 20 minutes.”

“OK,” Ryan said, disappointed, as she stood up to leave again so soon. 

“Hey, Ryan,” Lisa said. 

He looked up at his date.

She bent over and kissed him on the cheek. “You’re an awesome friend. I’ll be back.” Ryan just sat there too shocked to move or speak.

* * *

A short time later, Tristan walked back into the ballroom, grabbed food from the buffet and rejoined his table. Ava and Kaitlyn were too busy chatting with each other to notice. 

Tristan silently ate his food, and after twenty minutes of being ignored by Ava, he felt guilty for ignoring Ryan. He got up and walked to the door to turn back into Lisa.

On the way out, he passed Madeline and smiled.

She seemed upset, but gave him a confused look and forced a smile back. 

He realized she didn’t recognize him and got embarrassed.

As Tristan approached the exit, he noticed Addison Thomas standing there with her two friends. Since Addison didn’t know who Tristan was, he was able to walk past without them noticing. He overheard them talking.

“...and if that other bitch returns, she’s going to wish she never fucked with me,” Addison declared.

Tristan deduced that Madeline must have run into Addison on the way in. He also figured that they were waiting there for Lisa to return.

He paused to look at the girls loitering there, wishing they’d go inside or leave. If he changed back into Lisa right now and tried to enter the dance, he’d be inviting trouble.

He swallowed hard and approached the girls. “Hi, are you Addison Thomas?”

“Yeah,” she said, sizing up Tristan. “Who are you?”

“I’m Tristan, one of Jamal’s friends. I was wondering if you’ve seen him.”

Her face turned red with anger. “Jamal isn’t here.”

Tristan took a step back just in case this girl exploded. “That’s strange, I’d swear I saw him dancing with some girl a little while ago. Then they disappear-”

Before Tristan could finish, Addison pushed him out of the way and made a beeline for the dance floor, lackeys in tow.

“Time to change into Lisa,” Tristan said to himself as he jogged back to his private changing room.

* * *

When Lisa returned to the ballroom, she was smoothing out her dress and adjusting her hair. She looked around for any sign of the irate Addison. Thankfully, she was nowhere to be seen. Lisa then sat back down with Ryan. “Sorry, I’m back.” She took a bite of food and felt pain in her stomach. The bodysuit was telling her she was full. She put down the fork. 

“How was Ava?” Ryan asked.

“She kinda ignored me when I went back there.” 

That was when Madeline came by. “Hey girl, let’s dance!”

She pulled Lisa out of her seat.

As Lisa was being pulled onto the floor she looked back at a grumpy Ryan.

“Just one,” Lisa insisted. “My date is looking a little bored.”

“Is he the one that rejected you this week?” Madeline asked.

“Oh no - Ryan and I are just friends.”

“Is that other person here tonight?”

Lisa chuckled, “Yeah.”

“Do you want to make him jealous? I still owe you for getting back at Addison for me.” She then shook her butt up against Lisa’s body. 

Lisa giggled, then felt pain down below as the suit constrained the erection underneath.

“So where is he?”

“She,” Lisa corrected her, then covered her mouth in embarrassment that she let the detail slip.

Madeline cocked her head. “Oh, really?”

“Sorry, I was keeping that on the down-low.”

“Interesting,” Madeline remarked with a smirk and started to dance even closer with her. “We can still make her jealous. You know what, forget all about her. I’m your date now!” She giggled.

“What about your actual date?” Lisa asked. Madeline’s flirtatious attitude made Lisa wonder if Madeline was coming onto her. And where it might lead. It wasn’t lost on her that she couldn’t even handle two dates let alone three.

“Oh, him? He’s from D&D. He’s just a friend. And he doesn’t dance.” Madeline winked at Lisa. Or maybe she had dirt in her eye, Lisa couldn’t tell.

“Did Addison give you any trouble?” Lisa asked, changing the subject.

“A little bit. She was watching the entrance and didn't want to let me in. I saw her a few minutes ago bolt out of the ballroom. Thank God. I want to enjoy my night and not have to worry about her.”

When the song was over, Madeline gave Lisa a long hug and whispered, “Let me know if you need to get away from your date.”

Lisa nodded then they both headed back towards Ryan sitting at their table. Lisa knew she was neglecting him, it was almost inevitable given Lisa’s predicament. But before they got to the table, Lisa stopped in her tracks and looked around. Ryan was gone.

“Is something wrong?” Madeline asked.

“My date vanished.”

“He probably went to the restroom. Let me know if you need anything.” Madeline gave Lisa a flirtatious smile and went back to her own table.

Lisa stood at her table there for a minute fidgeting while she waited for Ryan to reappear. When he didn’t, she decided to make another trip to change into Tristan.

She walked outside and quickly looked to see if Ryan was around. She didn’t see him. “Shit, shit, shit” she mumbled. While she was berating herself for neglecting Ryan she didn’t notice someone following her.

Lisa walked into the vacant ballroom and quickly changed back into Tristan. She was getting quicker at this, but the process of taking off formalwear and a bodysuit, and putting it all back on, was getting exhausting and confusing. Tristan had almost put Lisa right back on, forgetting which way the swap was going this time.

* * *

Tristan quickly exited the vacant banquet room while buttoning his shirt and bumped into Madeline. Both teens were caught by surprise.

“Madeline!” Tristan blurted out. “I didn't see you there.”

Madeline looked at Tristan inquisitively. “Do I know you?”

Tristan gasped and realized his mistake. “No. Sorry. I must’ve had you confused with someone else.”

“Someone else also named Madeline?” She crossed her arms waiting for his answer. “What’s going on here? Where’s Lisa?” Madeline asked. “I saw her leave the dance. I came to check on her.”

“She’s not here,” Tristan curtly replied.

“I saw her go in there,” Madeline replied, pointing at the door to the dark and vacant ballroom.

“She wants to be alone.” Tristan immediately realized this looked bad. Real bad.

“Bullshit. I see you buttoning your shirt. I’m her friend. Let me by or I’m calling the chaperones.” Madeline pushed past Tristan to get to the door.

Tristan knew he couldn’t let her inside. He couldn’t let her see the body suit. She’d scream and cause all kinds of unwanted attention. And she’d think he did something bad to her if he didn’t let her in. “Wait! Madeline. I’m Lisa!”

Madeline stopped before she opened the door and turned to look at Tristan. “Did you just say you’re Lisa?”

“Yes,” Tristan said, avoiding eye contact.

“That’s impossible. You don’t look anything like her. Lisa is shorter than you - even in heels. And you couldn’t change your entire appearance that fast.”

“I have a body suit. I’ve been changing back and forth all night.”

“A what? A body suit? Like you literally put on different skin?”

“Yeah. I bought it online a few weeks ago.”

Madeline considered Tristan’s explanation for a moment, then discarded it. “I don’t believe you. I want to see Lisa. Now.”

“Wait,” Tristan pleaded, hands outstretched in a calming motion. “I can show you the suit if you promise not to freak out. It’s a little unsettling seeing a body suit without anyone inside it.”

“OK,” she said cautiously. “Show me. But don’t try anything or I will kick you so hard you’ll never have kids.”

Tristan opened the door and led her into the vacant ballroom. 

“Lisa,” she called out, “it's Madeline.” There was no answer as she followed Tristan over to the coat rack in the shadows. Hanging up was the naked body suit, with Lisa’s dress hanging next to it, and her heels on the floor.

“Lisa?” she curiously said. She then noticed her lifeless form was hanging up. Her eyes were hollow. Madeline stared at it for a long moment, unable to believe what she was seeing.

“See,” Tristan said. “A body suit.” He slowly pulled the suit off the coat rack and turned it around so the zipper was visible. “See the zipper?”

“Wow. You weren’t kidding. That thing is like straight out of a manga or something.” She put her hand out, and gently touched the suit’s arm. It gave her goosebumps. “It’s warm. This can’t be real.”

“I didn’t think it was real either until I tried it on.” Tristan hung it back on the rack.

Madeline turned to Tristan. “What’s your real name?”

“Tristan.”

“Tristan. Why are you going to all of this trouble?”

“I wanted to get closer to my crush. It didn’t work. But, I also promised my best friend I’d be his date, so I’m stuck having to be two people at the same time. Madeline, please, please don’t tell anyone. If this gets out, I’ll be humiliated and hurt a lot of people, not to mention all the trouble I could get into at school.”

“You wouldn’t be allowed back at Lovelace, that’s for sure,” Madeline commented. “And I do owe Lisa for standing up to Addison for me. But this- this is way bigger than that.”

“Then I’d be in your debt.”

Madeline stared at the Lisa suit for another long while. It appeared she was admiring it. Tristan noticed she had a smirk on her face. “So, you’ve been pretending to be a girl for a week?”

“Four days.”

“And the whole story about you just moving here - that was a lie as well?”

“Yeah,” he admitted. “I’ve lived here my whole life. I go to the boy’s academy across town.

Madeline was about to reach out to touch the suit’s breast when Tristan cleared his throat. Even though he wasn’t wearing the suit at the moment, he felt protective of Lisa’s modesty. “We should head back,” Tristan urged.

“Sure,” Madeline agreed. “When are you going to be Lisa again?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe ten or twenty minutes. I want to make sure I’m attentive to at least one of my dates. I think one of them walked out on me.”

As they walked back into the ballroom, Madeline spoke up again. “Tristan, I’m sorry if I misjudged your actions back there - if you ever want to talk to someone about this, I can listen. I can see how a secret like this would eat you up inside.”

“Thanks, Madeline.” He wasn’t sure how he could ever talk to anyone about this, mainly because he wasn’t sure himself what this was.

The two separated, and Tristan returned to his table where Ava and Kaitlyn were still talking. Ava cut her off when she saw Tristan. “There you are! I was getting worried you ran off with someone else!” 

Tristan grinned, thinking of the irony of that statement. “I’m here!” Just as he sat down, a slow song came on. He was about to take a bite of the now-cold food on his plate when his date suddenly stood up.

“This is the song I requested,” Ava announced. “Let’s dance.”

Tristan looked up and realized Ava was talking to him. “Me?” Tristan looked confused.

“Yeah, you, silly. You are my date, remember?” She grabbed his arm and pulled him up and out onto the dance floor.

They started dancing, but it appeared that Ava was leading. 

“Thank you for taking me to the dance,” Ava said.

“You’re welcome, but since it's Sadie Hawkins, you’re technically you’re taking me. And leading.” They both laughed at that.

“Tristan,” she continued. “About what we talked about a few weeks ago.”

“About your… um, preferences?”

“Yeah. About me coming out.”

“Are you going to?”

“I think I want to. Not to the whole school. But she deserves to know how I feel about her.”

“Then do it, Ava.”

She smiled. “I think I will. Tonight.” She then looked around the ballroom. “I wonder where Lisa went. I want to tell her. She helped me with my decision.”

“Probably the restroom,” Tristan joked. 

“I don’t think I see Ryan either.”

“Maybe they went for a walk outside,” Tristan suggested. He couldn’t believe Ryan would run off like that. He figured he was likely hiding and sulking. Next time he’s Lisa, she’s going to need to find him.

“Have you met Lisa?”

“I have,” Tristan replied. “Only online, though. I was supposed to help her move but I overslept.”

“I should introduce you!” Ava excitedly announced.

“Oh, I don't think that’s a good idea.” His heart was starting to race as he was trying to avoid stepping into more lies.

“Why not? She’s a fun and beautiful girl. We have so much in common. Oh, wait - there she is!”

“What? Who?” Tristan got confused. He thought they were talking about Lisa.

“Lisa.” Ava pointed at the girl walking into the ballroom.

Tristan stopped dancing as he looked at… Lisa. She stood there smoothing out her dress, fixing her hair, and adjusting her corsage.

“Lisa!” Ava called out, waving her over.

Lisa waved and walked over to Ava and Tristan. She wasn’t wearing any shoes.

“Lisa, have you met Tristan?”

“I have not,” Lisa said, extending her hand. “So you’re the infamous Tristan. You’re a hard person to find.”

“Ava, will you excuse us?” Tristan asked.

“Um, sure,” she said, looking confused.

Tristan pulled Lisa to the side. “What’s this?”

“What? Why should you get to have all of the fun?” Lisa fumed. “You’re out here with two dates and dancing with everyone, while I sit at my table all alone waiting for my part-time date to come back.”

“I’m sorry - I was just about to go change back. Where’s the shoes?”

“I couldn’t figure out that strappy thing. I left them behind.”

“You going barefoot is going to ruin the suit!”

“Lisa!” the girl Tristan recognized as Chloe came up to them. Tristan was getting used to answering to ‘Lisa’ but realized Chloe wasn’t talking to him. “Oh my God, I love that dress.”

“Thank you,” Lisa beamed, twirling around. “Hey, would you like to dance?” she asked Chloe. She mischiefly glanced at Tristan. “My date seems to have disappeared.”

“I’d love to!” Chloe responded by skipping over to the dance floor.

Before Lisa followed Chloe she whispered into Tristan’s ear, “Hey, what’s her name?”

“Chloe.”

“K, thanks! I’m going to go enjoy myself with Chloe.” Lisa followed Chloe to the dance floor, leaving Tristan alone.

That’s when Madeline walked up to him. “Hey! If you’re Lisa, then who is that?”

“That’s Ryan, my best friend and Lisa’s date. He’s pissed. I’m fucking this up so badly, Madeline.”

“So, I shouldn’t screw with him?” she chuckled.

“Please, not right now,” Tristan advised.

Madeline shrugged and walked away.

Tristan sluggishly returned to his table, which was empty except for William Jackson, who was engrossed in his own conversation with the girls at the neighboring table. He scanned the ballroom for Ava. He found her in a dark corner.

He got up again and started walking towards Ava when he realized she wasn’t alone. She was with another figure in the shadows. She was holding their hand as they talked. They were close and seemed intimate. Was this Ava’s crush?

When he got closer he recognized the shadowy figure. 

It was Kaitlyn. 

Tristan stopped in his tracks, and took a slight step back. 

Ava took her hand and slowly caressed Kaitlyn’s arm. Kaitlyn’s eyes were closed as she was biting her lip. Ava put her hands on Kaitlyn’s waist and pulled her closer. Kaitlyn opened her eyes just long enough to see Ava lean in for a kiss. Kaitlyn didn’t resist and instead leaned in to meet Ava’s lips. Her hand looped around to hold Ava’s back.

Tristan remained frozen as he watched Ava slowly kiss Kaitlyn on the lips. 

Seeing Ava kissing Kaitlyn felt like a gut punch. All of those years pining over Ava. All of that time hating Kaitlyn. He felt like he wanted to run. To hide. Maybe put the Lisa suit back on so it could hide the hurt on his face. He couldn’t even do that. He couldn’t even vent to his best friend who was currently pissed at him. Everything he’d done for the past four weeks felt like a waste of time. It all led to him standing here by himself at the dance. Watching his crush make out with his stepsister. No date. No friend. Perhaps it was time for him to go home.

Kaitlyn’s expression was one of surprise, but she then caught a glimpse of Tristan. When she realized he was watching, her expression turned to panic as she ran out of the ballroom.

Seeing the panicked expression on his stepsister’s face caught Tristan off guard. Even though he and Kaitlyn tormented each other, he didn’t want to see her like that. He followed her out of the ballroom.

“Kaitlyn,” he whispered as he ran after her. He looked around and found her sitting down near the coat racks. Her head was buried in her hands. “Hey,” he said, sitting down next to her.

“Did you see that?” she asked, looking up, tears running down her cheeks.

“Yeah, I did.”

“I’m so sorry, Tristan,” she said. “I didn't mean to…”

“It’s OK, Kaitlyn.” He reached over to a nearby cart and grabbed a napkin so Kaitlyn could wipe her tears.

“But she’s your childhood crush,” Kaitlyn said, the despair evident in her voice.

“She clearly wants you, not me,” he forced a chuckle.

She looked down and was silent.

“How do you feel?” he asked. “About the kiss? About Ava?”

She continued her silence then shook her head and sighed. “It was everything I wanted that I knew I couldn’t have.”

“Really?” Tristan said in surprise. He had no idea his stepsister was into girls.

“Yeah, really.”

“Have you always been into Ava?”

“Yes.” She wiped a tear from her eye. “When my mother died, Ava was there for me. She would come over to my house and spend the night with me. Holding me as I cried. I was broken without my mom. But Ava encouraged me to keep moving. To keep being happy. Because that’s what Mom would want. On my 14th birthday, I pulled Ava into a closet. I thanked her for everything. I told her I loved her. I kissed her. I think she wasn’t ready for that, because she proceeded to pretend it never happened and continued to date boys. I continued to fantasize about her coming around and reciprocating my feelings for her. Then our parents met. And I met you. And found out you and Ava have history as well. I’m sorry, Tristan. I feel like I should’ve told you. I was actively sabotaging you and Ava because… I wanted Ava to myself. But I wasn’t sure she wanted me back.”

Tristan was silent for a moment. That was a lot to take in. “Kaitlyn. I had no idea.” He added, “You know, I asked her out three weeks ago. She turned me down. She told me she realized she’s a lesbian. She also told me there was someone else. You’re that someone, Kaitlyn.”

A small smile formed on Kaitlyn’s face, learning that there was nothing to come between her and Ava any more. “You’re not mad?”

“Honestly, I’m disappointed. I love Ava. But I also love her enough to let her go.” He chuckled realizing his hypocrisy. He realized he should’ve let her go three weeks ago. Chasing her with this body suit was the wrong decision and he needed to stop using it before anyone else found out. Tonight was the end for Lisa. “If you both make each other happy, I should encourage it.”

“Thank you.” She leaned over and gave Tristan a hug. 

“Hey, is that why you’re a bitch to me at home?” Tristan suddenly asked. “You think I’m your rival for Ava’s affection?”

“What?” she said, confused. “Well, that, and I’m just fucking with you. Isn’t that the whole point of having siblings?”

“I suppose,” he laughed. “I never had a sibling until you.”

After the hug she looked at him. “So what’s the deal with your love triangle with Lisa and Ryan?”

“Well, it’s complicated,” he laughed. “More so than you and Ava.” He then stood back up. “Speaking of which, you should get back to her.” He held out his hand and helped her up.

“Thank you.”

Tristan and Kaitlyn walked back into the ballroom. A nervous Ava was waiting for them at their table.

Kaitlyn wasted no time, planting a kiss on the startled Ava’s lips.“I’m sorry I ran away. I was worried what my brother would think.”

“Is everything OK?’ Ava asked, looking up at Tristan.

“Everything’s great.” Tristan smiled. He then realized that was the first time Kaitlyn called him her brother, instead of “stepbrother.”

As Kaitlyn and Ava started whispering to each other and giggling, Tristan decided to give them some privacy, so he got up and wandered around the outskirts of the dance floor for several minutes. He wasn’t as depressed as ten minutes ago. It still hurt, seeing his crush and his sister together. But talking it out with Kaitlyn felt therapeutic. He realized that getting out of the way of her and Ava was the right thing to do.

Eventually Lisa came up beside him, panting from all the dancing. “Chloe is fun. Which class is she in?”

“World History,” Tristan replied.

“She’s cute too. And she’s here alone?

“Yeah,” Tristan said, sadly.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ava and Kaitlyn.”

“What about them?”

“When Ava said there’s someone else - Kaitlyn is that someone else.”

“Kaitlyn, your evil stepsister? The troll? Ava’s in love with her? Her best friend?”

“Yup. Apparently Kaitlyn felt threatened by my friendship with Ava.”

“Wow, that’s crazy,” Lisa said. “Did you three work things out?”

“We did,” Tristan said confidently. “We’re all good now. I’m letting her go. I’m moving on.”

“That’s great, Tristan. So, I requested a slow song for us, but I kinda want to be the dude,” Lisa said. “My feet are killing me. Plus it feels like I’m being crushed by the suit.”

“You’re barefoot - and the suit was tailored just for me. Let’s switch,” Tristan agreed, realizing there was one last thing Lisa needed to do. Ryan deserved better. 

* * *

Lisa and Ryan walked back into the ballroom just as the slow song came on. Ryan led at first.

Lisa could tell Ryan’s mind was somewhere else. “I’m sorry, Ryan.”

He looked at her, but didn’t respond.

“I got too wrapped up in all of this. In trying to date Ava. I took advantage of our friendship. Tonight is the last time I’m going to be Lisa. No more lies.”

“It’s OK,” Ryan replied. “I suppose we’ll look back and laugh at this.”

“I do want to make it up to you, though.”

“How so?”

“You deserve to spend the rest of this dance with a real girl.” Lisa started to lead, and dance the couple towards the edge of the dance floor.

“Chloe,” Lisa called out. “I want to introduce you to my cousin, Ryan.”

Ryan looked at Lisa in shock. Then he looked at Chloe. “Um, hi, Chloe.”

“He’s an excellent dancer,” Lisa said to Chloe. “And he’s been asking about you all night.”

Ryan turned red with embarrassment. He and Chloe looked at each other for a brief second before he got the hint. “Chloe, would you like to dance?”

“I’d love to,” Chloe said with a big smile. 

Ryan led Chloe to the dance floor as Lisa smiled on.

Lisa returned to her table and grabbed her clutch. She decided to look for someone to socialize with. She scanned the ballroom but didn’t find Madeline. Lisa then walked towards Ava and Kaitlyn’s table. The girls were still sitting there holding hands and giddy with conversation.

“Lisa!” Ava called, seeing her approach. “Join us.”

Lisa sat down in the empty seat next to Ava. She was exhausted. Being two people at once was hard work. The lies and secrets weren’t the worst part. The worst part was disappointing Ava and Ryan. Thankfully both seemed to have found someone else to spend their time with.

Ava leaned over and whispered. “I finally did it. I told her how I felt.”

“And?” Lisa asked, pretending to be anxious for the answer.

“She was surprised. But she feels the same way.” Ava turned back to Kaitlyn and they both smiled broadly.

Lisa looked at the happy couple with a smile of her own. “Congrats, you two.”

“I’m just beside myself,” Kaitlyn confessed. “I don't think I ever expected this to happen. I need to talk to Tristan. Do you know where he is?”

“I don’t know,” Lisa replied. Pretending to look around, she caught a glimpse of Madeline who smiled brightly at her. With Ryan and Ava having new dates, Lisa was now free to spend more time with Madeline. Lisa was about to get up and go to her, under the guise of finding Tristan.

“I’ll call him,” Kaitlyn said, pulling her phone out of her clutch.

Lisa watched in slow motion as Kaitlyn played with her phone then put it up to her ear. Suddenly she realized- “Wait - no!”

At that moment “The Imperial March” played loudly from Lisa’s clutch.

Lisa quickly dug inside and silenced her phone, hoping nobody realized.

Except Kaitlyn did, of course. Lisa and Kaitlyn looked at each other for a moment as Kaitlyn canceled the phone call and laid her phone down.

Ava looked at the two of them confused.

Kaitlyn’s eyebrows furrowed. “Lisa, why do you have my brother’s phone?

Chapter 6 - The Aftermath

Lisa was speechless as both Ava and Kaitlyn stared at her. Surely she could come up with an excuse on why she had Tristan’s phone. Maybe she borrowed it from him. Maybe her phone was dead. Maybe there was a mixup. She made eye contact with each, but it was Ava who was looking at her more intently. 

“Your eyes are brown,” Ava observed.

“My eyes?” Lisa echoed.

“Your eyes were blue earlier.”

Lisa put her hands up to cover her eyes. She had forgotten to put the contacts back in during the last switch. Surely she could come up with another excuse. Maybe it was the lighting in this ballroom. Maybe she did wear blue contacts but they were irritating her eyes.

Ava reached into her clutch and pulled out her own phone. She typed something.

Tristan’s phone once again pinged with a QuikChat notification.

“I just DM’ed you,” she quietly said to Lisa. “And it came up on Tristan’s phone. What’s going on here?”

Lisa looked back up at Ava. Maybe she could find another excuse. “I can explain,” she said defensively. She looked over to Kaitlyn, but she had a stunned expression. 

Or maybe she really just wanted to be caught. 

“Tristan?” Ava whispered. “It can’t be. I saw you both together on the dance floor. I introduced you both.”

“It doesn't make sense,” Kaitlyn said, playing back her own memories. “How? I live with Tristan - you’d think I would’ve noticed…” Her eyes got wide. “Wait - that is my mother’s necklace! Tristan? Is that really you?”

Lisa put her head down in shame. She was caught. No excuse would get her out of this jam. “Yes,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Sorry, Lisa, I couldn’t hear that,” Kaitlyn’s voice was rising to the point of attracting attention.

Lisa looked up at Ava and swallowed. “Yes, I’m really Tristan. I’m so sorry.”

“How could you do this to me?” Ava said, her anger and hurt rapidly building.

“I only wanted to get close to you,” Lisa whispered. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Kaitlyn looked Lisa up and down, and stopped on her breasts. “How is this even possible? Is that a mask? Fake breasts?”

Lisa continued talking to Ava. “I didn’t take your rejection well. I wanted to see if you were telling the truth. I bought a body suit. I enrolled in Lovelace. I pretended to be a new girl at your school. Things got…out of hand.”

“‘Out of hand?’ What the fuck, Tristan!” Ava raised her voice. “I told you, ‘No. I don’t want to date you.’ That should’ve been the end of it. You don’t go and pretend to be someone else. That’s so fucked up.” Ava stood up. “I can’t believe you would humiliate me like this. After I trusted you with-” Ava froze while she processed more of Tristan’s betrayal. Her eyes narrowed and she hissed, “You- you saw me-” She suddenly slapped Lisa hard across her face, the suit’s pain receptors making Tristan’s cheek sting.

Ryan frantically appeared at Lisa’s side. “Lisa, is everything OK?” 

Before Lisa could answer, Kaitlyn spoke up. “No, it’s not. Ryan, do you know you’re on a date with your best friend?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t do this,” Ava interrupted, “I want to go home. Ryan, please take me home. I don’t want to see her… him. Tristan, please stay away from me. Forever.”

Ryan looked at Lisa, who was cradling her face. He wanted guidance that he wasn’t abandoning his own date.

“Go,” Lisa said quietly. “Take her home. I’ve screwed up enough tonight.”

When Ryan and Ava were gone, people who were sitting at the nearby table were confused at what just happened. Isabella and Abigail finally returned.

“What happened?” Izzy asked. “Where's Ava?”

“I just want to go home,” Lisa stated, putting her head into her hands.

“Let me find my date, and we’ll head out,” Kaitlyn said.

As they left the ballroom, Lisa passed Addison Thomas who was laughing. “Fuck around and find out, bitch!” Addison laughed.

Lisa wasn’t sure how much Addison had seen. Was it the whole confrontation or just the slap heard ‘round the world? Either way, Lisa ignored her and pushed through to the outside.

* * *

Lisa collected her things from the adjacent empty ballroom and met the others at her car.

“Where’s your stepbrother and his date?” William asked. “Who’s this girl?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Kaitlyn said, as the three teens got into the car. 

Lisa just wanted to get home, so she left her heels on as she drove. It was awkward at first, but she got used to it.

The drive home was quiet. William, not knowing what had happened inside, tried to lighten the mood with some jokes that just didn’t land. Lisa dropped him off at his house and they continued on home. 

The siblings walked into their dark house. Lisa turned on the lights and started for the stairs.

“I’m going to bed,” Lisa announced.

“Not yet,” Kaitlyn disagreed. “You owe me some answers. Sit down.”

Lisa was too tired to argue, so she trudged back into the living room and fell into the couch. She unstrapped and kicked off her heels, then started massaging her feet. Knowing that she no longer had to hide her inexperience at women’s attire she commented, “God, I don’t know how you wear these things.”

Kaitlyn sat across from her. She noticed Lisa’s legs were wide open. “Dude, close your legs.”

Lisa sighed as she crossed her legs and adjusted her dress. “What did you want to talk about? You’re pissed right? Go ahead and rip me a new one. Just make this quick. I’m already pretty humiliated and tired from all the changes tonight.”

Kaitlyn was quiet for a moment as she was trying to find the right words. “Do you prefer Tristan or Lisa?” she asked, her voice calm.

“What?” Lisa asked, surprised. “That’s what you want to ask me? You’re not angry?”

“I am angry. But, I gotta know. Tristan, are you trans?”

“No.”

“How long have you been dressing like a girl?”

“Since I got the body suit. Last week.”

“Does your mom know?”

“No.”

“So, let me get this straight. You impersonated a girl online. You bought a female body suit. You bought girl’s clothes. You enrolled yourself in an all-girls’ school. You convincingly fooled everyone into thinking you were a girl - so what? So you could date Ava?”

“Yes. Ava told me she’s a lesbian. So, I decided to become one, hoping-.”

Kaitlyn cut her off, “Tristan, lesbians by definition are women. You aren’t. Unless - and I’m going to ask again. Are you trans? If so, you can tell me. I swear I won’t tell your mom or my dad.”

Lisa was silent. She wasn’t trans, and she didn’t want to repeat herself. “Can I go upstairs now?”

“Did you enjoy being Lisa?”

“Yes,” she whispered, looking at the floor.

“Why? What was exciting about it?”

Lisa sighed as she searched her feelings for answers. “I’m such a loser. I only get friend-zoned. When I’m Lisa, I’m a different person. More confident. More attractive. The way people looked at me when I was Lisa made me feel like - not a loser.”

“Tristan, you’re not a loser.”

“Yeah, right. You’ve been calling me a loser since the day you met me.”

“I was angry about my dad dating again. I was angry he moved on from Mom so quickly. She was only gone six months when he introduced me to you and your mom. What did you think was going to happen? That we were going to be BFFs?” She couldn’t hold back the tears. “I didn’t want a brother… I wanted my mom back!” 

Lisa felt like shit. She knew Kaitlyn’s mom had passed away, but she never considered the effect this had on Kaitlyn. It didn’t help that Kaitlyn had never brought the subject up until now. “I’m sorry, Kaitlyn, I never knew,” Lisa apologized. “I should have asked you how you were coping.”

“Thank you. I think we both could have done a better job communicating. And for what it’s worth,” Kaitlyn added, “I was trying to set you up with Abby. She seems like she’s interested. But you were too boneheaded and obsessed with Ava to notice.”

Lisa whispered, “I really screwed up, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, you did.”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Lisa got up and said, “But I am going to bed,” and walked upstairs. Kaitlyn didn’t stop her.

* * *

Lisa threw herself on her bed. She wanted to change out of the body suit, but instead buried her head into the pillow and cried. She wanted to cry. No, she needed to cry. And for reasons she didn’t understand, she found it much easier to cry as Lisa and not as Tristan, so she let the floodgates open. 

When she was ready to get up, she peeled herself from the pillow and deactivated the suit. 

He pulled off the mask. Tristans’s face was tear soaked. Those were his tears. They weren’t manufactured by the suit.

He continued getting undressed then took a shower. He put on a T-shirt and shorts and sat on his bed trying to think of what he was going to do. He checked his phone. Ava’s contact disappeared from QuikChat. She blocked him.

He decided to text Ryan. “I’m sorry I ruined everything.”

There was a knock at the door. “Are you decent?” Kaitlyn asked.

“Yeah,” he sighed. 

“Sorry, I know you’re about to go to bed…” She walked into the room. Her eyes were drawn to the body suit draped on the bed. She walked over and touched it. Her hand recoiled. “It’s so real.”

“What did you need?” Tristan asked without looking up.

“I came to check on you.”

“Your necklace is on the dresser. I also borrowed some of your clothes.”

She walked over to the dresser and picked up her mother’s necklace and let it dangle from her hand. She chuckled. “Mom wanted two daughters. I always wanted a sister.”

Tristan was silent.

His phone buzzed with a reply from Ryan. “I’m home. Ava didn’t say much. I didn’t even get Chloe’s number.”

Tristan put his phone down without responding.

“So what now?” Kaitlyn asked. “Are you just going to box Lisa up? Throw her in the closet? Pretend none of this happened?”

“I said, I don’t know,” Tristan tersely replied. “Ava blocked me. She doesn’t want to hear from me. Ryan is pissed. This was only supposed to be for a week. I was going to drop out of Lovelace tomorrow. Box up Lisa. Donate her clothes.”

Kaitlyn sat on the edge of the bed looking sympathetically at Tristan. “But what would’ve happened if Ava said yes?”

Tristan closed his eyes and shook his head, “I didn't think that far. I-I would’ve found a way to keep being Lisa.”

Kaitlyn nodded and stood up. She walked to the bedroom door and turned back towards Tristan. “Tristan?”

He looked up at her.

“If you… find a reason to keep being Lisa… I’ll support you.”

Tristan rolled his eyes.

“By the way,” Kaitlyn asked, “when you went out last night to buy a suit…”

Tristan cringed at yet another lie. “That’s when Ava and Lisa went dress shopping.”

“Wow!” she exclaimed. “You went dress shopping. Did you have fun?”

“Sure. I got a chance to hang out with Ava. We had a great time.”

Well, next time the girls go shopping we'll bring Lisa with us. Just… ask before borrowing my clothes next time.” She smiled and left the room before Tristan could respond.

He went over to his alarm, shut it off, turned out the lights, and climbed into bed.

* * *

Tristan didn’t get a good night’s sleep. He tossed and turned as the events of the dance played back in his mind. The high of being Lisa. Of being a hot girl at that dance. Of dancing with Ava and Madeline. But then the lows of seeing Kaitlyn and Ava kissing. Of seeing Ava’s hurt expression as she told him to never talk to her again.

He was awakened by a knock at his door. 

He didn’t get up. 

Another knock. This time louder.

“Tristan, get up. It’s Friday. We still have school.”

He rolled over. “I already told my school I’m out all week. And I’m certainly not setting foot back inside Lovelace.”

That’s when Kaitlyn barged into his bedroom and turned the light on, welcome or not. She pulled out Lisa’s uniform from his closet and laid it on top of his bed, next to the body suit that was never put away.

“You’re driving me to school today,” she announced. “And you’re going to apologize to Ava.”

“Not a chance,” he replied from somewhere under the covers. “She doesn’t want to talk to me. She doesn’t even want me going near her.”

“You’re going to make the attempt.”

“Kaitlyn…”

“Lisa, you owe me big time. I’m sticking my neck out for you. I’m keeping this whole escapade a secret from Dad and Melissa.”

He sat up in bed. “What if they kick me out? What if they arrest me for being a boy at a girls’ school?”

“Where were those concerns at the beginning of the week?”

“Nobody but Ryan knew I was a guy until last night. Now… one, two, three, maybe more know the truth. Maybe the whole school knows.”

“Then don’t piss anyone off.”

“Yeah, well, looks like that ship has sailed.”

“Let’s go. We’re running late.”

He pulled the covers off himself and got out of bed. “Do you mind?”

She turned her back to Tristan and faced the doorway.

“Go away.”

“I’m not leaving until you are up and ready for school, Lisa.”

He grunted then walked over to the body suit. He put it on, this time not taking long at all. 

“Where’d you get it?” Kaitlyn asked, still facing the door.

“What?” Tristan asked.

“The body suit.”

“This company called ‘Skincognito’. It was a government contractor that made disguises for spies and witnesses.” He pressed the earlobe and activated it.

“That couldn’t have been cheap.”

“Over 500 dollars,” Lisa replied when the suit was done activating.

Kaitlyn gasped at the change in Tristans’ voice. “It does your voice too.”

“It does.” Lisa quickly slid on a pair of clean panties and fastened her bra.

“So, that’s where all of your Christmas money went,” Kaitlyn said, making the connection.

“That and clothes. I never realized how much girl’s clothing costs.”

Kaitlyn chuckled. “If you think clothing is bad, wait until you have to buy makeup, or get your hair done.” She turned around to see Lisa standing there wearing just her skirt and adjusting her bra cups.

“Do you mind?” Lisa groused, making a futile attempt at covering her chest with her arms. 

Kaitlyn giggled. “We’re both girls - at the moment. Hey - next time try putting the blouse on first, then the skirt. That’s how I do it.”

Giving up on modesty, Lisa picked up her blouse to continue dressing. She sighed as she put it on and started buttoning. Fastening the girl’s-side buttons had become as second nature as putting on the body suit. When she was done, she tucked the shirt into the skirt then sat on the bed and put her foot through the pantyhose. She huffed and looked over at Kaitlyn who was biting her thumbnail and had a smug look on her face. “What?”

“Want help?”

“Do I have a choice?” Lisa asked, handing the pantyhose to her.

“See, you ball it up in your hand, like so,” she demonstrated, expertly rolling it up. “Then you stick your foot in it, and unroll it up your leg.” She handed the hose back to Lisa with the one leg still rolled up.

“I know, I know! I watched some videos on it.”

“Sorry, I didn’t know you were a pro after only a week.”

“I’m just flustered. I never had to crossdress in front of anyone before. Especially when they’re judging my every action.” She then repeated the process on her other leg, trying to do it just right, knowing she was being scrutinized.

“Wasn’t that easier?”

“It’d be easier if you weren’t watching me.”

“You know,” Kaitlyn said, ignoring Lisa’s quip. “If you continue to be Lisa, we’re going to have so much fun! Clearly you have an eye for dresses. Did you pick that out, or did Ava? And those heels! Damn girl, those were hot.”

“I found the dress, and then Ava picked out the matching heels. Hey - who said I’m going to continue to be Lisa?”

“Duh. I barged in here, told you to be Lisa, and drive me to school - and you did it without much complaining. I also have been living with you for a year. I can't get you to do anything unless you secretly already wanted to do it. Like driving me to the mall. Only if Ava is present. You think you’re sly, but I see through your complaints and mild resistance. You also admitted to me last night you liked being Lisa.” She smiled in victory. “Ergo…”

“Fine,” Lisa said. “I make no promises.” She stood up, faced the mirror, and put on the tie and blazer, then her school shoes.

“Face me,” Kaitlyn directed.

Lisa stood in front of her grinning as Kaitlyn dusted off the blazer and straightened the tie.

“Are you smiling?” Kaitlyn asked.

“No,” Lisa said, trying in vain to hide it.

“Liar. You are enjoying this. Don’t you ever deny being Lisa is fun.”

They both turned to face the mirror to see the reflection of two girls in identical Lovelace uniforms.

“OMG we're sisters!” Katilyn gushed.

“Can we just go?” Lisa grumbled. “I wouldn’t want to be late to my own execution.”

“Yeah, we can,” Kaitlyn agreed. “Thanks again for driving me to school, sis!”

Lisa grunted as she followed Kaitlyn downstairs. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

* * *

Lisa parked and she and Kaitlyn walked towards the entrance of Ada Lovelace Girls’ Preparatory Academy. Ava, Izzy, and Abby were sitting in their normal spot under the grand oak tree.

When Ava saw Lisa and Kaitlyn approaching, she quickly got up and walked into the school.

“I’ll talk to her,” Kaitlyn promised, putting her hand on Lisa’s shoulder. “Just be patient.”

“She’s likely talking to the dean right now explaining that I’m a guy,” Lisa replied.

“Stay positive. Just don’t go talk to her without me, or before I’ve had a chance to talk to her first. Don’t make things worse.”

Lisa nodded, then asked, “Kaitlyn, why are you doing this for me? Just a few days ago you hated me.”

“Well, a few days ago you were just my dumb stepbrother. We’ve talked more in these past 24 hours than we have in the past year.”

“But, still. A few heart-to-hearts and you’re sticking your neck out for me?”

“Because I feel like I’ve gotten to know you better. And I think you know me better. Because I know you encouraged Ava and me to happen. Because - I… might have a sister.”

“Kate!” Lisa said, annoyed.

“I know, sorry. No labels. But I want Ava to be my girlfriend. I can’t have a feud between my girlfriend and my brother - or sister.… sister - or brother. I want us all to be friends.”

“I want that too,” Lisa agreed. “But right now I’d settle for her not hating my guts, and not getting thrown in jail for trespassing - or worse.”

They walked up to Abby and Izzy.

“What happened last night?” Abby asked.

“Ava refuses to talk about it,” Izzy added.

“Another time perhaps,” Kaitlyn said cryptically to the girls on the bench.

“Well, I’m not going to dance around this,” Lisa declared. “It’s my fault. I lied to Ava. I betrayed her trust. Now she doesn’t want to see me again. I need to apologize to her.”

The class bell rang and Lisa followed all the students filing into the school.

* * *

The day went on normally. Nobody mentioned the events at the dance to Lisa. Gym class was the biggest test. If anyone knew the truth, she would’ve been kicked out of the locker room and security notified. Nothing happened.

During English Lit, Madeline was waiting for Lisa. “Hey, what happened to you last night?”

“Shit hit the fan,” Lisa whispered. “My crush found out.”

“About… Tristan?” Madeline whispered back.

“Yeah.”

“I’m glad you came back. I saw a little bit of that drama from afar. It looked bad. I wasn’t sure I was going to see you again after last night ended the way it did.”

“I wasn’t planning on coming back, but I wasn’t given a choice this morning.”

“So what happens now?”

“I don’t know. I came back to apologize to her. If she’ll see me.”

“I mean with you, Lisa. Will I see you again?”

Lisa didn’t know what to say. “I’m not sure if I can juggle two schools. I don’t think I’m coming back Monday.”

“I understand. Lisa-”

She was interrupted by the teacher starting class.

“We’ll talk after school,” she said, then turned back around to face the teacher.

During World History is where Lisa ran into Chloe.

“What happened last night?”

Lisa sighed. She didn’t want to talk about it.

“I was having fun with your cousin, then he rushes over to your table where there’s all sorts of drama, then you all left!”

“Sorry, Chloe, I had a big argument with my friend. Ryan agreed to take her home.”

“Oh,” she said. She paused for a moment. “Your cousin is a great dancer.” She turned around in her seat for a moment, and turned back around. “I forgot to give this to him.” She slid a ripped-off corner of note paper with a phone number on it to Lisa. “Can you give that to him?”

“Of course,” Lisa responded. She smiled, knowing this would certainly help redeem her in Ryan’s eyes. This might even make his day.

“Oh, you should keep a copy too,” Chloe added, “in case you want to get together sometime.”

“Thanks, Chloe, I will.” Chloe’s simple gesture gave Lisa a glimmer of hope she might survive this ordeal, although Chloe didn’t know Lisa was a guy underneath this pretty girl.

The rest of the school day was uneventful. Right before the last period of the day, Kaitlyn finally texted Lisa, “She’s still angry, but agreed to meet you after school.”

Knowing that Ava was still angry tightened the knot in Lisa’s stomach. She was getting more nervous by the minute. She knew she had to apologize, but she didn’t know the right words to say.

* * *

Lisa spent the final period thinking about what she wanted to say to Ava, and also how to say it. She reflected on everything that had happened this week. All the lies that had been told. The betrayal. The hurt feelings. 

When the last class of the day ended, all of the students rushed out of the classrooms and out of the school. Lisa however, nervously trudged along. This was not a conversation she was looking forward to.

As promised, Ava was sitting outside the school under the grand oak tree with her friends. When Kaitlyn saw Lisa, she grabbed Abby and Izzy and walked away to give Lisa and Ava some privacy. Ava stood up.

“Hi,” Lisa greeted Ava as she approached.

Ava stood there with her arms crossed. 

“Do you want to go somewhere private?” Lisa asked, looking around at the students around them heading home.

“No. Not at all,” she abruptly replied. "You have five minutes, Tristan. You can thank Kaitlyn for them because I wasn't going to give you even one." Every word oozing with contempt, cutting deep into Lisa.

Lisa tried to speak but choked on her words. This wasn't going to be easy, but she had to do this. She knew she would never be able to forgive herself if she didn't at least try to make amends.

"Well?" Ava said, impatiently.

Lisa felt the anger from Ava’s response and took a deep breath. “Ava, I am so sorry-.”

“For what?” Ava sharply replied. “Do you even know what you’re apologizing for? Are you even capable of remorse?”

Clearly this was going to be harder than Lisa imagined. “I… I tricked you.”

“You catfished me.”

“Yes. And… I… I betrayed your trust.”

“You used my secret against me. To lure me into spending time with you.”

“Ava, I am so sorry I lied to you. I’m sorry I kept on lying. I’m sorry I pretended to be someone else. I used you. I broke our trust. I screwed up royally. I hurt some people, but most of all I hurt you. And again, I am so sorry for everything.”

“Then why did you do it?”

Lisa took a deep breath and looked into Ava’s eyes. “Because…I love you.”

“Love? This is about love? Lying to me? Deceiving me. Using my innermost feelings against me? That’s your idea of love?” she erupted. “My God, Tristan, if you loved me, you would have respected my decision. You would have trusted me. Instead, you betrayed every minute of friendship we've ever shared - all so you could trick me into dating you. What was next, sex? Tristan, Lisa - whoever the fuck you are - you’re not even human. You're a monster!”

Lisa looked back at the ground. “You’re right. I was only thinking of myself, not you.”

“Clearly. What did you even think was going to happen? I don’t understand what was going through your mind. There’s only one way catfishing ends.”

This wasn’t how Lisa imagined the apology would go. She was losing her audience. “My intent wasn’t to catfish you. It wasn’t to hurt you or cause you pain. I was in a bad place. I did it because I didn’t believe you.”

“You didn’t believe me?”

“When you told me you were into girls, I assumed I was being rejected because you didn’t like me for me. I did this initially because I wanted to find the truth. I was looking for verification that yes, I was a loser and you rejected me because I was a loser - not ‘cause I’m a guy. This was never about hurting you. This was about me doubting myself. Doubting that I was worthy to ever be anyone’s boyfriend. I should've respected your wishes. Instead, I was obsessed with my self-fulfilling prophecy. So, I created ‘Lisa’. After I found out you were telling the truth, I should’ve stopped. Lisa should’ve just disappeared. But instead I continued to mislead you and dig myself in deeper. Throughout this whole ordeal, you did nothing wrong. I, however, did everything wrong. I reacted poorly, and I’m embarrassed at how I’ve acted since then.

“So, you did this because you thought I was lying? Tristan, have I ever lied to you?”

“No, you never have.”

“Why didn’t you stop? Why did you keep being Lisa?”

Tristan mumbled, “I-I liked it.”

“What was that?”

“I liked it. I liked flirting with you. I liked hiking and shopping. I liked being Lisa. Besides, I already dug myself a hole. There was an ad with a coupon on the site where I made the pictures I sent you - for realistic body suits - and that's when I thought that maybe you might want to date Lisa. So, I bought one. I told myself at the time that it was the coupon that convinced me to do it, but I knew I was going to buy it just on the chance you’d say yes. Ryan tried talking me out of it, but I was desperate and wasn’t listening to anyone.”

Through her anger, Ava let out a slight chuckle. “You never were one to take half measures. Or think things through before jumping in.” She regained her defensive composure. “But I told you at the fountain that I already had my heart set on someone. What made you think that 'Lisa' could replace her?”

"I hoped that by being 'out' and 'available' that the connection we already had could grow into something more. But, when I asked you out again on the hike it became clear that we were never going to be more than friends. I was upset, but not just because of yet another rejection. I was upset because I spent my entire savings on Lisa so that we might become more than friends - only to end up as just friends - again. Now, I liked being friends again, but the reality started to set in and I was back at that same dark place I was at the fountain. Luckily, I somehow made other friends this week. One of them found me and talked me out of the darkness.”

"So, if she hadn't talked with you then, you weren't going to come back?"

"Most likely. But I'm glad she did. The next day Kaitlyn and your friends convinced you and me to go to the dance. I knew Ryan needed a date, and since I was a girl all week, I offered. Then you asked Tristan-"

"I only asked you because I thought you understood the boundaries.” The anger in her voice was back with a vengeance.

“But I’m still glad we all went to this dance.”

“You’re glad you fooled and tricked us?" 

Lisa winced a little. "No, I meant I’m glad because you and Kaitlyn finally connected at the dance. If I hadn't helped you to believe that you could come out to her, or been there to help Kaitlyn through her feelings, you would still be hiding part of yourself away. I know I wanted to be the one you chose, but your happiness is more important to me than a childhood crush. If you never want to speak to me again, I can at least know I helped you and my sister Kaitlyn find happiness with each other.”

"Wait, you talked with Kaitlyn? Did you tell her my secret after I asked you not to?”

“No, no - this was after you pulled her aside. She ran away. I followed her. We ended up having the most honest conversation we've ever had since our parents met. I finally saw the bond between the two of you for what it was. Ava, I want both of you to be happy, and I know now that you two will be happy together.”

“So, you think just because you helped us that you should be forgiven? The ends don’t justify the means.”

Lisa shook her head firmly. "No. Absolutely not. What I did was wrong on so many levels. I know that. If anyone else found out, I would probably end up in prison and definitely on one of those sex offender lists.”

“Are you only remorseful because you got caught?”

“No. I realized I had dug myself a hole I couldn’t get out of earlier in the week. I couldn’t stand lying anymore. I knew that I couldn't keep the lie going, but I wasn't about to spoil the night for everyone else. I was already formulating a plan to reveal everything to you, but then you and Kaitlyn figured it out. But I am most remorseful because I hurt you, and broke a trust that took years to grow.”

“So why are you still in that get-up?”

“At first, Kaitlyn pushed me to be here. And being here means being Lisa. But, I had all day to think about what I had done, and I realized I needed to apologize to you in person. Not a text or phone call. I wanted to show you how truly sorry I am for hurting you. Finally, I made friends here. They deserve a goodbye.”

Ava looked down at her cellphone. “Your five minutes are up.”

Lisa nodded her understanding, and was about to walk away.

“You’ve been lying to me for weeks,” Ava said. “Tell me something real. Something truthful. And don’t tell me you love me.”

Lisa avoided eye contact and looked off into the distance. A few bare trees swayed with the cool early March breeze. A sign spring was almost here. “I’m struggling, Ava.” She winced in pain. An acknowledgement she had never spoken out loud.

That answer took her by surprise. “Struggling? Like how?”

Their eyes met for a moment before Lisa looked away, not wanting to reveal how vulnerable she actually was.

Ava motioned to the bench. “Here, sit down. Talk to me.”

They both sat on the bench. Lisa resting her elbows on her knees, looking down. Ava facing Lisa at full attention. 

Lisa continued, “I haven’t told my Mom. I haven’t told Ryan. But… I’ve been depressed ever since my dad left us. It’s been one rejection after another. I have a hard time waking up each day. Seeing you gave me one good thing to look forward to. And that was long before Lisa. Kaitlyn would use that knowledge to get me to drive her anywhere as long as you were around. But, I didn’t care. I enjoyed it because I got to see you. Your presence was the highlight of those dark days. I know this doesn't excuse my actions - I still did an awful thing - but being Lisa… gave me an opportunity to be someone else. To leave Tristan’s problems behind.” She paused, closed her eyes and reopened them. “I think that’s why I really came back. That’s the real reason I’m Lisa right now.”

“If you’re struggling, you need to talk to someone. Dressing up and pretending to be someone else is not healthy.”

“I know, but I had to be strong. You’re the man of the house now, Tristan. I'm not strong. I’m weak. I couldn’t admit that. Not to Mom. Not to Ryan. I’m not strong. I should’ve listened to Ryan when he told me this Lisa thing was a bad idea. But I was desperate for connection. Desperate for someone who wouldn’t reject me.”

“You know who else you could’ve talked to? Someone who may know what you’re going through?”

Lisa shook her head.

“Kaitlyn. Have you ever talked to her about this?”

“No.”

“You should. She lost her mom around the same time you lost your dad.”

Tristan nodded.

“Tristan? Are you still in that dark place?”

“No. Despite the fact that I'm in a lot of trouble - I feel like a weight has been lifted. I don't know what the future holds for Lisa, but if she disappears I hope everyone focuses on the good memories.”

"Tristan-," Ava began.

"Please, it’s Lisa," she corrected with a gesture down her body. "The person you see before you is named Lisa. If you want to talk to Tristan you will need to give him a few minutes to get here." She forced a playful smirk.

Ava curiously cocked her head, letting those words sink in. It was a weird thing to demand in the middle of an apology. She looked at Lisa’s body language, and tried to decipher what she was trying to tell her. Between Lisa’s admission that she was in a bad place and her insistence that Ava call her Lisa, Ava understood. “No, Lisa, that’s fine. I understand what it’s like to not be seen. Either way, I have a feeling you can relay any message I have for him." Her lips contorted as she tried to find the right words. "Look, I am still mad at 'both' of you, but I can admit I missed the signs that a close friend was hurting.”

“What I did was inexcusable-”

Ava held up her hand. She wanted to finish. “We are all so caught up in our own troubles that it can be easy to miss the struggles in others. Lisa, I appreciate you coming clean about all of this - even though you only did so because you got caught. But, I need time - a lot of time - to think about everything that happened. Maybe someday I can forgive you, but you need to show me that you really understand what you did, and how you betrayed me. Maybe then you can earn that trust back. That’s going to take time. Don’t worry - I’m not going to turn you into Lovelace, or tell anyone your secret. But I need some time alone to think about whether I can ever trust you again. I want to be able to. To do that, the lying stops - now. I should ask you to stop pretending to be Lisa. But if you are Lisa, then that’s not something I can ask. Else I’d be a hypocrite. Lisa, are you really…” Ava paused and noticed Lisa was blushing. 

Lisa was attempting to shrink. If she was a turtle, she would’ve withdrawn into her school uniform. 

Ava knew from experience that this was a topic Lisa wasn’t ready to discuss, so she changed it. “Lisa, if you see that dark place again," she pulled out her phone and tapped a few times to unblock Tristan and Lisa, "contact me immediately. You or Tristan. Do you understand?" A single tear rolled down her cheek. “Actually, ask for help. Like, literally. Ask. Doing illegal things in the name of crying for help - it isn’t healthy.”

At that moment Lisa didn't care what the boundaries were, she moved in and hugged Ava tightly. “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed.

A moment later Kaitlyn returned with Abby and Izzy to find Ava and Tristan sitting on the bench, embraced in a hug. Both appeared to be crying.

"What's going on?" Izzy asked.

"Did you two settle whatever happened at the dance?" Abby Inquired.

Before Lisa could respond, Ava spoke up."There were a lot of misunderstandings and hurt feelings.” She shared a glance with Lisa. “We both need some time apart to sort through everything,” she paused so Lisa understood, “but our friendship is going to be there when we are both ready."

After Lisa left Ava and her friends, she wiped the tears with her blazer sleeve. Despite what happened she had a slight smile on her face. She wasn’t sure why. Ava ripped her a new one. And she deserved it. Their friendship was certainly on probation. But for a moment there, they saw each other. Exposed. Raw. Lisa didn't know what it meant yet. It would take a lot of time to heal, but considering the alternatives, that went better than she could’ve imagined it going that morning.

As Lisa got to the parking lot, she saw Madeline sitting on a bench, waiting for her.

“How’d it go?” Madeline asked.

Lisa sat down next to Madeline. “Our friendship is on probation. But it’s still there. And she’s not going to tell anyone of my little secret.”

“That’s great! So you’re coming back Monday?”

“I don’t know. I only enrolled to get closer to Ava. There’s really no point in continuing to be Lisa after today.” Lisa frowned.  “But it was fun.  Until last night.”

"You’ve made other friends here too. Besides, maybe you can find another crush to get closer to?"

Lisa chuckled. “I don’t know. Ava was pretty pissed off when she found out Lisa was a guy in a body suit. I don’t think I could do that again. I imagine the same thing would happen-”

“I don’t mean tricking them.” Madeline placed her hand on Lisa’s knee and whispered in her ear, “I mean - someone who knows the truth. Someone who you don't have to lie to. Someone that would let you be both Tristan and Lisa. Some girls might get a thrill from knowing Tristan is inside such a lovely girl.”

As Madeline slowly moved her hand along Lisa's stockinged leg, Lisa's eyes went wide with realization. She stuttered but couldn’t get the words out, "But you saw the real me. You know this isn’t real."

“I just want Lisa to stick around,” Madeline said, then whispered, “I want to get to know both versions of you. Don’t hide part of who you are. If this is who you really are.”

Lisa bit her lip. She was surprised Madeline was being so forward. Madeline knew Tristan’s secret, and apparently was more than OK with it. “So, you want to hang out with me? Even though I’ve got…” she motioned to her body, “...this going on?”

“Especially because of what you’ve got going on. I think a guy should be in touch with his femininity. I like a person who knows who they are. That’s hot.”

“Ha! I wouldn’t go that far. I have no idea who I am. I’m still figuring that out.”

“Then let’s figure it out together. My parents have a work function this weekend. Why don’t you tell Tristan to come over then so we can get to know each other better? Make sure he brings you along, too. Or the reverse. You come and bring Tristan with you. However you’re feeling.”

Lisa smiled. After all of the rejections, it felt good to be the one who was being asked out. “I’ll be sure to tell him,” she timidly replied.

“Great!” Madeline said, quickly standing up. “I need to get going.  I’ve got D&D soon. I’ll DM you! See you both this weekend!”

As Lisa watched Madeline saunter off, she realized this made her decision to put Lisa away for good that much harder. On the plus side, though, it didn’t seem like Madeline would be revealing Tristan’s secret to anyone.

* * *

After school Lisa drove to Ryan’s house. Since she was on her “Lisa’s Apology Tour” she figured he should be next. She rang the doorbell.

Twenty seconds later Ryan showed up at the door. He was slightly surprised to see Lisa standing there instead of Tristan. “Why are you still pretending to be Lisa?”

“I had some apologies to issue today. So, I went to school at Lovelace to make them in person.”

“Did you talk to Ava?”

“Yeah. She’s still pissed. We agreed to give each other space. But she is at least talking to me now.”

“Good.”

“It’s your turn for me to apologize to you. Ryan, I’m sorry. I know you were excited about the Sadie Hawkins dance. You’ve been talking about it since they announced it back in December. I ruined what should’ve been a fun night for you.”

Ryan smirked. “At least I can say ‘I told you so’. Remember, I’m on record saying pretending to be Lisa was a bad idea.”

“And that was even before I made Lisa into a real person,” she laughed.

“Right! But, your apology isn’t really necessary.”

“Why not?”

“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have gone to the dance at all. I would’ve stayed home. I got to go to the dance. Hang out with my best friend. Watch him make a total fool of himself. I even got to dance with some cute girls - present company included. My parents are still talking about you. Overall… I think it was a success.”

“I’m glad you see it that way,” Lisa smiled. “I was worried you’d hate me forever.”

“Tristan, you’re my best friend. We’re allowed to do stupid things and forgive each other. This might’ve been the stupidest though.”

“Thank you. I do have one more thing for you, something that will make last night even better. Maybe even less stupid?”

“What’s that?”

Lisa pulled out Chloe’s number from her bag. “Chloe asked me to give you her number.” She handed the ripped paper to Ryan.

Ryan looked at it and suddenly had a huge smile on his face. “What else did she say?”

“She had fun with you. You’re a good dancer. Clearly, she wants to see you again.”

“What about you? Last night was a disaster. How are you holding up?”

“Much better. It wasn’t a total disaster. One girl is interested in me.”

“That girl you were dancing with? Not Ava. The other one.”

“Yeah, her name is Madeline. How’d you guess?”

“I was watching you dance with her. She just had that ‘look’, you know?”

“I didn’t realize.”

“Tristan, you’re clueless sometimes. That girl was into Lisa.”

“So, I’m just realizing.”

“Does she know about Tristan?”

“She does, in fact.”

“That’s good. No more lies then.”

“Yeah. No more lies.”

“Well, thanks for stopping by, dude... excuse me, Lisa. Speaking of which - will I be seeing Lisa again?”

Lisa looked down at her feet or rather, her stockinged legs and penny loafers. She smiled and replied, “Maybe.”

“Good, because I think my mom is already planning our wedding,” he joked.

Lisa chuckled, “Awesome. You can pick Tristan to be your best man.”

Ryan laughed. “Great! A repeat of last night. My best man and bride can’t be in the same place at the same time. That ought to screw with everyone.”

“I should get going. You have a number to call.”

“Where are you off to now? It’s Friday night. Does Lisa or Tristan have a hot date?”

“Not tonight. I need to pick my parents up from the airport. I really would just like to chill. I need it after last night.

“Available to play some video games?”

“Sure. Catch you online.”

“Sounds good. See ya later!”

* * *

When Lisa got home, the house was empty. Presumably Kaitlyn was still out with Ava. She got out of the body suit and took a nice long hot shower.

After getting into a T-shirt and jeans, Tristan collapsed on the living room couch and dozed off. He was exhausted from a long, stressful week. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when he was awoken by the sound of the front door opening. He looked up to see Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn looked at him. “Oh. Tristan, it’s you. I was kinda hoping Lisa would be here. For a sister’s night.”

“Ha. Ha,” Tristan replied.

“Ava told me about your talk in private.” 

“Yeah, it went better than I was hoping for. I also talked to Ryan. We’re cool.”

“You know there’s probably one or two more people you need to talk to, right?”

“What do you mean?” Tristan said, sitting up. “I apologized to everyone I needed to. Do you mean Abby and Izzy?”

“Nah, they don’t need to know right away, unless Lisa continues to hang out with us. I’m talking about…your mom and my dad.”

Tristan sank back down into the couch. “They don't need to know,” he mumbled.

“Are you going to continue to be Lisa?”

“Maybe. Probably. I’m not sure.”

“If you do, then you know you have to tell them eventually. Especially since you promised Ava that you were going to stop lying.”

Tristan grumbled. She was right, but he didn’t want to admit it, nor did he look forward to telling his mom what happened this week.

“Here’s a better question,” Kaitlyn added. “Where are you going to school on Monday?”

Tristan shrugged.

There was silence for a minute as Kaitlyn let that question and the only logical course of action marinate with Tristan.

She finally broke the silence. “What time do you have to pick our parents up from the airport?”

Tristan glanced down at the time on his cellphone. “In twenty or so minutes.”

* * *

The ride home was awkward for Tristan. He tried not to look too guilty while his mom and Steve went on about their trip - the places they went, the sights, the food. He was glad they did all the talking. When they arrived home, he carried in their bags and headed straight upstairs to bed as they repeated those same stories for Kaitlyn. Tristan used the excuse that he was tired. Tomorrow was going to be a difficult day. 

* * *

Sometime after breakfast, Tristan finally got the nerve.  He glanced at Kaitlyn. “I’m going to talk to her now.”

She gave him a warm smile for support. “I’m here if you need me.”

“Mom, I need to tell you something,” Tristan announced to her. He looked at Steve standing there. “In private.”

“We’re a family, Tristan,” Melissa reminded him. “What you have to say, Steve can hear too.”

“Fine,” Tristan said. “But you’re going to want to sit down for this.”

Tristan sat down on the couch. Melissa sat on an easy chair across the coffee table from her son. Kaitlyn sat next to her stepbrother for support. Steve sat off to the side.

“So what did you kids want to tell us?” Melissa asked. “Oh, my God. Please don’t tell me you two are dating each other.”

The two teens quickly looked at each other, then back at Melissa. “No!” Tristan and Kaitlyn yelled in embarrassment.

“Eww!” Kaitlyn added for good measure.

“Well, you two are sitting next to each other without fighting,” Melissa clarified. “That’s unusual.”

Tristan got serious. “Mom, I have a confession to make.”

“What is it, honey?” she asked, leaning forward in full attention.

“I skipped school last week.”

“Oh, Tristan-” She looked disappointed.

“And I enrolled into Kaitlyn’s school and went there all this week instead.”

She looked confused. “I don’t understand. Kaitlyn goes to a girls’ school.”

“Yeah. I was pretending to be a girl.”

Melissa got a serious expression as she looked at her son. “... and they let you do that?”

“I was very convincing.”

“Very convincing,” Kaitlyn echoed. “Lovelace never found out.”

“I spent all of my savings on a realistic body suit and girl’s clothes.”

“All of your savings?” Melissa was lost. “I don’t understand what you’re trying to tell me, Tristan. What’s a body suit? And why would you do any of this?”

“You remember my friend, Ava?”

“Our friend Ava,” Kaitlyn corrected.

“Right,” Tristan added. “I asked her out. She turned me down and said it was because she’s a lesbian. So, I thought if I was one too, she’d date me. So I made up a girl named Lisa and pretended to be her for the week. So I could date her.”

“You catfished your friend?”

“Yeah, I know what I did was bad.”

Melissa sat there motionless, silently processing what Tristan had just said. After a few moments she crossed her arms and scowled in disapproval. “And let me guess, you got caught. Or else you wouldn’t be telling us, right?”

Tristan broke eye contact and looked down at the floor. “Yes,” he said, defeated.

“So, you skipped school, forged registration papers, lied to your friend, and got caught. There’s more right?”

“No, my disguise worked. Ava found out, and is still pissed, but we’re giving each other space. The problem is I’m enrolled at my school and Lovelace. And I don’t know how to be in both places at once.”

“That’s the predicament you find yourself in?” Melissa shook her head at her son’s inability, or unwillingness, to grasp the obvious answer. “It’s very simple, Tristan. Stop pretending to be a girl.”

Tristan silently nodded. He had expected her to say that.

That’s when Kaitlyn elbowed him. “Tell them.”

Tristan sighed, “OK.” He looked at his mom. “The problem is, I don't want to stop being Lisa.”

“Lisa?”

“The girl I’ve been all week.”

“You don’t want to?” His mom asked as she looked at him, curiously. “Honey, are you…”

“No, I’m not trans. Well, I don’t think so. I don't want to stop being Tristan. I don’t want to stop being Lisa, either. I want to be both. There’s a girl I met who actually likes that I’m both.”

“So you’re coming out to us, but you’re not?”

“I’m not coming out at all.” Tristan replied.

“Tristan, honey, you're not making sense. What are you trying to tell us?”

“I need your help. I’m in over my head.”

“With what?”

Tristan was silent for a moment. What did he want? “I don’t know. I thought maybe there was a get-out-free card you could play? Or at least advise me on how to proceed?”

“You want us to be accomplices?” Steve chimed in. 

“No,” Tristan replied.

“Honey, you need to stop being Lisa. You’re breaking all sorts of laws.”

“Don’t put her back in the closet,” Kaitlyn interrupted. “She deserves to be herself.”

Everyone looked at Kaitlyn after her outburst. Tristan shook his head in embarrassment.

“I’m sorry,” she said, then elaborated. “Even if Tristan doesn’t believe he’s trans, let’s pretend for a moment he or she is. What if Lisa is a cry for help?”

“I’m not trans,” Tristan whispered.

“But if you were… you could be truthful about being Lisa.”

“But then I would be lying about being trans. I want to stop lying”

“You don’t have to pick a label. You stopped being cis the moment to decide you wanted to be a lesbian.”

“Alright, stop.” Melissa said to stop the step-siblings from arguing any further,

The room was silent as everyone considered the possibility.

Melissa looked at Steve, and then the kids. “Why don’t you two give us some time. We need to discuss all of this and decide what to do next.”

* * *

Tristan retreated to his bedroom. He could hear his Mom and Steve’s muffled voices downstairs. He couldn’t make the words out. Occasionally someone would raise their voice. Tristan covered his ears. He felt guilty. They had just gotten back from their honeymoon and were hitting a huge test to the marriage - all because of him.

Kaitlyn silently walked into his room and sat next to him. She held his hand. “It’ll be OK.”

Tristan remembered what Ava had told him about reaching out to Kaitlyn. “Hey - thank you for telling me about your Mom last night.”

“She was a good woman.”

“I’ll bet. My father, though, he was the opposite. He walked out on us.”

“I know.” She squeezed his hand. “My dad told me as much.”

“What you don’t know is how much that messed me up. I’m still messed up. My own father rejected me. What if my mom rejects me too…”

“Tristan, stop!” Kaitlyn interrupted. She hugged him tightly. “Your mom loves you. She’s not going to reject you. Neither am I. We’re family now.”

After what seemed like forever, Melissa called up to them. “Kids, come down here.”

Tristan and Kaitlyn both descended the stairs and returned to the living room.

“Tristan, honey,” Melissa began. “I know you said you’re not transgender. But, given all that has happened, we cannot ignore that possibility. You’re my child. I want what’s best for you. Part of that is, I want you to be yourself. If Lisa is part of you, I cannot deny you that piece of yourself. So, we’re not going to.”

“Really?” Tristan replied, excitement returning to his voice. “How…” His voice trailed off as he imagined all of the logistical issues that would entail.

“Leave that up to us.”

Steve added, “We discussed a few options. I found a school that deals with this sort of thing, but they’re out in the middle of nowhere. Puella Aurora Academy-”

“But, I don’t want to leave my friends-” Tristan interrupted, panicking.

“We figured that,” Melissa replied, trying to calm him down, “Which is why we’re going to allow you and Lisa to remain enrolled at your respective schools. We don’t want to send you away with only three months left until graduation. But,” she emphasized, “we’re going to do this legally. We’ll help formalize… Lisa’s enrollment. We’ll excuse your absence from your school, but that means you’ll have to do homework for both schools, and maintain passing grades at both. There’s also the matter of Lovelace’s tuition. Sending you both to private school is expensive. Tristan, you’re going to be on the hook for Lisa’s tuition.”

“But, I’m broke,” Tristan replied. “I used all of my savings-”

“You’re going to need to get a job,” Steve replied. “Or Lisa. It’s March 2nd. That means you have at least three months of tuition until you graduate.”

“That’s the price for being two people,” Melissa added.

Tristan breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you mom, thank you Steve. This means a lot to me. I won’t let you down.”

Steve gave a concerning look to Melissa.

“Oh,” she added, sighing, “Tristan, you're grounded.”

“Grounded?” he questioned. “I’m 17.”

“Yes - and you forged paperwork, you trespassed at an all-girls’ school. And broke I don’t know how many laws. You’re getting off easy.”

“But, I have a date with someone today.”

“Go as Lisa,” Kaitlyn said, thinking she found a loophole.

“Lisa’s grounded too,” Steve added, frowning at Kaitlyn.

Tristan wanted to protest. He wanted to say, “This isn’t fair.” But then he realized it was quite fair. He got off easy. “How long?”

“Until you can prove you can handle your studies at both schools,” Melissa answered.

“And when you find a job,” Steve reminded him.

Tristan nodded his acceptance of their terms.

After a moment of silence, Melissa spoke up, “I think we’re done here.”

* * *

Tristan laid down on his bed and pulled out his phone. He had to break the bad news to Madeline. “Hey, Madeline.”

“Hi,” came the response.

“I got grounded.”

“Oh, no,” she replied. “Does that mean your parents found out?”

“I told them what happened. No more lies.”

“So, I’m guessing we can’t hang out today?”

“Unfortunately, no. We’ll have to reschedule.”

“Um, what about Lisa?”

“She’s grounded too.”.

“OK, so how long are you two grounded?” she asked.

“I’m not sure,” he replied. “They are letting me and Lisa go to school, but I have to pay her tuition. So, I have to get a job. Maybe both of us,” he chuckled.

“How’s that going to work?”

“I have no clue.”

“I’m really sorry I - we - can’t see you today. We were looking forward to it.”

“That’s OK. Good things are worth the wait 😉,” she replied.

Tristan put the phone down and stared at his ceiling. He could hear Kaitlyn on the phone in the next room. The walls weren’t really soundproof.

“...I can’t go today. My ride got grounded,” she said. “Yeah, our parents were pretty pissed... No, not as much as you are… I dunno. Maybe next weekend.”

He got up from the bed and walked to Kaitlyn’s room. He leaned against the doorframe.

She was lying on her bed with the phone to her ear. Kaitlyn noticed him standing there then said into the phone, “Hold on, Tristan’s here.” She put the phone down and sat up. “What’s up?”

“Thank you,” he said.

“For what?”

“For being supportive of all of this.”

She smiled.

“Is that Ava?”

“Yeah, she invited me to go out to her parent’s beach house today.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“Well, I can’t go. Unless I can find someone who isn’t grounded to drive me. I don’t want to ask my dad just yet.”

Tristan reached into his jeans pocket and pulled out his car keys. He tossed them to Kaitlyn.

She gave him an inquisitive look.

“Obviously, I can’t use it today. I figured maybe you could.”

She shot out of bed and hugged him. “Thank you!” She then rushed back to her phone. “My brother is letting me borrow his car!”

With that, Tristan walked back to his own room. He noticed his phone had a text notification on it. It was another text from Madeline.

“Will I see you Monday?”

That was a good question, Tristan thought to himself. Who was he going to be? How was he going to juggle going to two schools? He didn’t know what the future held.

He stood in front of the closet examining the far end where he stashed the girls clothes he bought. He noticed a cute magenta top Lisa bought with Ryan, but never got a chance to wear.

A smile formed on his face. He slid the body suit box out from under the bed. “But, I suppose the bigger question is… who am I going to be today?”

Author's Notes and Acknowledgements 

Thank you for reading!

A number of Discord Server members were interested in reading a body suit story created by yours truly. I wasn’t quite sure how it would be received, so I set out to write a quick short story. Four months and 40,000 words later, here we are!

I know a number of people were turned off by a catfisher being the protagonist of this story, so I hope those who stuck it out feel his actions and consequences were balanced.

The story of Tristan and Lisa isn’t over. Hopefully there will be more adventures. After all, they need to get a job, and they need to finish school and go to college. Plus, there is a girl interested in Tristan and a girl interested in Lisa. Is Kaitlyn going to come out to their parents?

Thank you to my alpha readers - ETSD and Elron. They provide such an invaluable service to me. Plus, I get that instant feedback on whether this story is good or not. Of course I say this every story, but lastly I also want to thank all of the readers - especially those who interacted with me on the various online platforms during the course of the story. Without you, this wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable, and I likely wouldn't still be writing anymore.

You can leave a comment here or reach out to me via email (tfes8@yahoo.com), or on my Discord Server (https://discord.gg/cTuZwYF4dT). 

You can find other free stories on my website (https://tfemily.com), and my pay stories on Amazon. (https://www.amazon.com/stores/T.F.-Emily-Sorrento/author/B0B5H54V1D).