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And it’s there—a moment’s hesitation before she turns. But then she does, and I see that recognition again.
“Hey,” she says. “You’re here. Why am I not surprised?”
This isn’t exactly the welcome I was hoping for, but it’s a welcome I understand. When we’re alone together, I’m the destination. When I’m here in her life at school, I’m the disruption.
“Lunch?” I ask.
“Sure,” she says. “But I really have to get back after.”
I tell her that’s okay.
We’re silent as we walk. When I’m not focused on Rhiannon, I can sense that people are looking at her differently. Some positive, but more negative.
She sees me noticing.
“Apparently, I’m now a metalhead slut,” she says. “According to some sources, I’ve even slept with members of Metallica. It’s kind of funny, but also kind of not.” She looks me over. “You, however, are something completely different. I don’t even know what I’m dealing with today.”
“My name’s Vic. I’m a biological female, but my gender is male.”
Rhiannon sighs. “I don’t even know what that means.”
I start to explain, but she cuts me off.
“Let’s just wait until we’re off school grounds, okay? Why don’t you walk behind me for a while. I think it’ll just make things easier.”
I have no choice but to follow.
We head to a diner where the average age of the customers is ninety-four, and applesauce seems to be the most popular item on the menu. Not exactly a high school hangout.
Once we’ve sat down and ordered, I ask her more about the aftermath of the previous day.
“I can’t say Justin seems that upset,” she says. “And there’s no shortage of girls who want to comfort him. It’s pathetic. Rebecca’s been awesome. I swear, there should be an occupation called Friendship PR—Rebecca would be ace at that. She’s getting my half of the story out there.”
“Which is?”
“Which is that Justin’s a jerk. And that the metalhead and I weren’t doing anything besides talking.”
The first part is irrefutable, but even to me, the second part sounds weak.
“I’m sorry it had to all go down like that,” I say.
“It could’ve been worse. And we have to stop apologizing to each other. Every sentence can’t start with ‘I’m sorry.’ ”
There’s such resignation in her voice, but I can’t tell what she’s actually resigned herself to.
“So you’re a girl who’s a boy?” she says.
“Something like that.” I sense she doesn’t want to get into it.
“And how far did you drive?”
“Three hours.”
“And what are you missing?”
“A couple of tests. A date with my girlfriend.”
“Do you think that’s fair?”
