The Other Side

2. Twoset

A/N: Yes, it is a fanfic after all ;-)

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Recess @playground

Edwin's best friend Brettany sat next to him on the grass. She had a million questions to ask.

"So.... um, Edwi.. Edwin, your boyfriend Brad is also going through a transition?"

"Yeah, he's a she now. Her name is now Bradleigh."

"...And you guys are still going out?"

"Yeah."

"...How does that work ?"

"It... just does."

"But weren't you attracted to Brad, as a guy? But if you now identify as a guy too, does that now make you gay?"

"Um.. I don't think so.. now that he's transitioning to a girl... The thing is, I always liked him just as a person rather than him being a guy.. I mean I liked his masculinity but I also always liked his delicate features which make him attractive to me as a girl now I guess... It might not make sense but sexual identity and sexual orientation are two separate things. Maybe I'm pansexual?? I'm not even sure myself...."

"Hmm..... So, um, what I really wanted to ask you was.. is Bradleigh going to get jealous if we keep hanging out ?"

Edwin looked shocked and grabbed Brettany's arm.

"Oh, no, Brettany. You're my best friend. I'd be devastated if you dumped me just because I'm Edwin now. You won't, will you??"

"Hey if it was up to me, of course not. But I just want to make sure Bradleigh isn't going to think I'm some kind of skank going after her boyfriend."

Edwin pulled Brettany for a hug.

"No she won't. She knows that I need my friends...okay??"

Brettany hugged Edwin back.

"Okay sweetie."

Recess @Teachers' lounge

The Deputy Principal started the staff meeting.

"...So this year we have two students undergoing a transgender journey starting this term. Edwina Chen in Year 10 will now be known as Edwin and Brad Yang in Year 11 will now be known as Bradleigh."

Eddy opened his eyes wide and gave a glance to his favourite colleague Brett who was sitting next to him in the teachers' lounge where the staff meeting was being held during recess. Brett glanced back at Eddy and raised his eyebrows in surprise, too. The Deputy Principal continued;

"Many of you know that these two students have been a couple since last year. The fact that they both have been wanting to undergo a transition seemed to have brought them closer. They have been given a key each to one of the unisex single toilets, they can share it for recess and lunchtime and also as a change room for sports. Those who have Edwina, I mean, Edwin and ...Bradleigh in their classes, would you please make a note of their new names. The electronic roll call system has already been updated with their new names and gender they identify with.

The meeting finished and Brett and Eddy decided to have a coffee together in the teachers' lounge.

"Brett, I have Edwin in my Year 10 geography class."

"Yeah? Well, I have Bradleigh in my Year 11 English class, Eddy."

"So... have things become more complicated these days ??"

"What do you mean?"

"Like... why would they do this ? It adds complications to their lives... changing such a large part of their lives during an important time in their high school years..."

"Eddy... I think it's the opposite."

Eddy raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean ?"

"Sure, if you are the majority, this may come across as a complication, but y'know, I think this is a sign that life is actually getting easier, for these kids, to be true to themselves... what do you think?"

"Oh..."

"Like.. back in our time, it would've been so much more difficult to even admit if you were ... say gay or wanting to identify as a girl. I'm sure such students existed.. but they never came out. In the last few years, I think things have become much more open for some. Definitely not for all yet, but definitely for many. And being able to say so means they can be true to themselves. Sure it may look like an added complication for some but I think it's actually something that has made life a little easier for those who felt like they couldn't talk about it before. And.. I think it must be something really important to them, y'know. So important for them that they want to do this, even if it's during their important years of high school..."

Eddy let all of what Brett told him sink in.

"OMG... you're right Brett... I never thought of it that way...You've completely changed my perspective on this... I'm so glad you told me.."

Brett smiled.

"I'm glad you have a flexible mind, Eddy. We'll just support them the best we can, hey."

"Yeah..."