EJ

Chapter 10: mid-year break

The mid-year break (a week only) was upon us. Most of the students were going home. In our dorm, only Dory was staying.

The day before the break started, I got an urgent phone call from my father. I had to take it in Mrs Braun's office and in her presence.

Dad had a crisis and had been called away.

"Don't worry, Dad. I know the times of my appointments and where to go. I'll be fine."

". . . Dad, it'll be alright. I'll see you when you get back."

I got a lift home with Eva and her mother. Mrs Preston seemed really nice to me.

I'd just got back from the last of my appointments on Tuesday afternoon. The landline rang. It was Eva.

"Hi, doll-face. Have you done all that secret stuff you had to do?"

Oh, Eva, I want to tell you so much, but I'm scared. Aloud, I replied, "All done, my sweet bitch. What about you?"

Eva was going to have her stomach tattoo removed.

"Yesterday. Oh, God, I'm so bloody sore, babe. Dermabrasion, they call it. A fancy name for using an emery wheel on your skin. I hope you're feeling sorry for me."

"The tears are streaming down my face."

"Liar.'

Giggles at both ends of the line.

"Jodes, when does your Dad get back?"

"Saturday arvo - 'come hell or high water' - he says."

"Do you want to come and stay with us until then?"

"Love to."

I quickly found that I really liked Mrs Preston. In many ways she was a grown-up version of Eva. And that was probably the reason for their frequent clashes - there were so many similarities in their personalities.

Mr Preston seemed quite nice, but preoccupied with his work and his passion - fine furniture.

The Preston's had a very successful high quality furnishings business.

Eva had got a spare bed put into her room for me. "I know you're a modest chick, Jodes, but I really want you near me."

I had a great time.

I met Dad at the airport. He was surprised to see me there. We chatted and laughed on the way home in the taxi, but as soon as we got there, he sat me down to talk.

"Jodie, I'm sorry for what I've done to you. You're quite right, I'm a bastard. I felt so angry back then and I took it out on you."

"You can stop straightway and go back to being a boy. You can go to whichever school you choose and live here at home, even when I'm away."

Oh, gawd. I just sat there taking deep breaths.

"Don't you like me as a girl, Dad?" (what a stupid thing to say).

"Jodie, you're beautiful . . . and . . . I have to say, from what I've seen of you, you seem happier and more lively, like you used to be when you were young. But, I think maybe, there's something on your mind"

An interlude, then seriously, "Jodie, do you like being a girl?"

I looked up at him, beseeching, but not responding.

"Oh, it's Eva, isn't it?"

"I love her, Dad. I know I do."

"And Eva likes you, doesn't she?"

"She calls me her best friend. We hang out together all the time; people call us EJ because we're always together. We just get on so well."

"And of course, she's knows you as Jodie, the girl, and you're worried what she will think of Jodie, the boy . . . or perhaps Jodie, the transgender girl."

I was nodding, "I'm scared stiff."

He came over and sat down next to me, putting his arm around me, "Jodie, you've always had guts; you have to tell her."

"Oh yeah, tell her that her best friend has deceived her." I was shaking my head in despair.

"Pet, the longer the deception goes on, the worse it gets."

"I know," I said hopelessly.

"Is she worth it?"

"Oh yes, yes, yes."

"Then bloody tell her, girl. Tell her that your old man's a bastard and made you do it. Say that he wouldn't let you tell anybody. But say stuff him, you want Eva to know."

"Dad, it makes you sound . . ."

"It's the truth, love. I'm ashamed of what I've done; I deserve to be made to look bad."

"Oh Dad. Okay, okay. I'll tell her the first day back. I will, I won't weaken again."

"Good girl."

I put my arms around my father and hugged him.

"Jodie love, I'm sure it'll be fine, but remember, your Dad's back; got his head together again. If at anytime you need me, demand to make an emergency phone call - tell them you're pregnant or something - I will come and get you immediately."

I smiled and looked up at my father, "You're right, my Dad is back and I'm so glad."

I hugged him tighter.