Feeling Of Missing Out

The Unexpected Choice - Sporty Skye

Coming into this and even up until Ja stopped speaking just there, I never would have anticipated actively choosing trainers over boots with Barbie on them, or the classic black school shoes that every girl wears. But something about these in particular just felt so different to every other trainer I've had the displeasure of wearing before. The colour certainly helps – they could not be mistaken for just any other trainers. I feel as though I'm going to stand out today.

I place my feet into the soft trainers and fasten them with the simple Velcro straps. The pink, gold, purple and light blue designs all over them look even more vivid up close.

Mum helps me into my bright pink coat and places my pink lunch bag into my pink school bag – you will be noticing a theme by now. Even I am slightly overcome by the overwhelming pinkness of it all, however nice pink is as a colour. Everyone knows it is the prettiest one.

"And don't worry about playing games in those shoes – they are top of the range. Nothing is going to damage them."

"Thank you, mummy." Oh! That felt really bizarre to say.

"You're welcome, princess. Now, are we ready to go to school?"

"Yeah, let's go!" Katie comes down from her room and puts her black trainers on, then we are all ready to leave the house. My first day as a school girl starts here.

I'm feeling weirdly confident and not so scared when Mum drops us off at the school gates. Katie walks me around to where the Primary 1 children gather and gives me a quick hug before making her way over to join her friends in Primary 6. They all look at me with smiles and 'aw look' expressions on their faces. I believe that's a good thing.

I decide that the first person who chooses to talk to me, I'm going to be friends with. I may as well use this chance to be more confident than I ever was before. I'm only here for a day at very most, so I need to make the most of it.

A young boy with blond curly hair walks up to me after his mum points over in my direction. "H-hi. I'm James. What's your name?"

"I'm Skye. We must be in the same class. It's nice to meet you." Really? I didn't expect to sound so formal at 5!

"Same! I want to make some friends."

"Me too! I'll be your friend."

James' little face lights up. "Aw cool! I like football."

"Me too!" I don't think I had control over that answer.

"Great! We can play some later then!"

"Yep, we can. I'm really happy to be at school."

"Same. I'm a bit scared though."

"That's OK. I am too."

The bell rings for us to line up at the door and enter the cloakrooms to remove our outdoor clothes. In each of the girls' cubby holes, there's a pair of white gym shoes to change into, so that our muddy feet don't dirty the carpets. All of the boys have a black pair, which I only work out when I see James in the classroom. He asks me to sit beside him, so I do.

The teacher takes the register and it's only after three names that I hear it.

"Skye Christie."

"Here, miss." It was that simple. It was honestly just that easy and straightforward. No one questioned me for saying it, no one judged me. I'm just Skye here.

The class itself isn't so important – reading is reading. At break time, James motions me over to play football with the other boys.

"We'll let you play, even if you are a girl." I'm surprised to hear that from such young boys but it's still a lot nicer than the taunting I've been on the receiving end of outside of this world.

"Thanks. I'm really good at football, too." That definitely wasn't me saying it. I think this simulation's choices manipulate what I can say to fit its scenarios. I can only hope that it also applies to my ability.

It's not long at all before I realise that is the case. I can race away from anyone else and my shooting is a lot better than even my twenty-one year old self can achieve. James cheers as I score my third goal in about five minutes.

"Wow! You're really good, Skye!"

I never would have thought my ultimate female fantasy as a five-year-old was to be the ace football player, but I suppose this situation is more eye-opening as the minutes pass. When I score the fourth of the game, a few of the boys run to celebrate with me and hug like most of the stars do these days. It's weird being hugged at school, never happened to me before. But I am not hating this. One look down at my clothes or moment of playing with my hair reminds me that I am all girl. Skye Christie. Football prodigy!

The bell rings to bring an end to the game and we return to the classroom.

"You should play with us again at lunch."

"I will! Maybe I'll score even more goals this time!"

Just then, the pink light obscures my vision and, feeling light-headed, I black out.