Becoming Her (Trans)

Chapter 28

True to Miss Young's word, I get about 2 hours' worth of "thinking" about it (actually, I haven't thought about it at all). During 3rd period I get a note handed to me by the office aide. From what's been written down I have to get the teacher's permission to leave the class so I can go to the principal's office.

After showing the note to my teacher, he nods for me to go. Relieved that I'll miss the boring details, I grab my backpack and walk out of the classroom. The walk to the office takes a couple of minutes, but I take the time anyway. By now all the leaves have fallen from the trees, and I can't take one step without stepping onto several soggy ones.

The office isn't too crowded; only the receptionist and a concerned parent are in the main area. I show the receptionist the note before walking into the principal's office. Much to my surprise the principal was someone I've never met. Instead of Ms. Kim, I'm expected to talk to a Mr. Silverman, from reading the shiny new nameplate.

Mr. Silverman is pretty young, probably in his late 20s. He's swiveling himself in a big chair as he occupies himself with an open file in his hand. I don't bother making any sign that I'm present; Mr. Silverman looks up and smiles. "Ah, Mr. Morris," he greets, his voice booming. "Have a seat, why don't you?" He gestures at a small wood chair across from him with an open palm.

Hesitating, I pull the chair out and sit in it. Mr. Silverman puts the file away in his desk and leans towards me, his arms crossed. "So, I heard about the incident," he informs me. "How have you been since then?"

I'm more surprised now; the former principal always gets to the main point. That never included asking me how I've been feeling. I calm myself so I don't get tongue-twisted. "Um, fine, sir. Still healing and all."

Oh God, someone shine headlights in my eyes.

"Well, that's good." Mr. Silverman motions for me to shut the door. He continues. "You know this is serious, don't you?" I nod. "Are you sure?"

"What kind of a question is that?" I interrupt. "I was sent to a hospital after, and I was unconscious for a few days. Of course it's serious."

The principal nods. "That's what I thought," he says. "If you had known it was serious since the beginning, then why haven't you filed a police report?" The question came off concerned, but it sounded like an accusation.

I shrug helplessly. "I was too busy worrying about completing the work I've missed and the medicine I needed to take," I answer. "Besides, I had to put up with my family pampering me." Mr. Silverman chuckles.

"Well, I guess I shouldn't have assumed right off the bat you'd let the law enforcement know about it. But do you think you should?"

Now I'm uneasy. I get what he's trying to do, but I've been put in an awkward position. I want to leave it behind and move on. So what someone doesn't like me as Miya? He was some horny boy who wanted to get into my pants before the wig came off.

Mr. Silverman patiently waits for my answer. "Logically, yeah I think the police should know, but I think it's best if we forget about the event," I say. I shrug again, this time carelessly, to show Mr. Silverman I mean it.

Giving me the most analyzing look, the principal leans back into his chair, bringing his folded hands to his stomach. "Any other guy in this situation would've told me to help them file a report." He gestures towards me. "You're not any other guy, I assume. Is there something about that night that you're hiding?"

I shake my head immediately.

"Now I know you're lying," he states. He runs his hand over his hair. "If you don't want anyone else to know, that's fine. I at least should know."

Annnd, I'm back to making the deer-in-front-of-headlights face. Eyeing the clock above Mr. Silverman, I think about how he's going to react. Then I think, You know what? Fuck it. He's supposed to care about helping someone like me out.

"I um, was dressed up feminine as a costume. He thought I was a girl and made out with me. The wig fell off, he got mad, and that was when he inflicted the injuries." Since I figure that's all he needs to know, I stop talking.

The first thing Mr. Silverman does is turn his chair around, back facing me now, and gets something out of the low file cabinet. Turning back around, he opens a file in front of me. He flips through a few pages until he gets to a part. The principal takes out a pen and scribbles something down. He closes the file.

"So what I'm understanding is the reason you want the event forgotten is because you're part of the LGBT community?" he asks. I note he doesn't say "gay", like most people would assume.

I give him a tentative nod. "Pretty much, I guess."

"You guess," he repeats.

Cue another nod.

"Well, I can't control people's opinions, no matter how prejudiced or bigoted they are. What I can do is make sure such an incident like the recent one won't happen again. Do you understand?"

"Yeah."

"Good." Mr. Silverman takes out a pad and writes out a note. "Because you wish to drop it, I'll let you go back to class. If there's anything else you want me to know about, don't hesitate to tell me." After signing his name, he rips the note out and hands it to me.

I take the note, but don't say anything. Quietly leaving his office I walk back to 3rd period. A glance at a clock again tells me we only have about 5 minutes left before class ends. Despite this, I mosey instead of walking. After the visit to Mr. Silverman, I deserve some me time.