Changes.............

5

"S....... Serena?"

I looked at Leilani, who was watching me. I was a bit more relaxed around her now, and didn't feel the need to leave the room when I used the injections. Something she was happy about. Apart from that one time I'd forgotten and told her to give me a minute. She threatened to sit on me and do it herself if I didn't do that immediately. Needless to say, I did. Although, she is cute when she gets annoyed....... 

"What is it, Lani?"

She smiled, as I used my nickname for her. 

"I was............ I was wondering if I could ask what happened when you were attacked?"

She looked down at her hands, and I grabbed one of hers, holding it in both of mine. I knew she would ask about this eventually. The only ones who knew were Mitch and my parents. But, I felt OK telling her. 

"It's alright, Lani. I don't mind telling you."

"I just don't want to upset you, flower."

I smiled as she used her nickname for me, and shook my head.

"Come here."

I moved, so she was cuddling with me. I wasn't exactly comfortable with this, but she needed comfort. She seemed surprised, and cuddled into me when I kissed the top of her head. 

"I was out late, when these three guys seen me. They started saying things about me being different, and came over to me. I ignored them, and just kept walking. They grabbed me, threw me on the ground. I ended up with a concussion and a lot of cuts and bruises. I was OK after a while. This is another reason I'm worried about you. You shouldn't have to worry about things like this. You should be with someone who can-"

"Serena, stop."

I looked down at Leilani, who had sat up and was now looking very, very annoyed. 

"I care about you, I don't care if you're transgender or not. I care about you because............... This would be easier if you could see what I do when I look at you. You're beautiful, kind, caring, smart.............. You're you, Serena, and that's all I want."

I was looking down at my hands, unable to look at her, by the time she was finished. I couldn't see that, I just couldn't. 

She tilted my face up to look at her, and kissed me softly, leaning her forehead against mine. 

"I mean it, Serena."

I kissed her, pulling away, and running a hand through my hair.

"It's hard for me to try and see the things you said. All my life, I felt trapped. When I started this transition, I didn't think anyone would want to be with someone like me. When Mitch told me you needed somewhere to stay, I was nervous. But, when you arrived, I couldn't believe how beautiful and kind you were. When you kissed me, I didn't know what to do. I knew I really liked you, but I didn't know how you'd react to me being different. When you told me that you knew, and that you didn't care...................... That meant a lot to me, Lani."

She leaned over, kissing me again. 

"Flower..................... I knew you were different, I did. When I saw those injections, I knew they were something to do with that. But, you told me it was something else. I respected your choice and didn't say anything. I............... I noticed the scar on your chin.*

She tilted my face up, brushing the surgery scar on my throat with her fingers gently.

*And I don't care about any of it. I know that if and when you get your other surgery, that you're going to need someone to look after you. I'll be that person and help you with anything you need after the operation. I don't care what it is."

I shook my head, thinking about what I was going to have to do after the surgery.

"There're a few things I'll need after it. But, we can talk about that later. I'm just so lucky to have someone like you."

Leilani shook her head, looking at me. 

"I'm the lucky one. You could've asked me to leave when I kissed you. But, you didn't. Sure, you told me that you weren't interested, but you were scared. I'm here for you and don't care that you're different."

We spent a little while talking and she suggested that we tell Mitch. I was nervous, but he'd always supported me in everything I did. She talked me into it, and called him. He came straight over, wanting to know what she had to tell him. 

"What's wrong?"

He sat on the couch, and I sat in the armchair, with Leilani on the side of it. I looked at her, as she started to speak. 

"Nothing's wrong Mitch. I just wanted to talk to you."

He nodded, and she took a deep breath. 

"It's about Serena and I. We're..................... We're dating. And before you ask, I know she's different and I don't care."

He shook his head, smiling.

"I'm happy for you two, and I wouldn't have asked. I know Serena would've told you before deciding to be with you."

He smiled at the two of us, and said he was happy for us. He hugged the two of us, ruffled my hair and said he had to leave. He was moving and had to get the place cleaned up. 

I was happy he accepted us. He'd always supported me in everything I did, with the transition. My parents supported me, and did their best to help me find what I needed. They helped me get the hormone therapy and the surgeries I needed and I felt lucky that they accepted me. 

But, what about Leilani's parents? 

Would they accept her being with someone like me?

"You look like you're thinking about something important. What is it, flower?"

I looked at Leilani, as she walked into the living room and sat next to me, grabbing my hand. 

"I was just thinking. My parents are fine with me being transgender. But, what would-"

"My parents don't care who I'm with as long as I'm happy. That's all that matters to them."

I nodded, looking up at her. 

"I know, I just-"

"Ssh flower. They won't care. Now, can I have a cuddle?"

I smiled, and felt happy that I was happy about slowly getting more comfortable around her.

"OK, Lani."