Different

Chapter 13

The familiar house stood before me. It was already dark. They must have turned off the lights. The fence was freshly painted on. The shrubbery showed foliage and flower buds. Memories crept in as I walked in. The dimly lit porch was inviting. The door beckoned me to twist its knob. But I stood still, wondering what would happen if I tried to open it. I turned my back, knowing it wasn't my place anymore. They had cast me off when I started wearing female clothes and make-up. I walked off wondering why I dreamed about it whilst being in detention. Perhaps I missed my old life, the life that was simple, the happy life I used to live. The trees in the neighborhood remained still, oblivious of the sigh I let out.

Why I didn't stay at Madam Veronica's for dinner was the question that lingered in my head for the rest of the night. I was hungry and thirsty and didn't feel like finding a place to eat. Inside my apartment, I lay in quiet solitude, replaying the events that had happened recently.

Ever since I joined the coven, I discovered strange things, and this world I was in apparently got stranger the more I delve into its secrets. I could have stayed at Veronica's, but the cynical voice in my head forced me to be alone. My fingertips ran themselves over the amulet, playing with the ridges around the smooth ruby. The coat that Mrs. Stewart gave me hung on the wall. I forgot to wear it on the day those warlocks took me.

Sleep evaded me, but I had to go to work the following morning. Bishaw was no longer interested in Antonio. He had no idea how the search for the fugitive had progressed. So I went to look for answers myself. The police had no lead.

I went back to Madam Veronica's after work, bringing flowers for her. I apologized for hurriedly leaving her and Matthew the previous night. She understood and brushed off my apology. She invited me for dinner instead, and I couldn't refuse. I met Rebecca again. I was surprised how much little they spoke to each other. Maybe it was their way. I didn't pry into their family business.

The night progressed with us talking about life and career. She praised me for being able to pull it together despite the unfortunate events in my life. She even offered a position in her office. I declined the offer, of course. Not that I wasn't interested. I knew little about the corporate world.

Surprisingly, we didn't talk about witchcraft or about what happened to Barbara. I wasn't sure if she got killed. The wrongness of them getting killed haunted me. Still, I was grateful she was there to release me. I wondered what it would have been if they didn't find me.

A week had passed without any strange activity. Matt came by my apartment to hand over his healing potion. I thought it went stale on my table. I never opened it. Veronica called me twice to make sure I was all right and to ask if I needed anything. Mrs. Perrin, on the other hand, never had to learn about what had happened. The poor woman had enough stress to deal with already. I would smile every time I met her on my way down.

Life returned to its usual dull state of school and work. Or so I hoped.

Sometimes assholes bothered me about being a man in a dress. One of the problems I faced was getting into a restroom. For some reason, jerks just knew I was transgender, that I wasn't a true woman. My androgyny betrayed me more than a couple of times. It didn't matter that I wore makeup and pumps or that I moved gracefully, swinging my hips and whipping my forearms. I couldn't get into the ladies lavatory without inspiring ire or contempt. I couldn't get into the male restroom, too, without boys howling, shouting slurs, or grunting. It made my life difficult. There were days when it was just frustrating.

While I usually would let the bullying pass, I had pretty bad days when I'd give them what they deserved.

"Hey, missie." A guy grabbed my butt.