Trapped (egobang trans)

Chapter 53 - Dresses

As it turned out, Jon was expelled pretty quickly - the next day, in fact. Arin supposed that the school didn't want him to take advantage of anyone else. Not to mention Arin's mum's threat of keeping her out of school until he was expelled; they obviously didn't want her to be absent either.

And so, the next day Arin walked back into school, her previous unease abolished with Jon's removal. The threat was gone as far as she was concerned, and she could actually enjoy today.

Upon walking inside a few heads turned her way. All people she didn't know, but the initial terror vanished when they all smiled warmly. News travelled quick and it seemed that most people knew what had happened, and by extension the fact that Arin was a girl. A group of other girls actually complimented her sweater as she passed them. That felt good, and Arin had a bashful grin on her blushing face when she found her usual circle of friends.

"Arin! Welcome back! I know it's been less than a day, but glad to see ya!" exclaimed Meouch with a smile.

"Thanks, it's nice to see you too. Did Danny catch you up on what happened?"

"Yeah, he told us everything. Must've been horrible..." confirmed Sung.

"L-Let's not talk about it."

"Ah, yeah, sorry."

That day and the rest of the week passed surprisingly well, more people complimenting her, and even more catching on with the pronouns. After the rocky start to her transition, everything seemed to be smooth sailing, just like it had been with Danny.

Arin expressed as much one afternoon at band practice. They were all taking a break, and she and Danny were sitting on the floor together, leaned against the wall talking.

"I can't believe I was so scared," Arin said.

Danny gave her a side smile, punching her shoulder lightly.

"But you got through it! I know I keep saying it, but I'm really proud of you. My little girl's growing up so fast!" He faked dramatically wiping a tear away before breaking out into a fit of giggles.

Arin laughed along, amused that Danny could crack himself up like that. Then, she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. Throwing her eyebrows up in surprise Arin saw it was a text, from Suzy no less.

Suzy: hey Arin, don't know if we're on talking terms again, if not just ignore this message

Arin: no it's fine! I'd love to start talking to you again

Suzy: aw cool, same

Suzy: anyway, reason I was asking is cause I was wondering if you wanted to go to the mall with me and some friends this weekend? You can refuse, just thought it would be fun.

Arin: no, that does sound fun. Let me think about it though?

Suzy: yeah sure! Just text me when you decide :)

"Who's texting ya?" Danny asked, leaning on Arin's side as he tried to peer at her phone.

"Oh, just Suzy. She wants to go to the mall this weekend."

"With you?"

"No, she just thought she'd tell me all about her plans for no reason. Yes, with me." Arin smirked up at him, causing Danny to blush.

"Geez, chill girl!" he exclaimed, holding up his hands in surrender, then adding, "You gonna go?"

"I don't know. It'd be fun, but..."

"But?"

"She's bringing some of her other friends. I-I don't know if I could do that."

Arin clasped her hands in her lap nervously. Social interaction, her worst fear besides coming out. The thought of meeting new people, making a fool of herself...