Trapped (egobang trans)

Chapter 70 - Villain

The gradually warming air blew through Arin's hair as she walked down the streets a few months later. Not a lot had been happening at school, everything was mundane and usual. She had hung out with Ross a few times, as promised, along with getting more comfortable around Rachel. Ashley was still absent from the friendship group, and although Arin kind of wished that they'd stayed friends, she understood the awkward position she'd been placed in with Danny and how that also translated to her, his girlfriend. And so she simply brushed off the regret and convinced herself that was just the way it had to be.

That was her social life covered. But of course, there was the other big part of her life: her hormone therapy.

Thankfully her emotions had somewhat calmed down now (but then again Arin was never emotionally stable in the first place). Of course her voice hadn't changed - she was working on manipulating that herself to something higher. There were operations available... she wasn't sure she was ready for something like that. Maybe in the future, but not right now. Her skin had softened some, and her body fat was beginning to redistribute. Her chest was gaining more fat, though if you weren't looking it was hard to tell and it could be easily mistaken for what one might call "man boobs". Not a glamorous term which definitely didn't help with Arin's dysphoria, but it was progress of a sort.

Danny was having more progress, the most noticeable change being his voice which had dropped a few octaves at this point. He also had these cute voice cracks which he found embarrassing, but Arin couldn't help but gush over every time it happened. He also had the beginnings of a fuzz forming on his chin and upper lip, though it was only noticeable by touch. As Arin's moustache was ceasing to grow too, Meouch had joked that the two had swapped their facial hair.

All in all, life was normal but happy, everything heading in the direction Arin wanted. As she walked down the street she smiled to herself about it all. It was a fairly sunny Saturday, and she'd decided to take a big leap and go out by herself for the first time, no safety-boyfriend and no bike to carry her away from awkward situations. Arin was feeling confident and ready to face anything. Well, maybe not anything, but definitely the cashier at her local corner shop.

She was wearing a knee length baby blue skirt and a pastel pink top, long sleeved. Her hair was down, blowing about her head in the gentle morning breeze, and she was even wearing a dash of makeup; Suzy had been giving her lessons.

The corner shop came into view and even from this distance Arin could see a few people inside, milling about the shelves. She swallowed her nerves and crossed the road to then walk up the three steps to its door. A beat of hesitance and she was inside. Someone glanced her way as she entered, but they promptly turned away with little interest towards her and continued to browse the stupidly numerous different types of bread.

Arin scanned the small establishment, wondering what to buy. She shrugged to herself and decided to walk around. Did her parents mention anything they were low on? Milk, maybe? She couldn't help but eye the sweets, but she was making an effort to slim a little, reduce her body to something a little less... jiggly. Nothing too drastic, though.

Moving on Arin found a selection of magazines and newspapers. She gazed at the beauty magazines for a while, observing the disgustingly perfect models on the front pages. She wasn't dumb, she knew that was all fake. There was no point aspiring to be that. Realistic goals and small victories, that was what Arin wanted. Speaking of small victories, she still hadn't panicked. This trip was going to be easy.

In the end Arin selected an apple to munch on her way home and a chocolate bar that she knew her mum would like, a gift she'd decided to get on a whim. She joined the queue for the counter, gripping her items a little tightly. When Arin had no stimulus, that was when her anxiety got the better of her - the main reason she hated silence so much. The line was a decent size so in response Arin felt her heart pick up speed with nothing to occupy her ever-racing thoughts.

Thankfully though, the line moved quickly and soon enough Arin was handing over her purchases and exchanging her money.

"That'll be £3.50 in total, sweetheart," said the cashier kindly with a smile

Arin gave a bashful smile back along with her money before muttering thanks and hurrying outside so she didn't hold anyone up. Another positive of her hormones: strangers using words like "sweetheart", "young lady", and "ma'am".

Arin slipped the chocolate into her pocket (she'd purposefully bought a skirt that had pockets) and started walking back the way she came, home. A short endeavour, but she was pleased with herself. Taking a bite of the apple too, another smile made it's way onto her face at its sweetness.

"Arin?" called a voice behind her suddenly, which caught her attention.

She stopped in her tracks and turned around, almost choking on her apple as she saw Jon jogging up to her.

That's right, Jon.

"J-Jon...?" she stammered as he approached her.

What did he want? Once again her heart started to race; she couldn't help but think about what he'd done to her last time they talked. Not to mention she got him expelled...

"Hey, I was just walking across the street and I saw you come out of that shop. I thought I'd come and say hello."

He smiled wide down at her, still so much taller and intimidating. Arin took an involuntary step back and Jon's smile dropped. Oh no.

"P-Please leave me alone," Arin managed to squeak, her throat tight with anxiety.

"Are you o- wait." Jon suddenly blushed bright red, "That's why I wanted to talk to you! Arin, I wanted to apologize. I tried to take advantage of you and that was wrong of me."

He paused, apparently waiting for Arin to speak.

How do I respond to that? He seems so genuine, but I don't know if I can trust him. If Danny was here he'd probably punch him in the face. I can't do that though, what if he's actually sorry, then I'd be the one in the wrong! And I'm not strong enough, what if he fights back? He'll overpower me!

Arin stared blankly up at Jon, her thoughts spinning.

What do I do????

"I get it. I wouldn't forgive myself either, if I was in your situation. But I really am sorry, Arin, and if I'm being completely honest... I didn't realise how much I missed our friendship and seeing you at school until I got expelled. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, I want to make things right between us, and if you'll let me, I think we could be friends again."

Jon gazed down at his feet shamefully, not meeting Arin's eye suddenly as he spoke again, realising Arin had nothing to say. Arin's eyes widened as she took his words in.

Friends? We weren't friends, were we? We only hung out once, and ever since I broke up that fight I thought he hated me. Did he really like seeing me in the halls? Did he want to be friends? Maybe he was too awkward to ask, like how I am?

Questions buzzed in Arin's confused brain. In her mind, Jon was the villain of her story. She'd had plenty of nightmares reliving what he'd try to do to her, and in some of those nightmares Suzy hadn't been there to stop him. Those memories haunted her to this day. Now, however, looking at him again in the flesh, he looked different. Extra fat had been replaced by well defined muscle, he had a bit of a beard growing in. Even his face was different, the expressions it formed softer and less threatening. He'd changed since last year. Arin wasn't sure what to make of him. Was he still the villain?

"So? What do you say?"

Maybe he deserved a second chance? Arin gave a careful smile.

"O-Okay, let's try it."

A/N: again, a bit of a shorter chapter than I'd want, but less filler-y (yay) and ooooo Jon is baaaaaack what d'ya think of that? ;D