Becoming A High School Girl - Chapter 37

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I found Mom in the kitchen making her dinner to take to school.

"Hi, honey. Marlene called and wanted to let you know that they have a restraining order for the Rev and his followers to stay 100 yards away from our house."

"Good! Between here, school, and work, I'll have some safe havens. I don't need a restraining order for Spencer's. They wouldn't dare show up there," I replied with a smile.

"She also warned us that they will probably try a few things between now and Saturday." She finished packing her meal. "You want a ride to work?"

"Sure, let me go get changed first!"

Mom dropped me off at the mall's main entrance. I watched her drive away, and I walked towards the double glass doors. As I approached, a woman walked up and asked me to sign her petition. I was caught off guard, as the mall usually didn't allow soliciting.

"We are gathering names in support of a new trial for Jason Martin. He is a local boy who was falsely convicted of a crime and now is wasting away in prison. I would also like you to have a bumper sticker." The bumper sticker said 'Free Jason.'

"He wasn't convicted; he confessed and pled guilty; get your facts straight," I retorted, controlling the urge to seize her clipboard and throw it in the trash.

She stared at me and seemed to be at a loss for words. "Ummm, Yes, that's what was published, but we know that he was forced to sign the Ummm, confession." Apparently, she wasn't used to a teenager contradicting her.

I didn't want to let her know who I was. "Well, whoever told you that was wrong!" I then walked into the mall. I immediately tracked down a security guard and told him what was going on at the entrance.

I walked to the other entrance and saw another supporter of the Rev also questioning shoppers. I was pleased to see the security car pull up next to the entrance, and the guard begins to question the person. That made me feel very good.

I told Cindy what had happened, and she could only shake her head in disbelief. Mel asked me if I wanted "Cliff and the boys" to go rough them up! Cindy gave her a real dirty look for that one. It was tempting to say yes, but that would only get Cliff in trouble.

"I want you to go tell Mrs. Lincoln this. I'm sure she'll find it very interesting," ordered Cindy.

Mrs. Lincoln immediately called the mall office and told them in no uncertain terms that she was upset and that they'd better ensure that this didn't happen again.

"By the way, dear, I heard you looked lovely at your prom," remarked Mrs. Lincoln.

"Thank you. I wish you could have seen me! I had a wonderful time, and thank you for the day off on Sunday." I then left her office and changed for work.

Work was a nice distraction from my worries, and I was surprised at how fast the closing time arrived. Cindy gave me a ride home.

"By the way, Erika, I'll be at the counter-rally on Saturday," stated Cindy.

"Thank you!"

I saw Marlene's office on wheels parked in the driveway. I said goodnight to Cindy and went inside.

"I'm home!" I announced.

"We're in the kitchen," said Sam.

I walked in to see the kitchen table covered with papers. Marlene was on the phone, and she waved hi to me.

"You're home early," stated Sam, without looking up.

"No, I'm not. You've just lost track of time," I replied, pointing to the clock.

He glanced at his watch. "Whoa, it's almost 9:30!"

"I take it you haven't eaten."

Sam shook his head no.

"Well, I'll fix dinner. Why not something simple and easy to eat, so we don't have to clear the table? There is a table under there, right?"

Sam smiled and mouthed 'smart ass' to me.

"You feel like grilled cheese sandwiches and a mug of tomato soup?" I asked. That was always one of our favorite comfort foods.

"Sounds good," said Sam. I saw Marlene nodding yes.

I went to work preparing the sandwiches and the soup. Marlene hung up the phone and said hi. I told them about the incident at the mall.

"In the future, just walk by and don't talk to them. They might have someone there to photograph you and then will try to use it against us," warned Marlene.

"I hadn't thought of that." I put the first sandwich in the frying pan.

"It looks like we'll be getting a very good turnout on Saturday. I have confirmations from many civic and church groups that will be on our side," Marlene stated proudly.

The soup was ready, and I poured it into mugs. I was also on my third sandwich. Timing is everything when cooking; you don't want to start the sandwiches too soon as they'll get cold before the soup is ready. Cold grilled cheese sandwiches are gross.

Marlene helped me bring the food to the table. We cleared enough space for our plates. Mom arrived in the middle of this, and I gave her my sandwich and soup. It didn't take long to make another one, and there was plenty of soup left.

"So, Erika, you saw bumper stickers?" asked Marlene.

"Yes, she said I could have one if I signed her petition." I took a bite of the sandwich; it was pretty good.

"Try not to overreact when you see them around town. I wouldn't be surprised if they went around and put them on cars themselves," explained Marlene.

"Can someone please tell me what difference there is to these people what gender I want to be? I am not harming them in any manner, so why the big effort to protest against me and the program?" I vented.

"That's the problem with these extreme groups; they see LGBT as a threat and a challenge to their belief system. If you are accepted as normal, then they'd be forced to examine their entire belief system. It's the same reason they protest evolution and equality for women. Don't forget that these sorts of groups often support racist groups too. This entrenched sort of thinking is why we can get mainstream support for our counter-protests," Marlene explained.

"Sounds like you've given that speech before," I said.

She smiled. "Only a 'few times."

"Marlene, would you like to join us at Spencer's tomorrow afternoon? Laura and I always go there after my therapy session," I asked.

"I'd love to. What time?" she asked.

"6 o'clock."

After we finished eating, I cleared the plates to let them get back to work. I was really tired and said goodnight.

I went upstairs and called Laura and told her about my evening. She already knew about the bumper stickers, as she'd seen one driving home. She said not to worry about it. We talked for thirty minutes. Her confidence made me feel better.

I got up early on Tuesday. I wanted to see if there was anything new in the paper. There were three printed responses to the announcement of the Rev's rally. One was for our counter-rally by Marlene. She was calling it a 'Rally for Equality and Tolerance.' A second letter was also against the Rev and telling him to keep hate out of Golden Hills.

The third was from someone who felt that maybe the case should be looked at again. They listed several 'facts about the case, none of which were true. First, they wrote that maybe Jason didn't know my true sexuality. Right, he just forgot that I was a contestant and that he and his mother both attacked me earlier in the fall. Next, they said that the jury hadn't considered all the facts in the case. Hey, idiot, he pleaded guilty! Their last 'fact' was that Jason's lawyer didn't get a chance to fully cross-examine me. Oh, yes, Martin Turner was so easy on me, and he only interrogated me a whole day! Nothing like building up a good rage at 6:45 in the morning!

I had to remember what Marlene said about keeping my cool. They wanted me to lose it and act irrationally. Maybe Laura was right, and I should call Tony the limo driver!

When we got to school, I saw the custodians scraping off some bumper stickers from the school sign. I saw that they were the 'Free Jason!' stickers. There was a very annoying juvenile pettiness about their tactics. I'd thought that people like that had better imaginations.

The school was pretty normal most of the day. We did have our lunch meeting of the Fab Four. Lisa was worried about what was going on and seemed pretty depressed about our group getting publicity. I could see her point to a degree, but all she needed to say was that she was competing for a scholarship.

"You know, if the press asks you why you are still in, just say that the contest is like a reality TV show without the cameras," I quipped.

"Yes, and we don't have to eat something disgusting to win!" added Caroline.

"Do you forget about last Friday's lunch?" replied Denise.

We all laughed, including Lisa.

"You know, I think that I can say that we aren't competing with each other anymore. It's clear that we'll all get a good deal if we last to graduation. So let's stick together, support each other, and get the scholarship together," suggested Denise.

"Sounds good to me," said Caroline.

"Denise is right. I'm not quitting, and I hope none of you do either," I added.

There was silence from Lisa.

"Come on, Lisa, you only have three weeks to go; you can do it," pleaded Denise.

"I don't know. I'm really worried about being humiliated by this religious nut," remarked Lisa.

"You want to get back at him? Then get the scholarship," stated Caroline.

I stayed out of the discussion. I didn't want to influence her one way or the other.

"Erika, what's your take?" asked Lisa.

"It's your choice, but you're so close to winning a full four-year scholarship. I want you to be happy, but I also agree with Caroline. Either way, I'll support your decision. However, I'm the main target of these jerks."

"Aren't you worried that if I quit, this Reverend will use that against you?" asked Lisa.

"To be honest? Yes, I am. But I don't want to see you suffer just to help me."

"I'm not really suffering. I'd love to finish the contest. I'm just worried about my parents. I don't want them to be hurt," explained Lisa.

"Have you talked to them about this?" I asked.

Lisa looked back at me and shook her head no.

"Talk to Ms. B; maybe she can arrange a discussion between you and your parents," suggested Caroline. "She did that for me, and now I at least talk with my father."

I knew that Caroline was still estranged from her father, but at least she was allowed back in the house. She'd decided to stay with her aunt, but she does go over for dinner every now and then.

"Do you think she'd be able to help me?" asked Lisa.

"Absolutely," I replied.

Listening to Lisa, I thought about the four of us. Caroline had found personal contentment, but her family life was rocky, Lisa was filled with guilt, and my issues were well documented. It looked like Denise had the most stable year!

Ms. B came in late, and she smiled knowingly at us. It was obvious that she'd been outside the room the whole time, but she had waited until we had our say.

She explained that there might be one more challenge left between now and graduation. Then she told us to report any harassment from the Rev or his group. She emphasized that there was a legal fund to handle situations just like this.

We left Ms. B alone with Lisa as we figured they needed to talk a little. From what I'd heard about Lisa's parents, I doubted that they were worried by the Rev or about being embarrassed by Lisa being in the contest. Still, Lisa was the one who had to see that.

I hoped the rest of the day would go by quickly as I really wanted to talk to Jenny. It was not to be. I was called out of the sixth period by one of the campus supervisors.

"Mrs. Lee needs to see you," he announced, and he escorted me, not to her office, but in the direction of my locker.

I was confused at first until I saw the reason. Someone had covered my locker with "Free Jason" bumper stickers. Mrs. Lee was standing there with Mrs. Roberts and Officer Tom Bell.

"When were you last at your locker, Erika?" asked Mrs. Lee.

"Right after lunch, on my way to American Lit." I stared at the stickers and felt a growing rage.

"Mrs. Roberts saw this right after the sixth period started. I'm sure someone would have reported it earlier. The reason Officer Bell is here is that this is more than just simple vandalism. It's an act of intimidation, and I will not tolerate that in MY school!" stated Mrs. Lee angrily.

I was so glad she was on my side!

"Mrs. Lee, do you have any suspects?" asked Tom.

"I believe Mrs. Roberts can identify the suspects," informed Mrs. Lee.

"Two boys ran by me before I came around the corner. I told them to walk. I just assumed they were late for class. I don't know their names, but I saw them run into room 203. I can identify them."

Tom Bell, Mrs. Roberts, and the campus supervisor left to go get them. I stood there with Mrs. Lee.

"We'll have this cleaned up soon, Erika," she explained.

"I'm not worried about it. I'm angry that someone here did this," I answered. I was torn between anger and fear. What next?

We saw them returning with two boys. I didn't know them; judging by their size, I guessed that they were in 10th grade.

"We found these in their backpacks," said Tom. He held a stack of the bumper stickers.

"Did you do this?" demanded Mrs. Lee.

"Yes... but it was just a joke; we didn't mean anything by it," confessed the first kid. He was trembling slightly.

"Some guy gave us each $50.00 to do this. It was just a joke," repeated the second kid.

They were starting to realize that it was more serious than just a joke.

"Can you describe the man who paid you?" asked Tom.

"Yes, yes, we can," said the first kid, who looked like he was ready to start crying.

"You may go back to class, Erika. Please stop by my office after the sixth period," ordered Mrs. Lee.

I nodded and glared at the two boys as I turned around and walked back to class.

After school, I went to Mrs. Lee's office. She said that the boys had given a good description of the man and his truck. Tom told me that it was close to my description of the truck from a few weeks ago. Both boys had been suspended for a week for violating school rules and had been told to write me an apology. Additionally, they had to give the money to Tom. They also had to clean the stickers off my locker. I felt that was a fair punishment.

"So, they aren't going to be charged with anything?" I asked Tom.

"No. If I arrested everyone who was greedy and stupid, our jails would be full. We scared them pretty good, and they were both crying their eyes out. Their parents were really angry with them. I imagine they'll be grounded too. I doubt they'll do anything like this again. However, I'm looking forward to talking to the jerk that paid them."

"Jerk? Is that a legal term?" I asked with a smile.

"Yes, it's the term I use to describe someone I'd rather call nastier names when I'm around a juvenile, the daughter of the DA, or both," he replied with a big grin.

"They were suspended for violating the school honor code. I hope it sends a message to the rest of the school. I'll be making an announcement about it in the morning," added Mrs. Lee.

I left, and Laura drove me over to Jenny's office.

"I can't imagine someone paying kids to do something like that. We're dealing with a real asshole," remarked Laura.

"I believe the legal term is 'jerk,'" I explained, and we both started to laugh.

Jenny and I had a longer session than normal. She seemed pleased that I wasn't trying to cope all by myself. I told her I was really afraid of a repeat of my earlier episodes.

"That's a normal fear. But you now know your limitations, so I wouldn't worry. Just know that you can always call me if you need to. How are you doing with the hormones?"

"Well, I continue to check my growth," I said with a smile.

"That's nice, but what about your emotions?" asked Jenny.

I was silent for a moment. I'd felt some changes, but I'd figured that it was in my head. "I do find that I'm more emotional, or maybe the right term is that my emotions are looser. Does that make sense?" I asked.

"Yes, it does. It's perfectly normal and a part of the transition. Just be aware of it, especially with the added stress of the Rev and graduation. Don't let this newfound emotional 'loosening' get you into trouble," she explained with a big smile.

When we finished up, she asked me if I was going to Spencer's.

"Yes, we're meeting Marlene Hamilton there," I said.

"Well, I may see you there later on. If not, tell Marlene that I said hi."

I was going to ask some stupid questions, but I figured they were too personal and skipped them. I was beginning to wonder if Jenny knew everyone!

I had my usual. There are some things that need to be traditions, and key lime pie and cappuccino at Spencer's was one of mine. Laura wasn't as strict; she had a slice of strawberry cheesecake and a cappuccino. Marlene had her own tradition, cappuccino and a biscotti.

We sat on the couch and talked. Marlene wasn't totally surprised by what had happened at school, but I could tell that she was pretty disgusted by the act.

"I think that paying a couple of kids to do your dirty work is more immoral than anything going on with the scholarship contest," remarked Marlene.

"What will it be like on Saturday?" I asked.

"That depends on them. It could become a rant against your being transgender and against the scholarship program. These sorts of things often attract some real extremists. Don't be surprised if they end up protesting all sorts of things from gay marriages to abortion," explained Marlene.

"And this is all legal?" I asked.

"As long as they don't get disruptive or violent," stated Marlene.

"Do you think they'll try to disrupt our rally?" asked Laura.

"Well, they can try, but we'll be separated by the police and our own security. Additionally, we're pushing a positive message of inclusion. We'll try to make our rally a festival of equality and tolerance. Our goal is to ignore them and avoid any direct confrontation. If there are any problems, then they'll be the ones who start them." Marlene then pointed to a sign over on the bulletin board. "See, the word is already getting out about our rally!"

I looked over and saw the sign. There were several people looking at it.

"We'll have those signs up all over town by Saturday. I've arranged for several speakers to give speeches, including a local minister." The two of us just looked at her in stunned silence. "Don't look so surprised! I told you I am not anti-religion; I'm just against extremists, especially those who wrap themselves in scripture. I've contacted all the houses of worship, and many are supportive, although only one is officially coming out on our side. The good thing is none are supporting the Rev."

"Who else is speaking?" asked Laura. She'd finished her cheesecake and was eyeing my key lime pie.

"Well, we have several civic and business leaders and also several contestants from previous years," stated Marlene.

I pushed my plate over to Laura; I really wasn't hungry at the moment. "Are these contestants also TS?" I asked.

"One is, the others aren't. The goal is to show how the program has been a positive experience in their lives." She then excused herself to go get another cup of cappuccino.

"So what do you think?" asked Laura; she'd quickly finished off the rest of the key lime pie.

"It looks good. I wish that this wasn't happening, but I guess there comes a time when you have to make a stand," I remarked.

Marlene returned and sat back down. "Let's talk about your speech. I think you should say a few words."

"If I say what's on my mind, you might need to censor me," I joked, cracking a slight smile.

"Well, that's the reason why I want to go over it with you. You should focus on thanking everyone for their support and not directly attack the other group. Try to stick to the high road."

"Okay, but it would be more fun to go on a Dennis Miller-like rant on the Rev."

Marlene smiled and took a sip of her cappuccino. "I'm still trying to figure out how a small town like this has such a good coffeehouse. I'm also handling all press requests for interviews. A reporter for the local paper would like to talk to you."

"Do you trust him?" I asked.

"Well, I trust HER," said Marlene with a smile. "I'll be there the whole time. She doesn't seem the type to do a hatchet job on you. I've already talked to Sam and your mom, and they say it's up to you."

"When would we do it?" I asked.

"Tomorrow after school," said Marlene.

"I have to help Coach Chambers after school, but I'll be free by 5:00. Is that okay?" I asked.

"Perfect, we can have dinner together," suggested Marlene.

Laura pointed out Coach Chambers and Jenny as they walked in. I waved to them, and they waved back. Marlene looked over and smiled.

"You know them?" I asked, slightly surprised.

"Yes, I've known Jenny and Lori for years. We all met back in college," replied Marlene.

Jenny and Coach walked over and joined us. Marlene gave them each a big hug. They seemed really happy to see each other. They began to talk about old times. I excused myself and walked over to look at the poster. As I stood there, two women came up and joined me in reading the poster.

"I'm glad someone is standing up to that idiot; imagine picking on a defenseless high school girl," said the first.

"Do you consider the student a girl?" asked the second.

"Yes, why not?" replied the first.

"I thought he was just one of the contestants in that scholarship contest they sponsor over at Central High," said the second.

"SHE is a contestant, but she's also transsexual. I heard it from a friend whose sister goes to the school," said the first woman.

"So, it's not confirmed about him being TS; it could just be a rumor?" said the second.

"No, from what I heard, the kid outed herself during a talk about her trial in front of a whole bunch of her classmates," said the first.

"Whoa! That's pretty brave. She sounds pretty cool," exclaimed the second.

"Thank you," I added. I just couldn't resist!

They both looked at me and were initially speechless. Then the first one broke out in a big smile. "Are you, Erika?"

"Yes, I am."

"Gee, I've seen you in here with your friend many times, and I never knew or suspected. I'm so sorry about what I said earlier," said the second woman.

"No need to apologize, just tell your friends about the rally Saturday!"

"We wouldn't miss it, hope to see you there!" stated the first.

I said goodbye and rejoined my group.

"What was all that about?" asked Laura.

"Just educating the masses!" I smiled and told them what happened.

"That's the way I want you to act on Saturday," explained Marlene. I could see that she was proud of me.

We talked about the rally for another hour. Marlene said that she'd pick me up at my house tomorrow evening. Laura and I said goodbye while we got up to leave. As we started out, everyone in Spencer's stood up and applauded. I guessed those two women passed the word about who I was. Their display of support was emotionally striking. I tried to say thanks, but my words were frozen inside. I just smiled, waved, and walked out with Laura.

"That was something," said Laura.

I was holding it all back, and I didn't want to look like an idiot as we walked back to the car. I let it out once we were in the car. The tears of joy ran down my face. Laura smiled and hugged me. I had the feeling that we really were going to win now.

Sandra informed me that she'd be in town for the rally and that she'd be one of the people speaking.

"I thought you weren't an activist?" I said with a slight laugh.

"I'm not, but I also told you that I will stand up to injustice," she replied.

I also told her about the initial incident with the two women in Spencer's.

"I was a little surprised that one was initially reluctant to accept me as a female."

"Well, just because someone is gay or lesbian doesn't make them automatically understanding transgender issues. In fact, some in the LGB community don't like to be associated with us," explained Sandra.

"Why?" I asked.

"Some see us as gay men who can't accept that we're gay, so we change our gender to fit our sexuality. But for many, it's just a lack of knowledge. Their main contact with transgender people may have only been drag queens or performers. So they don't understand us. This rally could be a great stage for education for all people," explained Sandra.

Her comments were a real eye-opener for me. I guess I'd been a little naive about everyone in the LGBT community getting along.

"How do you feel about doing the interview?" asked Sandra. "Marlene e-mailed me about it."

"I'm nervous. I'm worried that they'll take what I say out of context."

"Well, that's always a risk, but I think that this will be a great opportunity for you. Just be yourself and be honest, and you can disarm much of the Rev's ammunition."

"I hope so. So when are you getting into town?"

"Late Thursday evening. I'll be staying at my parent's house."

"We'll be at Spencer's Friday evening. Please come on by."

"Will you get an encore?" asked Sandra, laughing.

"So Marlene told you about that too? I have to admit that I was really moved by it."

"You should be. Well, Erika, I have to get going; I'll see you later this week."

"Good night, and have a safe trip!"

At breakfast, Sam told me that we'd gotten a call last night from one of the parents of the boys who vandalized my locker. "He was very apologetic and also very angry at the person who'd talked his son into doing it."

"Can the police do anything?" I asked. I was at the toaster, waiting for my bagel to pop out.

"They're looking into it."

"When will I get my car?" I asked. My bagel was out and very hot. I dropped it on the plate and blew it on my fingertips.

"We'll get it Monday." Sam snickered at my momentary discomfort.

"Cool. Thanks again for everything, Dad!"

I sat down next to him and spread some cream cheese on my bagel. I looked outside; everything was so green.

"You're welcome, hon."

Mom came in and grabbed a cup of coffee. Sam smiled at me and whispered, "You're next!"

"Never!" I replied. I then took a long sip of tea and let out a sigh.

"So, you feel comfortable about the interview?" asked Mom.

"A little nervous - well, maybe a lot nervous."

"You want me there with you?" asked Mom.

"Yes, I'd like that! Thank you," I answered. I didn't see the need for false bravery by pretending that I wanted to do all this by myself.

I looked in the editorial section, and the letters were, for the most part, either supporting me or against the Rev. There was one that supported the Rev and argued that the town had become too liberal and called for the return of old-fashioned values.

Thankfully, a few of the letters saw through the facade of the 'Free Jason' movement and saw it was an attack on me for being transsexual. I didn't recognize the names of the writers, which in some ways made me happy. It was nice to know that strangers took the time to write in support of me!

The school was fine on Wednesday. There was no repeat of the vandalism on Tuesday, and things were pretty normal. Many people were talking about the upcoming holiday weekend and the unofficial start of summer. I wished I could have been as preoccupied with trivial thoughts, like going on a vacation, choosing a swimsuit, etc. It truly was the calm before the storm.

Coach Chambers was focused on those who would be competing in the district track finals. This would be my last week of helping her. She took some time to let me know that she really appreciated my help. It had been fun, and it had given me something to do as well as a sense of contributing to the team, even though I couldn't compete. My mind wasn't really on the track team that afternoon anyway, as I was thinking about the interview.

I rode home with Laura, and we talked about the interview. "I wish you could be there!"

"Me too. Call me when you get home," stated Laura.

"I will," I replied. We kissed, and I went inside to change.

I selected a khaki skirt and a blue blouse, and of course sandals. I didn't put on a lot of makeup, as I wanted the reporter to see my scar. Marlene had copies of the photos from right after the attack., along with my testimony and the victim's statement.

I was sitting downstairs reading when Mom came in with Marlene. They'd both arrived at the same time. Mom went up to change, and Marlene joined me in the kitchen.

"Cheer up, Erika, you look like you're going to a funeral," remarked Marlene.

"You sure this is the right thing to do?" I asked.

"Yes, a good interview can defuse an issue like this very quickly," she stated.

"Okay. So, am I dressed properly? I've never been interviewed before."

"You look perfect!" I saw her look at my scar and nod in agreement.

Mom came down, and we headed to the restaurant. Mom had suggested the diner near the courthouse, the same place where we'd eaten during the trial. It was really too upscale to be called a diner but too normal to be called a bistro. I'm sure Mom selected it because I felt safe there. After all, many of the patrons were in law enforcement, and the Rev would never dare set foot in there. Sam had told me that by virtue of the engagement, I was now seen as one of the greater law enforcement family, and any threat against me would be taken rather personally.