The New New Girl

Have you ever noticed how all schools in this country seem to have the same distinctive smell, regardless of their location?

Well, I have. This’ll be the fourth new class I’ve joined this year. It's a simple story, really. My dad’s in the military, and we move around a lot.

So, once again, I’m the ‘new girl.’

I shuffle into the classroom that’s my home room for at least the next three months. There are several groups of boys huddled together. That would make me feel awkward enough, but it’s worse when they all stare at you like they’ve never seen a girl before.

I stand awkwardly, brush hair from my eyes, and hope that they’ll stop staring.

My mind quickly switches to how itchy the uniform at this school is. I’m wearing a tartan knee-length skirt. It’s not really my ideal, and I’m pretty sure it’s all second-hand stuff, but I wouldn’t mind it if it weren’t so darn itchy on my legs and thighs!

“Erm,” a boy approaches me. I look up to see him being ‘egged’ on by his two friends to talk to me. “Hi, you must be the new girl….”

“Hello,” I say, trying to hide how much of an alien I feel. “Nothing gets past you, huh?”

He’s cute, with nice hair, but I’m never around long enough to see anything through, so although he’s being nice, at this point, I barely see any point in making friends. Plus, all the boys my age are primarily interested in one thing.

So, it’s just not interesting enough for me to even try and get to know them.

“So,” the boy puts out his hand for me to shake. “Names, Jake. What’s yours?”

“Hello, Jake,” I loosely shake his hand. “I’m Sophie.”

“Nice,” he says, taking his hand from our awkward, soft handshake. “So…. do you like our school?”

“Dude,” I frown at him. “It’s a school. Are you really that desperate to talk to me?”

“Ha, yeah….,” he looks back at his friends, as if asking for reinforcements. “Just thought I’d welcome you to the class, y’know. You’re the only girl in this class, so it’s new to all of us.”

“The only girl?”

Jake nods. “Yeah.”

“Seriously?” I look around at all the dudes, gigachads, and dweebs surrounding me.

It’s going to be a long three months….

“So, do you—” Jake ruffles his long hair and smiles at me. “Wanna sit next to me?”

I scrunch my face. I’ve seen this movie so many times. Yeah, he’s cute, but really? That’s so beige and uninteresting.

“Really?” I reply overly sarcastically. I’m already committed. “What makes you so special?”

Silence.

Jake just kinda stares at me, confused by my rebuff. I assume most of the other girls in the school melt over his boyish good looks. Not me.

“W-Wait…” Jake’s friend rushes over to us to try and soothe the situation.

While Jake stands maybe a foot taller, his friend his my height if not shorter. A very skinny boy with rather long hair.

“J-Jakes is a really nice guy!” the boy pleads to me. “He’s just being friendly, so don’t worry.”

I stare at him, confused. His he Jake’s cheerleader?

“Thanks, Quinn,” Jake playfully pats Quinn on the head before smiling at me. “I am just trying to be nice. It’s hard being the new girl, huh? So why don’t you sit next to me?”

Quinn waves at me before I answer, “I’m Quinn.” He then smiles wide. “I promise, Jake’s a really nice guy. He’s the best!”

I tilt my head to one side in thought.

Before I can come to any sort of conclusion, the third boy in their group joins us. He’s much taller than all of us, standing well over six foot.

Jake playfully punches his arm, introducing him to me. “This big guy is Tom.”

I slowly look up to see him smiling down at me.

“Jesus,” I say without thinking. “Dude, what do your parents feed you—manure?”

He doesn’t register my attempt at a joke. Likely, he’s heard them all before. This makes me feel a little silly, honestly.

“I’m Tom,” he reaches out one of his spade-like hands. I shake it loosely, my heart fluttering at just how immense this guy really is compared to me.

“Hi, Tom,” I then look at the three of them. “I’m Sophie.”

“Quinn,” I then point at Quinn, making him smile. “So, are you like the brains of this trio?”

“Maybe….” Quinn has his arms around behind his back as he bounces with excitement. “I like to think I’m more the glue that holds us together.

I nod, then look up at Tom. “So, I assume you must be the muscle, big guy?”

Tom frowns. “I guess so. Please don’t call me that.”

I purse my lips. “Right, sorry.” I then look at Jake, who appears to be trying to act out a conditioner advert with the number of times he flicks his long bangs from his face. “Then you must be the fearless leader?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Interestingly, Quinn nods in agreement, but Tom just glares down in disapproval.

“So,” Quinn quickly changes the subject. “Are you going to sit next to Jake?”

My Gaydar pings. Something tells me there’s more than just cheerleading. Plus. Quinn keeps looking at Jake in such an obvious way.

“Don’t you want to sit next to him?” I ask, now actually interested in this group's dynamics.

“We got moved,” Jake explains. “Quinn wouldn’t stop trying to talk to me, so now we sit separate.

“Oh, I see.”

“You look nice in that uniform, Sophie,” Jake announces. “Weird that we wear uniforms, right? Do you like it?”

I look down at myself and I instantly remember how itchy I am.

“Urgh,” I complain, itching my leg. “The skirt is awful. My legs are so itchy!”

I see Quinn looking directly at my legs out of the corner of my eye, not in a pervy sort of way, but in a girly sort of way. Hard to explain.

“You’re not wearing any tights…?” he states.

“N-No….” I go a little red. “I didn’t think I’d need to. It’s warm outside.”

“You’ve gotta wear tights, otherwise that skirt material will irritate your skin.”

Jake scoffs at Quinn's actually good advice. “How would you know that?”

“C-Cos….” Flustered, his cheeks turn pink. “T-that’s what the girls tell me.”

Jake and Tom look confused.

“What girls do you talk to, Quinn?” Tom asks, more confused than wanting to be nasty.

“I talk to girls!” Quinn protests, folds his arms, and pouts. “Y-Y-You just don’t see it, okay!”

Jake then throws his arm over his shoulder and ruffles his hair. “You holding out on me with these girls, dude? You need to introduce me!!”

And there it is!

On Quinn’s face as Jake teases him, a look that suggests there’s more to Quinn’s cheerleading of Jake than they let on. It’s a soft, blushing smile, like Quinn doesn’t want him to stop.

Suddenly, I’m interested.

“Quinn…..?” I look at him and his shy smile. “Can I sit next to you?”

Jake instantly stops teasing him, and the pair just gawk at me. I can tell they weren’t expecting that curveball, and Jake was confident I’d sit next to him.

Better luck next time, Jake. I don’t gush at the first pretty boy who pays me attention!

“R-Really….?” Quinn shakes Jake off and looks at me, bemused. “B-But you should sit next to Jake. Y-You’d make a good pairing. He’s cute, and so are you.”

Immediately, Jake bonks Quinn on the head. “Cut it out, dude.”

I then itch my leg. “Y-Yeah,” I’m going to sit next to Quinn.

And that’s what I do. I sit with Quinn on our pair's desk near the back of the classroom. Jake sits alone on our right, and Tom sits with another boy on our left.

As class starts and I’m introduced to everyone else as the new girl, I feel more oddly comfortable this time. Quinn makes me feel at ease, which shouldn’t really be the case considering my home room is all boys.

As we begin to work, I lean over to Quinn and whisper. “Hey, thanks for the advice on the uniform. I’m deffo wearing tights tomorrow.”

He whispers back, “You should try folding the seam of your skirt in on itself so you can wear it higher up your legs….”

I look down at the seam of my skirt and fiddle. He might be right.

“Did the ‘girls’ tell you that too?” I ask, still secretly whispering.

I stop looking at the whiteboard and the lesson at hand to watch his reaction. It’s just as I expected, he blushes hard and even nervously bites his bottom lip.

“Girls, yeah…” he whispers back.

Now I’m very interested in this boy. He’s fascinating on so many levels!

“So….” I nudge Quinn softly with my elbow. “Jake's cute, huh?”

Quinn nods

I keep going, hoping to see the reaction I’m looking for. “Is it his hair or his big blue eyes that make him so cute? I can’t work it out.”

“I think it’s his eyes.”

I ask another question before he realizes what he’s saying to me. “I bet it’s nice when he holds you in his arms…?”

Quinn nods again, before instantly turning tomato red.

“I-I-I….” he flaps around, almost like he’s trying to erase his answers.

I smile. “You like him, don’t you?”

Quinn stiffens as we continue to secretly whisper.

“W-Who…?”

I point over at Jake. “Him.”

Quinn glances, then turns to me to rapidly shake his head.

“Dude,” I chuckle quietly. “It’s cool if you do.”

Just as our conversation is getting interesting, the teacher notices us whispering!

“Miss Jones, Mr Henry!” the teacher blurts out, making everyone stare at us. “Is there something you want to add to the lesson?!”

“No, sir,” I speak up, seeing Quinn reside in on himself.

“Good,” the teacher snaps. “I’m glad you and Mr Henry are bonding, Miss Jones, but please, be more respectful to my teaching.”

“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.”

Teacher aside, I’m enjoying myself. Quinn is so interesting, unlike all the other boys I’ve met this school year across my various schools. So, I wait for maybe ten minutes before whispering more questions.

“Quinn—Quinn….?”

“What?” he whispers, now so shy he can’t look at me.

“Are you gay?” I ask audaciously

He shakes his head.

“It’s cool if you are. In fact, I’ve always wanted to have a gay friend.”

Quinn turns to look at me. His cheeks are flush, but I can see his inner turmoil. He wants to tell me, I’m sure of it.

“I bet it’s hard when you’re the only boy in the class.” I nudge him and smile. “But I’m here now. You can be honest with me.”

“Yes,” he snaps, but speaks under his breath. “I’m gay.” He then nudges me back so I look at the worry on his face. “Please don’t tell anyone, Sophie.”

“I won't!”

He’s worry melts into a soft smile. “Thank you.”

After a few quiet moments between us, I look around the room at all he boys. It’s a sausage fest for sure! I mean, what are the odds I’m the only girl in a class of nearly twenty people?

I nudge Quinn again. “Hey, so, you’re going to have to help me.”

He looks at me, confused.

“You’re about my height and everything, right?”

He’s even more confused.

“Well, you’re the closest thing to a girl in this class,” I explain, watching so many expressions form and disappear from his face. “I need you to be my ‘girlfriend’ otherwise I’m going to go insane with all this male bravado around me.”

At this point, I think I’ve broken him. He’s just smiling at me like an idiot.

“Do you think you could do that, Quinn?” I ask, hoping for more than just a derpy smile. “Be my ‘girlfriend?’” I chuckle quietly, “I mean, you’ve already helped me out with my uniform like girly BFF’s”

“Miss Jones!” the teach scolds us again for talking

The class again stares at me.

“S-Sorry, Sir.”

“Is there a problem?” the teacher asks, now glaring at me.

I shake my head, knowing I’ve made a bad first impression, but also knowing it’s worth it! I probably now know Quinn on a deeper level than both of his close friends.

“S-S-She was just asking me about the work, sir,” Quinn speaks up in my defense. “Sophie hasn’t done this yet in her previous school.”

“Ah,” the teacher pushes his glasses up his nose. “Oh, Okay. Just try and ensure you’re not distracting anyone else.”

As the teacher resumes the lesson, I can’t help but smile at Quinn for that. “Thank you,” I mouth at him.

He grins and smiles back.

It’s the start of a cool friendship! But I’m still super curious about something. He might be gay and have a slight crush on his friend, but I think there’s more to this than meets the eye. So, when lunchtime rolls around, I decide to tag along with my new group of friends.

I quickly learn that Jake is a touch more interesting than I first thought. He’s got all the looks and charm of a boy who should be a hit with the ladies, but he’s very awkward as soon as they show him any attention. Especially if they touch him, oddly enough.

And Tom. He’s a gentle soul. Doesn’t take kindly to my sarcastic remarks, yet is quick to ensure I’m well looked after. He even gave me his juice box. So kind!

Quinn has me even more curious. I can see him looking at the other girls in the school with a slight jealously on his face. At first, I thought it might be because some of these, hate to say it, pretty girls, were talking to Jake. But, I don’t think that’s it.

When Tom and Jake head back to get more food, I take my chance to ask Quinn more questions.

“So,” I say playfully, putting my head in my hands as I talk to him. “You didn’t give me an answer earlier. Are you cool to be my girly BFF in class?”

“U-Um….” Quinn fiddles with his straw in his drink. “D-Does that mean I have to wear a girls' uniform too?”

Slightly taken aback by the question, I then smile. “I mean, if you want. It is, however, not nice to wear.”

Quinn’s face lights up, like he’s got a secret he wants to tell me. “Oh, I don’t mind it. I kinda like it.”

I just stare at him with a knowing smile, waiting for him to spill the beans.

“I would do that for you, Sophie, but I think the other boys in my class would tease me. So, I’m going to have to decline wearing the uniform.” He then smiles as he looks down at the table. “Why do I feel so comfortable with you?”

“Would be cool if you would wear the uniform with me,” I say, leading the conversation. “Then I wouldn’t be the only person wearing this nasty skirt in our class.”

I then reach across to his messy, long hair and, with my fingers, gently brush some of the hairs from his eyes. “I mean, with your height, petite build, long, lush hair, and very adorable little face, you’re basically a girl already, Quinn. Just gotta have the confidence to own it, y’know….”

“I-I…I am?”

I nod, pleased as his reaction is exactly what I expected. That’s what he wanted to hear. I think I’ve found myself an Egg. An Egg looking for a friend like me to help them crack!

I like this new school already. Much more interesting than my previous one!

“Do you…” I brush hair from his face once again. “Do you sometimes wish you were born a girl, Quinn?”

His face erupts, turning a deep red. “N-no….” He sharply looks away. “W-Why would you ask me that?”

Sensing this might be something he doesn’t want to talk about in the middle of the lunch hall, I just rest my hand on his to show I care. Eventually, he glances in my direction.

“Am I that obvious?” he says, barely audible over the noise of everyone else speaking.

“You’re coming around my house tonight,” I reply.

Quinn looks up, surprised. “W-What?”

“Yeah,” I tap the top of his hand. “We’re BFF’s now, and that’s what we do.”

“But….” Quinn fiddles with his hair, almost like it comforts him. “Why me?”

I give him a disapproving look before smiling. “Because I like you and I want to hang out with you, Quinn. Is that so weird?”

It’s so cute to see him getting so flustered. He’s so innocent. I love it!

“Wouldn’t you….” Quinn points in the direction where Jake went. “Wouldn’t you rather invite Jake over. He’s so much cooler and handsome than I am. I’m sure your Mom would like him too!”

“Nah,” I shake my head and smile. “Jake is cute, but I’m not about to step on anyone’s toes. Oh, and my Mom would freak if I brought a boy over.”

Quinn frowns. “B-But I’m a boy….”

“Don’t worry, bestie…” I tap him playfully on the forehead. “I’ve got an idea on how we get around how you currently appear.”

Later, after school….

I spot Quinn and Jake outside the school gates, and I rush over. My skirt rides up, flashing my thighs, but I don’t care.

“Guys!” I call out.

They turn to look at me. Both go bright red, but I think for different reasons.

“Was up?”

“Hi, Sophie,” Quinn smiles bashfully.

“Are you still coming over to mine?”

Instantly, there’s a tension in the air. I’m not sure what I said, but I can tell Jake is particularly annoyed at me.

“I thought we were hanging out?” Jake groans, looking at Quinn with folded arms.

Flustered, Quinn switches between us like we’re in a tennis match.

“Umm…..”

“Oh, fine,” Jake grumbles, pouting hard. He then looks me square in the eyes, and I’m almost a little scared. “Sophie, Quinn is a sensitive soul. Don’t you dare do anything to upset him.”

I raise my hands up in surrender. “I-I won’t. I promise.”

Looking like he wants to growl at me, Jake then turns to Quinn, playfully bonks him on the head, then stuffs his hands into his pockets as he walks away.

“See you later then, guys.” Quinn walks off, looking dejected.

I share a confused glance with Quinn as we watch him walk off and around the corner out of sight.

“What does he think I’m going to do to you?” I ask

Quinn shrugs. “He’s always been protective of me.”

I bring my hands together with joy, “Awww,” I rock side to side in delight. “That’s so darn adorable. If you two don’t end up getting married, there’s something wrong in this world!”

“Married!?”

Quinn looks at me like I’ve shot his dog. But his cheeks are blushing all the same.

“Yes,” I nod

“He’s not going to marry me, Sophie,” Quinn kicks a rock on the floor in frustration. “He’s not into me like that. We’re just friends. “

“For now….” I playfully wink, then point in the direction of my home. “After tonight, you might feel differently.”

“What does that mean?” Quinn asks, looking at me with a deadpan expression.

With a wide grin, I take his arm in mine and start walking. “Simple,” I say as he scurries to walk beside me. “We are going to give you a makeover. Tomorrow, you’ll show Jake who you really are, and I think that’s going to blow Jake’s socks off!”

Expecting Quinn to react negatively to that idea, I’m surprised when he says nothing at all. I mean, I’ve only known him really for a few hours, but I felt certain I’d have to push him in the right direction.

As we continue to walk, I can’t help but wonder what’s going on in his head.

Then, as we approach my home, I stop us both just around the corner, near a large, secluded bush. The perfect sorta of place you would have made a secret den.

“Hey, stop here a moment.” I let go of Quinn’s arm and drop my school bag to the floor. “

I start rummaging around inside my bag, gathering my PE kit.

As I pull out my shorts, I look up at Quinn, who’s barely saying anything. “I wasn’t joking when I said my Mom would freak if I bring home a boy. (even if that boy is really a girl on the inside)

“Oh……” Quinn looks dejected, almost like I’ve eaten the last cupcake.

“Don’t worry!” I get to my feet with my PE kit bundled in my arms. “I’ve got a plan!”

Rushing into the bushy area and out of sight, I quickly slide off my uniform. As I take off my skirt, shirt, and bra, I leave them hanging on the branches of the bush. When I’ve put my sports bra on and my shorts and polo shirt, I come out of the clearing with a huge smile on my face.

“Ready to be a girl!?” I ask Quinn, pointing into the bush.

“Erm….” he scratches the back of his head. “What?”

I give him a frustrated look and point again. “Don’t play dumb with me, Quinn. I know you know what I’m asking. Go into this bush, take your clothes off, and put mine on.”

“B-But I don’t know how to be a girl! Your Mom will notice, and we’ll get in trouble!”

Once again, I frown. Then, I take off a hairband from my wrist and hand it to him. Quinn takes it from me, but he’s confused.

“Put your hair up into a ponytail,” I tell him.

Giving me a bemused look, he does exactly that. Gathering all his hair, he ties it into a high ponytail, complete with two cute strands framing his face.

I can’t help but smile. “See,” I say, pointing. “You do know how to be a girl.”

Quinn pouts at me before walking past and entering the bush. Very pleased, I can’t help but smile as I listen to him getting unchanged. My further suspicions about him might very well be correct!

“Quinn,” I tease. “Don’t forget my bra.”

After some rustling and a few groans in frustration, Quinn replies, “Are you sure about this?”

“Double deffo,” I answer.

Another few minutes pass, and that’s when Quinn steps out of the bush. Shy and standing very awkwardly, he looks directly at me, waiting for my response.

With his hair up, wearing my bra, skirt, and the rest of my school uniform, he looks just like a girl our age. Yeah, he might be standing with his legs too far apart, but with his height and soft features, no one would be able to tell.

“How’s it feel?” I ask, stifling a smile

“Yeah fine,” Quinn looks down at himself before pulling up on the knee-high socks.

“Itchy?”

“No,” he touches the skirt. “Not at all.”

I step closer to him so I can adjust the height of his skirt. It fits him perfectly. In fact, it might even fit him better than it does me.

“Are you wearing boxers?” I ask, wondering if that’s why he’s not itching his thighs.

He bashfully looks away, biting his lip.

“Y-Yeah….” He says, unconvincingly

“You don’t seem to convinced,” I state suspiciously.

Quinn begins to play with the long strands of hair framing his face. One quick glance in my direction later, I understand why he’s being so coy.

“Are you wearing panties?” I giggle playfully, knowing I’d be delighted if he were.

“So what if I am?” he says bluntly, turning away.

I lean in and poke his cheek with my finger to tease. “Whose panties are they—your Moms?”

“My sisters…” he answers coldly, like he expects me to start laughing at his expense.

“Well,” I place my arm around his shoulders and nudge him with my hip. “It must be fate, then!”

He throws me a glance. “What?”

“It’s fate!” I smile back. “The universe must have known we were destined to become girly BFF’s and it made you wear your sister’s panties this morning, knowing you’d be wearing my uniform! It’s all coming together!”

Sarcastically, he mocks me. “The universe made me wear panties?”

“Yeah….”

“Sophie,” he chuckles, nudging me back with his hip. “I wore these this morning because I felt like it. Not become the universe told me!”

I lean closer and whisper. “Are they cute panties? Can I see them?”

He scoffs and playfully pushes me away. “No, Sophie! You’re such a weirdo. Why do you want to see your best friend's panties….!?”

Delighted he’s smiling, I take another glance at him looking so darling in my school uniform. He is truly gorgeous, and it only makes me more determined to make it happen for him.

“I’m just curious,” I answer, before taking a step forward. “Anyway, come on. I want my Mom to meet you and know I’ve made a new friend.”

We gather our things, and Quinn hides his male uniform in his bag.

“She worries about me, y’know,” I explain as we walk side by side. “Umm… I look away. “I never really get to have friends when we move about so much.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah….” I force a smile and hide my pain. “It sucks, y’know. I really want to get to know people, but it’s hard.”

“Is that why you’re so forward with me?” Quinn asks, picking at the straps of his bra to make it obvious to me what he’s referring to.

“I guess so, yeah….”

As I approach my front door, I stop Quinn on the porch and tidy his hair.

“So,” I smile. “What girl's name do you like?”

He tilts his head in thought.

“I like Molly.”

Quinn rolls his lips in thought.

“Jenny?” I suggest.

Same reaction.

“Noella?”

Quinn gives that more thought, but doesn’t bite

“Lonnie!?” I suggest with more urgency

He shakes his head, and I begin to worry that Mom’s going to overhear us.

“Well, what name then…?” I whisper

“Well…” He whispers back. “I always thought if I were a girl, I’d still be called Quinn. I know I’m biased, but I think it’s a cute name for a girl.”

At that moment, the front door opens and the two of us squeak in surprise. Standing at the doorway is my mother, looking down at us with a confused expression. She’s clearly been cleaning our new home; she looks a little dirty.

“Sophie?” she says, glancing at Quinn. “Why are you standing out on the porch?”

“Hiya Mom,” I blush, but grin wide. “This is Quinn. She’s my friend.” I then clutch Quinn's hand.

Mom looks at me suspiciously, and I smile as wide as I possibly can to show my innocence.

“Hello Quinn,” my Mom eventually reaches out to shake his hand. She then nervously laughs. “Sorry, girls. I’m just a little taken aback. I wasn’t expecting a friend to come over on the first day.”

Mom looks back into the house. “Quinn, dear. Our house is a little messy as we’ve just moved in. Please don’t think this is how I normally keep our home.”

Quinn just smiles. I guess he’s too shy to speak.

“Mom,” I take control of the situation. “Do you mind if Quinn comes in for a bit. We won’t get in the way. We’ll just hang around in my room.”

I can see Mom giving Quinn a strange look. Almost as if she’s unsure of something, but she can’t quite put her finger on it. Not allowing her suspicions to grow, I push past her and drag Quinn in behind me.

“Thanks, Mom!” I cheer out, chucking my bag and kicking off my shoes. “We’ll be good, I promise!”

I start pulling Quinn upstairs, who’s barely been able to take off his shoes.

“W-Wait…” Mom stops us halfway up the stairs. She stares intently at Quinn

We’re busted! She knows!

Mom then tilts her head and smiles wide. “Quinn, sweetheart? Does your Mom know you’re here, and are you going to wait to stay for dinner?”

I wait for what feels like a year for Quinn to reply. I watch in slow motion as my Mom’s face twists when Quinn doesn’t answer.

Then, to my surprise, the cutest and softest voice eeks out of Quinn’s lips.

“She does,” Quinn answers, almost knocking me to the floor with how practiced and accomplished his feminine voice sounds.

He then giggles like an anime schoolgirl, making me want to burst out with laughter.

“I’d love to stay for dinner, Ma’am.” He turns and smugly grins at me, knowing he’s owning it. “If that’s okay with you, Sophie.”

Y-Yeah…! I reply, blinking several times in disbelief. I then turn to look at Mom, who’s looking directly at me. “Is that okay, Mom?”

“Sure it is,” she gushes in reply, knowing how upset I was at starting a new school. “I’m very pleased you’ve made a friend. So how could I turn them away?”

At the risk of being too vulnerable, I whisk Quinn to my room. He steps inside and starts looking around. I’ve done my best to make it feel like my room, with posters and my belongings neatly organized, but it’s still a mess of cardboard boxes and clothes not packed away.

“Sorry, it’s a little messy,” I say, perching myself on the bed and pulling out my hair tie. “Usually takes me about a month to feel settled, and then before I know it, we’re moving again.”

Quinn is a little awkward at first. Makes me smile when he sees himself in my full-length mirror. He doesn’t think I notice him checking himself out, but I do. He’s so cute dressed as a girl, it makes my heart ache!

“Soo….,” I say, getting comfortable on the bed as I watch Quinn look at my things. “Wanna tell me how long you’ve been in love with Jake?”

“Who said I’m in love with him?” Quinn replies, looking at some of my jewellery piled on my desk.

“I did.”

“Well….,” Quinn picks up some of my earrings and holds them to his ears. “I guess since I realised I liked boys, I suppose.”

I sit with my legs crossed, leaning forward with interest. This is the sort of closeness with another person my age I’ve been desperate for. Something that I’ve never had before.

“Have you ever kissed?”

Quinn’s silence as he tries another pair of my earrings makes me desperate to know.

“Is that a yes!?” I ask impatiently.

Quinn looks back over his shoulder with a naughty smile. “Maybe….”

“OMG girl!” I swoon, throwing back my head with joy. “Tell me about it!”

“I like that,” Quinn says, ruining the moment of teenage gossip for me.

I look at him confused, but he’s turned to look at me with a big smile on his face.

“You like what?” I ask, looking for clarity.

“You're treating me like we really are girlfriends,” he says shyly. “That makes me feel good.” He looks down at himself in my uniform, and I see a smile tugging at his lips.

“We’re BFF’s” I answer softly, considering for a moment that actually, he’s probably wanting this just as much as I do.

“Yeah, I like it a lot.” He then starts looking at my earrings again, before turning to face me with another set held at his ears. “Sophie, would I look nice with pierced ears?”

I nod in agreement. “Do you think you’d be allowed to get them done?”

Quinn turns away and puts down my earrings. “I don’t know. I haven’t told anyone about how I think I’m really a girl on the inside.”

“Why not?”

“One doesn’t simple walk into Mordor, Sophie…”

“That’s not an answer, Quinn,” I say with a frown as he sits at the end of my bed. “Plus, I’m a teenager, so I won’t get that reference….”

“Why is it so important for you to know?”

I lean forward as Quinn sways his ponytail from side to side. “Because…. I want you and Jake to get together.” I don’t give Quinn a second to process it before stating my intentions. “Let’s make your outward appearance match your inside self, and tomorrow, at school, we’ll show Jake what he’s missing!”

Quinn leans back on my bed and gives me a smile. “I’ve always dreamed a girl would say something like that to me, Sophie.” He then looks up at the ceiling in thought, “But we can’t do that, can we? I can’t go to school tomorrow dressed as a girl. As much as I want to.”

I take a long breath in.

“Why don’t we…” I get up off the bed and stand at my desk. “Why don’t we do your makeup, nails, eyebrows, and then I can teach you about being a girl.”

Holding a foundation brush, I turn to face him. “If you like it and you feel comfortable, then maybe…just maybe—”

“Okay,” Quinn cuts me off with a wide smile, joining me at the desk before sitting down in front of the mirror. “You don’t have to ask me twice, Sophie. Like I said at lunch, I’m really comfortable around you, so I’d really like that.”

“Awww,” I gush as he looks up at me with those big brown eyes. “Thanks, Quinn. This is a dream come true for me, too!”

I gather my brushes, palettes, and polish with a little too much excitement, trying not to squeal as I place them on the desk in front of Quinn. He watches me in the mirror, fiddling nervously with the sleeves of the school blouse he’s still wearing.

“Okay,” I say, taking a deep breath, “first things first.”

I reach for a pale pink polish that has just the right amount of shimmer. “This one okay?”

Quinn glances at it, then nods with a shy smile. “Yeah… nice color. I usually wear darker ones when I’m messing around at home when my sister is away.”

“Oh, cool,” I grin, reaching for his hand. “Now don’t wiggle. This is serious business.”

As I gently cradle his hand in mine, I start painting. His nails are short but clean, and I brush on the polish with steady strokes.

“I’m kinda nervous,” I say, blowing lightly to help the polish dry faster. “I never painted a friend’s nails before.”

He blushes again, watching in delight. “You’re doing great.”

I don’t answer right away—too embarrassed, especially as a tear slips down my cheek. I try to hide it, but Quinn has no idea how much this means to me. Deep down, I know we probably won’t be lifelong friends, but in this moment, I want to believe we might be. So I let myself feel it, just for now.

When his nails are done, he studies them, and his bright smile warms my heart.

“Okay, let them dry.” I turn back to my desk. “So, while that’s happening. Can I do your eyebrows?”

Quinn looks up sharply. “W-What does that mean?”

I lean in, peering at his face critically. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to pluck them or anything. Yet. However, I will brush them and add a slight touch of pencil to shape them. Just to show you what it’d look like.”

He gives a tiny nod, and I smile as I reach for my brow brush. Carefully, I shape them, just enough to give a gentle arch that makes his blue eyes pop. Then, with a brow pencil, I add soft definition.

“Okay,” I say, sitting back a bit. “This is what I meant!”

Quinn stares at his reflection. His mouth opens slightly in surprise. “Whoa… that makes a huge difference, huh?”

“Yup,” I say proudly. “Surprising, isn’t it?”

He reaches up, gently tracing the shape of his brow. “You’re going to have to teach me how to do this!”

“Yeah, totally!” I grin, trying to not get emotional at how awesome it is to have such closeness.

I quickly shake it off as his excitement drags me back into the moment. He’s so gosh darn cute, it hurts!

 “Quinn…” I lean in and smile. “We’re just getting started.”

I grab a foundation that’s close to his skin tone. He’s paler than I am, and as I blend it in with my brush, I watch his face transform from something boyish and cute to something soft, feminine, almost effortlessly beautiful.

Quinn stares at himself, mesmerized.

I move on to blush, adding a gentle pop of color to his cheeks. Then a dusting of highlighter on the tops of his cheekbones. “Hold still,” I murmur, leaning in to apply a soft green eyeshadow to his lids. “I don’t want to mess this up for you.”

He closes his eyes obediently, and I take my time. A little mascara, just enough to make his lashes stand out, then a soft rose lip gloss that gives his lips a juicy sheen.

When I’m done, I sit back with a satisfied sigh. “Okay. Open.”

He does.

The silence hangs for a moment as Quinn stares at his reflection in awe.

“I… I look like…” He doesn’t finish the sentence, just lifts a hand to touch his face. “Wow, Sophie. I look so different! I-I…I look like my—”

He begins to softly chuckle as she takes in every angle. “I look like my sister, Sophie. This is so weird! I love it! I look so natural. I could one hundred percent pass!”

I rest my chin on his shoulder, watching him in the mirror. “I agree.”

“I’m blown away! I-I…I honestly can’t believe that’s me in the mirror.” He looks at me through the reflection. “T-tell me this isn’t a dream.”

“Do you want me to pinch you?” I joke.

“I think you might have to!”

“Think Jake will like it?” I ask, thrilled that he’s excited.

Quinn’s eyes light up, and he gives me a cheeky look through the mirror. “I’ve been wanting Jake to kiss me on the lips again. Maybe this is just the excuse he needs!”

“Wait,” I stand up straight and cover my mouth in surprise. “He kissed you on the lips?”

Quinn nods as we continue looking at each other in the mirror. “We played spin the bottle one time. We got matched to kiss. I expected him to reluctant kiss my cheek, but he kissed me on the lips.”

Quinn looks off into the distance. “Y’know. Now that I think about it, he also kissed Tom that night, but didn’t kiss him on the lips. Only me.”

I gasp again, waving my hands around. “OMG, Babe! He totally fancies you!”

Quinn chuckles to himself. “Babe…” he murmurs, before catching eye contact with me in the mirror once again. “I like that too. Makes me feel good.”

“Babe,” I say, holding his shoulders tight. “He does like you, doesn’t he? Jake, that is.”

“I don’t know, Sophie….” Quinn wafts away the idea with a hand.

“What if you showed him this side of you!?”

Quinn turns in his seat to look me in the eye. “You really think I should show him the girl me?”

“I would!” I bounce, desperate for him to say yes. “You’re so incredibly pretty, if he doesn’t ask you out on a date, I’d knock his block off.”

I see the doubt creeping back into Quinn's face. He looks down at the floor in thought, and I know I’m losing him.

“Quinn!” I cry out, becoming animated. “Please! Let her out! Stop trying to force her back into that cage! I promise I’ll stand by your side the entire time!!”

He slowly looks up with blushing cheeks. “What if people are mean?”

I look away in thought, then remember that actually, I’m the only girl in the class.

“Quinn,” I answer with a smirk on my face. “How many girls are there in our class…?”

“Erm…” he looks at me like he knows it’s a trick question. “One…?”

I tap him playfully on the shoulder. “No, there are two! There’s me, the new girl.” I look him straight in the eye and begin to giggle, “And there’s you. The New new girl!”

Quinn giggles with me, and for the first time, I feel like I belong somewhere. He—no, she makes me feel wanted. I actually have something to offer other than just looking pretty for the boys who want me as another notch on their bedposts.

“Babe.” I put my hands together. “Please take some of my uniform for school tomorrow and come in as a girl. It would mean the world to me.”

“Plus….” I then point at the mirror, wanting him to look into it again. “I won’t have to worry so much about the boys lusting after me.” I lean forward and gossip in her ear. “I’ve heard the new girl in our class is girl-next-door pretty!”

I rest my chin on her shoulder once again, keeping eye contact in the mirror. “Y’know, I hear she’s so pretty, she doesn’t even realise how pretty she really is. I hear the boys, especially one boy in particular, really likes that.”

Her eyes light up, before she furrows her brow and gives me a cheeky smile.

“How can you know any of that, Sophie? Today was your first day!”

I stand up straight, mouth open, trying to think of a witty response. I blue screen, and before I can laugh it off, Quinn fills the silence.

“I want to do it,” she states. “Lend me some of your clothes and tomorrow, I promise I’ll come in as girl me.”

My mouth drops and my heart beats a mile a minute! “YAY!”

The next morning….

I had a wonderful evening with Quinn. She even stayed for dinner, which was a delight. Even my Mom commented on how much brighter my smile was.

We’d done it. And that gave me even more confidence, as I walked to meet her as we had arranged, that she was going to nail it!

I meet up with Quinn just around the corner from where she tells me Jake and Tom usually meet up before school starts.

I’m utterly stunned when he stands in front of me, fully made up to the nines. Her hair is perfectly curled and lush. Her makeup is immaculate, compared to the hack job I did last night. Her uniform is pressed, straight, and flawless.

Even her cute little shoes are to a mirror polish, and she’s even wearing tights—something I completely forgot to do!

“Quinn!” I exclaim in delight, rushing over to her. “What the hell! You look in-fucking-credible!”

“Thanks,” she swishes the skirt she’s borrowing from me and flicks back her hair. “Turns out, my mom, she’s super supportive of all this!”

My mouth drops. “No kidding!” I reach up to touch her hair. “She helped you with all this!?”

Stunned, all I can think is how much I want to meet Quinn's Mom. She sounds awesome!

“I texted Jake and told him we’d be a little late.” Quinn looks back over her shoulder and looks nervous. “Sophie, I’m a little scared.”

I confidently take hold of her hand. “I’m right here.”

After a few deep breaths, Quinn looks at me. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

Hand in hand, as best friends, we walk side by side towards the meeting place. As we approach, Tom and Jake are standing together, waiting for us.

At first, the two boys recognise me, but they don’t know who I’m with. Obviously, Quinn’s Mom has done too good a job, because as we stand with them, Jake and Tom become a little shy.

“Morning,” I smile at them both.

“H-Hey,” Jake awkwardly waves.

That’s when I feel Quinn grip tighter on my hand tighter. She’s nervous, I can tell.

“Erm….” I look at Jake. “Have you met the new girl in our class?” I look at Quinn standing beside me and gently pull her towards Jake. “She’s pretty, right?”

I can see the two boys going red in the face, so I decide to introduce them.

“Tom, Jake,” I look at Jake specifically, “This is Quinn. Quinn, you already know these two fine young men.”

“QUINN!?” The two boys react in shock.

Tom then begins to chuckle to himself. “Figures…”

Jake, however, leans forward to look Quinn in the eyes. “Quinn, is that really you, dude?”

“I-It’s the real me,” Quinn answers softly and then becomes agitated. “D-Do you l-like it, Jake!?”

Jake’s face is priceless. I can’t work out if he’s surprised or horny, honestly.

“I-I….” Quinn looks Jake directly in the eyes. “I did this for you! I-I…I wanted you to see who I really am, at least just once!”

Tom continues to chuckle, which at first, I think he’s being rude, but actually, it helps relieve the tension. “Honestly,” he sighs. “You two need to kiss again or something, because the sexual tension between you two is painful.”

I gasp up at the big man, “Thomas…,” I laugh.

Jake and Quinn look mortified, not through disgust, but through sheer embarrassment. Clearly, it’s not just me who saw the signs.

Acting way more confident than before, Tom takes my hand. “Come on, Sophie,” he says, looking at Quinn and Jake with a frustrated smile. “Let’s go get a coffee. I think these two need some privacy for a moment.”

I blink several times as I look a Tom’s large hand clutching mine. I must admit, I go a little shy “O-Okay….”

As Tom and me begin to walk away, I look back and to my sheer delight, Jake is holding Quinn in his arms. I have to do my best not to explode at the insane ‘cuteness’ on display.

Tom then lets go of my hand and gently shoves me with ease. “Is this your doing?”

I try and fight back and barely move the guy. “Maybe…” I laugh, trying my hardest to budge him even an inch.

Tom pats me on the top of the head. “Good job, new girl.”

Blushing like crazy, I look away. “T-thanks…” I then stare up at him, and I must look like a child wanting ice cream compared to him.

“I’m not the new girl anymore! I stare with a smile. “That’s my BFF back there, probably kissing your friend!”

Tom looks at me, confused.

“Quinn!” I clarify, pushing him again. “She’s my BFF, you dope!

Laughing, Tom rests his hand on top of my head. I try and fight him off, but he’s teasing me.

“Y’know, Sophie,” he says as I flail around like a cat with a cheese slice throw on its head. “You’ve made me the third wheel in my friendship group.”

“So….?”

Tom looks away as he takes his hand from my head.

“It means you’re going to have to stick around; otherwise, it’s going to be lonely.”

“You want me to stick around….??”

“Please,” he mumbles, a far cry from the confident guy moments ago. “I’d love to get to know you better….”

I throw a hand to my mouth to cover a gasp. “S-Seriously….?”

We reach the café at that moment, and Tom stands aside, having left me utterly embarrassed by his touching words. “Not so new girl,” he says, opening the door for me. “After you….”

“Thank you, Sir,” I say all proper, before stepping inside.

The café is warm, and suddenly, so is my heart.

I like it here.

I kinda do wanna stay. I want to be one of Quinn’s bridesmaids at their wedding!