Play for the Other Team

As the teacher speaks, the entire class could feel the early summer afternoon sun beating down through the windows. The air in the room is sticky and heavy—even breathing had become a choir.

Being the first lesson after lunch, most of the students feel lethargic and lack any sort of motivation. However, this was not true for the class know-it-all.

Ellie still sticks her hand up high for every question the teacher asks and continues to butt in with her own opinions—slowing the teacher to a halt at points.

“Sir,” Ellie calls out, holding her hand higher and higher with each passing moment she’s ignored by Mr. Cleaver.

“Yes… Ellie,” Mt Cleaver answers with a long breath, rubbing the sweat from his brow as takes his pen from the whiteboard.

“Are we going to do a team project over the summer this year?” She asks with anticipation written across her smiling face.

The entire class groans at that moment. They couldn’t have despised her more!  

One boy, in particular, is extremely frustrated. Ted, the boy who’s sat next to Ellie all year is rather narked off by her enthusiasm to do work over the summer holiday. He just wants to enjoy himself.

“Shut up Ellie,” he whines under his breath, swiftly kicking Ellie under the table.

Ellie jumps as his kick lands directly on her shin. She gives him a dirty look.

“AH yes,” Mr. Cleaver replies, pushing his black-rimmed glasses up the bridge of his nose. “I do indeed. I’m going to need to split you into groups of three.”

In unison, the entire glass grumbles, and then stares daggers directly at Ellie.

“Now, now class,” Mr. Cleaver chuckles, moving to stand at his desk. “It should be fun for you all over the summer months. Something to keep your growing minds active.”

Ellie is undeterred but the class’s reaction. Although she is unhappy about it being a group task, she’s pleased she’s got something to sink her teeth into over the summer.

“Nerd,” Ted whispers across the table at Ellie, noticing the stupid smug grin on her face.

“Did you just say something, Ted?” Mr. Cleaver firmly questions, glaring at him. “Have you something you want to get off your chest?”

Feeling his cheeks go red, Ted quickly looks around the room as the class now gawks at him. That doesn’t bother him, he’s already been in trouble this year, what’s one more telling-off before the year ends?

“Yes, Sir I Do,” he answers, building the confidence to look My Cleaver in the eye. “I’ve already got to attend summer school this year and I don’t feel it’s fair to have a project too. When will I get time to actually enjoy myself!?”

“I’m sorry you feel hard done by,” Mr. Cleaver quickly replies sternly. “Whose fault is it that you are failing this year….hmmm..?”

Ted quickly turns away as he feels his emotions boiling to the surface. He’s desperate to not be held back. All his friends will leave him behind and he will be alone.

“Well, Ted?” Mr. Cleaver asks, demanding an answer. “I’ve even seated you next to Miss Estelle to help improve your grades!”

“He’s been copying my work, Sir!” Ellie interrupts, narrowing her eyes as she looks at Ted trying to hide in his seat.

Mr. Cleaver holds his hand up towards Ellie. He signals for her to be quiet with a quick glare of his fierce brown eyes.

“I dislike picking on you Ted,” Mr. Cleaver continues, slowly lowering his hand as Ellie leans back in her chair. “You’ve got potential…I just wish you’d concentrate more. I’d hoped you’d pick up some good habits from Ellie.”

“She’s a girl though!” Ted grumbles, idly picking at the dented school table in front of him. “It's easy for girls to concentrate.”

“Don’t be a Pig!” Maria interferes, shouting out from the back of the class, offended by Ted’s gender assumptions.

Just like that, the entire class gasps as they all turn to stare at Maria—who is now red in the face with anger.

“Miss Kean,” My Cleaver says sharply, shaking his head in disapproval. “Don’t call out in my class. You’re also being held back, so have some blooming sympathy!”

Maria flicks her hair and looks out the window with a long and loud sigh.

“I’m not going to sit here and listen to that Idiot assume things about girls,” she yells in spite. “What the hell does he know!”

“Actually…I agree with that,” Ellie speaks up, interrupting again as she turns to give Maria a nod of acknowledgment.

Maria glares at Ellie’s dorky smile and she shrugs. Maria is not pleased with Ellie’s attitude either.

“Don’t think I’m on your side… nerd,” she hisses, giving her a dirty look. “Not a single one of us wants to do extra work this summer!”

“Enough!” Mr. Cleaver barks, slamming his hand onto his desk to gain the attention of the class.

The whole class jumps and sits to attention as Mr. Cleaver takes off his glasses and gently cleans them. They all wait on tenterhooks as they await his reckoning.

“Ellie, Ted, and Maria,” he commands, Ponting at them one by one as he calls their names. “You three, come with me—I want to have a word with you.”

As the three slowly stand from their seats, the entire class starts to giggle and chat. Mr. Cleaver beckons the three to the door at the front of the class, before holding it open with his long arm.

“I’ve done nothing wrong!” Ellie moans, quickly making her way to Mr. Cleaver trying to look innocent. “Please!”

Ted and Maria shuffle on behind Ellie but turn to give each other a sideways glance. Even though they are annoyed at each other; they both agree that Ellie is irritating.

Mr. Cleaver doesn’t respond to Ellie’s pleas—he just ushers them out into the hallway and shuts the door behind them. Pointing to an empty classroom across the hall, the three begrudgingly enter the room.

“Right then,” Mr cleaver says sternly, shutting the door to the empty classroom as they all stand awkwardly next to each other.

“This is so unfair,” Ted grumbles under his breath. “Not my fault these girls can’t keep their mouths shut.”

The two girls both stare daggers at Ted and Maria shoves him hard on the shoulder.

“Stop right now!” Mr. Cleaver shouts, looming large over the three of them. “This behavior is not acceptable!”

Feeling his booming voice vibrate in their chests, all three of them look down at their feet—hoping his dusting off will be quick.

“What have you all to say for yourselves?” Mr. Cleaver asks, demanding answers.

All three of them say nothing—they just keep staring down at their feet.

“Well?” Mr. Cleaver continues, softening his tone of voice.

Ellie looks up but dares not to say anything. She’s terrified of ruining her perfect record.

My Cleaver then sighs, pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. He then takes a step back and draws a long breath.

“Ok kids,” he says, tapping at his watch as he checks the time. “As I always say—if we don’t plan, we plan to fail. So, here’s my plan for you three.”

All three nervously shuffle slightly as Mr. Cleaver talks. They are intrigued as to why they aren’t getting shouted at like normal.

“Ellie,” Mr. Cleaver says, causing Ellie to stand to attention. “You need to realize in life that being book smart is not everything. Interrupting my lessons for those who don’t learn as naturally as you—it’s very rude.”

“Sorry, Mr. Cleaver,” Ellie mumbles, looking back down at her feet.

“As for you Ted and Maria,” Mr. Cleaver say in exasperation, looking both of them in the eye as they look up. “I assume you both don’t really want to repeat this year. I assume you don’t want to be left behind by your friends and peers?”

“No….,” Ted and Maria answer in harmony.

“Good,” Mr. Cleaver replies, now talking with a much more upbeat tone.

Reaching into the nearby teacher’s desk, Mr. Cleaver pulls out a sheet of paper and a pen. Passing it to Ellie, he gently smiles.

“You three are going to be a group for a special summer project,” she says, signaling Ellie to take notes. “The question you three will be investigating and reporting your conclusions, is this; To what extent is our gender behavior governed by our nature or our surroundings and upbringing?”

Ted and Maria turn to look at each other in displeasure at the thought of being in a group together with Ellie.

“But Sir….!” Ted whines, shaking his head in disapproval

Mr. Cleaver raises a single eyebrow before lowering himself towards Ted’s face.

“How about this then,” Mr. Cleaver continues, looking him dead in the eye. “If your group does a great job with this project, I will personally talk to the head teacher about ensuring you pass this grade.”

He then swiftly turns to glare at Maria. “How about that Maria, does that work for you?”

Profusely nodding, Maria answers with a nervous smile.

“What about me Mr. Cleaver?” Ellie gripes, writing down the question on the paper she’d been given. “Why do I have to babysit these two? That’s not fair!”

Mr. Cleaver slowly stands up straight before giving Ellie a toothy grin.

“This is your team Ellie,” he says, pointing at both Ted and Maria. “Best learn how to play nice with your peers. It could be an enlightening experience for you.”

Ellie then looks at Ted and Maria—who are still glaring at her as she complains.

“Right then,” Mr. Cleaver says, clapping his hands together. “It’s settled then. I’m going to book out my classroom for you three to start your project today…. after school.”

“I can’t!” Ted is quick to complain in desperation. “I’m supposed to be at practice tonight.”

Mr. Cleaver swings open the classroom door and stands with one hand on his hip. Giving Ted a look over the top of his glasses that have slid down his nose, he sighs.

“Ted,” he says, signaling them to leave the room as he continues to hold the door open. “This is happening. If you want to stay in the team for next year, I suggest you work hard with your group.”

As they all trundle back into the classroom from which they came, all three hang their heads in shame as the rest of the class giggles at their return.

Ellie, Maria, and Ted spend the rest of the school day trying to ignore each other. Eventually their efforts to forget what they’ve been put into fade as they all sit around the single table Mr. Cleaver has set up for them for their after-school meeting.

As Mr. Cleaver leaves the room, he leaves Ellie in charge of the group, Ted looks longing out the third-story window at his team practicing on the field below.

“Ted,” Maria says, poking him in the shoulder. “We need to focus on this. I don’t wanna be put back a year.”

Ted turns back to face both Maria and Ellie who are looking directly at him. His face goes a little red.

“Sorry,” he mumbles. “I just find it hard…sometimes to focus.”

Ellie then clears her throat and reaches for her very large and scrappy notebook.

“So, I did some research already,” she says, pushing her notebook forward on the table.

Maria and Ted look down at the ragged notebook that sports the header, Gender Investigation. They both look at each other and raise a curious eyebrow.

Maria picks up the notebook and flicks through the reams of notes that Ellie has already produced.

“You did this already…?” Maria questions in disbelief, shocked at the work she’s already done.

“Yeah….?” Ellie replies, snatching the workbook back. “I like to be…. prepared.”

“That’s not how you work as a team Ellie,” Ted moans, also frustrated with her as he points out the window at the team below. “Look out there.”

Ellie gets up from her seat and looks out the window at the field below.

“What am I looking at?” she asks impatiently.

“See him,” Ted points. “That’s the captain.”

“…and?” Ellie asks, sitting back down with an unimpressed look.

“Although they lead the team,” Ted continues, also sitting back down. “They are still part of the team and know that only the team working together will bring victory.”

“That’s sports,” Ellie says, dismissing Ted's opinion. “This is learning.”

Ted narrows his eyes, before leaning back in his chair with a long exhausted breath.

“Anyways….,” Ellie says, clearing her throat again. “I thought you guys could read these published gender research papers tonight and we could compare notes and findings at our next group meeting.”

Ellie then hands them both a wad of bound paper.

“No way,” Maria whines, pushing away the research papers Ellie has slid in front of her. “I don’t know about Ted here, but I’m never going to be able to read that!”

“Yeah….,” Ted awkwardly laughs and pushes his papers back towards Ellie. “Honestly…the words just won’t go in.”

“What!?” Ellie complains, having to bite her lip. “Are you telling me you both can’t read!?”

“NO!” Maria and Ted instantly reply in unison.

Ellie rubs tried her eyes. “I don’t understand then,” she comments, pushing the gender research papers forward.

“Could we maybe do something a little more…. hands-on?” Ted asks, looking at the two girls in hope.

Maria gently nods in agreement, before Ellie rudely shuts it down.

“And how exactly do you propose that!?” Ellie complains, tapping at the dates on her research papers. “It takes a newborn child and years upon years of carefully thought-out experiments to gain any sort of insight into this age-old question. We don’t have time for it—let alone a newborn baby!”

Ted lowers his head. “Oh,” he says dejected, picking at the frayed edges of the tabletop.

Silence ensues for a moment before Maria gently taps at the table.

“Erm….,” she says nervously, breaking the tension between the group. “I do actually have an idea.”

Ellie then growls and angrily pushes her papers towards them both in frustration.

“You two!” she whines, getting more and more wound up. “I’m trying my best to help you both! Please just read the papers I’ve prepared and stop wasting my time!”

Ted looks up to see Maria grow bright red. He can see the frustration in her eyes making them want to pop straight out.

“Shut up!” Maria snaps, slapping her hand onto the table. “Will you just listen! This is why you don’t have any friends!”

Ellie instantly leans back and rubs her eyes as they begin to water.

Ted looks on at Ellie, knowing she’s about to tear up. He feels he should step in before something happens.

“Girls,” he says softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Let’s not fight in this heat.”

Still angry, Maria grits her teeth and growls in Ted's direction. “Don’t ‘girls’ me,” she irritably yells.

Ted raises both his hands in surrender, before giving her a wry smile.

“What was your idea?” he asks cautiously, desperately trying to defuse the situation.

Ellie huffs and folds her arms tight. “Yes…go on,” she says sarcastically. “Grace us with your great... idea.”

Maria also folds her arms and goes silent, making Ted put his head into his hands with a sigh.

“This is not going to help us,” he moans, talking through his fingers. “Let us hear your idea, Maria and Ellie, keep quiet. We are part of the team too!”

Maria’s expression softens and she almost gives Ted a smile as she watches him take his hands away from his face.

“Well, I was thinking….,” she says anxiously, taking a long breath in and tiddling her fingers. “What if one of us was able to swap gender for the summer—then we could document it and any behavior changes.”

Ellie huffs and rolls her eyes. “Stupid…,” she says, reacting badly.

Maria bites her lip but stares daggers in Ellie’s direction. Ted can clearly see Maria wants to burst out in anger.

“That would be interesting,” Ted replies quickly, wanting to support Maria’s idea and keep the calm. “It’s a real shame that isn’t possible.”

“Yes….,” Ellie says sarcastically, trying desperately not to look at Maria’s angry face. “Not possible.”

“Don’t you both look at me like I’m stupid,” Maria growls, still staring Ellie down. “Don’t you think I’d normally know that—but what if it was possible? What If I had a way one of us could swap gender?”

“Do you have a way?” Ted is quick to question, now very curious.

Ellie shakes her head at Ted entertaining the idea, but Maria smiles brightly at Ted for asking.

“Actually, yeah,” Maria replies more upbeat, still fiddling with her thumbs. “I actually know a far bit about this, and I’ve heard of this thing we can get that will work. One of us could be the other gender within weeks as far as I know.”

Ted nods and gently smiles as he gives it some serious consideration.

“Are you two high!?” Ellie moans, shaking her head in disapproval. “That’s just not possible.”

“It is possible,” Maria retorts with an eye twitch. “I’ve got some stuff at home already.”

“You do?” Ellie asks, playing along. “I’d love to document this whole idea as a side project…. for my ow….personal gain.”

“You have some already?” Ted asks, giving a confused look. “Why?”

Maria furrows her brow and stares Ted down.

“Does that matter?” she replies firmly.

Ted sees the fire in her eyes and doesn’t want another fight. “No, just asking.” He replies, scratching at his chin.

“So….,” Maria continues, nervously smiling at both Ted and Ellie, wanting approval. “Are we doing this then?”

“I’m game,” Ted replies, shrugging his shoulder, knowing that the quicker they finish the quicker he and get out of school.

“Sure….,” Ellie adds, opening her notepad and making notes.

“So, if you guys don’t mind,” Maria says bashfully, looking away from them both. “I volunteer to have my gender-swapped.”

“Really...!?” Ted asks with interest, turning his full attention to Maria.

Turning bright red, Maria looks away as she feels the sting of embarrassment on her cheeks.

“I don’t think that’s logical,” Ellie then pipes up, making both Ted and Maria look at her. “We are a group of one boy and two girls. Logically—if this is even possible—it would make more sense for a scientific base for Ted to have his gender-swapped.”

“WHAT!?” Ted shouts in anguish, staring at Ellie with wide eyes. “Why!?”

Ellie clears her throat and looks down at her notes.

“W-well….,” she says softly. “It would be interesting to see the group dynamic change if you become a girl. As myself and Maria are girls already, we’d also be able to pinpoint changes in your behavior more than I’d be able to notice changes in Maria if she became a boy.”

“I don’t agree,” Ted says, disagreeing and gulping down a knot in his throat

“You can see my logic though…right Maria?” Ellie asks, looking at Maria for support.

“I guess….,” Maria replies with melancholy. “I suppose it would be interesting to see Ted a girl. I guess that would be easier for me too.”

“Guys…,” Ted quickly replies with a high-pitched squeal, holding his hands up. “I’m not comfortable with this.”

“It’s only for summer Ted,” Ellie answers sternly, making more notes in her notepad. “If possible, this will be a fascinating study. I’m actually really excited.”

“Good for you!” Ted sarcastically retorts.

“You’d learn a lot about girls Ted,” Maria delicately interjects. “Might make it easier for you to get a girlfriend in the future.”

Liking that idea, Ted does nod in agreement, then quickly changes his tune by shaking his head wildly

“Come…on,” he complains, no sweating. “How would I explain this to my family? No way am I wearing that frilly uniform either!”

“Uniform?” Maria questions with curiosity, looking down at herself. “That’s an interesting thing for you to be upset about.”

“Yeah….,” Ellie agrees. “Almost like you are trying to hide the fact you are secretly excited about wearing a girl’s uniform.”

“Oh, shut up you two,” Ted huffs in frustration, looking away. “Even if Maria here thinks I can change into a girl…. we all know it’s not going to happen.”

Maria chuckles and shifts in her seat.

“If you’re too chicken Ted,” she says sincerely. “I don’t mind being the Guinee pig.”

“I’m not a chicken!” Ted angrily responds, pointing a strong finger at Maria in frustration.

“I’m trying to help you,” Maria replies defensively, holding her hands up in surrender. “Don’t get angry at me because you’re not secure in yourself.”

“What did you just say—you stupid munter!?” Ted growls in rage, pushing his seat back as he stands to try and intimidate Maria.

“Who you calling stupid!?” Maria replies with mounting fury, also standing to meet Ted's challenge.”

“YOU TWO!” Ellie screams, breaking the pencil in her hand in the process. “Listen to you both! If we carry on like this—both of you are being kept behind a year! Do you want that!?”

Both Ellie and Maria instantly turn to look at Ellie, shocked by her outburst. They both slump into their chairs and fold their arms. Huffing, they both look away from each other.

“Sorry for calling you stupid,” Ted forces himself to say. “I just don’t like the idea of being made to swap my gender. I like being a boy!”

Rubbing her sore red eyes, she looks back over at Ted.

“I’m sorry too,” she replies tenderly. “Being the wrong gender to how you feel is not fun and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone….so sorry for calling you a chicken.”

Ellie nervously giggles while reaching into her bag to find another pencil.

“I don’t know why you’re both getting so upset.” She says smiling as she holds up a new pencil. “It’s not possible anyway.”

“Ok, misses know-it-all!” Maria says annoyed, rubbing her eyes again. “Let’s agree to meet at mine, tonight. We will start our project and if Ted doesn’t start transforming, I will hold my hands up and do whatever you think we need to do to pass this stupid project.”

“Hey, hold on….,” Ted instantly complains, but both the girls ignore him.

“Deal!” Ellie grins, making a note. “Meet at yours at eight tonight!”

“You can’t be serious!” Ted complains again, shaking his head.

“Oh, shut up Ted,” Maria grunts, staring Ellie down. “I want to prove Ellie wrong…so Just meet at Maria’s tonight at eight!”

“But, you just said….,” Ted pleas confused.

“I know what I just said,” Maria replies. Gritting her teeth. “Proving Ellie wrong is more important to me right now!”