Michelle's Story - Part 11 free porn video

Michelle's Story - Part 11 The bus ride to Birmingham was not a pleasant one. Emma and Michael had enjoyed their brief stay with their cousins and the trip back to Newcastle was tinged with sadness. Still, their parents were awaiting their safe return. They made the short trip across the city centre to New Street Station and found the train on time. Soon, they were onboard and heading to Newcastle. "Cheer up," said Sally as she got out the snakes and ladders game from one of the bags. "We're going to speak to your parents about the possibility of you seeing your cousins more often." "I'm just worried about Robert," sighed Michael. "Should I tell him?" "That is up to you," said Sally. "But if he is feeling bad about his parents, I can see why you've held off so far." "For now, it might be best if you didn't tell him," said Anne. "If you feel that it may upset him even more." "If the worse does happen, I suggest you hang around with Emma at school," said Sally. "Surely this boy/girl rule doesn't effect siblings?" "Or you could make friends with some other boys for the time being?" suggested Anne. Michael didn't seem to like that idea. "The problem there is that he would end up breaking the friendships when he eventually goes to school as Michelle," said Sally. "My only other friends are girls," he said. "And boys will laugh at me if I hang round with them." "This is stupid," said Anne. "Introducing gender segregation at this age." "I wouldn't say it was the school's fault," said Sally. "It's just something that has been going on for ages. It's natural for children to hang around with other members of their sex." "And if anyone breaks that norm, they get rounded on," sighed Anne. Sally didn't reply, but her expression showed agreement. It was decided to leave the subject till they arrived at John's house. The subject was switched to a more cheerful one, as they reminisced about the party. "I think we should do princesses at our parties too," said Emma. "Yes, we should!" agreed Michael. "I felt so happy being a princess." "Ask your parents," said Anne. "I would imagine they'll say yes." "I agree," said Sally. Michael and Emma chose to spend some time looking out of the window. Their last trip didn't give them much opportunity, seeing that it was later in the day then. They then decided to pass the time with a game of I-Spy. Around noon, they decided to start on the sandwiches that Anne had made. They would all be having something more substantial at John's house. "Tell me more about Jessica please," said Michael. "What do you want to know?" asked Anne, keeping her voice just loud enough for the girls to hear, but so that other passengers couldn't. "When did she tell you that she wanted to be a girl?" asked Michael. Emma was interested too. "She started making her desires known to us before she officially said it," said Anne. "She had been playing with her sister since she was young, even before she started school. It wasn't until she asked for a skirt as part of her school uniform that I found her playing with her sister, whilst wearing some of her sisters clothes." "Did she have long hair then?" asked Emma. "No, she didn't," said Anne. "At that time, we made her have short hair. She seemed keen to grow it, but we wouldn't let her. You see, at the time, I didn't understand what she was going through. I just thought she was being a silly boy." Anne was clearly saying these words with regret. Speaking about when she was against her son becoming a girl was now uncomfortable for her. "But she isn't a silly boy," said Michael. "Of course she isn't," smiled Anne. "It was around a year ago that she was caught at school wearing a dress. She was wearing that very same dress only yesterday." "Yes, we know. She told us," said Emma. "It's a very pretty dress." "She did explain this in the car yesterday," said Sally. "And how my brother caused a bit of trouble." "Your uncle Adam did cause a bit of trouble," sighed Anne. "He lost his temper and got very angry. It was on that day that Jessica told us that she wanted to be a girl." "So what happened then?" asked Michael. "I saw how upset Jessica was and stopped your uncle from speaking to her. He wanted to stop her becoming a girl, no matter what," replied Anne. "And what did you want to do?" asked Emma. "I wanted to see how serious Jessica was. I let her dress up in girls clothes again. I even bought her a wig. I quickly saw how happy she was and felt as though your uncle was wrong. He then said something very bad about Sally and from then on, I no longer loved him. I decided to help Jessica as much as possible. When your uncle left me, I let Jessica out full time. She started her second year as a girl and has been very happy ever since." "What bad things did Uncle Adam say about Sally?" asked Michael. "I'm not going to tell you," said Anne. "It was not very nice." "And your Auntie Anne and I are going to help you too," said Sally to Michael. "Thank you," said Michael. * * * It was 3:00pm when they arrived at Newcastle Central. Sally had already called John on her mobile phone to say that they were arriving shortly. "I hope we don't meet anyone we know," said Michael. Anne looked at Sally. They knew what Michael meant, now that they were back in the their local neighbourhood. But Michael needn't have feared, for they were getting a taxi from the station. Bus services were rather less frequent on Sundays, which made getting a taxi the much better option. They arrived at their house a short time later. As expected, John was in, and it was he who opened the door. "The happy partygoers have returned. How was your stay with your cousins?" he asked. "Not long enough," said Michael. "Michael wants to go full time, and by staying with Jessica, he thinks he can," said Sally. "Any way, long time no see, bro." "Same here sis. Had your hair done?" replied John. "Just for the party. Doesn't look too bad," she smiled. "How are you Anne?" said John, now turning to his sister-in-law. "Fine. My lot should be ok. Got Helen looking after them," replied Anne. They were soon inside the house and sitting in the living room. Liz was sitting down as usual with her baby bump clear for all to see. "Taking things easy I see?" smiled Anne. "Not keen on being lazy," replied Liz. "But with this load, you can't do much. We've got the dinner on the go, so it won't be long." "I can always do with some help," said John. "Ok. I don't mind a bit of work," said Anne. While they went to the kitchen, Michael and Emma went upstairs to play. Sally was soon discovering that James hadn't forgotten one subject and was now looking her over. "I still can't believe you were a man," he asked her. "It is true, but inside, I never felt like one," said Sally. "I now know that I should have been a girl from the day I was born, but I had to wait a good many years to rectify it." "Do you believe my brother is a girl?" asked James. "This weekend has been the first I've seen of Michelle, and I can say she never acted like a boy for one minute," said Sally. James sighed and smiled weakly. He was hoping for signs that his brother might might decide on staying a boy. Sally seemed to read his mind. "I know it must be hard accepting that Michael wants to be a girl, but for now, that seems his chosen path," said Sally. "The best thing you can do is to stand by him. If he does decide to follow the path I took, at least he'll look nothing like a boy in a dress." "I just want a brother, that's all," he sighed. "Hopefully, your mom will give you another brother," said Sally. In the kitchen, Anne was helping with the final touches to the dinner. She was also discussing the situation about Michael. "He wants to go full time," she told John. "He's just like Jessica. Put him in a dress and he's in his element." "So, as things stand, we do need to get him into school as a girl come September," said John. "He wants to start now," added Anne. "We do know. It's because his only friend is facing the possibility of moving to another school, leaving the only friends that he has being girls," said John. "I think it silly that the school is allowing this segregation to go on," said Anne. "I know now that Jessica and Sandra always hung out together at break times." "I don't see any problem with that," said John. "It's just how the other children see it." "And he hasn't told this friend about his desire to be a girl?" asked Anne. "No. We decided to not tell him, purely for the boy's sake. He is not coping with the divorce." "I know my divorce was easier, because the children knew where their best interests lay. Adam had practically washed his hands of us long before I asked for the divorce," said Anne. "You did the right thing, it seemed," said John. "I never want to hear about another near death." Anne decided to phone home moments later, just to let Helen know that they had arrived safe and just to let the children know what was happening. "Hi Helen. Yes, we've made it. We're just stopping for dinner, and then we're making our way back." "When can we expect you back?" asked Helen. "It will be late. Just make sure the children are in bed on time. Tell them that I'll see them tomorrow." "Ok, will do. Bye," said Helen. "And by the way, Julia and Kelly are here. Came round just to give the girls some company." "Ok, thanks for telling me. Bye then," said Anne. With dinner soon ready, everyone gathered in the living room to eat. Undoubtedly, Emma and Michael were keen to explain in detail, their enjoyment of the birthday party. If Liz and John were not already convinced that Michael was a girl in a boys body, they now were. "Now Michelle, I have to agree with your dad that waiting till September is the best time for you to start school as a girl," said Sally. "I know it's ages away, but it's for the best." "And if it comes to the worst,I want you to hang around with your sister during breaks," said John. "But I need to be a girl to be with her," said Michael. "You don't. If brothers and sisters can't be together, there is no justice," said Anne. "But if others see him hanging around with me and my friends, they'll take the mickey out of him," said Emma. "Then see to it that they don't," said John. "I just don't see it as right that you should be forced to wander around the playground alone." Emma and Michael didn't seem convinced. They decided that Robert might help on this matter, but the mentioning of Michelle could still be left out of the equation when asking him. * * * As soon as dinner was finished, it came for Anne and Sally to make the long journey home. Michael and Emma gave them the fondest of farewells, hugging them both. "Trust me James, you have two wonderful sisters," said Sally. "You should be proud." James looked at Michael and had to admit to himself that Sally was right. Michael was every bit a girl at this moment. Only one part of his anatomy could prove otherwise. "Oh, and you're all invited to our weddings," said Sally. "We'll work out a way of getting you there." "Oh, and I took some photos yesterday," said Anne. "I'll send you some copies by email." "Ok, we'll look forward to seeing them," said John. After they had gone, the children and John returned to the living room. Michael and Emma were longing to continue about the party, and did so too quickly for their parents to understand. "And after we played some party games, the girls were wondering about kissing the boys for a dare and Michelle did it!" said Emma. She soon paused when the faces of her audience just stopped and looked at her in surprise. They then looked at Michael, who looked abashed. "It was just a game," said Michael. "Just a girl kissing a boy." "Did the boy know?" asked John. "No," said Emma. "Neither of them did. They were never told either." "But you're telling me that Michael kissed another boy?!" exclaimed James. "It was only a game, by the sounds of it," said Liz. "If any of the other girls had taken up the dare, nothing would be said." "And no harm has come of it," said John. "But will this mean he'll want to kiss boys in the future?" asked James. "If he does, I'm not stopping him," said John. "Or should that be her?" "But wouldn't that make him gay?" asked James. "Not if Michael is living as a girl," said John. "If it does come to that, Michael perceives himself to be a girl, and if he shows an interest in boys, he would be a straight girl. Do I make myself clear?" "But Aunt Sally? She likes women," asked James. "So, she's gay," said John. "And for your information, her girlfriend is very important to her." "How so?" asked James. "If it wasn't for this woman, you probably wouldn't have an aunt, and I wouldn't have a sister," said John. The children looked on, interestedly. "Before she became the aunt you know, Sally ran away from home and nearly took her own life," said John. "This woman, called Carol, found her and took her to hospital. After that, Carol looked after her and helped her become who she is today." "Why did she run away from home?" asked James. "Because your Uncle Adam bullied her," said John. "He didn't want a brother who dressed as a girl. I believe I told you this story in Skegness last year." James recollected the story that John had told them a few weeks earlier, when he told them that Aunt Sally was transgendered. "You've already told us that Uncle Adam bullied her," said James. "Well, your Uncle Adam hated Sally, and hoped that when she ran away, she wouldn't return," said John. "From what your Aunt Anne has told me since, he was disappointed that she didn't return in a coffin." Even Liz looked horrified at this statement. Even at their young ages, their children understood what he meant. They were still very fond of their Aunt Sally. "He wanted her dead?!" exclaimed James. "No, that's not right." That night, James asked John more on what happened between him and Adam. Now he was clear about his stance with Michael. He still wasn't keen on Michael becoming a girl, but he wasn't going to force Michael into backing out now. By the time James went to bed, Michael was already asleep. "My aunt nearly died because of my uncle being a bully. I won't let my brother suffer in the same way," he said to himself. "Goodnight Michelle, my sister." * * * Monday saw Michael's brief stint as Michelle come to a close. At least till the afternoon, and that was providing Robert wasn't planning on a visit. Still, the thought of dressing in trousers rather than skirts didn't please him, even if Liz and Emma had told him that girls did wear trousers from time to time. His own hair was still the long boyish style he had had for nearly a year now. He couldn't wait for the chance to grow it longer. After experiencing the wig so many times now, he really did miss the length. But all girly feelings had to be brushed aside for several hours, as school beckoned once more. There were just two weeks left until the Easter holidays, and the chance for more lengthy spells as Michelle. Robert was happy to see Michael, but it was clear that he was not happy entirely. "My mom has moved out," he told Michael. "We're living with dad for now." "Is that for good?" asked Michael, hoping for the best. "We don't know," replied Robert. "We might have to move in with mom instead." What was happening was quite simple. Robert and Tina were living with their dad in their original house, just so that they could go to school. There was still a chance they could end up moving to Gateshead to live with their mom. If that happened, they would be forced to change schools. But for now, with the divorce not finalised, they were staying put. "So, you might leave after all?" asked Michael. Robert nodded. "I'm going to miss you," said Michael. "I haven't left yet," said Robert. "But you're right. I'd miss you too." "I don't know what I'd do without you," said Michael. "I've only got my sister to talk to here." "And she is in another year," said Robert. "I'm sure you'll find other friends." "I'm not sure," said Michael. "I just hope you stay here." It appeared for now that Robert was not interested in speaking about leaving school. He didn't want it to happen, and keeping away from the subject was one of his priorities. "You coming over to my house this week?" asked Michael towards the end of the day. The subject was becoming a problem for Michael, who saw all time at home as "Michelle time". Though he enjoyed Robert's company, he did prefer his time as Michelle instead. Despite his tiring of Robert's visits, he didn't show it, and whenever he asked, he showed enthusiasm. "Might do on Wednesday," said Robert, trying to sound cheerful. "Ok," said Michael. "Oh, I've been meaning to ask you, how was the party?" asked Robert. "The party? Oh, that was great. Really enjoyed it. Had a few party games, went to the cinema. Lots of fun," replied Michael. "So, whose party was it?" added Robert. "Oh, two girl cousins," said Michael. "It wasn't a girly party though. They have a brother and they made it a party for boys and girls." It was a partial lie, as the cinema trip and party games were the truth. On the way home, Michael told Emma about Robert not seeming to care about him wanting to be with her. "So, he thinks I'll find other friends, but I want to be with you and your friends," he told her. "I understand. You are one of us, and that is that," said Emma. "Do you think he is going to leave?" "I'm not sure. I hope he doesn't," replied Michael. At home, they decided to ask their parents for more advice. John was keen to listen. "Do you think he cares whether I find friends or not?" asked Michael. "I can't see why not. It's just that he's worried about the outcome of this divorce," said John. "I just wouldn't ask him anything more on the subject." "Ok. But he's coming over on Wednesday," said Michael. He couldn't hide the disappointment this time. "You're growing tired of him coming here, aren't you?" asked Liz. Michael nodded. "I'm a girl here. When he comes, I have to be a boy." "Do you want him to know that?" asked John. "No," sighed Michael. "All I can say is that he needs his friends," said John. "He is going through a tough period in his life and he wants some comfort. You're his only friend, and in his opinion, the only one who can offer him the comfort he needs." "He values your friendship," said Liz. "He needs his friends at the moment." Michael, already changed into one of his dresses and wig, nodded understandingly and went upstairs with Emma. As they did, John received a phone call from Anne. It appeared that her family couldn't get enough of his and she was wondering about further opportunities apart from Christmas to meet up. John was keen on the ideas she had, but decided to keep them away from his children for now. He did tell his wife though. "That was Anne. Wants to know if you want to go on holiday with them," he told Liz. "You mean go to the same destination?" she replied. "Yes, for her children are becoming fond of ours," said John. "That would be nice. Anywhere planned?" she added. "Not yet, but that can be arranged," he told her. * * * There wasn't any doubt now that Michael wanted to be a girl. He had been picking up girly habits from his sister and her friends, such as the way he played with his wig when wearing it, or the way he walked when wearing dresses or other girl garments. The only concern about this was that he might start behaving like this all the time, even when dressed as a boy. "Michael, I know it's hard, but you must learn to put some of these girly habits to one side," said Liz. "What habits?" asked Michael. "The way you walk. The way you play with your hair," said Liz. "I know how much you want to be a girl, but you must be patient." It needed John to help him remember how to be a boy for now. Robert was still making regular visits, so behaviour was important. But while keeping Robert unaware of Michael's gender confusion, it was not always possible to keep others unaware. Marian the midwife was the one to find out, but thankfully, she was accepting. Still, it took a while to explain things to her. It was Saturday, one week since the party, and Marian had come to make her routine visit. Michael, aware that Robert wasn't coming over, was dressed as Michelle. He had required some help with a dress that he was wearing, and that Emma had been unable to help him. Liz was just getting examined by Marian when they arrived in the living room. "Oh, what is it?" asked Liz, looking a bit awkward. "My dress clip is stuck," said Michael. Marian looked and saw the two girls. She recognised Emma, but not the one who had just spoken. "This a friend of yours?" she asked Emma. "She's my sister," said Emma. She then looked at Liz's face and realised that she might have been better to have said friend rather than sister. "You have a sister?" asked Marian. "Have you been adopting, Liz?" "This is Michael. He wears girls clothes at home," said Liz. "He wants to be a girl." Marian looked at Michael with wonder. Michael looked ashamed. Sensing his uncomfort, Marian took sympathy on him and offered to see to his dress instead. She managed to free the zipper, allowing Michael to go back with Emma to her room. "Thank you," he said shyly to Marian. "Your welcome, Michael," she replied. "My name is Michelle," he added. "I'm so sorry. I won't make that mistake again," said Marian smiling. As Michael and Emma went back upstairs, Marian pressed the subject to Liz. "So, how long has he been like this?" "Since after Christmas," said Liz. "He came out to us when visiting relatives." "So, you're letting him be who he wants to be?" asked Miriam. "Michael is a girl. He has been much happier since we started letting him dress up," said Liz. "It's just that it took some cruel bullying at school to help bring him out." "I take it that he wears a wig?" asked Marian. "Yes, though his own hair is still long, for a boy. He can't wait for trips to the barber to end," said Liz. "You don't suppose this is anything to do with his parts?" asked Marian. "I don't think so," said Liz. "It was visible when he was born, it is quite visible now, and he can pee out of it. And there are signs of the testes too." "Well, they were still quite small when he was born," said Miriam. "I know what you're thinking, but I'm sure he's all boy physically. He just thinks like a girl, that's all," said Liz. "Have you seen anyone about him?" asked Marian. "We have taken him to a gender specialist in Wallsend, and so far, he's just told us to let him be a girl when possible," said Liz. "Ok, so I take it you're fully supportive of him?" asked Marian. "We are," said Liz. "It's all too clear that this is how he wants to be, and we want the best for all our children." "Well, as long as he doesn't get hurt," said Marion. "I've seen what the media do to people with his condition." "I know," said Liz. Marion then turned back to her job in hand, and finished giving Liz her latest check-up. "Another visit done, and a few more to go," she smiled. "No over doing it, but you know the drill." "Of course I know," smiled Liz. With that, Marian let herself out of the house. * * * With Liz very much housebound, John was put in charge of the shopping, though Judy, the house help, did some shopping too. Liz wrote the shopping list out and Judy took it to the store. With a certain festival coming up, John took the children out to get chocolate eggs one evening after school. They usually got one egg each of their choosing, but they usually ended up with more, as John and Liz usually bought a few to share. A lot of eggs featured cartoon characters on the packaging, while others were merely packaged with certain chocolate bars and sweets. For once, Michael was torn between a Ben 10 egg and a Barbie egg. "Make your mind up please," said John. "Haven't got all day." Michael quickly pointed at the Barbie egg, hoping that no one would see him do so. The reason was that for once, he was dressed as a boy. Emma chose a Barbie egg too, while James held on for now. He was after a Newcastle United egg, and only the club store plus a selected supermarket sold them. They were in a supermarket now, taking advantage of the cheaper prices. With the children's eggs decided, they went about choosing the other eggs that were for no one in particular. After choosing the others, they continued around the store, doing more shopping for groceries. They also did a quick trip to the toy aisle where, once again, Michael was torn over which toys to look at. Being dressed as he was, looking at girls toys seemed risky, so he decided to look at them when the aisle was clear. Emma usually stood by him and posed as though she was the only one who was interested. After the trip to the supermarket, they headed off to St. James Park. Emma and Michael went into the club store just to avoid waiting in the car. They decided to see if James still had an interest in teddy bears - for the store sold one with the club crest on it's foot, as well as wearing a black and white scarf. "No thanks, even if he does look nice," he replied upon seeing it. "Oh come on James, nothing wrong with a bear," smiled John. James almost took offence, but sighed when he noticed that John was just teasing. Apart from getting James his Newcastle Utd egg, it was a chance for him to see what he would like in a few weeks time - his birthday was next month. Thankfully for John, there were a few things he wanted, including special stickers to decorate his Nintendo DS with. With time drawing on, John stopped off at a takeaway for dinners. He ordered pie and chips for all, not bothered if they were not warm enough, for they could always be put in the microwave at home. Upon arriving home, Michael made a belated change into girls attire, while John took the meals into the kitchen to warm up. "Got the eggs you wanted?" asked Liz, as they all sat down to eat their dinners. "Michelle decided on a Barbie egg like me," said Emma. Michael smiled weakly. "Getting tired of Ben 10 now, are you?" smiled Liz. "Not really," said Michael. "But I am a girl now." James didn't say anything about his egg. He merely took it from his bag and held it up. "No guessing you'd want one of those eggs," said Liz. "Anyway, eat up." After eating their food, Emma and Michael headed upstairs. Their games were repetitive at times, though it didn't matter to them. Their dolls never tired of having stories read to them. "You are certainly becoming Michelle now," said Emma. "I thought you would have picked a Ben 10 egg." "I wasn't sure. I still do like Ben 10, but I wanted an egg for me, the real me," said Michael. "Well, they are all the same," said Emma. "I looked on the boxes at the shop and they all have jelly sweets with them." "I really wish I was a girl," said Michael. "I don't want my willy, I want to sit with Amy in class, I want to be with you during break times. But I can't because I'm a boy. It's not fair!" "But you are a girl," said Emma. "You like dresses, you like playing girl games, you liked being a princess. That makes you a girl in my eyes." "You think so?" asked Michael. "After seeing Jessica and seeing how girly she is, you are completely like her," said Emma. "Now if it can be done, I want you to hang with me and the others at break times, even if you don't get too close. Just be close to us." "I don't want to just be close, I want to be amongst you," said Michael. "Next year, you can. Next year, you'll be wearing skirts to school," smiled Emma. "But what if I don't?" said Michael. "I might not be a girl at school. Mr Connor doesn't want me to." "Mommy and daddy will sort something out," said Emma. "Even Auntie Sally might help. I want to see you go to school in a skirt." Michael just smiled at her. He was very fond of his sister, and he loved her to bits. * * * Michael was never able to put his concerns to one side, for Robert never ceased to look worried. It was the last day of the penultimate week before the Easter holidays, and Robert was looking more worried than ever. "I'll know today," he said. "My dad is expecting an answer this morning." "So, you'll know if you're leaving or not?" asked Michael. "Yes," sighed Robert. "My mom has already decided which school she wants me to go to." Michael didn't like the sound of that. It was as if his mom had won the custody battle already. That sentence set the mood for both of them for the rest of the day. It came to a head before the school day was out. Mr Connor came to the classroom just after dinner and called for Robert. Robert's parents and sister were with him. Robert looked at Michael sadly and then walked to the front of the room to join his family. The rest of the class were curious to know what was going on, but as soon as they had left, Miss Ford, their teacher, resumed the lesson as if nothing had happened. It was when the final bell sounded, that Robert returned to the classroom. The look on his face said everything. Michael was heartbroken. The two boys hugged each other, as Miss Ford came over to see what was wrong. "I'm leaving, miss," sobbed Robert. "My mom wants me to go to another school. Next week will be my last week." "We'll be sorry to see you go," she said. "But not as sorry as Michael, it appears." "He's my best friend, my only friend," said Michael. The other children were looking over to see what was up, but the teacher told them all to make their way outside and meet up with their parents. Amy was the most interested of them. Robert headed out of the classroom and picked up his belongings. Michael joined him and followed him to the entrance hall where Robert's family were waiting. "You're taking away my best friend!" said Michael angrily to Robert's mom. "I hate you!" Michael then stormed out of the building and looked for his siblings. Robert looked at his mom and told her with his expression that he was with Michael on this. "I'm sorry son. You'll get some new friends at the new school," she replied. "But what about Michael?" said Robert. "He hasn't got any other friends!" Tina wasn't happy either. She had a few more friends to leave behind, that she didn't want to. "You may meet again," said his mom, trying to repair the situation. "Why couldn't you have picked a house in this neighbourhood?" said the children's dad. "But no, you decide to go back to your parents in Gateshead!" "You at least will get visits from them," said his ex-wife. "Maybe their friends can visit them then." "This is not right," he replied. "Don't go with her, children." "They're my responsibility now, not yours," said their mom. "Not quite yet," replied their dad. "They're staying in my house for at least next week. They've still got one more week here yet." She knew he was right. The reason for this was simple - it was easier for them to finish a school at the end of a term rather than during one. And so, the children left with their father instead. Michael had found his siblings, along with Maddy. They saw the look on his face and stopped. "What's up?" asked Emma, but then she realised. "Oh, it's happened!" "You mean his friend is leaving?" asked Maddy. They were soon joined by Amy and Jenny, eager to know what had happened. "Robert is leaving. He won't be back after Easter," said Michael. "So that was what Mr Connor came to our class about," said Amy. "I saw his mom and dad," said Michael. "I told them I hate them." "We'll have to tell mommy and daddy," said Emma. "We need to sort things out for after Easter." * * * As had been the case for a good few weeks, Maddy's mom June took them all home. She noticed that Michael looked upset and dared ask why. "My best friend is leaving, to live with his mom," said Michael. "They're having a divorce," added Emma. "Oh, I see," said June. She didn't bother asking any further questions. When they arrived home, Michael was keen to tell his parents, but only Liz was there. John had yet to come back from work. Judy was also there, but she was doing some of the washing up in the kitchen. "Mom, Robert is leaving school next week!" said Michael. "Oh, so the divorce court has ruled in favour of his mother then?" said Liz. "I'm so sorry." "What am I to do?" asked Michael. "Dry your eyes for a start," said Liz. "Now that we know what is happening, we'll just have to make sure that you enjoy your last week of friendship." "But what about after Easter?" asked Emma. "One step at a time," said Liz. "Once your father gets back, we can talk about that." With nothing left to do till John came back, Michael proceeded to change out of his school uniform and into some more comfortable attire: a dress. He then went to Emma's room and went to play with one of her dolls. Emma arrived moments later and smiled. They were still upstairs when John arrived home from work. Liz was the one to inform him. "Michael's friend Robert, his parents divorce has been settled," she told him. "And?" asked John. "His mother has won custody of him and his sister," sighed Liz. "Next week is his last week at school." "Which means Michael will be alone at school for the 12 weeks until July," said John. Liz nodded. "I thought it best if you spoke to him about it." "You mean her," said John. Michael and Emma had just entered the living room. "How to put this," said John. "I'd simply ask you to find new friends, but it isn't that simple." He was of course, taking Michael's current attire into account. "If you make friends with more boys, it's only going to make things harder for you when you enter school as a girl," he added. "If we could guarantee that no one would recognise you, I'd arrange for you to go as Michelle after Easter, but I doubt that would happen." "Do you sit with anyone else?" asked Liz. "No. Just Robert," said Michael. "Which means I'll be alone when he is gone." "They'll just have to move you to another table," said John. "Amy's table. I want to sit with her," said Michael. "Any tables with boys?" asked John. "None," said Michael shaking his head. "All seats taken. Amy's table is the only one with a free seat." John was caught in two minds. He knew the very reason why Michael wanted to sit with Amy, but seeing how boys and girls always sat apart, it wasn't likely to be the best thing for him to do. The only thing he could think of, was that their teacher made the choice herself, that some other arrangement could be done. But as for Michael befriending other boys, it did pose a problem. One problem was if Michael became too close to other boys, how would he explain returning to school in September as a girl? The other thing was that if Michael decided to sit by himself, he was making himself a target for further bullying. With this problem still unresolved, he decided to turn to the last week of the current term. "Back to next week, I want you to spend a bit more time with Robert, even if you have him here every day. I want you to make the most of your last week with him." "Will I ever see him again?" asked Michael. "You may," said John. "Never say never." "You may meet him again, even if we go shopping," said Liz. "But what if I'm dressed like this?" asked Michael. "That is a chance we'll have to take," said John.