I want to thank all the people that have helped me edit and critique this story and especially Maddy Bell for allowing me to join her universe and giving me permission to write in it.
Based on the story Gaby, Book # 4 - Once Upon A Time In America By Maddy Bell
All Characters portrayed in the story are copywrited to Maddy Bell for her Gaby series found at Maddybell.com
Scene 43
Wednesday, (Cont.)
I just looked up at him and he nervously stuttered, “Ah, hi everyone. I guess I deserve that from you guys for what I did. Ah … look … I want to make amends.”
“Yea right! Tell us another one.” Bernie yelled at him peeved.
“No really! Please give me a chance. Please Mfanwy, can I have a word with you … in private please? I promise, I will not attack you or anything … I just want to talk. Really that is all, I … want to do … ah … please?” He looked around the table, “I know I don't deserve to talk with you for what I have done, but please hear me out. If you don't like what I have to say, I will stay away from you forever and not make any further trouble for you. For that, I want to apologize. Please say you will at least give me five minutes. I promise.”
Bernie was about to say something snide again and I took her arm and held it, to let her know to be still. Bernie looked at me with surprise. She was about to say something again and I just looked at her and shook my head imperceptibly no. She relented.
“What do you wish to talk to me about Dan?” I asked.
Looking around the table, he looked at me and he said, “It's a personal matter, and I wish it only for your ears to hear it. I've been doing a lot of thinking and realized I have been a fool. Please let me talk to you in private.”
I looked around the table and Mrs. Jones came up to me and asked, “Is Dan bothering you girls?”
Dan blanched. Bernie was about to say something, as was Ally, but I got there first. “No, Mrs. Jones. Dan was asking me a question and he deserves an answer. He was not threatening, or anything like that. It's alright, I think.”
“Ok Em. Let me know if there is any trouble.” Mrs. Jones gave Dan ‘THE' look, then walked off and I saw Dan quaking in his shoes.
He knew he wasn't supposed to be talking to us for any reason, under threat of expulsion. He was going to great risk to talk to me. It must be important, I thought.
“Pardon me ladies, I have to make some time for Dan.” Everyone there looked at me like I grew a third eye. “Coming Dan?”
“Ah, oh right.” He was so nervous; I thought he would wet his pants right there.
We walked together and found an empty classroom. We ducked inside and closed the door.
“So what is it that you want to talk about, that you're willing to risk expulsion for, talking with me Dan?”
“Ah look Em … can I call you Em, please?”
I looked at him with contempt and thought about it. “Ok.”
“Thank you. I know I don't deserve this, but I would love to make up and be friends again, like before what happened in Warsop. I over reacted. I realize that now.”
“No kidding, not only that, you berated a beautiful classmate, by making racial slurs. Are you that bigoted, Dan?”
“Ah, no not at all, and I have regretted that moment, the moment I said that. I like Sabrina very much, but I lost her as a friend too. I was so upset at the moment I realized who you were.”
“No kidding!”
“No hear me out, you don't fully understand. You have got to hear me out. Please!”
“Ok?”
“Well it all starts with my father. He hates blacks, queers, lesbians, sissies, Indians, Chinese anyone that is not what he considers a true gun toting, tobacco chewing, white lightning drinking, beer guzzling, football loving, he-man. Needless to say, he considers me a sissy, because I lack the stature to present myself as a so-called He-Man.”
“As you know, I never did real well with the girls, I'm not something most women want in a man. Well when I met you as Em in Warsop for the first time, I fell in love with you. I wanted to truly get to know you. I liked Rhod a whole lot as a friend and I was jealous that Rhod had so many gorgeous girl friends. I was never able to get any. Well when you returned as Em, I thought I could finally get one, a girl friend, I mean. I fell head over heels in love with you. You were absolutely gorgeous and you are even more so now.”
“At the time, I thought Rhod was all boy. When I realized who you were, I thought how could a manly boy like Rhod, dress up like a girl and look so gorgeous. Then it dawned on me that I must be a homosexual for falling in love with Mfanwy, knowing she is really a boy in a dress. I was truly upset, for if my dad found out, he would beat me senseless. I was scared. I didn't know what to do, I lashed out the only way I knew how and that was to attack you, and when Sab tried to calm me down, I got pissed at her. I thought she would think me a fag for sleeping in the same room as you. Even after I calmed down, seeing you all dressed as a girl, you really turned me on. Then realizing you were really a boy, I just couldn't get you out of my head. You still turned me on. When I looked at Rhod, I saw Em, and still I was attracted to you.”
“I was really upset, and yes, I wasn't thinking straight. I wasn't listening to anyone at the time. I regret that now. I wish I did listen to what they had to say. I'm sure now I would have heard that you were one hundred percent girl and just wanted to be a tomboy so bad, you dressed like Rhod. When you had me come over and they needed another boy to be a host for me, they figured since you were so much a tomboy and looked so good as a boy, plus your friends were all playing host, that you wouldn't mind being a boy for me while I was there.”
“That didn't sink in until those three boys, that pulled you into the bathroom, told me you were truly a girl, not a boy that I thought you were. When they saw your equipment, they came back and beat me senseless. It was then that I realized I was not a fag after all. I was attracted to a real girl; I was a boy and a heterosexual boy at that. I was elated. I finally felt good about myself, that the beating didn't feel that bad. I could handle the pain.
I could tell my dad I had fallen in love with a real girl and he wouldn't hate me. But now I had to figure out how I could make amends and truly apologize to everyone for my stupidity. I … I really don't know how to do that. I want Sab to be my friend again, I want everyone to be my friend again; I miss them all. We had such fun times together. I…” Dan broke down and cried. “I'm so sorry Em. I am such a fool. I ruined so many friendships and I'm so lonely. I so regret what I did in Warsop. I wish I could go back and put things straight, I really do.”
I looked at Dan crying. How did he get it so wrong? Should I tell him the truth? He does look so sweet and truly remorseful sitting there crying. If I tell him the truth, he could get violent again. If I tell him the truth he could truly out me; that would be disastrous, not only for me but everyone involved with me. I can't tell him, at least not now, while I'm still here. Maybe later? Well, maybe I won't even have to worry about it. We'll just remain friends and that's that. What would a real girl do in this situation? He now truly believes I'm one hundred percent female, he also said I was beautiful, even more so now. Wow, what to do. He was a nice guy before everything went pear-shaped. It would be nice to have him as a friend again; he wasn't all that bad and he is kind of cute.
I walked over to him and pulled him into a hug. “There, there Dan. I had no idea you thought of me that way.”
“I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you, you are so gorgeous. When I laid my eyes on you again, when you arrived here, I got all those feelings back, you being beautiful; I'm not allowed to go near you. I still thought you were a boy, so I wanted to hurt you. Please forgive me. I was a class 'A' bigoted jerk and I have my father to blame for that. I will not follow in my father's footsteps; I truly dislike him. Please give me another chance? I promise it will all be different.”
I didn't know what to think, this was all happening to fast. I need to think about this. “Dan, let me think about it please? I promise I will let you know.”
“I understand. I hope you give me a second chance. I promise, I will be totally different than how you saw me last time. I swear!” He squeezed me tighter into a bone-crunching hug. “Please tell Sab I want to apologize to her too. I miss having her as a friend.”
We released each other, and looked into each other's eyes.
“Em, can I ask you a question? It's kind of personal, so if you don't want to answer it, you don't have too. I will understand.”
“Ok?”
“Did … ah … did you do all those things that Roger said you did, with him?” then he quickly added, “You don't have to answer if you don't want to?”
“I'm not sure what he said he did with me, but let me assure you, I did nothing with him. He was an octopus. Trying to kiss me, then do all sorts of things with me. I stood up and slapped him, then ran away and sat in the girl's loo for the whole movie. Then his mom calls me a slut, when she returned to collect us and she told me I attacked her son. That is all that happened and that is the truth.”
“I figured as much. I knew you would never do those things he claimed you did. You are too nice of a girl to do that. I will fix his wagon. The lying Son of a b …”
“DAN! Please don't swear. Please don't do anything to him, I don't want you getting hurt or getting into trouble because of him.”
“Don't worry Em. I won't get into trouble … much.”
“I have to get back and go to class.”
“Can I see you later? Maybe tonight?”
“Let me think about it ok? I'll let you know.”
“Here's my phone number if you want to talk, it's my cell phone, so no one will answer it except me.”
“Umm, thanks Dan.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek and I saw him smile and put his hand up where I kissed him.
I left him standing there as I headed back to the cafeteria. Well that was a surprising conversation; maybe Dan is not so bad after all? He thought I was gorgeous when he first saw me? Wow, I never had a reaction from a boy like that, well at least one that meant it. I looked at his phone number and thought, ‘Should I call him tonight?'
I met up with the others and they all asked me questions. Ally looked at me and asked, “What is that silly smile you're wearing on your face? What happened with Dan?”
I looked around the cafeteria and realized this is not the place to discuss what happened. “I'll tell you later, Ally; it was an eye opening discussion.”
“You're not going to tell us, are you?” Bernie asked.
Looking around again, “Yes I will, but not here, too many ears, and this can only be discussed with the exchange group since they know what is going on,” I whispered. “I especially want Sab there when I tell what happened.”
“Really, that does sound interesting. Is he still a jerk?”
“Ummm I don't think so. He really does seem to have changed his spots. He might actually be likeable. He's still misinformed though,” I smiled.
“EEEEW! You have got to be kidding!” Darla exclaimed.
“No, really. You'll all have to wait until we get together later. It is important.”
“Really?” Bernie asked.
“Yes, really.”
“Ok Em, we'll wait. When do you think we can get together when we can discuss this?”
“Soon, I hope. I miss our group dinners,” I stated.
“So do I,” Ally agreed.
“And me,” Bernie stated. “You think we'll be able to get Gaby there, or Maddy?”
“Well I hope to at least get Maddy there, since it is her host that this concerns. Brittany and Gaby would be nice too, but the way Gaby has been behaving and doing all those bicycling trips, I doubt we will see her all that much.” I stated. “Maybe I can get Sandy to pick everyone up and we can have an impromptu get together at her place?”
“Yes that would be way cool. I like Sandy's house, it is so neat that she has her own apartment.” Amy said.
.
“Okay that's settled. Let me see if I can get a hold of Sandy before the day is through. I'll try to tell you guys when later today, is that ok with all of you?” I said.
“It's ok with us, Em.” They all stated.
We headed off to class. We ran into Maddy and Sabrina on the way and I quickly asked them if they would join us, when we get the answer from Sandy about meeting up later. They agreed with it also, so now I just had to get a hold of Sandy.
We arrived at our Geography class, and Miss Bell saw us and smiled, “How are you girls doing today?”
“Oooh, not tooooo bad,” I said.
“Mfanwy Morgan, what are you up to?” said Miss B.
I giggled, “Oh nothing much really. I think a certain boy that bothered me for a bit, won't be bothering me anymore.”
“Oh, and why is that?” Miss B looked at me with concern on her face?
“Well … ah …” oh, oh, what do I tell her? I don't want to say what is really happening with Roger, for I don't want the cheerleaders getting into trouble.
Miss B noticed my hesitation and said, “What has Dan done now?”
“What! Oh no, it is nothing to do with him, honest, but we do need to discuss him sometime. This is about Roger Stoller.”
“Oh, that's a relieve, I thought Dan was starting to give you a hard time after last week.”
“Oh no, not at all, but he did talk with me at lunch.”
“He was told to leave you girls alone. I warned him.”
“NO, No, no! Nothing like that! Please don't go after Dan, he has done nothing wrong, and he knew he would be in trouble if he would've done something like that. Actually, he was a real gentleman and he was real sweet.” I smiled and I saw Ally and Darla's eyes open up and their jaws dropped at that pronouncement.
“Really? You must tell me about this conversation, Em. However, there isn't time right now. You girls better take your seats. We'll talk later.”
“Oh, one thing Miss Bell? Do you know how to get a hold of Sandy? I need to ask her something before classes are done.”
“Um, sure Em. I'll check her schedule for you after class. Will that work?”
“I guess it will have too. I want to ask her if it is ok to get the foresters and their hosts over to discuss something that came up today. Maybe even you might want to come to find out about this. It does concern Dan, and it is not like your thinking. Um … he apologized to me today about everything, and he wants to make up … especially to Sabrina. I think he has had a change of heart and realized what he did and really feels bad about it.”
“As he should.”
“Please Miss Bell, don't be too hard on him, just let me explain things first?”
“If you say so Em. I will listen. I'm assuming you are trying to get everyone together at Sandy's tonight, if you can, huh?”
“Yes, if she allows me?”
“Well if she can't or won't, let me know and we can have that discussion at my place. It may even help Maddy, for she has been kind of isolated from everyone. Will that work for you guys?”
“Sounds good to me. What do you guys think?”
“Ah … sure … great. What time?” Ally said, with Darla nodding her head.
“Hmmm? How about say six o'clock, will that suit everyone? That will allow me to get some snacks together and give Maddy enough time to clean up around the place.”
“Ok, then I'll have Sandy drive us over, if she can. I see Maddy and Sabrina next period, I'll ask them then. I'll make sure to tell Amy and Bernie later. I don't know if I can get a hold of Britney or Gaby though. Gaby will probably be off riding somewhere, or some type of meeting, or something.”
“Do you need them there?”
“Umm not really. It really concerns more Sabrina and I. Do you think I could bring Dan there to talk with us, or should I wait?”
“That is up to you dear. You know what is going on. Will he feel comfortable around all of you girls?”
“I guess. Let me think about it.”
“Ok, let's take your seats, were late.” Miss B stated.
“Sorry Miss Bell for taking up your time.”
We all rushed to take our seats. Miss Bell started right into the lessons as if we never had the conversation. The class passed quickly.
“Em?” Miss Bell called, as we were leaving, “Sandy, should be in room 232 after next period. You should find her there.”
“Thank you Miss Bell.” As we all left the room.
We hurried over to our History class, hoping to catch Maddy and Sabrina before they went into the classroom. I was excited that Miss Bell would want us over to her house, the whole gang, wow it seemed like forever since we had the whole gang together. Both Ally and I were looking forward to it. I miss our meetings. Miss Bell sure is sweet to have us over on a moments notice.
We rounded the corner and we saw Maddy and Sab about to enter the classroom.
“Maddy, Sab!” I called to them.
“Oh, hi Em, what's up?” Maddy stated.
“Maddy and Sab, are you two free tonight, say about six-ish?” I asked.
They looked at each other and Maddy said, “I am. Why?”
I looked at Sab.
“I'm not sure Em, I'll have to check? Why?” Sab stated.
“Well, we want to have a special group gathering tonight, to not only socialize, but to discuss a certain individual that wants to apologize; especially to you and me, Sab. I want your opinion before I would agree to allow him to talk with you, and he is hoping we will forgive him.”
“Hmmm, that sounds like we are discussing Dan? What happened?” Sab asked.
“That's why the meeting tonight. It is not safe to talk about it here, if you know what I mean.”
Maddy asked, “Where's the meeting going to be?”
I smiled and said, “At Miss B's house, at six o'clock.”
“Well that tears it doesn't it, I guess I will be there whether I want to be or not. Oh gees, that means I have to clean up the house after I get home, and we'll have to get some snacks.”
I giggled, “Miss B said all that already, so she is spot on, so you don't have to worry.”
“How am I supposed to get there and back home?” Sab asked.
“Miss B said she would take care of that.” I stated.
“Sounds like fun, I'll find out after classes and let you know.” Sab stated, “We better get into the classroom, or we'll be late.”
We all dashed into class and found our desks, just as the bell rang.
The teacher said, “Nice that you ladies could join us.”
The guys in class were chuckling, and eyeing me up, reminding me what had happened on Monday.
We all blushed.
I wonder how Roger, the slime ball git, is doing? Had he had anymore … mishaps? I wonder if he is still alive? The cheer girls were definitely rough on him. Thinking about him made me forget about the leers I was getting from the other guys and put a smile on my face, which probably confused everyone.
Mr. Price started to talk, “Where were we, oh yes, the civil war and Gettysburg Pennsylvania. Turn to page 224. It all started with …”
Class finished and we had one more class to go. As we got up to leave some of the boys met us at the door and one said, “Hey Em, Want to go out with us tonight? We know how to show you a good time. Better than what that Roger did to you,” they all started to laugh.
Darla looked at them and said, “She has to be pretty hard up if you think she'll go out with you jerks. Come on Em, ignore them.”
I so wanted to tell them where they could go, but it wasn't very lady like. Gits! Darla and Ally pulled me past them and I noticed some of the other girls looked at the guys with disdain.
“What a bunch of pigs. Do guys really think they can pick up girls with those kind of lines?” I said.
“We won't go there, Em. But to answer that question, YES! There are those types of girls in the school. Just cheap sex starved whores and bimbos. You don't need to be painted with that type of brush,” Darla stated.
“Unbelievable,” I said.
We arrived at music class. I'm glad I'm not getting graded in this class, the details you need to know about composers and their music is horrendous. I think Darla is sorry she was taking this class. She thought it would be a breeze. We listened to some classics and I enjoyed it.
We finally finished class. Hooray.
Now it was off to cheerleading.
By the time we reached our lockers to get our cheer stuff, Sabrina was coming down the hall all excited and Maddy was putting some of her books away in her locker, “I can come tonight if Miss Bell can pick me up and drop me off. Mom has to work late tonight.”
“I'm sure that should be no problem. She already said she would do it,” I said.
“Sab,” Maddy said, “Why don't you just come home with us and that part will be solved and then all she needs to do is drop you off later?”
“I can do that. Never gave that a thought, then I can help you clean up and get ready.” Maddy smiled when she heard that.
Maddy hugged Sab and said, “Great, go get your stuff ready, meet us at the gym for cheer practice and then we can leave together, I'll let Miss B know your coming with us. Do you need to call your mum again to let her know the change in plans?”
“I better so she doesn't worry. Cool, see you later.” Sab said, dashing down the hall all happy.
“See you three later, I have to find Miss B and let her know Sab will be coming with us. Wahoo, we're going to have a party,” as she dashed off.
“She's not happy or anything, is she?” I said, as we all laughed.
We gathered our raps and our homework and started for the locker room.
Darla said, “I'll get my mom to drop us off at Miss B's, I'm sure it won't be a problem. Do we need to bring anything?”
“I'm sure you don't, but if you think of some snacks or something, it wouldn't hurt I suppose.” I said.
“Ok, see you later Em,” as she headed for her bus.
Cheer practice was grueling. We were really perspiring by the time we finished; women don't sweat, we perspire. I took a shower after practice. It was grueling but t was a lot of fun.
I saw Gaby and asked, “Hey Gabs, are you doing anything tonight?”
“Yes, I am meeting with Erin and Diane to talk over some things. Why?”
“The gang is getting together tonight to discuss some things. Like what's happening with Dan. Can you make it? We're meeting over at Miss B's at six.”
“Sorry Em, I have a previous commitment.”
“Oh, ok. It really doesn't concern you directly, mostly Sab and myself anyway. See you tomorrow then.”
“Right, see you tomorrow Em. Later!” as she left in a hurry.
Geez what's her problem anyway? She has changed since being over here. I wonder what's up?
Everyone else told me they would see me later and I said, “Goodbye. See you at Miss B's.”
I left the locker room last as usual and noticed that the hallways were quite empty. This made me a bit nervous.
I turned to look for Sandy, but didn't see her yet, so I went to wait by the exit door for her, since it was quite chilly outside. I was really getting nervous now. I seemed to be all alone.
“Hey Babe,” some tall strange guy said.
I jumped almost through the roof.
“How about you and me going out on a date tonight? I'll show you a good time.”
“Bugger off, jerk.”
“Bitch! I ought to slap you for that comment, slut!” and he started laughing.
He walked by me and I heard some other guys whooping it up and razzing the guy that scared the heck out of me. What a bunch of animals these American boys are, their regular pigs. I would love to see some of them be turned into bacon. I kept my eye on that boy; still shaking; he really shook me up.
“Em, hey Em, you ok? You look a little shaken.” Sandy yelled.
“Oh that guy over there shook me up, he tried to get me to go out with him. When I told him to ‘Bugger off Jerk!' He called me a bitch, and said that he should have slapped me for that comment, and called me a slut.”
“Which guy was that?”
“That guy over … oh, he's gone. I never saw him before. He was a big guy though, and he scared me.”
“If you ever see him again and I'm around, point him out to me. That is discrimination and if he ever threatens you again we can get him expelled. That's a form of sexual harassment.”
“Is it just me or are all American guys just pigs?”
“It's not you Em, and it's not all guys, just a few morons that think they are God's gift to women. Come on Em, let's get going.”
We got into the car and started for home. I told Sandy what was going on tonight at Miss B's and filled her in on what transpired with me and Dan. She couldn't believe that Dan now believed I was a one hundred percent female and thought I was just a tomboy. She laughed at that.
“I wouldn't enlighten him Em, especially now. Keep him in the dark about who and what you are; he doesn't need to know. After all, once you're back in England, you'll never have to see him again. Besides, we know he gets hostile if he would find out that you aren't female physically. Let him believe you are, this way he feels good about himself and he will not try to bother you again. Just make sure he never finds out. Do we need to get anything for tonight?”
“Well, maybe some snacks of some type. Miss B said she would get some snacks for tonight, and she is looking forward to having company. I think she realizes that Maddy has been lonely, being out there all by herself, I think Miss B is too.”
“Could be. How about I bring some pop for everyone?”
“Pop? Oh you mean something to drink. Yes, that sounds good.”
“Oh, don't you have ballet tonight?”
“Oh gees, that's right. I forgot, I better call off Ellen when I get home, so she doesn't waste a trip. I think this meeting is more important; don't you?”
“I have no idea Em, that is all up to you.”
We went to the shops to get some stuff for the evening.
We first went home and I changed into something comfortable and Gave Ellen a call.
“Ellen, would it be alright if I skipped tonight's practice? Something urgent has come up, and we are having a meeting at Miss Bell's house tonight with the entire exchange group and their host's.”
“Well, we will miss you tonight, but I understand, the exchange group is first. Just practice what you learned on Monday, and get your toes toughened up, in your en-pointe shoes. I want you able to walk and do turns on the tip of your toes for the show.”
“Great Ellen, I will practice I promise. Thanks again Ellen.”
“You're welcome Em. Don't forget to practice. You take care now. Bye!”
“Bye Ellen see you later,” we both hung up.
Well that's taken care of. “Sandy, you ready to go?”
“Sure Em, lets head.”
We arrived at Miss B's at the appointed time and saw that everyone was there already, except for Britney and Gaby.
“Hey Em and Sandy, you made it,” Maddy called to us, “Come on in, we're by the fireplace.”
We said hello to everyone and Miss Bell gave us hugs. “Give me your coats and take a seat. Oh you didn't need to bring anything. I had gotten some stuff for tonight.” She took the drinks and the crisps we brought, as well as our coats.
“So Em, what is all this about? What did Dan say today that you couldn't tell us at school?” Ally said.
“Is Britney and Gaby going to be here tonight?” I asked.
“I called them, but they weren't home, I guess Gabs is off doing something or other.” Maddy replied.
“Oh, ok. Well, where to start. As you all know by now, Dan approached me during lunch today and he wanted to talk with me. I know he was suppose to leave us alone under threat of expulsion, so I knew this was something serious that he wanted to talk to me about, so I went with him to chat. Well, I was surprised when he said …” I told them the whole story.
“I can't believe he now thinks you are totally female. That is just too much. I mean he stayed with you when he was in England. I also find it hard to believe he actually fell in love with Em, the instant he saw you. That is just so sweet. I bet you had no idea you had that affect on guys, did you?” Ally laughed.
Bernie, Maddy, Sab, Darla, Amy, Sandy and Miss Bell all joined in the laughing. I just blushed.
“Well to be honest, Dan really wasn't such a bad guy. He is kind of cute. He really feels bad about what he did and he wants to apologize to everybody, especially you Sab. He knows he hurt you the most with his racial slurs, and he blames it on his father. He has come to realize his father is a jerk, and he misses you no longer being his friend. He actually misses all of you. He is hoping you would give him another chance.”
Sab looked at the floor. “I don't know Em. He hurt me bad in England. I thought we were friends and to have him turn on me like he did, well …”
“You don't need to apologize, Sabrina,” Miss Bell said, “This is your choice. I know he hurt you, and he has a lot to make up for. It sounds like he is starting to realize what he did and knows that he hurt a lot of people. I will stand by what we have told him; that he is to stay away from you girls, under threat of expulsion. So if you want that rule to remain, we will abide by that.”
“I don't know. I will have to think about it. He was a cool guy until he blew up in England. But his true colors came out then. Admittedly it was during an unusual circumstance and yes I can see how he could be shocked, but doesn't that show his true character? Can he really change?” Sabrina asked.
“I think he could if he really wants to, Sabrina.” Sandy said. “The only way to find out would be to accept his apology, but we tell him that if it happens again, that's it, he's gone.”
“I guess.” Sab spoke.
“It's up to you and Em, Sab. He hurt you two the most. If the other girls will forgive him, then it is down to you two. What do you girls say?” Miss Bell asked.
Amy, Darla, Maddy, and Bernie all nodded their heads forgiving Dan.
“I guess I can forgive him, since it was kind of my fault to begin with. I guess it would be a shock to him, to see the guy he was staying with dressed up like a girl. Thinking that guy was a real girl and falling in love with her. Then find out he isn't the girl he thought after all. I guess if the roles were reversed, I would have been shocked too.” I said, realizing what I said made me feel sad.
Sandy and Miss Bell came over and gave me a hug, realizing I went into kind of a depression.
I started to cry.
“Em, it's ok. You know who you are. You're a beautiful woman and you have come to realize this. There is nothing to be ashamed of,” Miss B said.
“Come on Em, you know we are all here for you. We all support your decision, we know you are a girl too.” Sandy said.
Everyone remained quiet while I composed myself. Miss Bell gave me a tissue to wipe my eyes with. “Sorry, I didn't mean to break down like that. I just don't know what's wrong with me. I usually don't cry like this.”
“That's the hormones, Em. An emotional outbreak is something we women do all the time. There is nothing to be embarrassed about.” Miss Bell said, “That's all part of being a woman.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“I guess if you can forgive him, I guess I can too,” Sab said.
“So what you are all saying is that Dan will be allowed to apologize to everyone and can be allowed to talk with you all.” Miss B stated.
There was a unanimous “Yes!”
“Ok, I will let the rest of the teachers know what is going on, so they don't get on Dan's case when he is seen talking with you girls.” Miss B mentioned.
The rest of the evening was a lot of fun, we watched a movie, had things to eat and we had a great time talking and getting caught back up to speed, on what we all have been doing. I think Maddy and Miss Bell were having a fabulous time with all of us being there.
All too soon we had to head home, this being a school night. We dropped Allie, Amy, Darla and Bernie off, and then went home. I was emotionally drained, and just plain exhausted. I did feel good that everyone agreed to let Dan apologize. He really surprised me today. He actually thought I was beautiful and has a crush on me; who would have thought it. He is still totally clueless about me though, and Sandy did say not to let him know the truth about me, let him keep thinking I'm a genetic girl, just don't confirm it, or deny it and I won't be lying to him. It is his misconception, not mine.
We finally arrived at home and we both headed for bed, we where so tired. I started to change clothes when I realized I forgot to call my mum. Bum! I'll have to do it tomorrow. I donned my nightdress.
I decided it was time to do my journal. Looking at it I read through it all and couldn't believe all that I have done so far. True, it wasn't all cricket, but over all, I wouldn't trade the experience and I'm glad I came to America. After reading I started writing.
Wednesday, day 18
This day started out as a nightmare, literally. I'm surprised at how girls, that are true friends, stick up for each other here in the states. The American Cheerleaders are proof of that. I think Roger will be more considerate when and if he will ever date again. I really feel for him, but in a way he deserved what happened.
I was surprised by the confessions of Dan. Even though he really blew it back in Warsop, he really seems like a very sweet person, once he puts his mind to it and thinks rationally. He is still a bit confused though, but that is his problem, and I don't plan on enlightening him any time soon. Can he be trusted? Would I go out with him if he asks me? Has he truly changed?
To be continued:
Joni W 28.04.09 © 2009
If you enjoyed this story please let me know click here 
to Email me