The rest of the school day passed by uneventfully, with most of the day spent talking about periods. Before heading home, Jonchelle and Vanessa were approached by a girl who informed them that cheerleading tryouts would be held after school the next day. Jonchelle and Vanessa looked at each other, and Jonchelle squealed excitedly.
Things were happening so fast; when Jon came up with the idea to spend the new year as a girl, he had no idea that he’d be signing up for the cheerleading squad. Now, Jonchelle couldn’t wait to tell her mom.
Standing by the school entrance, Jonchelle asked Vanessa if she wanted to hang out at her place, hinting that she had something to show her. Intrigued, Vanessa accepted, saying that she’d rather spend time with Jonchelle anyway. Jonchelle blushed and the two girls headed towards home.
“Hey Mom,” Jonchelle called out as she entered the house. “We’re home!”
“Oh, hi sweetie,” Rose replied from the living room, looking up as she saw Jonchelle and Vanessa. “Hi Vanessa,” she added. “How was school?” Jonchelle beamed.
“It was great!” she replied excitedly. She came into the living room and sat down; Vanessa joined her as Jonchelle began to repeat all of the events that had happened.
“...and then, Ryan McMillan suggested that I should try out for the cheerleading squad which Vanessa and I signed up for,” Jonchelle explained excitedly, talking a mile a minute. “And the tryouts start tomorrow after school,” she finished, practically squealing. Rose chuckled.
“Wow! It sounds like you had a busy day.” Jonchelle nodded, but then Rose turned serious. “But honey, can I ask you something?” Jonchelle looked at Vanessa and then back at her mom, nodding.
“Sure.”
“Is everything okay between you and Karyn? I realize that I’m not around that much but I know that you two are close, and I haven’t seen her since the new year started.” Jonchelle’s mood turned sour.
“Karyn doesn’t approve of me dressing like a girl.”
“Oh.” Jonchelle nodded and started to tell her mom about the fight that they had over the weekend.
“Oh sweetie...I’m so sorry.” Rose reached out and pulled her daughter into a hug. It was a rare moment between the former father and son, but it was a comforting one. “I hope that Karyn gets over it and that the two of you become friends again.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Jonchelle managed between sniffles. Through the hug, Rose glanced at Vanessa, and she nodded. Gently taking Jonchelle’s hand, she led Jonchelle upstairs and to her room.
