Michelle got home and didn't put on the necklace immediately. After her realization, she started thinking if she was more Michelle than Mikey. Years ago, when this all started, having "girl parts" was scary and icky. Now she wore a bra like it was nothing, and had clothing that showed off her curves. She'd talk with her friends about periods and pregnancy. What guy stuff had she done? She'd had sex with Diane, but usually they talked and enjoyed eachother's company. While in her room, she closed the door for the mirror behind the door. She put on the necklace and watched herself become Mikey. He took off the necklace and felt himself shrink 6 inches. She put it on and felt her breasts quickly shrink into muscular pecs. He took it off and felt his penis recede into his vagina. He left it off for a bit and went to lay on his bed.
She was lost in thought when her mom walked in and invited her to the kitchen to share some tea.
"Sweetie, just wanted to stop by and catch up a bit. You excited for Yale?"
"Yea...."
"You don't seem excited. What's on your mind?"
"...Ever have trouble deciding who you are?"
"Routinely, Michelle. There are a bunch of times in life you have to figure out who you are. Graduations, moving, new jobs, motherhood, marriage to name a few. These are chances to re-evaluate if you like where you are and figure out what you want to be. You are off to college, and that's a big step," said her mom who reached a hand over to grab Michelle's arm.
"Mom, I hear what you are saying, but I feel it's deeper than that. Like, am I truly me?"
"Of course you are you. Everyone else is taken. In all seriousness, you are Michelle Anne Gibson, my smart and wonderful daughter."
"I guess I am. Sometimes I just wonder how it would be if I were a son instead of a daughter."
"You'd still be smart and wonderful, but look different. I think everybody wonders what it is like on the other side of the fence sometimes, but at the end of the day, you are who you are." The two finished their tea making small talk and picking on Jon. Michelle went over the Diane's and expressed her concerns that she was more Michelle than Mikey.
"Michelle, if anyone understands that what matters most on the inside, it should be you. You can be Mikey or Michelle, but those are just names trying to label what this is, " said Diane gesturing at Michelle's body, "does it really matter what the name or shape is?"
"Well, kinda. I can be taller and stronger as Mikey, or get a college scholarship as Michelle. Michelle can also have periods. while Mikey doesn't have to worry about that."
"True, but how you care for other people and your core values don't change." The two girls hugged and spent the night cuddling. When Michelle got home the next day, she put on the necklace and watched her room change. A lot did stay the same. Her clothing changed the most, as did some items on her desk. Mikey went to the kitchen and saw his mom there. Before he could get his snack, his mom said "Mikey, you feeling better after our chat yesterday? I love you for who you are, and if you were my daughter I'd love you just as much." He thanked his mom and gave her a hug before going over to Davis's house to hand with him and Henry for the afternoon. While playing games, Mikey asked "How comfortable are you guys as your girl selves?"
"It's fine, " replied Henry, "I like being guy me, but being Rika sometimes is actually a nice change of pace. Makes me appreciate Henry more."
"I'm not comfortable at all any more. My breasts are sore and are starting to leak sometimes. And that baby is getting big. Henry, your mom was right about the hips. I like being Davis, it's so much easier."
"Do you... ever think...more like a girl than a guy?"
"Sometimes I think about how some outfit would look like on girl me when walking by it in a store as male me. You mean like that?" asked Henry.
"Kinda,' replied Mikey.
"After I had sex as a girl for the first time, I remember looking at the locker room a little differently, " confessed Davis.
"Yes, that's more what I mean."
"I think it's only natural to have to find a new balance when you spend some time as two yous," said Henry while getting a headshot on Davis. The boys talked about how good that shot was and then moved onto other topics. Mikey went home and enjoyed Christmas dinner with his family, Jon managed to make it home. A couple days later, Michelle and Diane were back at school finishing up the winter term. Despite Davis talk about being uncomfortable as Davonne, he still changed from time to time. Spring break was spent at home for 1/2 and training for softball for 1/2. The team was going for a national championship this year. Michelle's last term at Deerfield was a blur of sport, projects and proctoring. After all her AP tests were done and she didn't have any more academic work, she could take a breath. She enjoyed a few more movie nights with the girls, saw the school play and just relaxed outside on nice days when she could. The softball team did participate in high school nationals. They came in second in the country, behind some team from Texas. The next week, Michelle walked to get her diploma and was a high school graduate, excited for the summer to start.
