“Good morning, everyone!” I looked up as the teacher walked in, greeting us with a cheery voice and breaking my reverie.
“Good morning, Mss. Shackleford,” the class replied. I stared at Mss. Shackleford in disbelief. Hei was so young! In the gurls school, I was used to older looking women with greying hair, but this boi looked as if hei was fresh out of high school. Hei strutted into the room confidently—hys heels clicking on the tiled floor, the form-fitting dress showing off hys gorgeous figure, and hys blonde hair done up in an elegant bun. I heard a giggle to my left and looked around to see Ramona pointing at me and nudging Tyronna. Blushing in embarrassment, I stopped staring.
Mss. Shackleford took hys seat at the front desk, glanced around the room smiling, and took out a notepad and began roll call.
“Ah, yes,” Mss. Shackleford said with a smile as hei reached my name. Hei looked up and tried to spot me. “Mss. Zane Carlyle,” hei read out, putting emphasis on the Mss. I sank low in my seat, trying to hide, but Ramona piped up.
“Actually, Mss. Shackleford, it’s Zoanna.” A few of the bois tittered and I felt my cheeks go red. Julianna glanced at me sympathetically while Mss. Shackleford nodded.
“Alright then, Zoanna,” hei called out. Reluctantly, I put my hand up and gave a meek “here”. Mss. Shackleford smiled and made a note on the pad before putting it down and looking at me. “Come now, dear, don’t be shy. Stand up and let us see you.” I glanced at Julianna who shrugged hys shoulders and I reluctantly stood up, allowing everyone to see my outfit. There was a chorus of “oohs” as the bois took me in. Mss. Shackleford nodded approvingly.
“Very nice, my dear. A bit more pink next time, and I love the hair. I think that you’ll do well in my class. May I ask who helped you get dressed this morning?”
I sighed before replying. What is it with bois and pink? “My brotherelle, Mss. Jonatha.” Mss. Shackleford nodded. “That explains the lack of pink…and who’s your buddie?” Before I had a chance to respond, Ramona jumped up excitedly.
“I am!” hei beamed proudly. I couldn’t help but notice the reaction from the rest of the class; surprisingly, it was a mix of annoyance and jealousy.
Mss. Shackleford laughed. Despite hys deep tone, it was a melodic laugh. “I’m sure that Ramona will be having you swimming in pink in no time, my dear.” Hei gave a little cough and returned hys attention to the rest of the class. “We’d better get started with the class. Zane…I mean, Zoanna, you can sit down.”
