"Jennifer, please! Your father will be home in no time, and I haven't even opened the refrigerator door!"
"Coming, mom!"
And she was, but JC's mind was still reeling at the revelation that she was, perhaps, in a committed relationship...with a boy. This was a situation in which she felt it was fair to think back to life as Jon for a moment, because while he'd always been perfectly comfortable with homosexuality, he'd also never personally experienced it. Many instincts had translated to JC's new life and body, muscle memories and the like, but to some degree, he still thought of himself as a guy.
Which made it all the more strange when JC realized that she'd definitely felt something when she saw that picture.
But didn't I feel that same way looking at Sarah? I mean, maybe I swing both ways, or maybe I just don't really understand what it's like for a girl to feel that way yet...I wish I'd had more time to myself in my room!
Rounding the hallway corner, JC made a mental note to spend as much time acquainting herself with her new life later that evening, but for now, her mother had already begun a conversation with her from across the house, as mothers tend to do.
"You're home early, aren't you? Everything all right?"
"Yeah, we just had a minor incident at the studio, but when it was over, no one was really up for practice. We'll make up for it tomorrow."
As she finished, JC finally came face-to-face with her mom in the master bedroom, where Ethan and Emily had taken to jumping on the tremendous bed. Catherine was desperately trying to get them down as she responded, tucking a child under each arm like a pro.
"Well, don't over-exert yourself, honey. The twins' birthday party starts at five o'clock sharp tomorrow, and I'm going to need your help to -- Jennifer, are you sure you're okay?"
JC's eyes grew wide. What was wrong? Did Catherine somehow figure her out? No, that woudld be ridiculous...but what, then?
"Of course, mom. Why?"
"Well, we all know you love ballet, sweetheart...but I didn't think you loved the attire that much."
Crap.
Sure enough, JC hadn't even considered changing; she was so distracted in her room, she'd come back downstairs still in her practice leo, tights, and skirt. She'd only instinctively kicked off her Chucks, leaving her nylon-encased feet twisting with embarrassment. Ethan laughed, while Emily said something about how "pretty" she was. JC tried not to blush as she tried to cover up her mistake.
"Oh, yeah...well, I didn't want to leave you hanging any longer, and besides, I need to...shower before I change, you know?"
"Fair enough. I think you've distracted these two little monsters long enough for me to corral them while I start cooking. Go get cleaned up, okay?"
Phew! That was close, JC thought, relieved. She nodded, then bound back up the stairs toward her room, only realizing along the way that she was finally about to get some alone time outside of the car...
