Too Pretty to Be a Boy -15- by Lajien

My heart started beating faster as I pressed the doorbell, the soft hum of the porch light above blending with muffled music and laughter from inside Angela’s house. I adjusted the strap of my overnight bag, my fingers brushing the smooth canvas, and I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This was my first sleepover as Carla, not Carl, and the thought made my stomach twist gently.

The California evening air was warm, carrying a faint scent of jasmine from the garden, grounding me as I waited. After a moment, the door swung open, revealing Angela with a wide grin, her red hair a slightly tangled halo, her cheeks flushed from a night already in full swing.

“Carla! You’re here!” Angela said, pulling me into a quick hug. The warmth of her embrace and the cozy aroma of popcorn and vanilla candles wrapped around me, easing my nerves. I thought of Johnny walking me here earlier, his protective smile as he teased me about making friends, and I felt a little braver.

“Come on, everyone’s in the living room,” Angela added, guiding me past the kitchen. I glanced at the counter, cluttered with a leaning tower of empty soda cans and pizza boxes, evidence of the group’s lively evening.

The living room was a cozy chaos of blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags spread across the floor, where five girls were engrossed in a movie on the TV, their laughter bouncing off the walls. The room glowed with soft fairy lights strung along the ceiling, casting a warm sheen over the colorful mess of snacks and mismatched socks, a perfect snapshot of a summer night in 2041.

Angela began introductions with a bright wave. “This is Maria,” she said, pointing to a girl with warm brown eyes and a sweet smile, half-hidden behind a pillow she hugged. Maria’s curly brown hair framed her freckled face, and she sat closest to the couch, her cozy sweater adding to her approachable vibe. Beside her was Sanaa, her smooth dark skin catching the TV’s glow, her athletic build evident even as she lounged. Her thick braids were swept into a high bun, and she gave me a confident nod.

“And that’s Chloe,” Angela continued, gesturing to a girl with sleek black hair, who looked up with a friendly wave. Chloe’s hair fell neatly against her pale skin, her deep brown eyes sharp and thoughtful as she nestled into a beanbag chair in the corner.

Just then, a girl with fair skin and round glasses stood up from her spot near the TV, her blonde bob neat and polished. “Hi, Carla,” she said, her smile warm and welcoming. “I’m Lily. Angela’s been talking about you non-stop.”

My palms felt a touch clammy as I smiled back, aware of their curious gazes. This was different from facing Rebecca Queens or Chrystal’s taunts on the Grid—this was about fitting in as Carla, the real me. Their eyes held no judgment, just open curiosity, and it made my shoulders relax a little. “It’s great to meet you all,” I said, my voice softer than I meant, but steady.

“You too,” Maria said, sitting up, her curls bouncing. “Angela said you’re awesome, and I love your hair—it’s so shiny!”

I blushed, a warm flush creeping up my cheeks at Maria’s compliment, my fingers brushing my hair self-consciously. The TV flickered with vibrant colors from The Byte Squad, casting playful shadows across the room, where soda cans glinted faintly. Chloe nodded from her beanbag. “Yeah, and she mentioned you had a wild day.”

My stomach tightened slightly, memories of the past few days flooding back—Dr. Norman’s office, the weight of the GCS diagnosis, and that email from Ms. Caldwell still calling me Carl. The room’s cozy glow and the girls’ kind faces anchored me, though, pushing the worries to the back of my mind. I gave a small laugh, thinking of the whirlwind of moving to California, Dr. Norman’s GCS diagnosis, and Ms. Caldwell’s email still addressing me as Carl. “Yeah, it’s been… a lot,” I admitted, feeling a flicker of vulnerability.

Angela swooped in, grabbing my bag with a playful tug. “Enough chit-chat—let’s get you settled! We’re about to start The Byte Squad.” She led me to a plush spot on the floor, handing me a bowl of buttery popcorn, its warmth comforting in my hands.

As the movie’s neon opening credits rolled, I sank into the beanbag, the soft fabric cradling me. The girls’ chatter was easy, filled with giggles over movie lines, school gossip, and silly inside jokes. I laughed along, the weight of the day—Ms. Caldwell’s email, the CPS visit looming, Johnny’s fight with Chrystal—fading as I felt part of something new.

Glancing at my phone, its screen dark, I thought of Lilian’s encouraging words, Nonna’s lasagna lesson with that surprising dark chocolate twist, and Jenny’s quiet strength facing her own GCS journey. A warmth spread in my chest. I wasn’t alone anymore. These girls, this moment, felt like where I belonged, and it filled me with quiet joy.

The movie hit a thrilling scene, the digital heroes battling a tough opponent, when the living room door opened. Abby strode in, balancing a tray of frosty, colorful drinks, their citrusy scent cutting through the popcorn haze. Aunt Carol followed, her tray mirroring Abby’s, her warm presence familiar from her CPS visits. The girls perked up, eyes bright with excitement.

“Time for a hydration break!” Abby announced, setting the tray on the coffee table with a practiced ease, the glasses clinking softly. Carol placed hers beside it, smiling gently at the group.

I started to stand, wanting to help. “Oh, I can grab some glasses—”

Abby gently pressed my shoulder, guiding me back down with a grin. “Nope, you’re off duty, Carla. Just enjoy the movie. If Angela’s banned from drink duty at her own sleepover, so are you.” Her wink made me chuckle, easing my instinct to pitch in.

My heart lifted at Abby’s playful tone, her grin a beacon of warmth in the dimly lit room. The coffee table’s tablet-like surface pulsed faintly with a soft blue glow, reflecting the drinks’ vibrant colors—lime green, berry pink, and sunny orange.

Aunt Carol nodded, her eyes kind. “She’s right, sweetie. This is your home too, just like at Lilian’s. Relax and have fun.” Her words wrapped around me like a hug, reminding me of Lilian’s fierce support and Uncle Ian’s protective presence. I felt a lump in my throat, grateful for this extended family.

Once the drinks were passed around, Abby plopped down between Angela and me, her casual confidence making the circle feel complete. The girls wasted no time, their questions flying.

Maria leaned forward, her curls bouncing with eagerness, the fairy lights catching the sparkles in her sweater. “What’s university gonna be like?” Maria asked, leaning forward, her curls spilling over her shoulder.

Chloe’s eyes glinted with mischief, her fingers tapping the edge of her beanbag as she leaned in closer. “Got a boyfriend yet?”

Lily adjusted her glasses, the lenses catching the TV’s glow, her expression a mix of curiosity and admiration. “Okay, but seriously, how do you get your eyeliner so perfect?”

Abby laughed, raising her hands. “Slow down, it’s not a Q&A session!” She grinned, settling in. “University’s a mystery I’m still figuring out—lots of work, I bet. Eyeliner? Just practice and a solid YouTube tutorial. As for boyfriends… that’s trickier.” She glanced at Angela and me, a playful glint in her eye.

Sanaa’s smirk widened, her athletic frame shifting as she propped herself on one elbow, the blanket beneath her crinkling softly. Sanaa leaned in, smirking. “Come on, spill. You’ve got to like someone. You’re way too cool not to.”

My heart raced with anticipation, knowing Abby’s next words would point to Johnny’s clueless charm. The room felt alive with the hum of the TV and the faint buzz of a smartphone notification—probably a Grid update about some summer party. “Alright, fine,” Abby said, her tone teasing as she looked at us again. “The only guy I’m into right now? Total douchebag.”

Angela and I burst into giggles, knowing she meant Johnny’s oblivious nature. The other girls looked puzzled, their brows furrowed.

Lily’s glasses slipped slightly, her lips pursing in confusion as she tilted her head, the soft clink of her bracelet against the coffee table adding to the room’s cozy hum. “Wait, why just one guy? You could have anyone.”

Sanaa crossed her arms, her confident nod softened by a playful grin, the glow of the fairy lights dancing across her braids. “No way you’re stuck on one dude. You’re, like, perfect.”

I bit my lip, a mischievous grin spreading as I imagined Abby’s flustered reaction to Johnny’s clueless smiles. The room’s warmth, with its scattered popcorn and faint vanilla scent, fueled my excitement. I grinned mischievously, unable to resist.

“Oh, Abby’s not into just any guy.” I pulled out my phone, opening the “Johnny” folder. I scrolled through photos—Johnny on the UCLA court, sweat gleaming, muscles defined; another of him laughing at Nonna’s dinner table, his smile bright. I handed the phone to Sanaa.

Her eyes widened as she scrolled, gasping softly. She passed it to Maria, then Chloe, then Lily, each girl staring in awe. “Oh my gosh,” Maria whispered. “He’s gorgeous.”

Chloe’s jaw dropped slightly, her sharp eyes softening as she leaned closer to the phone, the TV’s neon glow casting flickering lights across her face. “He’s basically perfect,” Chloe said, shaking her head. “Why do you have all these pictures?”

Pride swelled in my chest, a warm glow that pushed back the lingering anxiety about the CPS visit. I glanced at the cozy clutter around us—spilled popcorn, crumpled blankets, and the faint scent of jasmine drifting through an open window. Pride warmed my voice as I took the phone back. “Because he’s my big brother,” I said, grinning at their stunned faces.

All four groaned in unison. Sanaa tossed a pillow onto the floor. “You’re kidding! You’re rich, cool, and you have a hot older brother? That’s not fair!”

I laughed, the sound bubbling up easily. “The downside? He’ll probably scare off any guy who tries to ask me out.”

The room erupted in laughter, their faces a mix of amusement and mock sympathy. “No one’s brave enough for that,” Chloe said, shaking her head.

Lily’s pretend shudder was exaggerated, her glasses glinting as she clutched her pillow tighter, a playful spark in her eyes. “Yeah, good luck finding a boyfriend with him around.”

Abby’s expression shifted, her playful grin fading to something more serious. She raised her voice just enough to grab our attention. “Hey, listen up,” she said, her tone warm but firm. “Middle school can be tough. You’ve got to stay sharp, know who’s got your back, and who doesn’t. The key is sticking together.” She looked at Angela and me, her gaze steady, like she was passing on a quiet strength.

The room stilled, the movie’s sound fading into the background. Her words hit me, echoing Lilian’s advice about facing challenges head-on. I glanced at Angela, who squeezed my hand, a silent promise we’d always be there for each other. With these girls, it felt even stronger.

Abby softened, smiling. “That goes for everything. The world’s not always easy, but you’re stronger than it is. Be confident, be kind, and don’t let anyone tell you who you are.” She stood, stretching. “Alright, I’m done being the wise older sister. Have fun, you guys.” She waved and headed to her room.

The door clicked shut, and I sat up, my voice low but eager. “Okay, everyone, huddle up. Meeting time.”

The girls leaned in, eyes bright with curiosity. Angela and I shared a quick, conspiratorial look.

“We’ve been thinking,” I started, my heart racing with excitement. “You didn’t see it, but Johnny and Abby at dinner? Sparks.”

Angela jumped in, her voice hushed but thrilled. “Seriously, the way they talked, the looks they gave each other—it’s like they’re meant to be.”

My cheeks warmed with the thrill of our plan, the soft hum of the TV blending with the distant chirp of crickets outside, a reminder of the warm June night. I nodded, gesturing toward Abby’s room. “They’re both smart, stubborn, and kind of perfect for each other. Abby’s into this ‘douchebag,’ and Johnny just broke up with his awful ex, Chrystal. It’s fate. We’re setting them up.”

Whispers of excitement rippled through the group, their faces lit with eager grins. The tablet coffee table flickered with a new game notification, casting a soft glow over our circle. “I’m in!” Maria said, her eyes gleaming.

“Same!” Sanaa added, nodding.

Lily’s voice was firm, her hands clasped tightly, a determined spark in her eyes as if she’d already envisioned the perfect date for Johnny and Abby. “Abby deserves someone like Johnny. No question.”

Chloe’s grin widened, her fingers drumming excitedly on the beanbag, the room’s cozy chaos amplifying our shared thrill. “It’s a great plan.”

We shelved the matchmaking for later, diving back into the sleepover. The night blurred into laughter, spilled popcorn crunching underfoot, and mismatched socks peeking from blankets. We crowded around a glowing coffee table, its tablet-like surface loaded with digital board games. Sanaa’s competitive streak shone in a fast-paced strategy game, but Chloe’s sharp tactics won every round, her quiet smirk unstoppable.

Angela dimmed the lights, pulling a glass bottle from a pile of colorful blankets. “Truth or Dare?” she asked, her grin mischievous.

We formed a tight circle, the game kicking off with silly dares—Maria’s awkward dance to a pop song, Sanaa juggling a pillow and failing spectacularly. The truths were juicier: Maria admitted to a crush on a boy from another school, her cheeks pink; Sanaa shared a cringe-worthy gymnastics tumble, laughing it off.

Lily spun the bottle, and it pointed at me. “Truth or Dare, Carla?” she asked, her eyes curious behind her glasses.

My heart thumped, a mix of nerves and calm settling over me as I met Lily’s gaze, her warm curiosity making me feel safe. The fairy lights twinkled above, casting a soft glow over the scattered pillows and empty soda cans. “Truth,” I said, my heart thumping but calm. I felt safe here, surrounded by these girls who didn’t know my past as Carl but accepted me as Carla.

Lily leaned forward, her glasses catching the TV’s light, her expression gentle yet probing, as if she sensed the weight behind my answer. “Have you ever been asked out?” Lily asked, her question simple but piercing.

I paused, my breath catching as memories of New York—basketball games, Dad’s bustling restaurant, the chaos of Peter and Dicky’s bullying—flashed through my mind. As Carl, I’d been too focused on surviving to think about romance. The girls’ attentive faces grounded me, their warmth a shield against the past. I paused, memories of my old life—school, basketball, Dad’s restaurant—flashing by. As Carl, romance wasn’t on the radar. I shook my head, smiling softly. “Nope, never.”

Chloe’s jaw dropped, her eyes widening in disbelief, her hand pausing mid-reach for a popcorn kernel. “No way. You’re too cool for that.”

Maria nodded, her curls bouncing as she leaned closer, her freckled face lit with genuine surprise and a touch of admiration. “Yeah, you’re awesome. That’s hard to believe.”

A warm flush spread through me, their words wrapping around me like a cozy blanket, easing the sting of Ms. Caldwell’s email. The room’s soft music pulsed faintly, mingling with the scent of vanilla candles. I laughed, warmth spreading through me.

“Guess my dad and Johnny scare off any guy who might try.” I thought of Harry’s protective calls and Johnny’s fierce loyalty, a mix of comfort and amusement settling in. “Besides, here in California, Uncle Ian would do the job.”

A low chuckle came from the hallway, startling us. Uncle Ian stood there, holding a glass of water, his tall frame silhouetted. “That’s right, Carla,” he said, his voice warm but firm. “It’s my job to keep an eye out for you and Angela. No one’s sneaking past me.” His grin was teasing, but his words carried the same protectiveness I’d felt when he bought me that mountain bike after Dicky sold mine.

Angela blushed, and I felt my cheeks warm too. He was talking about both of us, his goddaughter and daughter. “Go back to your night,” he added, waving. “Just grabbing water.” He headed to the kitchen, leaving us giggling.

Angela clapped her hands. “Okay, next up—manicures!” She pulled out a bag bursting with nail polish bottles, their colors glinting in the low light. Maria picked a sparkly pink, Lily chose a soft blue, and Chloe meticulously applied a deep purple. Sanaa waved off the polish, flexing her hands. “Gotta keep these ready for basketball practice.”

My heart leapt at the mention of basketball, memories of my old team surging back—sweaty practices, the thrill of a good game, now tinged with the ache of leaving it behind. Sanaa’s confident grin sparked a flicker of hope. “You play basketball?” I asked, a spark of excitement igniting.

Sanaa’s grin widened, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm as she leaned forward, her braids swaying slightly. “Yeah, it’s my thing. You into it?”

I nodded, my fingers tightening around the popcorn bowl, the familiar weight grounding me as I pictured myself back on the court, this time as Carla. “I used to play,” I said, memories of my old team flashing back, tinged with both joy and loss. “It was a big part of my life.”

Sanaa’s expression softened, her nod encouraging, as if she sensed the bittersweet edge in my voice. The room’s cozy glow, with its scattered pillows and faint jasmine scent, felt like a safe space to share. “You should come to practice this week,” Sanaa said, her confidence infectious. “Our TYA team’s solid, but we need passionate players.”

My chest fluttered with excitement, the prospect of reclaiming basketball as Carla lighting a spark. The girls’ faces turned toward me, their smiles warm and expectant. “You all go to TYA?” I asked, my eyes widening.

“Yup!” they chorused, and relief washed over me. Starting at Talented Youth Academy felt less daunting knowing these girls would be there.

“Count me in,” I said, excitement bubbling. “Just tell me when.”

Sanaa’s grin was infectious, her hand reaching out to give me a quick high-five, the gesture sealing a new bond. The tablet coffee table pulsed with a soft notification, a reminder of the connected world outside. “We’ll go together,” Sanaa promised, her grin wide.

The night wound down with more chatter—Chloe dishing school gossip, Lily fretting over a science test, Maria nervous about a history presentation. We shared stories of strict teachers and funny classroom moments, the connection between us growing with each laugh.

Around midnight, we sprawled on beanbags, flipping through magazines under soft music, pointing out goofy ads. Maria suggested friendship bracelets, and Angela produced a box of colorful embroidery floss. We knotted and braided, trading bracelets as promises to wear them at TYA.

As the hours ticked past, our talks turned deeper—family, dreams, fears. I shared bits of my past, my move from New York, and my hopes for California, feeling safe to open up. By 3 AM, yawns took over, and one by one, the girls drifted off, their faces peaceful in the dim light.

I lay there, wrapped in a soft blanket, the weight of the day settling. Ms. Caldwell’s email still nagged, but the love from Lilian, Nonna, Johnny, and now these friends drowned it out. This was what being Carla meant—connection, acceptance, a new beginning. As sleep pulled me under, I smiled, knowing this was just the start.