She averted her gaze to the ground, bashful. Ever since starting her transition as a female, no one had ever said she was 'perfectly fine'. She was about to sign something when her phone started buzzing. Her mother. She began to panic, if she didn't answer then her mum would wonder what was going on, but if she did answer then she wouldn't be able to talk properly. The phone continued buzzing but all she did was stare at the lit up screen in silence.
"Might wanna answer that." He said laughing.
She shook her head, already knowing what her mum would say if she answered. 'I don't want to talk right now, she doesn't like it when I don't talk that's why she always calls me rater than texting me.'
"But…Never mind." He looked up at the clouds. "Are your's supportive?"
'Supportive? What do you mean?' She tried to play it off like she didn't know what he was talking about, but in her mind she was asking Is it obvious that I was born a male?
"Same question you asked me. It's not that hard to figure out."
She mentally kicked herself for letting her guard down earlier on. 'And here I was thinking that I could get away undetected. In answer to your question, no. The only thing they have done right, in my eyes, is allow me to dress the way I want and have my room the way I want. They still use my given name, they still expect me to be masculine… But I'm too tired to argue with them now.'
"Maybe I can help somehow?" He pulled his shirt down so it didn't fly up too high.
'How?' She was genuinely curious as to how Alexander could help. More importantly, why was she trusting a guy she only just met? Because they had similar situations? Whatever the reason was, she found comfort in knowing that Alexander was actually willing to speak to her.
"I don't know but I can try." He just wanted to have a friend. And no one should be treated the way she was treated so he wanted to find a way.
'Thank you…' Her phone started buzzing again. Reluctantly, before it cut off, she answered.
"LIAM YOUNG, WHY ARE YOU NOT IN LESSON?" her mother screamed on the other end, temporarily causing deafness to her left ear. "I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE OFFICE TO SAY YOU WERE NOT MARKED IN YOUR GEOGRAPHY CLASS. I WILL BE HAVING WORDS WITH YOU WHEN YOU GET HOME YOUNG MAN, DON'T THINK I AM LETTING YOU OFF AGAIN!"
The call ended, Leonie switched off her phone completely and sighed. 'Please tell me you didn't hear that….'
"I did…And so your dead name's Liam? Also, I'm gonna take you home today. If that's ok with you at least." He didn't want Leonie getting hurt.
'It is Liam, yes. They chose it because it means strong-willed warrior, which only emphasizes their desire for me to be masculine to the core.' she paused for a moment, fully realising the second part of Alexander's comment. 'You don't have to go out of your way like that, I'll be fine on my own, I don't want your parents getting concerned about where you are.'
"My parents won't. They even told me if I can I should help."
'You mean you've told them about me? And you knew before today that I'm transgender?'
"No like they want me to help anyone. No matter who they are." he laughed.
'I see, sorry, I misunderstand a lot of things. It sounds like you have really nice parents.' she chuckled nervously, holding her dress down as the breeze picked up.
"It's fine." he sat up. "Might want to get to your next class."
'Do you not have a lesson?' she tilted her head in confusion. Does he skip classes like I do?
"As i have said. I skip most of the time."
'Did you just read my mind?' she half smiled. 'If I go to my lesson, you will be alone, i don't want you to be alone.'
"I'm used to it," he stated and closed his eyes.
'No one should be used to being alone, no one wants to be alone.'
'"That's not entirely true." he states pointing to himself.
'You want to be alone?' She stepped back, suddenly feeling unwanted, thinking that she was in the way by being there.
"Jot what I meant. Some days, not today, I like to be alone." he looks at her eyes.
'I see… I just don't want to become a burden to you.' Her eyes met his and she tried to smile.
"Your not." He smiles softly
'I'm glad.' The bell rang in the distance, signalling the next lesson. 'I have to go, I'll see you later. Where shall we meet?'
"The fountain is good." He waved bye to her.