In which we go shopping...

Mom, How realistic do you think it will be to primarily wear skirts to school?” I asked. Mom and I were looking at clothes for school.

“It’s pretty realistic,” Mom said. “But, do you want to actually wear nothing but skirts? I thought you liked the shorts that we got for you.”

“I do, but I almost want to start off wearing nothing but skirts, or at least more skirts than shorts or pants.” I said. Mom nodded. I pulled a teal short sleeved dress off the rack and held it up to me. It stopped just above the knee, which made it ok by the school’s dress code. I had been slowly pushing the edge when it came to my skirt length. I had amassed a small collection of skirts that hit right around mid thigh and I knew that mom wouldn’t let me wear them to school, even if I were allowed.

“That’s cute,” Mom said, with a smile. She had been browsing some skirts and held up a pink and black plaid skirt. I nodded and then went back to browsing the dresses on the rack in front of me. The cart soon contained several new items to start the school year.

After we had checked out and loaded the car, Mom looked around the parking lot. “You want to go get lunch?” she asked, squinting in the sunlight. It was warm out and there was a slight breeze. The breeze caused the hem of my ankle length turquoise gauze skirt to flutter and subsequently tickle my legs.

“Sure, what did you have in mind?” I asked, opening the door to the car and sliding in, feeling my shoulders hit the hot leather of the seat.

“Well, Daniel said that he won’t be done with Rachel and Nicole’s softball practice until sometime around four, so I was thinking about that new burger place over by the house.” Mom said, sliding into the car her self. While it was warm out, we had experienced a mild summer with the warmest it had gotten up to being around eighty-five. Mom started the car and put the windows down and opened the sunroof.

“Sounds good to me,” I replied, buckling my seat belt and feeling the ribbons on my pigtails tickle me shoulders. Mom started the car and put it in reverse, backing out of the spot. “We have a meeting next week with the principal at Ridgedale Middle, there shouldn’t be any problems because Abby started there last year so they should be decent at dealing with transgender students by now…”

“Probably…” I said, “What about gym class?”

“Doctor Williams is probably going to excuse you on medical grounds. I would; the locker rooms wouldn’t be a safe place for you.” Mom said, slowing to stop at a red light. “You’ll probably have to do something to make up for the credit, probably some sport. Anything pique your interest?” The light changed and mom eased the gas and we continued on our journey to lunch.

“Yeah…” I replied, not sure how mom would take the two sports that I had in mind. “Soccer and tennis.”

“I never took you much for a soccer player…” Mom said, trying to hide a chuckle and failing. “Why tennis though?”

“‘Cause tennis dresses are cute, duh.” I replied, and then burst into a fit of giggles. “Abby and I have been spending some time over at Redwood Park playing and I’m getting quite good at it. She said she might try out for the tennis team this year. I figured I might as well try as I’m getting better at playing…”

“Makes sense.” Mom said, slowing to turn into the parking lot of the burger place. “I wish you luck in what ever you decide to do; you’ll always have my support.” After she had parked the car she pulled her phone out of her purse and made a note. “We will need to find out if there is anything special we need to do because of your medical situation though.” Mom shut the engine off and got out of the car. As I got out and got hit with the heat of the day again I briefly wished that I was wearing a shorter skirt, although the problem was the humidity more so than the heat. After we were seated, Mom looked at me. “What have you been playing tennis in?”

“Mostly loose fitting skirts and tank tops. Kinda like a tennis dress, but not really.” I replied as the waitress walked up to the table.

“Good afternoon, I’m Sophia and I’ll be your server,” The blonde haired, blue eyed girl said. “What can I get you to drink?”

“Water, please,” I replied. It was really too hot for much anything else.

“Water as well, please,” Mom replied.

“Alright, two waters, I’ll be right back to get your order.” Sophia said, and then turned and walked away.

“What do you say we get you some actual clothes to go play tennis in?” Mom asked.