Mia.
By Brianna Luna
Jeremiah was always a little different. He tried to fit in, but never quite managed. It wasn't until around his 16th birthday that he actually realized the problem, and Mia was born. Mia is a story of transition, of new beginnings and familiar pains. With support from her Mom, and her best friend Mia is growing into the woman that she always should have been.
Mia.
By Brianna Luna
Jeremiah was always a little different. He tried to fit in, but never quite managed. It wasn't until around his 16th birthday that he actually realized the problem, and Mia was born. Mia is a story of transition, of new beginnings and familiar pains. With support from her Mom, and her best friend Mia is growing into the woman that she always should have been.
***This story contains smoking. If you don't like characters smoking don't say I didn't warn you. (It also includes a touch of underage drinking and some general disobedience***
This PDF contains the first five chapters.
Six
Mia woke up with sunlight streaming into her eyes. She flinched and rolled over. Robin was asleep next to her, laying on his back snoring like a freight train. The sound was immensely loud, reverberating in her ears. She covered her head with a pillow and snuggled into him. HE wrapped his arm around her and adjusted a little in his sleep. Her head ached, and her stomach was very sour, but she felt good about what they'd done...well, what she could remember at least. Some of the antics after four AM were kind of fuzzy.
After laying there a few minutes, she found that nature was calling and extricated herself from his grasp, slipping quietly out of the bed. The room was spinning when she woke up and she had to steady herself on a bed post. She realized she was naked and scooped up a long band tee shirt from her drawer, then padded into the bathroom.
“Good God.” she said, looking at herself in the mirror. She looked like a zombie. Her eyes were very black where her make up had run, and her hair was an absolute birds nest. She washed her face and took off her make up, then tried to run a brush through her hair while she sat on the the toilet. Waves of mild nausea were crashing over her, so she just laid her head down on her knees and actually fell asleep for a few minutes.
She woke up again, stumbled to her feet and walked into the bedroom. She put on a pair of bikini underwear laying on top of the hamper then walked out into the hallway. The television was on in the living room, and she didn't remember turning it on last night. And she smelled coffee brewing. Mia smiled weakly then walked into the living room, her legs feeling more like stilts than the lithe appendages she was used to.
Tot was sitting on the couch, smoking a cigarette and drinking a cup of coffee. She looked up from the television and grinned at Mia.
“Someone had a good night.” Tot said, casting a very exaggerated glance at the empty beer bottles, whisky bottle and shot glasses. Mia felt herself blush when she noticed the condom wrappers still decorating the floor.
“Yeah....” Mia croaked. “And someone is paying for it this morning.” she said, plopping down on the couch and hugging a pillow to her chest.
Tot laughed, then got up and poured Mia a cup of coffee. She brought her the coffee and sat back down indian style on the couch.
Mia took a sip of coffee and closed her eyes. Her stomach was rumbling, but the coffee smelled and tasted so good. It actually was competing with the whisky after taste she'd been fighting since she woke up. Mia adjusted a little on the couch, only then realizing how absolutely sore her ass was. She grimaced when she moved.
Tot nodded. “Sore?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.
Mia just nodded, closing her eyes. After a moment, the spasm of pain passed and she opened her eyes. Tot was smiling at her, and she couldn't help but smile back. “Stop staring at me...haven't you ever seen a zombie before?”
Tot laughed, then got a very serious look on her face. “You know you are going to have to spill the beans sometime, chicky?”
Mia fumbled around on the table for a cigarette. Tot lit it for her and she nodded her thanks. “I know...I know...Lets just say, for now, that it was incredible.” she said smiling. “And that Robin is a very big boy, and I doubt I will be walking right for a couple of days.”
Tot laughed uproariously, until Mia shushed her. “Tot, honey...My head is splitting....Please.”
Tot covered her mouth with her hand and nodded. “Ok...Ok.”
Mia let her head loll back on the couch. Last night didn't seem real, it was like a dream. She wasn't sure how she felt about it this morning. She felt a little ashamed at how wanton she'd been, but she did wait 18 years to have sex, she thought, better than 90 percent of her friends. She slowly raised her head and tried to shake the cobwebs out of her brain.
“I'm gonna go take a shower.” Mia said, slowly standing up. She stumbled into her bedroom, past the snoring form of Robin. She glanced at the clock. Noon. She walked into the bathroom and turned on the water.
Noon.
“Shit.” Mia said, rushing out of the bathroom. The sudden movement brought the nausea back and she could taste the whisky in the back of her throat for a second. She grabbed hold of the night-stand and steadied herself. “Whoa.” She breathed deeply and got it under control, then shook Robin.
“Huh? What?” he said, lifting his head. He looked around for a second, his eyes finally stopping on Mia. “Oh, sorry.” he said, trying to sit up. “Morning.”
“It's noon, Honey.” Mia said, still steadying herself against the night-stand.
Robin looked at his watch. Mia wanted to laugh at how much trouble he seemed to be having focusing on the watch face. “Shit.” he said, getting out of bed.
Mia just stood there grinning as he rushed around the room gathering clothes. He had a massive erection. Morning wood, Mia thought, there's a blast from the past. Robin fumbled into his clothes, then rushed over and kissed Mia on the lips, just a quick kiss, then turned to leave. He stopped.
Robin turned around slowly and walked back over to Mia. He took her in his arms and gave her a very sweet, long, kiss. “There's a proper good morning kiss.” he said, looking at her smiling face. “I gotta go to work. See you tonight?”
Mia nodded. “I don't have any plans. Call me.”
She walked with him to the door. Tot was still planted on the couch grinning at Robin as he walked by.
“Mornin Tot.” Robin said, then slipped out the door.
Mia beamed at Tot, then headed back into her room. She got in the shower and let it run over her for a while, washing some of the hangover away. She washed her hair, a chore she wasn't looking forward to, but there was something sticky in her hair...and she had a pretty good idea what it was.
Hair dried, dressed in shorts and a tee shirt, Mia finally emerged back into the living room. Tot was still watching Teevee and drinking yet another cup of coffee. Mia grabbed her cup and got a refill herself, then sat down on the couch next to Tot.
Tot looked over at her and grinned. Mia grinned sheepishly back at her.
“Are you gonna spill or not?” Tot said finally.
Mia shook her head, then made a show of ignoring her while lighting a cigarette.
“I have ways of making you talk, my dear.” Tot said in a horrible German accent.
Mia feigned fear, putting her hands to her face while wearing a look of mock horror. “Ok...Ok....” Mia said, “We had a fantastic night.”
Tot snorted. “That's pretty obvious...Dirt! I want dirt!”
Mia blushed. “What do you want to know?”
“What did you do? What did he do? You know, DIRT!” Tot said excitedly.
“Well...We got back to the apartment and started making out. I went down on him....He liked that a lot.” Mia said, grinning.
“Duh..What guy wouldn't.” Tot said.
“I got a little nervous, because I knew it was going to go further...I wasn't sure how he'd react once I got my panties off, you know...I was scared he'd freak out and it would be over.” Mia said softly.
“But, he obviously didn't. Did he give you head?” Tot said anxiously.
Mia shook her head. “No...No...I didn't want him too...and probably would have been disappointed if he did. I think what I really like about him is that he's a straight guy...you know?”
Tot nodded. “Yeah, I know. I just thought that would be cool.”
Mia grinned. “He did touch it, and he kissed the head....Just to show he wasn't grossed out. It was hard for him though.”
Tot smiled. “Then what?”
“He gave me a pretty damn good rim job.” Mia said proudly, then took a final drag from her cigarette before putting it out. Tot was nodding, smiling.
“Then....” Mia said, pausing for effect. “He fucked the hell out of me.” She said, laughing.
Tot started giggling, then gave Mia a high five. “It was awesome.”
“That's kick ass Mia...” Tot said, giving her a hug. “welcome to being a slut like me!”
The girls started giggling like crazy, then Mia's cell phone started ringing. She didn't bother glancing at the screen, she just pushed talk.
“Hello.” Mia purred into the phone, still grinning at Tot.
“Hello....Mia.”
Mia froze. It was her Dad. She hadn't spoken to him in almost a year, and the last time they had spoken, it was more yelling than speaking.
“Uh....Hi Dad.” Mia said sheepishly.
“How are you doing?” Paul said. Mia realized, he sounded nervous, like he wasn't sure what to say.
“I'm fine Dad...I'm doing really well. How've you been?” Mia said. She sat down on the couch and lit a cigarette. Her headache, which she thought she'd ditched, returned with a vengeance.
“I've been well. Fine. Lydia's fine, and Justin is doing great.” Paul said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
“Good.” Mia said quietly.
“Mia, I'd like to see you. Today.” Paul said. “I'll buy you dinner.”
Mia didn't know what to say. She was still really mad at her dad, for a lot of things, but before she could edit herself it just came out. “Ok, Dad.” She grimaced as the words left her mouth.
“Good...Good. Can you meet me at the steakhouse, near my place?” Paul said. She could tell he was driving, and holding the phone up against his cheek.
“Sure. What time?” Mia said, regretting this already.
“um...How bout six o'clock?” Paul said.
“Ok dad. See you then.” She said.
Paul said goodbye and hung up. Mia put her phone down and just let her head hang.
“It's not that bad, Mia.” Tot said, rubbing her back.
“I know...Just...why today, you know? Why couldn't today just be special?” Mia said, on the verge of tears.
“Mia....You could have said no.” Tot said.
Mia shook her head. “No...I owe him the courtesy of at least going to see what he wants...He is my father.”
“I know, honey.” Tot said. “Hey...Why don't you go get some sleep? You'll feel a lot better. I'll wake you up around four.”
Mia nodded. She kissed Tot on the cheek and handed Tot her cigarette, then walked back into her room. She collapsed on the bed and very quickly, fell into a deep sleep.
Four o'clock came way too fast and Tot was waking her up to get ready. Mia rolled over and covered her head with a pillow.
“Come on...get up.” Tot said, pulling the pillow away. “Take another shower and get moving.”
“Ughhhh” Mia said, getting out of bed. “Ok...Ok..” She walked into the bathroom and got into the shower. The hot water woke her up and made her feel a lot better. She realized that she was starving. All she'd had in the last 24 hours was a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner, a lot of alcohol, cigarettes, and coffee. He stomach was growling like a grizzly bear.
She dried her hair and styled it, adding a little curl to the tips with a curling iron. Mia sat down at her vanity and did her make-up. She didn't want to do anything extreme, she was going to the suburbs after all, but she wanted to do something a little dramatic. She settled on cats eye eyeliner with really dark purple eye shadow, so dark it was almost black. She used her best MAC mascara, really getting some length out of her lashes, then topped it all off with some dark burgundy lipstick.
Mia shuffled over to her closet and rifled through her clothes. She pulled out a black, cocktail length dress with a plunging neck line...Her little black dress. Well, one of my little black dresses, she thought. She threw the dress on the bed, then searched her lingerie drawer. Black gaff, Victoria's Secret Angel bra, also black. After tucking herself into her gaff, she put on her bra. The strap was riding on her new tattoo a little, so she traded the bra out for a strapless one. Much better, she thought, then shrugged into the tight little dress. Long dangly silver earrings, Silver necklace, a couple of silver bangles and she was ready to go. She checked the clock. Five thirty. Shit, she thought, I'm gonna be a little late. She grabbed her purse and headed out the door, stopping to turn around and get her cigarettes and cell phone off the coffee table.
Mia yelled bye to Tot and was out the door. She dug in her purse and couldn't find her keys, so she went back in the house and got them off her night-stand.
“Bye for real this time!” she yelled, then got in her car and sped off towards the suburbs, and what she could only see as impending doom.
Once Mia was on the interstate, the real nerves started hitting her. Her stomach was still a little queasy, mainly hunger she guessed, and she was so nervous she could hardly stand it. She lit a cigarette, hoping that it would do something to calm her nerves. It didn't help much.
Mia and her father's relationship had been strained at best for the last couple of years. She couldn't help but think of the first time she saw her father after he left, that October two years ago. She shook her head at the memory, but it wouldn't go away.
Mia got home late from school. It was a blustery November evening, with leaves blowing down the street and angry gray clouds threatening overhead. Mia dropped her coat off in the foyer and rushed up stairs to change clothes. She stripped out of the boy's school uniform, laying it neatly on the end of the bed. Her room was still a wreck, though now there were girls clothes strewn around the room as well as all the other crap. She shrugged into a pair of low-rise blue jeans, then put on her bra-stuffing it with a pair of socks, and a baby-doll tee shirt. She hadn't worn make up to school, not really. Lip gloss doesn't' count, right? She quickly remedied that situation, putting on make-up a little too vampish for afternoon, but it was fun and she was still learning how to get the look right.
Tot was supposed to come over that afternoon, but seemed to be running a few minutes behind. Mia trotted down the stairs and poured herself a glass of Diet Coke. She had just lit a cigarette when the door rang. She skipped over and opened it.
“Hello, Tot.” she purred, then froze. Her mouth was slightly open, and her heart started beating one hundred miles per hour. It was her Dad.
Paul Bonner stood there staring for a moment, confused by the teenage girl answering the door. He looked at her confused for a moment, then a look of recognition crossed his face. It was then that the expression turned to anger.
“Jeremiah? “ He shook his head, like he was trying to make the vision go away. “What? What the hell are you doing? Why....” he pushed inside past Mia and closed the door. “Why are you dressed like that? And, what the fuck are you doing smoking?” He snatched the cigarette away and put it out in the ashtray.
Mia was frozen with terror. She couldn't think. It was like a nightmare. Very similar, in fact to many nightmare's she'd actually had since Mia came to the fore. She couldn't speak.
“Well? What do you have to say for yourself?” Paul stormed, pacing back and forth.
“I...I'm sorry, Dad. I wanted to tell you, but...” Mia started.
“Wait! Why are you talking like that? Are you trying to sound like a girl? Use your real voice when you talk to me!” He said, getting closer to Mia than she would have liked.
“I....It is my real voice Dad. I'm just not forcing myself to sound more “manly”, like I've done for...forever.” Mia said, on the verge of tears.
“That is bullshit, Jeremiah Bonner!” He yelled, getting even more angry. “Why are you dressed like some teenage whore?” he pointed at Mia's face. “And this better be good!”
Mia didn't know what to say. She just started crying, tears rolling down her face.
Paul threw up his hands and almost yelled in frustration and rage. “Get yourself together and tell me what the hell is going on here!”
Mia sniffled a couple of times, wiped her face with her hand, getting the tears out of her eyes. “Ok...” she said, quietly. Then louder. “OK.” she paced away from him, composing her thoughts.
She looked at her Dad, defiance forming in her eyes. “You want the truth? Ok.” she said, pacing back towards him. “Here it is.” her voice was strong now, all the nervousness gone, replaced by rage of her own.
“I have always felt out of place, Dad! Ever since I was a little kid, I felt like something was wrong. I tried my best to do what you wanted me too...but most of the stuff I was supposed to do as a boy bored me to tears! I was no good at sports, had little interest. I'm really thin, and soft spoken and built like a girl. And that's what I've always wanted to be, Dad. A girl!”
Paul looked like he'd been slapped. “That's bullshit! Miah, you are a regular boy. You...You have never acted like a girl...So what if people made fun of you because you are small..lots of small guys don't turn out to be...to be faggots!” Paul raged.
“No dad! And...” Mia yelled back. “ I guess I am a faggot!! But it has nothing to do with being small. I like girls things....Girls clothes. The only interest I've ever had in girls was what they were wearing and how their hair looked! I told Mom how I felt, and she understands...”
Paul raised his hands in frustration, his fists clenched, shaking with anger. “I leave for two weeks and that bitch has turned you into a fucking sissy!”
Mia's mouth opened and closed, then her brows arched with anger. “What? Left for two weeks? Dad, you ran off with another woman and got her...you got her fucking pregnant! And now you are accusing Mom of being a bitch! You are a fucking dick!” she yelled.
Paul slapped her. Mia had never been slapped before. Never. She'd been in fights when she was younger, but that was mainly just Jeremiah getting beaten up. But she'd never been slapped, and the sting instantly brought tears to her eyes.
Paul's face dropped. He hadn't meant to do it, Mia could see that now. The emotion had gotten the better of him and he'd slipped. A bad slip, but a slip nonetheless.
Mia just stood there, quivering, tears running down her cheeks. “Get out.” she said quietly.
Paul started to apologize, but it was too late. “Get out!” Mia screamed, pointing at the door.
He nodded, hesitated for a moment, then left. Mia collapsed on the floor, crying and was still there when Tot had shown up a few minutes later.
She didn't talk to her Dad for almost a month. He tried to apologize, through Andrea, but Mia would have none of it. She hated him right then, for not accepting her, and for striking her which he had no business doing.
At Christmas time, Andrea finally convinced Mia to talk to Paul. Andrea and Paul's relationship was still very rocky and full of more fights than simple conversations, but Andrea did believe that Paul was really sorry for slapping Mia. He wasn't thinking of it as hitting a daughter, Mia knew, but a disobedient seventeen year old son, which while Mia thought was wrong, was more understandable.
A couple of days before Christmas, they met at a Denny's to talk. Mia arrived a few minutes late for their meet, having spent a long time sitting in her car trying to get up the courage to go inside. She was dressed nicely and wearing little make-up, at her mother's suggestion. She was dressed like a teenage girl though, no mistaking that, and looked the part well enough that most people wouldn't notice the little differences that would peg her as a boy.
She walked inside and found her father in the smoking section. There were several butts in the ashtray and she could tell he'd been here a little while. She tossed her purse on the bench and slid into the booth. They looked at each other for a moment, Both wearing looks of defiance. Paul's expression broke first, and he looked very apologetic, even before speaking.
“I'm sorry about the way I treated you, Miah.” he said, sounding quite sincere.
“Mia.” she said, firmly.
He seemed to have trouble getting it to come out but eventually repeated the name. “Mia.”
Mia nodded. “Ok. I accept your apology. Can I go now?”
He really did seem to look crestfallen at her statement. “I am sorry..I didn't mean to hit you...It's just...I don't know.” he said, shaking his head and looking down at the table.
Mia lit a cigarette, not caring if it pissed him off.
He looked at it and frowned. “ I don't like that either.”
Mia just shrugged. “Sorry.” she said, exhaling a stream of smoke towards the light above the table.
He started, Mia could see, to get angry, but took a deep breath. “Ok. I understand. I'm just confused by all this...I don't know what to say...what to think. It's like my whole world just flipped over, Miah...Mia.” he shook his head at his mistake, still it seemed, wishing that it would all just go away.
“I don't know how to help you with that. You didn't even try to understand, Dad...You just went off the handle, and....” Her voice was getting thick, like she was going to cry. She started bouncing her leg nervously, then looked away from him, holding back the tears. She took a drag and exhaled, calming down. “And hit me. I'm pretty mad at you all around right now, Dad. You leave us to start a new family like it's nothing, then you have the nerve to judge me?” She looked at him, her eyes cold.
He nodded. “I know..I know. I just. I'm sorry about not telling you...I had no problem telling your mom...we'd been done for a long time, and she knew it. We were just staying together for you, and I couldn't take it any more.”
“And I was pretending to be a boy for you, and couldn't' take it any more.” Mia said firmly.
“Pretending? Miah...” he shook his head and corrected himself, “Mia...” he leaned in and whispered loudly. “You are a boy, dammit. There is no pretending about it!”
She laughed. “I don't care if people know I wasn't born a girl.” she said, rather loudly. Several people in the restaurant looked over at her, there expressions a mixture of curiosity and some revulsion. “I just don't care. I am who I am.” she said finally. “And, I'm a girl.”
Paul didn't know how to respond, and Mia liked that. She smiled smugly at him and tapped the ashes from her cigarette in the ashtray, then rounded out the cherry in one of the rests on the side. Finally she looked up at him.
“Look Dad....You may never like it, but you are going to have to accept it. I'm a girl now, and I'm going to live my life as a woman all the time once I get the hell out of high school. I have to put up with this charade for a little while longer and then I'm done with it.”
“But Mia.” he said, ensuring he said it right.” You...You are setting yourself up for all kinds of trouble. People will discriminate against you, you wont get a fair shot at life. There is no reason for that.” he said, pleading with her.
“Dad, I don't care.” she said firmly. “I can't put it back and make it like it was...and I don't want to. I'll take whatever they can dish out.”
Paul looked defeated. “OK. I don't like it. But, I guess I have to live with it.” he lit a cigarette of his own, looked at it, then back at Mia. “But I really wish you wouldn't smoke...it's hard to quit and very bad for you.”
“I know.” she said,then shrugged. “And I'll deal with that later. Right now, I'm finally going to do what I want to do. I've lived someone else's life long enough.” she said quietly.
Mia's coffee had gotten cold while they were talking. The waitress came by and filled it, looking at her closely, trying to see the boy in the girls face. Mia smiled at her.
“Thanks.” she said, picking up the cup.
Paul was looking at her too. “Well...You do look pretty, Mia. You look a lot like your Mom.”
She bit her tongue to keep from saying something smart assed. “Thank you.” she said demurely. “That does mean a lot coming from you.”
They didn't see a lot of each other after that. For a while there was a good truce between them, but it fired up again each time Mia would enter new phases of transition, it was as though Paul was still fighting giving up his son to his daughter.
Mia pulled into the parking lot of the steakhouse. She sat in the car for a moment, then got out. It had cooled off nicely since this afternoon, so at least she wasn't sweating off her make-up. Her little black dress fluttered nicely in the evening breeze as she entered the restaurant.
The hostess smiled at her. “Good evening, miss.” the woman looked around. “Table for one?”
Mia smiled and shook her head. “I'm meeting my Dad. Paul Brooks.” she said.
The hostess looked at the book behind the desk. “Oh, come this way mam, he's waiting.”
They walked through the crowd. Mia could feel eyes on her as they walked through the dining room. She knew she looked good tonight, so the looks didn't bother her one bit. Paul was seated in the smoking section near the window. He was wearing a pretty nice, business casual outfit and looked good, as usual. Mia put her clutch bag down on the seat and sat across from him.
“Hi dad.” she said quietly.
He was staring at her, mainly at her chest, but also at the tattoo on her near her collar bone. He didn't say anything for a second, and she could tell he was a little angry. “Hi, Mia.” he said finally.
Mia ordered a glass of Iced tea, then lit a cigarette while she was waiting for it to arrive.
“How've you been, Mia?” he said, trying to start a conversation without going right into the real reason she'd called him.
“I've been good” she said, smiling at him. “Busy...getting ready for school to start in the fall..working at the salon.”
He nodded. “I'd heard you went and got plastic surgery done.” he said. “It looks...It looks good, I guess.”
Mia looked up at him, her eyes hard. “I guess?”
Paul shook his head. “No...I mean, they did a good job, and you look...well, you look beautiful. But, Its like a last nail in my son's coffin.” he said quietly.
Mia actually felt sorry for him. It was the first time they'd seen each other since she had her surgeries, and he actually was sad about it. “I'm sorry Dad...I really am. But, I have to be myself.”
He nodded. “I know....I can see that.” he said, pointing to the tattoo.
She laughed a little. “yeah, I didn't bother to hide it. I'm not one for hiding how I feel or who I am anymore.”
HE nodded, looking a little defeated. “I guess so. Be careful though, Mia. don't get into things that are going to get you into trouble, ok?”
She smiled at him. “Always in control, Daddy.” she said “No problem.”
They ordered their food. Mia ordered a small steak and baked potato, along with a salad. She was absolutely starving.
The small steak turned out to still be more than she could eat, but she got the rest to go. After they were finished eating, she ordered a cup of coffee, as did Paul. They sat there, smoking and drinking their coffee, neither talking.
“Mia...” Paul started. “I want you to come out to the house and meet Lydia and the baby.” he said finally.
Mia looked up at him. “I've already met Lydia.”
“No, I mean..Really meet her. She's my wife, and your stepmother. And I want you to meet your half brother Justin.” He said.
Mia looked down at the table. “I don't know dad.” she said, then looked up at him.
“Please?” he said, actually sounding sincere in his request. “I'd really appreciate it.”
Mia looked off into space for a second, thinking. Finally, she nodded.
“Ok. When?” she said quietly.
“Next week. come out to the house and we'll eat dinner. You need to eat, you are all skin and bones.” Paul said finally.
Mia laughed. “Ok...I will come. What day specifically?”
They worked out the details, then Mia hugged him goodbye. She could tell he was a little hesitant to hug her, but once he did, he hugged her tightly and lovingly.
“I love you, Mia. I really do. But I worry about you so much.” he whispered.
“I know daddy...I know. “ she said, hugging him back. “I love you too.”
And she meant it.
He walked her to her car and waited for her to get in and drive off before getting into his car. She breathed a sigh of relief. He'd been angry, at first, but had done a good job of keeping it from taking control of him. By the end of the conversation, he'd seemed to come to terms with it and accept it a little better. Jeremiah was not going to come back. Period. She was done with that part of her life and was becoming the woman on the outside that she was on the inside.
Mia was still thinking about it as she pulled onto the interstate and headed towards home. The upcoming dinner with Lydia was nagging at her. She'd never really liked Lydia, and hoped that by some strange miracle, the dinner would go off without either of them losing their temper. She had intended on going home, but instead found herself pulling up in front of the tattoo shop. At some point she had just started driving there, not paying attention to where she was going.
“While I'm here...” she said to herself, getting out of the car. She checked her watch. The shop was open for several more hours. Robin and Pete were sitting out on the porch. She smiled at them and started walking over.
“Bit overdressed for us aren't you, Mia?” Pete said, laughing.
Mia smiled and flipped him off. “I was hanging out with my Dad.” she said, her voice conveying how little she'd enjoyed it.
“Gotcha.” Pete said.
Robin was walking down to meet her. He stopped and gave her a kiss. She folded into his arms and he held her tight for a moment, laying his head against hers.
“Did it go ok?” he asked quietly.
Mia nodded, then shrugged. “ I guess.” she looked up at him. “Y'all aren't very busy.”
Robin shook his head. “No...not busy at all, actually. We were earlier, now we're just waiting for the late rush. He took her hand and led her up to the porch. Pete gave up the swing for her.
“Why thank you Pete.” she said, sitting down. Robin sat next to her. She leaned over and put her head on his shoulder.
“Awww...So cute I could puke.” Pete said, snickering.
Mia and Robin both laughed at his comment, especially the way he said it, in a weird little baby talk voice.
The three of them sat there for a while talking. Robin lit Mia a cigarette, then had one himself. A customer showed up for Pete, so the two of them were left alone on the porch. Mia didn't say anything, she just enjoyed the silence. Finally, Robin spoke.
“Mia...” He said, looking down at her.
She turned and looked up at him, her head still resting on his chest. “Yes, dear.' she purred.
“I had a great time last night.” Robin said softly. “It was mind blowing.”
Mia grinned at him. “Thanks...I had a great time too. Everything...Was perfect.”
They kissed. It was a long, tender kiss, full of longing and desire. When the kiss was over, Mia felt like she was drowning without his mouth against hers, so she kissed him again. She could feel the desire welling up inside her.
Robin stopped kissing her, and reached up and stroked her hair. “I can't right now...I have to work...well, I may have to work.” he looked at her and smiled. “And if you keep that up, I'm not going to be able to do anything but take you somewhere and have my way with you.”
“Promise?” she said, kissing him on the neck.
“Later tonight?” he asked.
Mia nodded. Robin stood up and walked paced around for a minute. “What's up?” Mia said.
He smiled at her. “I had to get up. If I stayed there with you, I know what I'd end up doing....And I have to stick around tonight...I need the money.” He said, laughing.
She grinned at him. “Ok.” She looked around. “You don't seem to have any customers.”
He frowned. “No...I don't at the moment.”
She smiled triumphantly. “Now you do.” she said, standing up.
He laughed. “What do you want, Mia?”
She grinned at him, then walked over and took his hand. “Something...Interesting.”
Robin followed her into the piercing studio. She sat down on the table and crossed her leg, showing a lot of thigh and miles of smooth flesh. He shut the door. “How interesting?” he said, cocking an eyebrow at her.
Mia grinned at him and slowly slid the top of her little black dress down around her belly. She unclasped her bra and let it drop on the table. Robin was watching her, smiling ear to ear as Mia took her breasts in her hands, cupping them.
“You sure?” Robin said, picking up a pair of gloves from the box next to the piercing table.
Mia nodded. “Yeah...I've wanted them done for a while.” she said, grinning.
“Ok....Lay down on the table.” Robin said. “Can I pick the jewelry?”
“Sure.” Mia said, then waited expectantly for him to return with Jewelry. Robin perused the wall for a minute, then pulled a couple of pieces down. He handed the packages to Mia, two horseshoe 12 gauge, titanium small diameter rings with lollipop ends. She looked up and smiled. “Perfect, I love the rainbow balls on the ends.”
Robin got all professional then, getting all his stuff together. Finally, he looked over at Mia. “Ready?” he said, then reached out and touched her nipple. She giggled and nodded. “OK...I'll give you the special treatment.” he said, winking at her. He leaned over and flicked his tongue on her nipple a couple of times until it popped like a little pencil eraser.
“Hey, is that how you always do it?” She said, feigning innocence.
He laughed and shook his head. “Um...no.”
He clamped off her nipple and took the needle in one hand, and a piece of cork in the other.
“Here we go.” he said.
Mia bit her bottom lip and looked at the ceiling. There was a sharp, quick pain in her left nipple, a little tugging, and then as soon as it had started, it was over.
“One down.” Robin said, reaching over to pick up the other ring.
Mia took a deep breath as he clamped off the other nipple. Another sharp pain, tug, and done.
“All done.” Robin said, wiping at her nipple with a soft gauze.
He helped her sit up. She grinned at him as he gestured for her to go look in the mirror. She hopped up and looked at herself in the full length mirror, then looked back at Robin over her shoulder and smiled ear to ear. She wiggled her breasts, watching the piercings move. It hurt a little to do that, but she couldn't' help but giggle.
“Thank you, Robin.” she said, turning back. “You like?” she asked, striking a sexy pose for him.
“Very much.” He said, grinning at her.
Robin went over all the care stuff with her, things she'd heard before when she got her belly button pierced, then he handed her a little bag with basic care stuff in it.
“You may want to do this.” He said, placing a couple of pieces of gauze in the cups of her bra. “In case there is any bleeding, you don't want to get it on your nice bra.”
Mia carefully put her bra back on. The gauze really helped pad the piercings from getting rubbed wrong. She could feel vibration transmitting through the titanium, and could only imagine how nice it was going to feel once it was healed.
Mia walked over to her purse and pulled out her wallet. “How much do I owe ya, baby?” she said.
Robin shook his head and held up his hands. “No charge...I thought you were doing that for me anyway.” he said with a laugh.
Mia sighed and rolled her eyes. She walked over to him and shoved a couple of twenties in the waistband of his jeans. Robin laughed, but took the money. “Thanks, baby.” He said, putting the money in his back pocket.
“Well, I've got to get running. I've gotta work in the morning, and for some reason I'm really tired today.” Mia said, grinning at him and wrinkling her nose.
“Yeah...I'm kinda tired today myself. I wonder if something kept us awake last night.” He said, looking up from cleaning up his station.
Mia laughed, then walked over and kissed him on the cheek. “Call me tomorrow, ok?” she said.
Robin nodded, then pulled her into an embrace. Mia was thankful that he was careful not to press her too hard against him, but then again, he'd had it done to his nipples too and knew how it feels. He kissed her and she actually felt weak in the knees. “Sure thing baby....Sleep tight.” he said, then walked her out.
Robin stood on the porch and watched her all the way to her car. She started the car and waved, then headed out towards home.
Mia unlocked the door and dropped her purse on the table next to the door. “Tot!” she yelled, then looked around the house for her. No dice, she thought, then peeked in her room. Nope, no Tot. Mia shrugged, a little disappointed that she wasn't home but Mia had been gone for a long time. Her nipples were throbbing little, so she shimmied out of her dress and bra then threw them on the bed. She couldn't help but stand in front of the mirror for a few minutes and admire the new jewelry. She grinned, then finally put on an old, soft tee shirt and headed into the bathroom to get ready for bed.
Mia brushed her teeth and washed her face. Her mind wandered back to the meeting with her Dad, and the upcoming visit. It put a damper on her night, and worried her a little. She wasn't sure how the whole thing with Lydia would go. She still wasn't very happy about the whole situation, but vowed she would try to make it work.
From the other room, she could hear her phone ringing. She rummaged through her purse and answered.
“Hello.” She said.
“Howdy Beeeotch.” Tots said with a laugh. “What's up? You home?”
Mia laughed. “Howdy Slut. Yeah, I'm here.”
Tot mocked offense at the comment. “Slut? I seem to remember someone else shaking the headboard last night”
Mia giggled. “Guilty.”
“And speaking of slut.” Tot said. “I'm not gonna be home tonight. Well, not until late.”
Mia grinned. “I gotcha. Have fun. Be safe.”
“Love ya.” Tot said.
“Love you too.” Mia said, then hung up.
She wandered into the kitchen and opened the fridge. Nothing but beer and condiments.
“We have to go shopping.” Mia said, shaking her head. She grabbed a beer and headed into her room.
She sat down on the bed and sighed. Not tired, she thought, then looked around her room. I could clean. No, don't want to clean. She got up and went over to her desk. She booted up her iMac and opened Everquest. She waited while the software updates loaded then logged in. No sooner had she logged in than a private message popped up. It was Carl. Mia smiled.
Argus (Carl)- Hey there.
Leigh (Mia)-Hey Carl!!
Argus: What have you been up to? Haven't seen you on here for a while.
Leigh: Sorry, been really busy.
Argus: Are you at home?
Leigh: I'm at my apartment. Why?
Argus: You moved already?
Leigh: Yeah, been here for almost a month. duh.
Argus: Still have the same cell phone number?
Leigh: Yeah.
A couple of seconds later, Mia's phone rang. She picked it up.
“Hey Carl, what's the occasion? You never call on the phone.” she said, sounding concerned.
“Hi...Hi Mia.” he stammered. “I just wanted to talk to you.”
“what's up?” Mia said, lighting a cigarette.
“I heard you had plastic surgery.” Carl said quietly.
“I did.” Mia said, wondering what was going on.
“So...Like, what did you have done?” Carl asked. “You didn't have...it cut off did you?”
Mia laughed. “No...I didn't have SRS.”
Carl breathed an audible sigh of relief. “So...there's still a chance we may get Jeremiah back?” he asked. Mia could hear the nervousness in his voice. He actually had sounded heartbroken when he asked it.
Mia didn't respond right away. She knew Carl missed his friend, even though as far as she was concerned, that friend hadn't really gone anywhere. “No...Probably not.”
Carl was silent for a moment. “Ok. What did you have done?”
Mia outlined the procedures for him, telling him what they did and why.
“So..” Carl said. Mia could tell he was saying it around a big smile. “You got big stripper titties now?”
Mia couldn't help but laugh. “you pig!” Mia said. Then after a few seconds. “Yeah, I guess I do.” she giggled. “They aren't huge...C cups.”
Carl laughed. “Ok...no triple Ds then.”
“Um, no.” Mia said. “They look quite natural, really.”
“Alright. I was just worried about you, that's all.” Carl said.
“I know. I'm sorry I'm not going to go back to being Miah, Carl.” She said.
“You need to be you...I understand that, I just still don't understand the whole thing very well, you know?” Carl said.
“I do. I really do. We still good?” Mia said, hoping they were.
“Of course. Hell, how else am I gonna be friends with a hot girl?” Carl said, laughing.
“Good.” Mia said. “Now, lets play some Everquest and quit nattering like hens.”
“Alright. bye.” carl said
“Bye.” Mia said, hanging up and shaking her head.
They played Everquest for a couple of hours, then finally Mia had to log out. It was almost one and she was beat. She brushed her teeth again and went to bed.
Chapter 7
Mia rolled over and slapped the snooze button on the alarm. She laid on her back for a minute and stared at the ceiling. Monday. June. No longer a (technical) virgin. She smiled and rolled onto her side. She laid there for a few minutes more, eyes closed, mind blank. Then the dreaded alarm went off again. This time she turned it off and sat up. It was cool in the house, the air conditioner was pumping, and gooseflesh instantly rose on her arms and body. She looked around for her slippers, then gave up and headed to the bathroom.
Thirty minutes later she was sitting at her vanity drying her hair. She hated washing it before work, but it smelled awful and had decided to stick up at odd angles so it had to be done. Finally, her hair was dry. That, she thought, is the one thing I do miss about being a boy. She smiled and started putting on her make-up. Done, she attended to her new piercings, and rubbed some ointment on her tattoo. Mia hopped up and got dressed for work. Luckily she had to wear all black to work, which made picking her clothes much easier. She settled on a pair of black capri pants and a long sleeve black stretchy top, it got cold in the salon.
Mia searched around the living room for her shoes, making note of the awful state of the place as she looked. It looked very much like the aftermath party scenes in all the old John Hughes movies from the 80s. She smiled and shook her head. Tot's door opened and she walked into the room, moving very slowly and looking not unlike the living dead. Mia laughed.
Tot flipped her the bird and walked into the kitchen, clutching her head.
“Good night?” Mia asked, checking her watch. There was still plenty of time before she had to motor. “I could use some coffee if you're making it.”
Tot nodded and started making coffee. Mia lit a cigarette for herself, then one for Tot and walked over to the kitchen. Tot took the cigarette and smiled at her, her face looking like it was going to crack. Mia laughed again.
“What the hell happened to you?” Mia asked, sitting on a barstool.
“Já¤germeister.” Tot said, her voice sounded thick and slow.
“Good God, Tot....On a school night?” She said, beaming at her.
“I know....I know....I fucking forgot I had to work this morning.” Tot said, then shrugged. “But, it was worth it.” She smiled at Mia.
“Dirt.” Mia said, then looked at her watch. “And quick...I've got to get going.”
Tot nodded, clenching her cigarette in her lips, she turned on the coffee maker and returned the coffee can to the pantry. “Ok....readers digest version now, then.” she took a drag then climbed onto a stool. The coffee started brewing. “I went up to Sally's last night with Molly. We were hanging out, chillin, drinking some beers. Well, Martin and Sean showed up at around eleven. They had the bright idea to start doing Jager shots....I, being the lush that I am...Especially when I don't have to pay for drinks.” Tot shrugged. Mia nodded. “Took them up on the offer.”
Tot smiled wickedly, then took a drag. “Well....I talked to you at around eleven thirty, when I could see where this was all going. Long story short, I ended up in bed with Sean...”
Mia grinned at her. “Nice...I like him. Cute Irish accent.”
“...And Molly.” Tot said, laughing.
“No way!!” Mia said, giggling. “You slut.”
Tot nodded, smiling. “I know...I know. Miss Pristine over her has so much room to talk.”
Mia got up and poured herself a cup of coffee to go. “You will have to fill me in later...I got to go...But it sounds like it might be worth a hang over for a night like that.”
“You got that right sister.” Tot said, smiling. “I just wish it would have been Sean, Molly, and Martin.” She laughed.
Mia gave her a kiss on the cheek and headed for the door. It was going to be cutting it close to get to work on time now, but she figured she could do it.
Mia pulled into the parking lot with one minute to spare, The Detroit Cobras blaring on her stereo. She rushed inside, straight through the salon to the back where she kept her apron. Just in time to open, she sat down at her station and took a deep breath. Whew, she thought, almost late again. She'd worked for her Mom at the salon since she'd been “let go” at Etcetera. Things started going down hill at that place when she started to come out as Mia. Mr. Wallace said it was because of Jeremiah's poor performance, but Mia thought it had far more to do with the sculpted eyebrows and nail polish he started sporting at work. Mia was far happier working at Tangles anyway. She'd learned how to do nail very quickly and was actually fairly good. Almost everyone knew she was transgendered and it was rare that anyone made any sort of fuss.
The first part of the morning was fairly slow. She had two customers, older ladies who tipped well and talked her ear off. Finally, it was time for a break. She grabbed her purse and headed out back for a cigarette. She leaned against the wall and smoked one, then lit another...maximizing her break time. The door opened and Andrea came out side. She didn't see Mia at first, standing in the shadows. She lit a cigarette of her own, then turned and was startled by Mia's presence.
“Damn. I didn't see you.” Andrea said, putting her hand to her chest. “Say something when I come out...don't just stand in the shadows like a ninja.” Andrea smiled at her broadly.
Mia laughed, then pulled her earbuds out and turned off her ipod. “Morning, mom. Sorry...I wasn't even paying attention. “How's your morning been...Hey....' Mia said, stopping suddenly. “ I like the hair.”
Andrea had gotten her hair cut short, in a very asymetrical, wild do. She'd also dyed it black, with blonde streaks in the front. It suited her.
Andrea smiled at her and touched her hair. 'Thanks...I'd been thinking about it for a while, just decided to do it on Saturday.” Andrea looked at her all serious. “Something you want to show me?”
Mia froze. She actually wasn't sure what her mom wanted to see...Nipple piercings, or tattoo. Play dumb, she thought. “What?”
Andrea put her hand on her hip. “I heard you got a tattoo.”
Mia laughed. “How the hell did you find out already? Here.” she said, pulling her collar down to show Andrea. “It's just a starting point.”
“I like the new tattoo, Mia.” Andrea said “It looks cute. You did get it done in a clean place right?”
Mia laughed. “Nah...I found some guy in a back alley who was doing tattoos with used heroin needles...Its all good.” Mia grinned.
“Smart ass.” Andrea said, allowing a smile. “Does this have something to do with your new boyfriend?” Andrea raised an eyebrow at her.
“What new boyfriend?” Mia said, feining innocence.
Andrea laughed. “Ha, my spies are everywhere, little one.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about.” Mia said unconvincingly, then took a drag off her cigarette.
“Reggie was at Sally's the other night, little lady. He told me that you were there with a strapping young man with lots of tattoos. He also told me that you were drinking.” Andrea said, giving her a bit of the stink eye. “You're under age, missy.”
Mia blushed. “Ok...Ok..You caught me.” Mia said, holding up her hands.
I'm gonna have to get Reggie for this, Mia thought.
“His name is Robin. I've had a crush on him for years..the other night we went on a date.” Mia said. She smiled and pushed her hair behind her ear. Andrea smiled at her.
“Does he know?” Andrea asked, concern in her voice.
“Yeah, He's known for...well, he's known since that halloween party my Junior year.” Mia said.
Andrea looked relieved. “Good. Its a dangerous game if you lead on a guy and dont let him know. You do understand that right, Mia?”
Mia nodded. “I'm generally up front with everyone. If its an issue, I'd rather have it out in the open. Then, I can't be accused of lying later. Now...I dont go screaming it down the street or anything...But.” Mia took a drag from her cigarette “I'm proud of who I am. I dont care if people know.”
She grinned. “I put a rainbow sticker on my car.”
Andrea laughed. “Really? So you're out and proud, huh?”
“Yeah...Its a transgendered sticker, I ordered it online. Most people will have no idea what the hell it is. But, people can't accuse me of trying to “trick” anyone.” she said, grinning.
Andrea lookedat her and smiled. “Did it hurt?”
Mia looked at her confused. “Huh? Putting the sticker on my car?”
Andrea laughed. “I think you might be a blonde, Mia. NO....The tattoo.”
Mia shrugged. “ A little...Not bad.”
“I might have to get one myself..Something cute...and small.” Andrea said, smiling.
“You go girl.” Mia said, laughing. “I know where you can get it done.” Mia grinned up at her. “My boyfriend works in a tattoo shop.”
Andrea did a double take. “Boyfriend? Would that be the Robin you've been pining over for the last two years?”
Mia nodded, took a last drag from her cigarette then ground it out under her heel. “One in the same.”
Andrea gave her a great big hug. “Good for you, honey. That's awesome.”
Mia picked up the butt, threw it in the can then looked at her watch. “Well...Gotta get back. I have an appointment in two minutes.” She kissed Andrea on the cheek and headed in to work.
Andrea watched her go back inside. She took a drag off her cigarette, noticed it was almost gone and lit another. She felt really good for Mia, but also felt something else she really was having a hard time quantifying. Sadness? No, she thought, I'm happy for her. Shame? Not in this life. Fear? that's it. Fear, she thought. I'm scared for her. Scared she'll get hurt.
Andrea leaned against the wall and sighed. It's possible she will get hurt, life will be so hard for her, Andrea thought. As long as it was just her and her friend Tot, and her family, she was safer...now, there's an unknown. Andrea shook off the thought. Mia would do fine, she thought, smiling. She'll be ok. She took a last drag then put out her cigarette and headed back to the old grindstone.
Work couldn't end early enough for Mia. Lunch was uneventful, though she did get to show off her tattoo to several coworkers, and the afternoon appointments were nothing but dull. She decided that she wanted ice cream, and there happened to be an ice cream place only few blocks from the salon. So, not even really thinking about it, her car flew on autopilot to the 31 Flavors.
Mia walked in, taking off her sunglasses, studying the board. The place was empty, save two employees. Mia was too busy deciding what kind of ice cream she wanted to pay any attention to the guy and girl behind the counter.
“May I help you....Sir?” The girl said snidely.
Mia looked around, then realized she was being addressed. She looked at the girl. It was Chelsea Jones. Cheerleader. Popular kid. Bitch.
Mia gave her a funny look. “Do I look like a sir to you?” Mia said, putting her hand on her hip.
“No...But that doesn't change the fact that you are. Jeremiah.” Chelsea said, sneering at her. Mia could hear the disgust in her voice. “What can I get for you?”
Mia looked at the guy. She didn't recognize him from school. He looked puzzled. Mia could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks. Just like high school, she thought, feeling her eyes starting to well up.
“What the hell are you doing, Chelsea?” The guy said, stepping over. “Quit being rude to the girl.”
Chelsea put up her hand, in a talk to the hand kinda way. “she...” Chelsea said, the word sounding like it was somehow distasteful. “is a guy...It's disgusting. Actually...We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone...I'm refusing you. Actually....” She started to speak, but the guy cut her off.
“Hey...That's no way to talk to her...what the hell are you talking about anyway? Miss, I'm...” He started.
Mia just cut him off. “Yeah...I was born a guy. No need to lie about it. This silly cow has given me nothing but trouble for years. I don't need your fucking ice cream anyway....” Mia turned. Stopped, then turned back. “Oh, Chelsea...Great job you've got here. I know your manager will be happy to hear what a great job you're doing.” Mia stormed out. She was almost to her car when she heard footsteps coming quickly behind her. She turned, holding her hands up to ward off an attack. Instead the guy was standing there.
“Hey...Look. I didn't have anything to do with that. I don't know what's gotten into her. Here.' He held out a couple of coupons. “These are for free ice cream...they are good at any Baskin Robins, so you can use them anywhere. I'm really sorry about the way she acted.”
Mia looked at the coupons. She realized that tears were rolling down her cheeks and she was embarrassed for the whole thing. “Ok..I'll take them. But I'm still calling the manager about this.”
The guy nodded. “I would too. Chelsea can be such a bitch sometimes. I'll tell the manager that everything you say is true. I hope she gets canned for this.”
Mia smiled. “Then you wouldn't have to put up with her either.”
The guy shrugged. “Sorry again....” He started to turn away, then stopped. “Hey...is it true what she said though?”
Mia stood stock still for a second, then nodded. “Guilty. I transitioned last year, now I live full time as a woman.”
He still didn't look like he believed it. “Well...She still shouldn't treat you like that...That's horrible.”
Mia shrugged, then got into her car. As she was pulling out she could see the two of them arguing in the shop's windows. Mia burst into tears and threw the coupons on the floor.
Mia didn't go straight home. She stopped at the park a couple of blocks from the duplex. She sat in the parking lot and wiped her tears, then suddenly, started crying again. It took several minutes to get it under control. Finally, her face a wreck, she wiped off her make up as best she could, put on her shades and got out of the car. She lit a cigarette and walked down by the pond. There were swans gliding across the surface. Children played on the playground. Life was happening all around her. She sat down under a willow tree and tucked her knees up to her chin. She just sat there quietly, taking it all in, trying not to replay the horrible scene in her mind. She couldn't stop it though, the insults kept coming over and over again. Why, she thought, does it matter what a dumb whore like Chelsea thinks of me. Why? Because, a little voice said, if she thinks it a lot of other people think it too. Then the tears started again. Jeremiah had been prone to cry when things upset him, Mia under the influence of hormones, cried at the drop of a hat sometimes. This was one of those times.
“Hey...Mia.” Someone said. Mia looked up at the voice. It was all blurry through her tears, but she made out the form of Pete. He was straddling his mountain bike a couple of feet away, his longish brown hair sweat pasted to his forehead, he strong tattooed arms shining with perspiration. “You ok?”
Mia looked down, slipped off her sunglasses, wiped her eyes then put htem back on. “Yeah.” she said, her voice thick from crying. “I'm fine.”
He laid his bike down and took a step towards her. “That's not any kind of fine I've ever heard of...” He stopped. “Robin didn't do anyth.....”
“No...”She said, shaking her head. “It wasn't him. He's great.” She started to cry again, unable to contain it.
“What's the matter then.” He said, stapping over to her. He knelt down next to her and put his hand on her shoulder. “What is it?”
She looked at him, then fell onto his shoulder and sobbed. He put his arm around her and patted her on the back. “Come on, Mia...What's wrong?”
It felt good to be comforted. It had been a long time since she'd felt this way, this humiliated, this scared. Pete, though she didn't know him that well, was being a dear and she didn't even know if she had the words to thank him.
She stopped crying, dried her eyes and laughed. “I must look a mess.” she said, laughing, wiping at her eyes.
“Even a mess, you're stunning.” he said...” But you do look a mess.” He grinned at her, ever the smartass.
Mia told him the whole story, including a little backstory about the horrible time Chelsea and some of the cheerleaders gave her in high school. When she finished, Pete just looked at her.
“That's fucked up, Mia.” He said, leaning against the tree. He took a drag from his cigarette then shook his head. “Why the hell does she have to act like that? I know some people get off on fuckign around with other people. Like, there life is so fucking bad that all they can do is tear down other people. It's fucking disgusting!”
Mia only nodded in agreement, feeling very much the same way.
“Mia...I have to admit. I don't get your situation. I mean...I understand it, but it's impossible for me to truly understand what motivates you. Its like a fish trying to understand space travel, for me. I'm happy being a guy. Never even for a moment wished any different...well, except the short time in grade school when the idea of being a dragon was way cooler...but, I digress.”
Mia laughed, then lit a cigarette. “I know...It's fucked up. I admit it. But, unlike you, I was never quite happy as a guy. That's not to say I was always unhappy...It's just that I always felt a little off, you know?” She said, flicking her cigarette nervously. “I didn't know what I wanted for a long time...then, when I was like fourteen I guess...I figured it out. I wanted to be a girl. I knew it couldn't happen, so I surpressed it. Which worked for about fifteen minutes.” She laughed, so did Pete. “So, I started dressing up whenever I could. That suited me for a while. then when I was seventeen...I came out to Tot. Then my Mom found out, which was scary but turned out for the best...could've been horrible, but I lucked out that my mom is fucking awesome. Anyway,” she said, putting out her cigarette. “Things have been going so well lately I was kinda forgetting that I had a kinda unique situation, and along come that bitch to remind me that whenever things are going well, there's always someone to come and drag you back down.” She shrugged. “Whatever.”
Pete was picking at a scab on his knee while she talked. He looked up at her and shook his head. “Mia...I cannot imagine you as a guy. Not even close. I've met some tranny...Transexuals in the past. They all looked like guys. I can't see the guy in you at all. I know...I know you've had some work done. But even before that, I still think it would have been really dificult to tell.” He wiped his hand on his shirt. “Which tells me, that you probably made a horrible guy.”
Mia laughed loudly. “And, it tells me, that if sitting there picking at a scab then wiping it on your shirt is guy behavior...I'm glad I opted out.”
Pete laughed, then pretended like he was going to wipe his finger on her. Which made Mia cringe and shriek. He quit then laughed louder. “Look. I'm really glad you and Robin hit it off. I think you're a cool chick...Fuck whaterver that girl said...She don't mean shit in the real world...Outside of high school I mean. Hell, she works at Baskin Robbins for Christ's sake. Come on.”
Mia laughed. “I was thinking the same thing. I dunno, Pete....I'm just out of high school, that shit still seems a little bit important to me.”
He shook his head. “No. It's not. High school bullshit is never important. I hate to tell you though, but you are heading to college...which is high school bullshit with alcohol and no curfews.”
Mia looked crestfallen. “really?”
“Oh, yes. It is the same shit. The same people who make high school suck for everyone, have the same reasons to make them popular in college. I play a sport, I'm a cheerleader. Christ, gives them something to talk about for the rest of their lives. But, at least a college...you don't have to be caught up in it at all. You go to class, then leave that place behind. I enjoyed college, actually...so don't let it scare you.”
Mia lit another cigarette while he was talking, listening attentively to every word. “You went to college, Pete?”
Pete nodded. “ I did. I have a BS in Engineering...That's a Bachelor of Science, not Bullshit...despite what people say about me. I worked as an engineer for a year, after college. Then, I realized that I'm not an engineer. I had always like to draw. Loved it, but thought it wouldn't lead to a career. I started tattooing that year and have been doing it ever since.”
“How old are you Pete?” Mia asked, smiling.
“I'm thirty six.” He said, grimacing. “But, I own my own shop. I set my own hours, and I get to hang out with cool folks at work...so it's far better than being an engineer drone in some firm downtown.”
“Cool.” Mia said smiling at him. “I Didn't peg you for that old...Thirty maybe.” She said.
Pete smiled. “I like you.” He said, laughing. “Thanks.”
“No...Thank you for talking to me. I feel a lot better now.” She said, giving him a hug.
“Oh....By the way. My mom wants to get a tattoo...I'm going to send her to you.” She said, standing up.
“Cool...” He smirked. “Is she hot like you?” He asked, half joking.
“Hotter. Way hotter.” Mia said grinning. “See you later Pete.”
Pete jumped back on his bike and took off, speeding across the park. Mia got in her car and headed towards home. She flipped through the tracks and picked “I don't like Mondays” by the Boomtown Rats, thinking it was very appropriate for a day like today. Her nipples were throbbing and her tattoo was itching like crazy, and she wanted nothing more than to take a shower and relax. She ran through a drive through on the way home and picked up a couple of salads for her and Tot, who she had spoken to right before leaving work
The girls ate their dinner and vegged on the couch for a couple of hours, enjoying some prime time television. Mia's phone rang. It was Robin.
“Hello.” Mia said, picking up.
“Hey baby.” Robin said.
“Hey..what's up?” Mia said, searching the table for the remote control.
“I was wondering if you wanted to hook up tonite?” Robin said. Mia could tell he was on the porch at work.
“Sure.” Mia said.
Mia waited until an hour or so before the tattoo shop closed to even bother getting dressed. She threw on a pair of lowrise jeans, sandles, and a little chemise top. It was a hot night, and she didn't feel like dressing up. She did the bare minimum make-up she thought she could get out of the house in and headed to Sally's.
Robin showed up a couple of minutes after Mia, who was sitting at the corner of the bar chatting with one of the waitresses. Robin walked up behind her, wrapped his huge tattooed arms around her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He greeted the waitress with a big smile.
“Hey Lauren...Can I get a couple of PBRs, please?” he said, taking the seat next to Mia.
Mia turned and kissed him on the lips. “Wow...Pabst Blue Ribbon..you're certainly being a big spender for your girl tonite.” Mia said.
“Nothing but the best for my lady.” Robin said, handing her the beer.
Mia held up her bottle and he gently tapped his against it. She took a drink, and had to admit that it was very refreshing.
Mia leaned on her elbow and looked at Robin. He noticed her gaze and raised an eyebrow at her. “What?” he asked.
“I was thinking. I dont know a whole lot about you, Robin Winters.” she said, scrutinizing him. “You know a whole lot about me. So spill.”
Robin smiled. “I think this will take another round.” Robin said, holding up his finger for the waitress.
“Get one for me as well, then.” Mia said.
“Alright. I was born in Detroit. I moved here when I was 13. Aftter I graduated, I fucked around for a year or so, then Joined the Marines...” He said.
“You were a Marine?” Mia asked. Her eyes widened with surprise and she grinned at him. “ I never would have thought it.” She frowned. “Wait, how old are you?”
Robin laughed. “Aghhh, my secret is out. I'm 23”
“Oh, you cradle robber you!” Mia said, poking him in the ribs. He laughed, then the drinks showed up and he handed one to Mia.”
“Yeah...I am. Can't help it. You snared me with your undeniable charms.” He said, then took a drink of his beer.
“Wow..So, you were a Marine..When did you get out?” Mia asked, genuinely interested. She had always liked military stuff. Guns, war movies, GI Joes. It was one of the only “boy” things that she really did appreciate. She never saw herself doing any of it, it seemed way too hard, but it was very interesting to her.
“I got out in 2001. .” he shrugged. “ I was injured and had to call it quits.”
“Were you injured in combat?” Mia asked, her eyes wide.
Robin nodded. “Yeah...I took some shrapnel in my head.” He pointed to the side of his head, which was now covered with a mass of pomaded black hair. “It was pretty nasty, went right in under the edge of my helmet. Knocked my ass out cold...Next thing I know, I'm waking up at a hospital in Germany and can't remember a whole lot of what happened.”
“Wow.” Mia said. “So, you got a purple heart?”
Robin smiled. “Yeah, I got my enemy marksmanship medal.”
Mia laughed. Robin looked surprised that she actually got the joke.
“My little brother's a marine now...He's been in a little more than a year, and is over in Iraq now.” Robin sounded worried. Mia put her hand on his and he clenched it. “He's a cool little bastard, and tough as nails.”
They talked for a couple of hours, then adjoured to the IHOP to have an after midnight breakfast. Robin had done a lot of cool stuff, Mia thought, how long before he gets bored with me?
Mia told him about her scholarship, and how she had been playing the violin since she was a little boy. She actually said it that way, and it really made Robin laugh. It took her a minute to figure out what he was laughing at, then she started laughing too. Eventually, wiping tears from her eyes, she rephrased it.
“I started playing when I was a little girl.” she said, trying to surpress laughter.
“Cool.” Robin said, shovelling in another mouthful of pancakes. “So, you can play the bass.”
“No. I play the violin, weren't you listening?” Mia said, mock scolding him.
“Mia...the bass and stand-up bass both finger the same as a violin. They're just bigger and dont have all the difficult bow work.” Robin said.
Mia had never really thought of that. She smiled. “I guess you're right.”
Robin started laughing.
“What?” Mia said, looking hurt.
“You really are a girl, Mia. Most guys who get forced into the violin figure out that it's a bass guitar primer by the time they are 13 and want girls to notice them.” he said, grinning. “Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything.”
“You played the violin when you were a kid?” Mia asked, laughing. She was trying to picture Robin with a violin and it didn't work.
“Yep. Three years. I traded it for an electric bass when I turned 13 and never looked back.” He said.
After breakfast, then went back to Mia's place. Tot was home but in her room. They made love a couple of times then lay there, spooning until both of them fell asleep.
The week marched inexoribly towards Saturday. Saturday and the dinner date with Dad and Lydia. Mia found herself wishing that somehow, she would be able to get out of it but knew that she couldn't do it with a clear consciounce.
The rest of the week followed a similar pattern. Work. Hang with Tot. Hang with Robin. Sex. Sleep. Start over again. Mia was really enjoying it, but knew that eventually, she was going to have to get a full night's sleep. She knew that Saturday night would be that night. That was “Dinner at Dad's” night, and she was not looking forward to it one bit.
It wasn't tha Mia didn't want to see her Dad, she did. It was simply that she was not interested in spending any time with Lydia. She didn't like her, and was fairly sure the feeling was reciprocal. Mia had not spent much time thinking about the dinner, trying to keep it as far from the front of her mind as possible throughout the week. Mia did tell her mother about the dinner, and Andrea didn't seem too pleased about it, but didn't try to stop Mia from going.
Mia went up to the Tattoo shop early Friday night. Tot was going on a date and wasn't around, so Mia had nothing better to do. It was a rare, completely dead friday at the tattoo shop. There was a big concert going on over by the university, so a lot of the crowd that would constitute their main demographic was notably absent. Mia and Robin sat on the porch talking to Pete for a while, and before Mia knew it, she was laying face down on the table in Robin's studio with a tattoo gun buzzing away on her back.
She had shown Robin a picture she' picked out for a back piece earlier in the week. He had asked her if he could take it home with him, and of course she'd said yes. He'd transferred the piece to a large piece of paper and really cleaned it up. After he'd shown it to her, she had practically jumped for joy. The dragons he'd drawn were far nicer than the ones she'd sketched the yeat before in her “wish book”. The piece was fairly traditional Japanese styled, with lots of waves and flowers surrounding two intertwined dragons. It was beautiful.
Robin told her that it would take several sessions to complete and that if she wanted, he could get the outline done for her tonight. Of course, she'd agreed and was now under the needle. It took 5 hours to get the outline done. Mia had to take several cigarette breaks throughout the process, just to get her mind off the pain. It hurt. A lot. Finally, it was finished.
Mia walked over and looked at it in the mirror. She grinned ear to ear, then walked over and fell into Robin's embrace, kissing him and holding him tight.
“Thank you, Robin.” she whispered. “It's awesome.”
“I think it came out pretty great. It's going to look incredible once we get the color done.” He said, tuning her around.
Robin went over the care with her, then ensured her that he would help her take care of it.
“How much do I owe you?” Mia asked, getting out her purse.
“Nothing. Its a portfolio piece. I just want to get a picture when it's done and hang it in the shop.” Robin said, straightening up his station.
“Deal.” Mia said, then leaned in and whispered. “I'll pay you for it later.” she purred.
Robin grinned at her. “Deal.” He looked at his watch. “ We close in 15 minutes, wanna go to my place?”
Mia nodded. Pete walked in and looked at Mia's new back piece.
“Good work Robin. I like it. Great lines.” Pete said, then he ran his fingers over the lines on her back. “Not too deep.” he looked closely. “This line is a little deep here...” he said, then looked at Mia's face. “That one hurt real bad didn't it?”
Mia blushed, then nodded. “Yeah, I yelped a little.”
“Its cool. It looks good, that line's just a little strong. Robin, you had too much tilt on the gun when you were going down here.” he said pointing. “If you do that, it will dig a little furrow.”
Pete patted him on the shoulder. “But other than that, fucking flawless.”
Robin smiled. “Thanks Pete.”
“As soon as you have the color on this I think you'll be ready to take on as a full time artist. We'll find someone else to poke holes in college kids.” Pete said.
Robin's smile widened. “Really?”
“Yep.” He Pete said. “You've earned it. Now...I'm heading over to Sally's. See ya'll there after you close up.” he clapped Robin on the shoulder and let himself out, locking the door behind him.
Mia didn't say a word. She sat up on the table, her breasts bared. She'd been laying on her belly on a towel the whole time. She walked over to him while he was putting away his stuff and touched him on the arm. He turned and smiled at her. She didn't say a word, she just knelt there in front of him and unbuckled his belt.
“Cmon, Mia...You don't have to do that.” he said. He pants were unzipped now and Mia was pulling his cock out of his boxer briefs. She looked up at him and licked the tip of his now hardening member. She took it in her mouth and gave him a very enthusiastic blow job.
Afterwards, they had sex with Mia bent over the table. It was loud, messy, athletic sex. They were both exhausted when they finished.
“That, Mia...” Robin said, “Was the best tip I've ever gotten at work.”
“I should hope so.” Mia said.
She gave him a kiss then headed home, since she had to work early in the morning.
Saturday at work, right around quitting time, Mia knocked on the door to the office.
“Come in.” Andrea said.
Mia poked her head inside. “Hey Mom.” she said, smiling.
“Come in.” Andrea said, gesturing her to come in and sit. “Good week huh?”
Mia shrugged. “It was OK. I did some good business..made some good tips. So so week.”
Andrea leaned back in her chair. “Well...It was a good week for the shop. I got some compliments on your work, By the way. Thought you might like to hear it.”
Mia beamed. “Thanks mom. I do my best.”
“I know...So....” Andrea said gravely. “Tonite is the dinner with Dad.”
Mia sighed and nodded. “It is.”
Andrea smirked. “So...You had to go and get another tattoo done before the dinner.” Andrea said.
Mia grinned. “Hey...Robin needs practice. I'm getting hundreds of dollars in work done for free...Never look a gift horse in the mouth. Besides, now he's going to be a full time artist...don't think he'll be able to do mine free anymore.”
Andrea laughed. “I know...I know. Paul just won't like it, that's all. He used to be so wild, now he's all stuffy. I dunno.' Andrea said shrugging.
Mia shrugged back at her. “Don't know mom....I dunno.”
“Are you sure you want to get that many tattoos...I mean, they'll be hard to cover up when you get older....” Andrea said.
“Don't care. I like them. I hope I never have to cover them up.” Mia said. “I'lll burn that bridge when I get to it.” She grinned.
“I know...People are much more accepting of that kind of thing these days anyway. Hell...I like it, thinking of getting one myself you know.”
“I know...I told Pete. He told me, to tell you to come see him. You'll get the friend of the owner price.” She said, grinning.
“Cool. I'll have to do that.” Andrea said, glancing at the clock on her monitor. “You better scoot if you are going to get home and get ready in time to make it to your Dad's.”
Mia looked at her watch and sighed. “Sure you don't need to keep me after work or something?”
Andrea laughed. “Nope. Get moving.”
Mia dropped another shot, grimaced, then put the shot glass upside down on the table. She shook her head and let out a loud yelp. Tot laughed, then downed her own shot.
“Good God!” Mia said loudly, then downed another shot. “Whew!!!!” she shook her head and smiled at Tot. “Tequilla will be the death of me, I fucking swear!!”
Tot laughed, then did her shot, making a horrible face and hissing through bared teeth. “Damn!” She Laughed. “To Death!!!”
Mia giggled loudly. “To death!!” she dropped another shot and shook it off. Both girls were giggling wildly as Cindy scooped up shot glasses from their table. Cindy was on the roller derby team with Tot, another of the Mistresses of Destruction...It helps to have contacts when you are under age.
“Anything else, girls?” Cindy said, smiling at the two girls lolling around on the table laughing. “Hey...keep it low key.” Cindy whispered. “Y'all are underage...remember?”
Mia looked up at her and mouthed “Sorry”, Tot followed suit. Both girls were having a hard time keeping the giggles from over taking them.
“I'm switching to beer, Tot.” Mia said, slurring her words a little. “Corona, Por Favor.”
Tot laughed. “You were always horrible at Spanish, Girl. I'll have the same.” Tot said, running most of the words together.
Mia leaned back in her chair grinning. She fumbled a cigarette out of her purse then sat there flicking her lighter over and over, trying to light it.
“Ok...We've got enough liquor in us....Give me the story...and soon.” Tot said, smiling. “Before I fucking pass out.”
“Ok...Ok.” Mia said, exhaling smoke as she spoke. “I'll give you the whole sordid tale.” Mia took a long pull from her Corona, then took a deep breath. “I got there about fifteen minutes late...”
Mia sat in her car about a block from her father's house. It was a really nice neighborhood, but one of those cookie cutter suburban travesties where every house looks pretty much exactly the same as all the others. She had pulled over and was finishing a cigarette, trying to get up the courage to go that last hundred yards or so to the house. She took a last drag then flicked the butt out the window and popped a piece of minty gum. A few seconds later she was getting out of the car. There were two cars in a the driveway, her dad's Escalade and a Lexus crossover thing she didn't recognize. Lydia's car.
She straightened her dress, checked her hair in the mirror and made sure she didn't have lipstick on her teeth. Then, she started the walk. Dead girl walking, she thought, which brought a huge smile to her face. Deep breath. Ring doorbell.
The door opened. Lydia. Lydia was about 5'3 and wearing flats, so Mia at 5'9 with three inch heels absolutely dwarfed her. Lydia looked up at her. There was no happiness in that expression, only mild annoyance, the kind of look you get when there's only one table left in the food court and someone else has left their trash on it. Which, Mia thought, is probably what she considers me, someone elses trash.
“Hi Lydia. Sorry I'm late...Got off work late.” Mia said, trying her best to kill her with kindness.
Lydia stared at her for a moment, her frown deepening. “Paul...Your so..daugh...”She stopped. “Mia is here.” Her eyes were hard as flint, staring up at mia. Mia's mood dipped even further.
There were heavy footsteps in the hall, then the door opened wider. Paul was standing there, smiling at Mia. “Hey honey.” he said, giving her a hug.” I was worried something happenend to you.”
Mia shook her head. “No. I just got off work late...had to go home and change clothes.”
“You look great. Very dressed up though...You going out afterwards?” he asked, leading her inside.
“Yeah...probably.” she said, looking around. The place was nice. It was a little more country antique style decorated than suited her taste, but hey it takes all kinds. “Nice digs, Dad.” Mia said. “Great job decorating, Lydia.”
Lydia's face strained into an almost smile. “Thanks. Dinner is getting cold.” She said. Mia noticed a look she gave her dad, but she also noticed the look he gave her. She almost laughed because its the same “Be good” look she had gotten from the man her whole life.
Yeah, Mia thought, this is going to be fun.
Mia followed her dad into the living room. Justin, her new little brother, well half brother, was playing on the floor. He was a little over a year old now and very cute. He looked up at Mia, smiled and cooed.
“Awwww....” Mia said. “He's adorable.” She said, looking at her dad. Mia knelt down next to him and he reached out and touched her on the leg, baby babbling the whole time.
“He likes you, Mia.” Paul said. “Look, Lydia...He likes his big sister.”
Lydia stood there for a second, then scooped the baby up and held him in her arms. “He needs a change, excuse me.” she said, exiting the living room and heading down the hall.
Mia looked over at her dad and whispered. “Hey...Are you sure i should be here...I mean she doesn't want me here.”
Paul shook his head. “NO, she's ok.” Paul touched her on the shoulder. “It'll be fine...she's just uncomfortable. “
Mia nodded. “Ok Dad.” She sniffed. “Smells good...What's cooking?”
“Lasagna.” He said grinning. “You know how much I love lasagna.”
Mia nodded. “Me too.”
“Can I get you something to drink? Tea? Water? Milk?” He smiled. “Apple juice?” That's about all we've got.
“Tea sounds good.” Mia said, looking at some of the decorations in the living room. Her dad headed for the kitchen to get them some drinks.
Lydia came out from the bedrooms and went straight into the kitchen. Mia couldn't hear what they were saying, but the two of them were talking. She walked over closer to the kitchen door so she could hear.
“Come on Lydia.” Pauld said. “Give her a chance.”
Mia heard Lydia scoff. “I can hardly stand to be in the same room with him...it's just...Wrong.”
Mia expected as much, but it still hurt a little to hear it.
“Baby, I'm sorry. I know how you feel...But Mia is my daughter and...” Paul started.
“No!” Lydia hissed. “He's your son!”
“Dammit Lydia...We've gone over this. I don't like it very much either, but I love Mia. I dont want to not be a part of her life...I've missed too much already.”
Mia smiled at that comment and it made her feel warm inside. She knew that Paul didn't understand her, but at least he was trying.
“Fine.” Lydia said, sounding more petulant than ever.
Mia hurried away from the door, thankful the plush carpet covered the clack of her heels. She stood nonchalantly by a buffet, pretending to examine the china displayed there.
“Tea for my girl.” Paul said, handing Mia the glass.
Mia smiled at him, then leaned around him to look at the kitchen door. “Thanks, dad...” She grimaced. “Look, if this isn't a good time or something, I can come back later.”
Paul frowned, then shook his head. “No baby...It's a good time...and from the looks of you, you need a good meal. God you are skinny.”
Mia laughed. “Well, it's not for lack of eating, Dad....Just lucky I guess.”
Paul laughed. “Yeah, you are...I keep putting it on right here, no matter what I do.” he said, rubbing his growin paunch.
Lydia came into the dining room and it was like a fun sponge had come into the room, sucking all joy out of both Paul and Mia. She put the baby in his high chair without a word, then turned and walked back into the kitchen.
Good lord, Mia thought, This is like torture. She looked at her Dad and actually felt sorry for him.
Paul stood there for a moment, then gestured to the table. “Sit, hon.”
Mia took her seat, gracefully sweeping her skirt under her and crossing her ankles. Best behavior, Mia thought. Paul sat down just as Lydia came into the room carrying a glass of iced tea for herself, and one for Paul. She sat down without a word. Mia smiled at her but it was like smiling at a wall, no repsonse whatsoever.
Paul grabbed a spoon, then Mia's plate and put a largish piece of lasagna on it, along with some salad and a piece of bread. Then he served Lydia, then himself. Mia waited until everyone had food on their plate then picked up her fork.
“We say the blessing before we eat in this house.” Lydia said, disdain practically dripping from her voice.
“Umm...Sorry.” Mia said, putting down her fork. She glanced over at her father, who had a sort of strained look on his face. They had never said a blessing at the table in her whole life, she thought, except at Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. They were good Episcopalians, and didn't go overboard with the whole thing.
Her father said the blessing. It wasn't the sort of prayer she was used to hearing either. It was sort of freeform and long, drawn out almost. It seemed like it would never end.
“Amen.” Paul said. Lydia echoed it, so Mia whispered Amen herself. She waited for her father to take a bite before she picked up her own fork.
“This is good.” Mia said, taking a bite of the Lasagna. Good was actually a stretch. It was more like OK, but she was trying to be polite. No where near as good as Mom's, she thought. Then it occurred to her that she might just be acting catty, so she tried to push the thought from her mind.
“So, Mia...how are you enjoying being out on your own?” Paul asked around a bite of Lasagna. Lydia rolled her eyes at the question then went back to feeding the baby.
Mia started telling him about the duplex and about her job.
“Someone actually hired you?” Lydia said, sounding incredulous.
“Umm...Yeah, I work at the Salon for my Mom.” Mia said, trying not to sound too annoyed at the question.
“Figures.” Lydia said, not bothering to look at her.
Paul looked at Lydia, then very quickly said. “How's your music going? School is starting soon...Are you ready?” He said, trying to change the subject.
Mia shook off Lydia's comment, then started telling her dad about all the pieces she had to learn for the orchestra. He also told her about the sidework she'd gotton playing a couple of weddings and art openings. It was hard not to acknowledge Lydia's childish sighs and eye rolling during the exchange. “I finished my final auditions for school and got second chair.” Mia said, beaming with pride at her father.
“only second chair?” Lydia said sarchastically. “Well, maybe next year you can get first.”
Mia was irritated at that comment. “Lydia...I'm a freshman. There are 15 Violin's in my section...Only two of us are Freshman and I got second chair...The first chair is a Senior who is going on to Juliard...I'll play second fiddle to that any day.” she tried to keep her voice even but was pretty sure she didn't succeed.
Paul jumped in quickly to defuse the situation. “I know, Mia. Second chair in the University orchestra is great. I'm really proud of you.” he said, smiling at her, genuine pride on his face.
Lydia just scoffed, tearing the afterglow of the comment away. Mia fiddled with her tongue piercing for a second, holding it between her teeth, something she often did when she was irritated. Paul changed the subject again, asking about what other classes she'd signed up for. She gave him the rundown, trying to ignore Lydia the whole time.
“...The other night, Robin and I went to go see a movie after he got off work.” Mia said, preparing to go into a descrption of the movie they'd seen, but was interrupted.
“Robin?” Paul asked. It was this innocent question that brought everything down.
“yeah, Robin....My boyfriend?” Mia said, her voice full of false exhasperation.
“Oh, my god.” Lydia said indignatly. “I was wondering how long it woud be before this little...jezzebell brought up his immoral, homosexual lifestyle!! Disgusting!!” Her voice dripped venom.
“Lydia!” Paul said, trying to stop her from fighting.
“I cannot believe you would even call this trash your son...much less accept him as your daughter. I don't want him talking his filth in my house!” She said, pointing her finger at Mia.
Paul just looked like a fish flopping on the floor of a boat.
Mia had put up with a lot tonite, but this was the last straw.
“I can't believe you would marry such a holy than thou harridan!” Mia said, tearing her gaze from Lydia and planting it on her father. “Who the fuck does she think she is?”
Paul, still looking stunned just kept looking between the two of them. He was in a pickle. Side with his daughter, or side with his wife. He was having a severe decision making disorder at the moment.
“don't you spout your filth at me, you harlot! Just look at you in your little sleezy dress, with your tacky tattoos and big fake breasts! You are like a charactature of a woman...Something you will never actually be, by the way, no matter what mutilations you perform on your body!” Lydia said, yelling at Mia, arms gesturing wildly.
Mia couldn't help it. It was completely on now. She pointed at Lydia. “don't go acting like your shit doesn't stink, miss homewrecker! You wan't to lecture me about morals, when you were running around with a married man? “ Mia scoffed at her. “And Don't lecture me about how I look. I can't help it if you are so repressed you can't bear to look at yourself naked!”
“Enough!” Paul shouted, silencing them both. He stood up.
“yeah, it is enough.” Mia said, throwing her napkin on the table. She stood up and scooped up her purse.
“Get out of here you freak.” Lydia said, standing up herself.
“Lydia, shut up!” Paul said, turning on her. Lydia started to get indignant, but Paul jut looked at her and she backed down.
Mia was already stalking across the dining room to leave. She stopped and turned to them both. “The lasagna was horrible...what, did you use dogfood instead of ground beef?” Mia said with a smirk, then turned and left.
Paul was right behind her, but didn't catch her until she'd already made it outside. He put his hand on her shoulder, which made her start. She shrugged and twisted away from him then turned to face him.
“I'm so sorry, Mia...” he said, unable to think of anything else to say.
“I....I can't believe she would say those things to me...” Mia said, fighting back tears. “I was trying to be so nice.”
Paul hugged her tight. “I know baby...I'm so sorry...she said she would be good and not start trouble.”
Mia pushed away from him and wiped her eyes. “Ok...It's done. You better get back in there and pick up the pieces or you are going to be sleeping outside.” Mia said, trying to get her composure back.
“Probably will anyway.” he said, looking back at the house as he heard the sound of dishes crashing in the kitchen.
“Bye dad.” Mia said, then started to turn away.
“Hey.” Paul said, hugging her again. “I love you baby...Ok?”
Mia nodded “I love you too dad.” She said, then gave him a kiss on the cheek and got in the car.
Mia didn't remember getting on the expressway. She sort of came too, crying and driving way too fast. She slowed down and wiped her eyes.
“...Then I picked up the phone. Called you, and here we are.” Mia said, dabbing at a tear with her napkin. Even the alcohol didn't numb her enough to tell the story without it hurting.
Tot was, for once, speechless. She stared at Mia for a second, dozens of different emotions playing across her face. “I'm...I'm sorry, Mia.” Tot said, barely above a whisper.
Mia shrugged, then laughed, trying to shake out of it. “It's ok..Shit happens. Stuff like this has been happening a lot more lately...The stars are just aligned to fuck me up right now.” Tot hugged her close then kisssed her one the cheek.
“Well...that's over now. Fuck it!” Tot said, holding up her hand. “I'm going to buy you another drink!!”
Mia laughed and the two of them proceeded to take shots of tequilla until neither of them actually remembered going home.
Chapter 9
Things really took off after than. The next month was a total blur for Mia. She spent a lot of time practicing violin, alone and with the orchestra. Being in the orchestra, she assumed, was a lot like being on a sports team. You gave up a good bit of your free time for the free ride you got at school. What time she had left was split between Robin and getting ready for school to start. She managed to get her back piece finished, and though it took a long time and hurt like the dickens, she thought it was worth it in the end.
Mia and Andrea had a couple of meetings at the University, discussing her status as a transgendered student and what that meant for the University and for Mia. It was boring, tedious at times, but everything was eventually worked out and Mia was confident it wouldn't cause any troubles. She attended a meeting for LGBT at the University Center, just to see what it was like. She enjoyed meeting the other students who had similar issues to her, but did feel a little out of place with them. She did enjoy the looks she got when she told them she was transgenderd. Most of them definitely didn't see that coming.
The night before the first day of classes, Mia stood in her room trying to decide what she was going to wear on her first day. She'd narrowed it down to two outfits. One was a summery dress from Pin Up Girl Clothing, black with white polka dots, and the other was a pair of retro capri jeans and a black top with little cherries on it. “Tot!” Mia yelled, still staring at the clothes.
Tot walked into the room, looking a little peturbed. “You rang?” Tot said, snickering.
Mia looked over her shoulder at Tot. “Help.” Mia said, pleadingly.
Tot laughed then looked at the two outfits. “ooohh....First day of school indecision. Do you go dressed up and set a standard, or go in stealthy to see what the other kids are wearing.” Tot said, her hands planted on her hips.
“Well...I'll make it easer. You only get one chance to make a first impression, my girl. Go for glamourous!” Tot said, exaggerating the word glamourous for effect.
Mia laughed. “The dress then.” She said, smiling at her best friend.
“Definately. Dressed to kill baby.” Tot said, then they gave each other a high five, barely touching hands.
Tot started to walk out, then turned. “Want a beer?”
Mia nodded, then started putting up her clothes. She walked out into the living room, meeting Tot. The two of them sat down on the couch and popped open their PBRs. “To College.” Mia said, holding up her bottle.
“To cosmetology school.” Tot said, returning the salute.
Both girls laughed. They chatted for a while, drank a few beers, smoked a few cigarettes, then finally decided to call it a night. Just as Mia was heading into her room, her phone rang.
“Moshi Moshi.” Mia said, picking up her phone.
“Hey baby.” Robin said. She could hear the smile in his voice.
“Hey sweety.” Mia said, sitting down on the couch. She folded her legs up underneath her and started playing with her hair.
“I just wanted to wish my college girl good luck on her first day of school...and since school starts so early I figured I call now, cause I sure won't be up before your eight o clock class.' he said.
Mia laughed. “Thank you. I was just getting ready to call it a night. I'm glad you called, baby.”
They talked for a few minutes. Robin wasn't much for talking on the phone, so it was rather brief, but fulfilling.
Mia collapsed into bed. Tired. Nervous. Excited. Sleep didn't come easy, and morning came way too early.
Mia was up early, having slept little, but felt really energized and ready to go. She took a shower, shaved her legs, her pits, and washed her hair. She finished really quickly, so she had plenty of time to get ready. When she finished drying her hair, she noticed the smell of coffee and cigarettes coming from the living room. So, she followed her nose.
Tot was sitting on the couch. She smiled at Mia and gestured to the kitchen. Mia nodded and got herself a cup. “Mornin, Tot.” Mia said, plopping down on her easy chair.
“Yeah, yeah , yeah.” Tot said, cracking a smile. “You always were one of those morning people.”
Mia shrugged. “Actually, I'm just not the greatest sleeper.” she said, sipping her coffee.
“I slept like a rock...It was a nightmare to get up this morning. Damn, I just wanted to crawl back into bed.” Tot said, laughing.
“What time is your first class, Tot?” Mia said, lighting a cigarette.
Tot let her head roll back on the couch. “Ten...So I've got a few extra hours. I just wanted to get up and make you coffee on your first day.” she said, smiling. “you did it on my first day of Cosmetology school, and it would make me a total bitch not to do it for you on your first day of college.”
The two of them laughed, then Mia looked at her watch. “Shit. I gotta get moving. I still don't know what the parking is going to be like over there. Probably a nightmare.” Mia got up and headed into the bedroom.
Mia brushed out her hair then used her curling iron to put a little curl on the ends. She used a bump it to give her hair some really good height in the back, then sprayed her bangs to keep them perfectly straight. Mia hopped up and put on her dress. Tot was right, as always, and the swing dress looked fantastic. It showed her whole back, and thus her whole tattoo, whick loked awesome since it was colored. She swirled it around a little bit, then sat down at the vanity. Mia decided to go with moderate glam, against Tot's wishes. It took a Mia a little while to get the smoky cat's eye effect just right, but she was really happy when she finished. She topped it off with classic red lipstick and was quite happy with it.
Mia walked out into the living room. Tot looked up from the television and gave her a wolf whistle. “Look at you, baby!” Tot said, standing up. She gestured for Mia to turn around. “Very nice.”
Mia smiled at her and gave her a hug. “Thanks hon.” Mia said, scooping her cigarettes and keys off the table. She tucked them into her purse, then walked into the bedroom and grabbed her phone. She had to stop and mess with her hair in the mirror for a second, then she was back out into the living room. Mia picked up her messenger bag, checking it one last time to be sure her books and notebooks were inside.
“you've checked that five times already, Mia.” Tot said, curling back up on the couch.
Mia stuck her tongue out at her. “I know...I just don't want to forget anything.” Mia blew her a kiss. “Later Tot! Have fun at school.”
Tot watched as Mia bopped out the front door. She laughed then held up one finger. Then two fingers. Then three fingers. Mia opened the front door and stepped inside. Tot's laughing became uproarious now. Mia picked up her violin case, flipped off Tot then winked at her and flew back out the door.