In Between Codes

Chapter 9

Martha had just woken up. Still groggy and a bit dizzy, she wandered down the hallway when Tamy came rushing toward her, tears in her eyes.

"Mommy, I have nothing to wear today!" Tamy cried, clearly distressed.

Martha blinked, trying to shake off the fog of sleep. "What do you mean, sweetheart? Your closet is full of—" She paused mid-sentence as realization dawned. "Oh... right."

Tamy stomped her foot, on the verge of panic. "I can't find anything that feels right! This is awful. How am I supposed to go to school like this?"

Martha gently placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Check the dryer, honey. Your cheerleader uniform should be in there. I've seen a few girls wear theirs to class—I think it can work for you."

Tamy's face lit up instantly. Without another word, she spun around and dashed downstairs, calling over her shoulder, "Thanks, Mommy! You're the best!"

At the dryer, Tamy found her freshly laundered uniform—along with her pink panties. She grinned. Yep. Her mommy really was the best.

****

At school, Tamy walked through the hallways like she owned them. She strutted with an exaggerated sway of her hips, each step more dramatic than the last, as though she were on an over-the-top drag queen catwalk. She flashed a bright smile, waved, to everyone who crossed her path, including Anja, Stephanie, Coach Lopez, and even the principal.

Her confidence was contagious—until she reached Jake and his group of friends. They were huddled together, talking excitedly about their upcoming soccer game and how crucial it was for them to win. When Jake noticed Tamy approach. He didn't even acknowledge her—he simply turned his back.

Tamy's heart sank for a moment. As a boy, she had thought they were building a real friendship. But standing there now, she couldn't help but wonder why she even tried. She didn't like soccer anyway. Maybe it wasn't the game she cared about at all.

Her eyes flicked back to Jake, catching a glimpse of him laughing with his friends, his easy confidence filling the space around him. Maybe that was it—maybe she had just wanted to be like him. Cool. Effortless. Handsome. For a second, her gaze lingered on him, on the way his sport jacket fit just right across his shoulders. He really did look good in it.

She shrugged off her thoughts  and walked away, her mind already turning toward the next chapter of her day. She had bigger things to focus on.

As Tamy walked past Jake, she caught the eye of Moe.

"Nice costume sissy girl," he sneered.

Tamy stopped mid-stride, turned slowly, and tilted her head with theatrical grace. Her voice dripped with exaggerated sweetness as she fluttered her lashes and placed a manicured hand on her hip.

"Hello babe," she purred, her tone syrupy and flirtatious. "You look cute today. Do you like what I'm wearing? I dressed like this only for you." She blew him a kiss with a dramatic flourish that made a few students nearby snicker.

Moe's face twisted in confusion and discomfort. "What are you talking about, you freak?" he barked, trying to laugh it off.

Tamy leaned in slightly, her smile unwavering. "Freak? Yes, that's what you called me yesterday—right after you kissed me and asked me to be your girlfriend."

Gasps rippled through the hallway. Moe's face turned beet red as he stammered, eyes darting around at the witnesses. Without another word, he spun on his heel and stormed off, leaving behind a trail of awkward silence.

Tamy straightened her shoulders, gave a wink to a nearby freshman and continued down the hallway like nothing had happened.

****