In Between Codes

Chapter 11

Tamy's cheeks flushed a soft pink at the compliment. It wasn't the first time Laura had said something nice, but hearing it always made her heart flutter.

Laura laughed, nudging her with her elbow. "I like the new earrings, by the way," she said. "And with that new underwear... no one would even guess you were born a guy. Believe me, if it wasn't for that jerk Moe Zinek running his mouth, nobody would know."

Tamy's smile faltered a little, a flash of frustration crossing her face. "Yeah," she sighed, "Moe's insufferable. I swear, I'd love to see him get his comeuppance one day. He deserves it after all the crap he's put me through."

Laura raised an eyebrow. "What kind of punishment are we talking about?"

Tamy thought for a second, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of her lips. "I'd make him wear high heels all day. And have him do house chores—cooking, cleaning, the whole thing—while wearing them."

Laura burst out laughing. "I love it," she said between giggles. "Now that's what I call justice."

The two of them shared a moment of laughter, as they walked back home.

****

The next morning, Tamy stood in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection. She was in full makeup and waring her new leotard. Paired up a fresh sports bra, and packing underwear, she she looked like a real girl. She smiled.  Still, despite the early hour, she wasn't about to walk to school dressed only in practice clothes, so she pulled on some comfy layers over them.

Just then her mommy appeared in the doorway.

"And what do you think you're doing, young lady?" her mom asked, eyes narrowing—not at the fact Tamy was leaving early, but at what she was wearing.

"Going to practice?" Tamy replied, confused.

Her mom sighed softly. "A lady should always look nicely dressed when she leaves the house. Go change, sweetheart."

Panic fluttered in Tamy's chest—she couldn't risk being late—so she hurried back to her room, slipped into a skirt and a cute crop top, and returned for inspection.

Her mom nodded approvingly. "Much better. Now put your heels on."

"To school?" Tamy blinked.

"Yes, hun. Isn't that exciting?" her mom said brightly.

Tamy didn't argue. She slipped into her heels, grabbed her bag, and hurried out the door. 

When Tamy arrived at the gym, the atmosphere was buzzing—sharper, more serious than usual. The whole squad was already warming up, chatter mixed with the sound of sneakers squeaking on the floor.

Laura spotted her immediately and hurried over. "Whoa," she said, giving Tamy an exaggerated once-over. "Did you come prepared for cheer practice... or for a trip to the mall?"

Tamy just grinned. In one smooth motion, she kicked off her heels, tugged off her skirt, and pulled her crop top over her head—revealing her new leotard underneath, already perfectly in place.

Laura's eyebrows shot up, impressed. "Okay, ready for practice," she said with a nod.

As the warm-ups wrapped up, Stephanie stepped to the front, clipboard in hand, her eyes sharp and full of authority.

"Alright, ladies," she called, her voice cutting through the noise. "We have a lot of work ahead of us. Has anyone thought about how we can push our routine to the next level?"

Tamy shifted on her feet, glancing at Laura who stood beside her. Laura raised her hand eagerly. "Tamy and I have some ideas," she said with a smile, her confidence clear.