Slice of Life

“Um, Aunt Jane?” I hesitantly asked.

She paused, turning back to me. “Yes dear?”

“Can I ask you a really personal question?” I bit my lip.

She stepped closer, concern washing over her face. “Robin, what’s wrong?”

“Are you really okay with … with me? With Margie and Kelly?”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 35

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~* The Wedding Planner: Pt. 1 *~

Margie grinned, passing the sketchpad to me to give to Jane. I couldn’t help noticing that it felt crisp and new. Rather than taking it, she pulled it open for me to see. I heard Moira stop behind me as I glanced down. A rough approximation of a black-haired girl in a pencil-shaded Bridesmaid’s gown smiled back at me.

Mom laid her hand on my shoulder. “I never dreamed I would be asking you this, but I never dreamed I would be getting married again. Robin, honey, would you do me the honor of being one of my bridesmaids?”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 34

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~* Who’s That Lady? *~

“You don’t have to,” Nicole offered. “Tracy’s okay with everything. Really.”

“No, I want to tell her,” Moira replied. “I don’t mind a handful of people knowing. I just need to know that you can keep it a secret.”

Tracy slowly nodded. “Yeah, I guess so.” She paused briefly though. “Wait… I DO know you!”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 33

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Zoe Taylor

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~* Winter Wonderland *~

I turned back to stare at Nicole. She knew exactly what I was thinking, lightly placing her fingertip on the tip of my nose. “Don’t say it.” She grinned.

“In a tree? Seriously?”

“I said!” she giggled. “Seriously, you do not want to know.”

“Oh, I really do, but I won’t ask,” I replied. She rolled her eyes at that, but smiled.

“Thanks. It’s really embarrassing. Lucky for me Brandy was the only one who saw it. Want some hot chocolate?” she asked, changing the subject.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 32

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~* A Ski Lift For Two *~

While Jonathan took Nicole and Allison first, I started wandering the equipment racks. I really wanted to learn to ski before even thinking about snowboarding, which meant it wouldn’t be happening this trip, but as I passed by a really nice-looking decal on a dark purple board, I had to stop and look.

“Nice isn’t it?” Jennifer spoke up, causing me to jump. She giggled. “It’s the Blue Majestic line. The guy who makes them is actually an ex-surfer. He still makes boards sometimes, but his specialty is snowboards and skis these days.”

“Oh, I just thought it was pretty,” I admitted with a sheepish smile, half-expecting her to laugh at me.

She grinned instead. “Me too; that’s what I like about Blues. The guy’s daughter’s only thirteen, but she does the master print for all his decals.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 31

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Zoe Taylor

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~* Robin's First Thanksgiving *~

“That’s not silly at all,” she answered, sitting on the sofa beside me. “I’m kind of jealous. Mom wanted to have more kids, but with the complications from both me and Bryce they decided two was plenty. I always wanted a little sister to coddle,” she giggled.

“I just wanted to warn you that Uncle Charlie’s here,” she added in a low whisper.

“Who’s Uncle Charlie?” I asked hesitantly. “The one who…”

“Yeah, that one,” she sighed. “He’s not happy about it, but Aunt Susan finally talked some sense into him. Oh crap, here he comes now,” she cursed under her breath.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 30

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Zoe Taylor

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~* But You Can Choose... *~

Regina leaned closer, nudging her shoulder. “Hey, that’s her loss, remember? I mean, I never thought about the possibility of dating another woman until you told me you thought that was a date, but I have to admit I had a lot of fun, especially after the third glass of wine.”

Allison giggled. “I thought it was coffee?”

Moira laughed quietly. “Coffee was a few hours before the wine, dear. Like I said, I crashed on her couch, mostly because I was too drunk to find my way to the door.” She paused, giving us a serious stare.

“Word of advice, girls, stay away from alcohol. The hangover is not worth it. Friday morning with Regina and the porcelain goddess as my witness I swore off alcohol for life. It’s caused me nothing but pain.”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 29

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Zoe Taylor

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~* You Can't Choose Family *~

“How DARE you!” he began, but a female voice interrupted him. Aunt Jane?

“How dare she? Sir, how dare YOU address my daughter in such a tone!”

“And who are y-” he started, as he whirled around to face her, but his jaw fell open. “M-Melissa Jane Evans?!”

She smirked. “I see my reputation precedes me, unlike yours.” She scowled, pointing at the door. “Get out of here, before I throw you out.”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 28

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~* The Other Karate Kid *~

She nodded quickly. “My Sensei’s wife went into labor yesterday. I’d been training for this for so long though, that he called Sensei Rogers and asked if he would test me instead. I still need to warm up, though.” She paused and smiled at me, eyeing my orange belt. “Would you be willing to spar with me?”

“I’d be honored. I spar with another black belt pretty often, with predictable results, but I always learn something from our matches.”

She positively bubbled. “You have a great attitude. Most girls would’ve freaked right out and run the other way at my dojo.”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 27

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Zoe Taylor

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~* Resolution *~

Natalie smiled reassuringly. “When Ally called, she said it was really important that I meet you,” she offered in a friendly tone. Taking Andrea’s hand, I gently rolled her sleeve back. She closed her eyes tightly, clamping down on her bottom lip.

“Natalie, Andrea’s been having a really rough time back in California. She-”

“Oh my God,” Natalie gasped. She leapt to her feet, racing past Cynthia and stopped to kneel in front of Andrea, who by now looked like she might be on the verge of tears again. “Please tell me this isn’t what it looks like,” she continued in a more serious tone.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 26

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Zoe Taylor

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~* The Prodigal (Ex)Girlfriend *~

“Mrs. Townsend, there’s a lot that Andrea’s kept to herself over the last few months, but she’s ready to ask for help now. That’s what all this was about.”

She stared at me with a frown. “Young lady, if my daughter needs help, she should have come to me, not just jumped on a bus and run away from-”

“Mom, stop!” Andrea snapped back. “This is exactly why I didn’t come to you in the first place!” Cynthia clammed right up, staring down at Andrea. “Robin listens to me. She’s a GOOD person, and I respect her a lot more than I do you right now, and what you said is EXACTLY why! I’m not going back with you!”

Without warning, she shoved her mother away and ran away from her, right out the back door. I suddenly had visions of the time I got lost in the woods because I was emotionally distraught and confused. That was back in June, not November.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 25

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Zoe Taylor

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~* The Runaway *~

Allison glanced at me, but I shook my head. Enough people already knew about me. I wasn’t ready to add to that list just yet — neither Trent, nor Kathy.

“I know the name of a really good therapist. She deals with LGBT patients, and she’s treated both me and Allison after the Raggedy Man stuff too.” Okay, so I had been seeing Dr. Ketz before that horrible incident, but still.

Allison nodded. “Barbara’s REALLY good.” She suddenly cut herself off, staring at someone behind me. I shifted in my chair, glancing from Allison, following her gaze. Despite the change in hair color to a deep, rich auburn, I’d have recognized that vulnerable, sad smile anywhere.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 24

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Zoe Taylor

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~* Mending Fences, Building Bridges *~

“The first thing you need to learn is how to make a proper snowball,” Jennifer began immediately. She bent down and scooped up a handful of snow, and I watched as she gently packed it. “The trick is not to pack it too tightly for maximum spread on the splat.”

Nicole giggled. “Plus if you hit ‘em just right, it goes right down their back that way.”

Allison, as if on cue, scooped up a handful of loose snow, grabbed the hood of Nicole’s jacket, and dumped it down her sweater.

Nicole shrieked, spinning around to glare at Allison, who by now had high-tailed it for the other side of Margie’s car, taking up a defensive position. “Oh you are SO dead!” she shouted with a laugh, grabbing a handful of snow. Jennifer and I looked at each other and grinned, and as I grabbed myself the makings of a proper snowball, she bolted past Nicole to bolster Allison’s position.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 23

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Zoe Taylor

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~* For The Cure *~

“Maria promised to help you guys out, but since she’s in no shape to walk I’m pledging in her place.”

“Wait, if you’re here to help, why have you been avoiding me at school the last couple of days?”

She genuinely laughed. “I wanted it to be a surprise. Consider it my way of saying ‘thanks’ for… you know, forgiving me for being such an ass. Besides, we’re a team. We’ve got to look out for each other right?”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 22

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Zoe Taylor

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School or College Life

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~* Co-Captain, My Captain *~

As we entered the gym, Brittany shot us a glare. “Fraternizing with the ‘enemy’?”

“This is Rachel, one of our friends from Girl Scout camp. Rachel, this is our co-captain, Brittany.”

“Nice to meet you,” Rachel offered, despite the other girl’s rather rude introduction to herself.

Brittany shrugged. “Just don’t throw the game because of her,” she remarked, turning to head inside. Rachel blinked.

“Well she’s just a little ball of sunshine isn’t she?”

I giggled a little. “You get used to it. She just takes the game way too seriously.”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 21

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Zoe Taylor

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~* After-Party Slumber Party *~

Nicole smiled as she turned to me. “Robin… Can I ask you a reeeeally big favor?” Her pleading stare melted my heart. I’d probably have cut off my right hand right then if she’d asked it of me. I nodded.

“Sure, Nikki. What is it?”

“Remember how Jen helped you with your bad dreams awhile ago? Well, I was wondering if… I mean…” she fumbled and started to blush. Jennifer cleared her throat.

“Ally? Let’s go brush our teeth. Up. Stairs.” she nodded toward the stairs.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 20

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Zoe Taylor

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~* Have a Heart *~

“Hold on! Wait for me!” she begged. I couldn’t help myself. I mean, she was begging! I reached a gloved hand out to push the elevator door, forcing it to stall and re-open for her. She smiled as she squeezed inside. She seemed to be heading to the third floor as well because she gave the button a cursory glance then turned to us. “Almost didn’t make it. Thanks for waiting.”

“You’re welcome,” I offered with a polite smile.

“Aria Blade, right? I have a patient who talks about her non-stop, and about the ‘awesome new armor next issue’.” She chuckled wryly as she leaned against the back wall.

“Yeah. We know the artist. It was supposed to be a big Halloween surprise, but…” I trailed off. She frowned, giving us a quizzical stare.

Nicole sighed as the doors opened. “My dad...” was all she could get out.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 18

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Zoe Taylor

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~* Mending Fences *~

“Hey Smith!” I heard Jason calling. Allison, Nicole and I were halfway to the gym, but stopped and immediately turned back as he approached us. “I want to talk to you a second , in private?” He scowled at my ‘bodyguards’.

I nodded to my friends. “It’s okay guys.” Nicole reluctantly let go of my arm, and I moved to follow Jason away from them. He stopped just out of earshot and turned back to me. I couldn’t quite read his emotions. He seemed distressed, and more than a little upset though.

“What the hell is up with you?” he demanded, careful to keep a good foot of distance between us.

“What are you talking about?” I asked flatly.

“I know you went to the Principal today, and I know it was about me, and now suddenly I get a little private note from Rochelle wanting to see me in his office. I thought we were through!”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 17

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Zoe Taylor

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~* Reap What You Sow *~

I could tell she was hiding something. She had a tell, whenever she was nervous or uneasy about something. It wasn’t something as obvious as scratching her nose or not looking me in the eye. It was a subtle thing; a thing one picks up on after years of living with someone. I looked her in the eye, trying to offer a reassuring smile.

“Mom… What is it?”

She exhaled as she turned to stare out the dining room window, framed neatly in lace-trimmed dusty rose curtains. “I never could keep anything from you could I? It’s a wonder you kept yourself hidden from me for so long.” She chuckled, raising her mug for a quick shot of coffee-flavored courage before continuing. “Ash wants to meet again tonight.”

“That’s great though, isn’t it?”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 16

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Zoe Taylor

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~* Boy Trouble *~

We rounded the corner into the gym to find Maria talking to Jason quietly off to one side. He stared awkwardly at the two of us, despite Maria elbowing him twice to get his attention. I tried to offer a disarming smile, but kept walking anyway. I wasn’t ready to make the first move. Fortunately or unfortunately, I wouldn’t have to, as Maria called after me a moment later.

“Robin, come here a second.”

I paused in my steps and slowly turned to approach, keeping a good foot of distance between us. I heard Allison’s footsteps stop beside me, but I didn’t take my eyes off the pair. Maria frowned at me as she stepped closer.

“Why is it you can forgive Brittany after some fake tears and an awkward hug, but you act like Jason has the plague?”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 15

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Zoe Taylor

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~* Unmasked! *~

Normally I didn’t drink coffee, but I could use a jolt, so I took a sip then slid it back to her. “Thanks. I needed that.”

“Sure. So?”

Allison grinned, “Robin’s going to make her own Aria Blade costume for Nikki’s party.”

Margie raised her mug, enjoying a slow, contemplative sip before she answered. “Sounds like fun. Hey, you said last night that Nikki’s taking her driving test this afternoon. Why don’t you come over to Touch of Style after school while she’s distracted with that? I mean, I’m no world-class dress designer like Mom, but if you don’t mind, I’d love to help.”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 14

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Zoe Taylor

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~* The After-Party *~

“I wanted to talk to Nik–ole a second,” he corrected himself rather quickly, speaking in a markedly quiet tone. I didn’t buy it, but I didn’t have to. Nicole placed her hand on Allison’s shoulder.

“Ally, it’s okay.” She stepped closer, staring him in the eye. “Look, we were never all that close. You and I both know there was nothing between us. I tried to be the girlfriend you wanted me to be, but it was all an act. I love Robin-”

Before she could continue, Shadow’s stage character voice interrupted in a sharp hiss. “Is this fool bothering you?”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 13

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Zoe Taylor

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~* Sixteen Black Candles *~

After hugging Margie, to furious giggles from the both of us at knowing what really lay beneath the wrapping paper, I made my way downstairs, across the lawns, and into the Joneses’ house. Kelly had just come downstairs as I neared the basement. She smiled warmly.

“Hi there. You must be one of Nikki’s friends. Everyone’s down in the den I think.” She casually nodded toward the basement stairs. I giggled.

“Kelly? It’s me.”

She blinked several times, moving in for a closer inspection. “Oh my God… Robin?!”

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 12

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Zoe Taylor

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Transgender

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~* Heedless Despair *~

“Ow!” I yelped as I rather abruptly bumped into a solid wall about four feet tall. “I think I found the stage. Let’s see if there’s a light switch around here…”

I crawled up onto the stage, scampering to my feet. My eyes had begun to adjust now, at least, though that really didn’t help my unease any. I could swear I saw mist gathering at my feet and rolling off the stage. “Um… Guys?”

Silence. I cautiously moved to one side, bumping into someone of about Allison’s height. “Ally, there you are. I can’t see a thing.”

“What’d you say Robin?” I heard Allison’s voice … from the other side of the stage.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 11

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Zoe Taylor

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Fancy Dress / Prom / Evening Gown

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~* Spirit Week *~

“Come on, Brit. I’m not the enemy here and you know it.”

“… I guess.”

I sat down where Stacey had been sitting moments before, looking her right in the eye. “Who are you really angry with?”

“I… don’t know,” she finally admitted softly.

“Did Coach Wilson tell you why she chose you as co-captain instead of Allison or Maria, or any one of the other girls?”

“I thought it was because I was better than everyone else, except Chelsea, but she’s like, Little Miss Perfect at everything anyway.” She rolled her eyes and turned away from me slightly.

Becoming Robin Book Two - Chapter 10

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Zoe Taylor

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~* The Other Mrs. Smith *~

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I just cannot wrap my mind around this. Linda’s little boy… is a girl now? That makes no sense.”

“It makes perfect sense, mother. You’d realize that if you had been listening. I’m not asking you to love her. I’m not even asking that you treat her like my sister. I’m just asking that you don’t hurt her feelings. She’s been through so much with Linda’s illness and her transitioning.”

“But how can a boy in a dress even be accepted at school?”

I felt my knees wobble, and sank to the stairs, sitting as I listened to their conversation. So many terrible memories came flooding back at those words. Memories of fears I had until now forgotten.