My New Normal Chapter 7

Lynn, Amy, Mom and I spent Thanksgiving together. We went to the movies and had Thanksgiving dinner together. Lynn made the turkey. It was great. Mom and I made the stuffing and mashed potatoes. Amy and I made the salad.

Friday after Thanksgiving Mom and Lynn took Amy and I to Comic-con. Amy went as Black Widow and I went as Mystique. Our costumes were really tight. My Mom found blue foot shoes with toes that matched my costume. The gloves for my costume were a bit too long for my fingers. My mom cut off the finger tips and used the body paint makeup on my hands and glued black claws on my fingernails.

My Mom worked really hard making me look like Mystique. The last thing we applied was the contact lenses. That took a little to get used to. I looked just like Mystique, only ten years old.

Amy went as the blonde haired Black Widow. Her black costume was almost movie quality! She even had the Black Widow holster and plastic guns and the wristband weapons. Amy looked a lot like Scarlett Johansen!

We entered the costume contest together and wandered through the arena. We saw lots of different characters. One guy looked almost like Superman, another looked like Aquaman. Both guys had lots of muscle. We spent hours enjoying everything around us.

I spotted Tommy Pippen with his Dad! Tommy was dressed up like the Green Lantern.

Ohh! Gawd! He's here! I said. I looked for my Mom, she was 50 feet behind me.

Tommy! Where? Amy asked.

The Green Lantern costume, walking straight towards us.

Relax, he won't recognize you! I barely recognize you! Don't look at him. Just walk past him.

Easy for you to say! I said.

Easy for you too! Just keep moving, even if he says anything, just keep walking! Amy said. Come on! Follow me!

We walked right by him and his dad. They didn't notice. We watched as my mom walked towards them.

We stopped when we saw my Mom started talking to Mr Pippen.

Rachel! Nice to see you! Are you here with your son? I haven't seen him in a long time! How's he doing?

I heard your son is a girl now! Tommy said.

What! Tommy!

My son has been dealing with a lot of trauma thanks to your son! My Mom said.

That can't be! This is the first I've heard of it!

Did you know your son and his friends shoved his head in the toilet full piss? Or shoved food in his face at lunch or poured milk on his head and pants at school during lunch?

This is the first time I'm hearing about it! Mr Pippen said.

After my husband died, Tommy the Terror decided it was open season on my son. He was afraid to leave his room! We had to change schools because of him.

I don't believe it! Not my son!

Ask your wife! She covered for him. She made my boy out as the trouble maker!

He deserves it! Tommy said. He's a wimp and a cry baby! Always crying and quiet! Teacher always cutting him breaks!

Tommy! Mr Pippen said in shock.

It's true Dad! He annoyed everyone! I was just trying to put him in his place.

By shoving his head in a toilet full of pee?

He pissed me off, always whining and crying. Tommy said. Always sulking, get special treatment!

Rachel! I had no idea! None!

I'll get to the bottom of this! Mr Pippen said.

See that you do! Before he becomes a criminal! My Mom said.

We're leaving young man! He grabbed Tommy by his ear!

Amy and I watched as Tommy was dragged out of the arena by his ear.

Amy and I ran to our mother's.

I hugged my mom tightly. Thanks Mom!

Gosh that felt good! My mom said.

Maybe you'll get lucky and he'll pay for Donna's therapy! Lynn said.

One can hope! Mom said, but Donna has a great therapist in Amy!

Lynn smiled. We have great daughters, Rachel!

Mom looked down at us. We sure do!

Two things happened that day! Amy was my best friend for life and my mom never let me down again.

We returned Saturday for the Comic-Con costume contest. Amy won first place for the 9 to 10 year olds, I was first runner up! I was very happy for Amy. I won a much bigger prize, my mom's trust in me!

The Christmas ballet recital was coming up. Amy was our lead dancer. She was the best dancer in our class. I got to do the solo for my tap dancing class. I was a decent ballerina, but I was a lot better tap dancer. Mom let me watch a lot of tap dancing movies. I loved watching Gregory Hines and

Christmas weekend.

Lynn and Amy spent Christmas eve through Christmas Day with us. Amy and I slept in my big bed. Our mothers bought us Snow White and Merida nightgowns. We stayed up late playing Fortnite together.

Christmas morning Lynn and my mom made homemade Carmel rolls and bacon. We had homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream and our parents had coffee. Christmas morning was a lot of fun. Amy and I put on a fashion show trying on all our new outfits.

Amy and I got some very pretty training bras with padding. Amy and I got some new Fortnite toys, Two one-hundred dollars Fortnite cards, and LEGO sets.

Amy went with me to class with Liz. Amy was natural and caught on quickly. I loved my class with Liz. Amy thought it was cool that I could break a board with my fist and kick over my head.

Things were going well with therapy with Doctor Reid. Mom and I had a joint session with her. We told her about the confrontation with Tommy and father. Doctor Reid said my mom acted correctly without making a large scene.

Doctor Reid also said it was smart of me to stay out of it at that moment.

Doctor Reid asked, Do you both feel like you can trust each other again?

Absolutely! My mom said. I won't make the same mistake twice!

And you Donna? Doctor Reid asked.

Yes! It's nice to know my Mom is in my corner now.

How are you adjusting to being Donna and your new school?

I'm still adjusting to things, but I have friends now, no one is bullying me. I'm a lot happier than ever! I love my dance and self-defense classes. I'm even taking tennis lessons with Charlene, although I'm not very good yet.

Charlene thinks the world of you! She told me, your a good listener and hard worker!

I'm happy to hear you are becoming so active and social. Sounds like being Donna has been good for you! Doctor Reid said.

Have you missed being Donald? Doctor Reid asked?

The only time I have thought about it, is When I see Tommy Pippen! But I think my mom took care of him!

She stuck up for you big time! How did that make you feel?

A lot better! It's nice to know she believes me! I know I can count on her to believe in me now!

Do you have any desire to return to being Donald?

I haven't really thought about it! I really am just enjoying being myself right now! Amy and I have a lot of fun together. I've never had a friend like her. She stood right beside me when I was afraid and gave me the strength to walk past Tommy without hiding!

How did that make you feel?

A little better. It was just nice to know she was beside me and not making me feel weak!

You're not a weak person Donna! Like I said before, you're much stronger than you realize! You are just beginning to see it for yourself! It's a long and sometimes tough road, but you are strong enough to handle it! Doctor Reid said.

I don't feel very strong Doc! When I see boys like Tommy, I get scared! I feel like a coward!

Everyone gets scared! Even the bravest of soldiers get scared. Fear is a common emotion during confrontation. I'll bet your mother was a little scared confronting Mr Pippen.

She's right Donna! I was terrified! But I was more terrified of not protecting you again. So I used the opportunity to attack him verbally when he made an opening and asked how you were. When you use the truth correctly, you can hit someone harder than the best punch! It only takes a second or two to decide the best way to respond!

I sat there listening, I replayed the scene with Mr Pippen and Tommy over and over! My mom is a smart woman, college educated. My Dad listened to her a lot when he was alive. They discussed everything together! I never really understood why, but they rarely argued.

I never really thought about it that way! I said.

Of course not! You're 10 years old! I'm 32 darling, I've had a lot more practice than you have!

I wonder what happened to Tommy? I asked.

Why do you ask? Doctor Reid asked me.

Because for all the things he did to bully and humiliate me, it would be nice to know he was punished. I was punished for being a victim! He should be punished for being the bully he is. I said

How would that help you? Doctor Reid asked.

It would show that someone believed me besides my mother and I would know he has to take responsibility for his actions! I said. I'd feel what's the word I'm looking for, ohh! Vindicated!

You've thought about this a lot, haven't you? Doctor Reid asked.

Every day since we buried my Dad! I said.

My Mom looked at me with a concerning look I'd never seen before. She was in complete silence. Doctor Reid was quiet for a couple moments.

Donna, do you feel like you are beginning to move past your trauma from the previous year?

I want to, some days it feels like I have, but everything comes back from time to time and when it does, it's like being hit by a freight train! I get confused and can't think! Running and hiding is always my first reaction.

That's post-traumatic stress, Donna. It very common in cases like yours. It never goes away completely. With therapy and support you can learn to manage it! Eventually you can control it. Nothing can cure it, but if you apply yourself you can become stronger from it. Again it's not easy, but with hard work you learn to manage it along with the anger you feel. Doctor Reid explained.

Another thing! I hate to say this, because I don't recommend violence, but eventually you may have to confront Tommy or someone like him. When that day comes, you might have to defend yourself! It may be the only way to move forward. You have to face this fear head-on!

You want my daughter to fight? Mom exclaimed

To be ready to protect herself, yes absolutely! Doctor Reid said.

When a man attacks a woman, she has no choice but to fight like hell to protect herself. Your daughter is no different. Doctor Reid said

This doesn't give you the right kill, Donna! You fight until he can't hurt you anymore. Protect yourself, not kill or maime! You never instigate it! Don't go looking for it! Hopefully that day will never come! Doctor Reid said.

I understand! I said.

Good!

I'll see you next week! Doctor Reid said.

Let's go Starbucks! Mom said.

I took her hand and we headed to the car. I was feeling a closer to my mom now. I was almost back to my happy state-of-mind like Christmas two years ago. I still missed my Dad . But my mom was becoming my rock. It felt great even if I was dressed up and acting like a girl, although I didn't feel like I was acting anymore, I just felt like myself.

I wore tights all winter under my slacks and skirts. Mom bought me some pretty flower print Fabletics leggings online. Almost everything I wore had flowers and pastel patterns. I loved it all.

As spring approaches mom and I started shopping for summer dresses and another swimsuit. I began to see the appeal of shopping with my mom. When Lynn and Amy joined us it was even more fun.

The beginning of April the stores were fully stocked with spring and summer clothes. We were at the mall with Lynn and Amy. We walked right into Mr and Mrs Pippen. Tommy was carrying his mother's purse and a bunch of shopping bags.

His once thick wavey hair was cut in one length Bob slightly wedged longer in front. His ears were double pierced with big cubic Zirconia studs and he was wearing a pink T-shirt and regular boys jeans with solid white sneakers.

Tommy was dressed almost opposite of the way he used to dress. He always wore dark colors or red. His hair was always hanging in his eyes. He always wore black sneakers. I noticed his once unibrow eyebrows were slightly arched and sperated. Finally! Justice! I thought to myself.

Rachel! Nice to see you again! Mr Pippen said.
Donna you look lovely! How are you doing?

I'm okay. I said softly. There was no way I was going share my inner joy with these people. I wanted them to feel guilty, especially their punk of a son Tommy.

Ohh Donna! I love your earrings! Mrs Pippen said. I love your hair. That braid is very becoming on you!

Thank you. I said softly.

Tommy! Would you like to say something to Mrs Sinclair and Donna? Mr Pippen asked

Not really! He said.

Mrs Pippen gave him a nasty look.

You know Kohl's has sale on mini-skirts and tops, Maybe we could get you a couple! What do you think?

No please don't! Tommy said.

I'd be happy to show you where they are! My Mom added.

(Yes! I thought to myself)

Donnie!

Uhh hmm! HIs mother said.

Donna, I'm very sorry for everything my friends and I did to you. You didn't do anything to deserve it. Since I last saw you my Dad had a talk with my Mom and the principal. All of us were suspended and kicked out of sports for the year. I swear I will never bully anyone again.

You should know my big brother wasn't very happy about my behavior either. He barely talks to me now.

I stood there listening in disbelief. I didn't know what to believe. I was wearing my black flats and black denim leggings and a pink floral print blouse and he felt lower than low. He looked like a butch girl.

Rachel, Donna, I'm sorry I didn't believe you in those meetings! I had no idea of the trauma Tommy subjected your child to. After I talked with Owen about your confrontation at Comic-con, I started to believe your son was telling the truth. Then I drove by the medical district I saw your car in the parking lot, I realized it was all true. Since then we've taken a few steps to ensure our son knows how it feels to be tormented. Mrs Pippen said.

I can see that! I applause your efforts! My Mom said proudly. I love his hair and earrings. Do you you like your new style Androgynous style Tommy? My mom asked rubbing it in a little.

It's okay, it could be worse! Tommy said.

Young man! You are one comment away from from skirts and dresses! Mrs Pippen said.

I like my earrings a lot he said, trying to sound happy about it.

I tell you what! With your permission and your friends. I'd like to get their ears pierced together! Four total in each lobe! My treat. I'll even buy the girls a couple new pairs of their choice! What do you say?

Mom can get two more? Please Amy asked Lynn.
Mom, please I said following Amy like I always did.

I don't see why not. Lynn said as long as Rachel and Donna are okay with it!

I'm okay with it I said maybe he'd like a nose stud like Amy and I have!

Great idea! My Mom said, Our children will all match!

Ohh! I see it's so small, it's very cute! Mrs Pippen said.

Mr Pippen said he'd meet us at the Starbucks in the middle of the mall.

We walked into the tattoo and piercing shop. In less than an hour, Amy, myself and Tommy had four lobe piercings and Tommy's nose had a rhinestone stud in his left nostril.

Tommy didn't look very happy. Amy and I said he looked really cute. He actually did look cute. We went to a jewelry kiosk and Mrs Pippen bought us gold multi sized hoop sets and Red, Clear and Blue stud for fourth of July. Then the three of us got to pick two set of what we wanted.

Amy and I picked out matching dangle hoops with hoops on them in gold and silver. Tommy couldn't decide. Mrs Pippen got him the exact same as we did.

When we got to Starbucks, Mr Pippen was waiting for us. We ordered our coffees and frozen Hot Chocolates. We sat down and he waited for our order. Mrs Pippen was being very nice to us. I couldn't tell if she was always this nice or just kissing up to me and my mom.

Mr Pippen came back with our order. He served us, I thought that was very nice.

We chatted like we were all friends. Tommy was very quiet! We thanked Mrs Pippen for the earrings and our piercings.

A young lady should always have pretty earrings. Mrs Pippen said. Tommy blushed.

Young men are very stylish with earrings! Lynn said.

I agree! My Mom said.

Donna, I bought something for you! I hope you will accept this as my way of not being aware of everything you have delt with.

He put a Zales jewelry bag on the table. Please accept this as an apology from my wife and I.

I opened the bag there was a small jewelry box inside. I opened the box and inside the box was two pairs of diamond earrings in sterling silver.

This is very generous! We can't accept this! My mom said.

Nonsense! Mrs Pippen said. It's the least we can do! Donna deserve them, they are almost as pretty as your daughter!

Thank you! I love them! I said.

We finished our coffee. I hugged Mr Pippen thanking him for the lovely gift. I hugged Mrs Pippen too.

Amy hugged Tommy. It was nice getting earrings with you! I hugged him too. We are the same now! I said. Thank you for your apology. It means a lot to me! Bye Tommy I'll see you around!

Our parents said good bye. We stopped at Olive garden for dinner before going home. I felt very vindicated!