Too Pretty to Be a Boy -5- by Lajien

“So, now that we know you’re a girl, I don’t think the name Carl fits you well,” Johnny said, leaning back in his chair, his brow furrowed in deep thought. I was pouring juice for him and Angela, my hands trembling slightly as I tried to focus on not spilling.

“I never had the time to think about it, really,” I admitted, setting the pitcher down. Things were moving too fast for my comfort. Just two days ago, I’d told Dad I wanted to move in with Mom. Now, I had to live as a girl—something I had no clue about—and if I didn’t do a good job, CPS could take me away from Mom. My only options would be moving back in with Dad and enduring the bullying from my two annoying brothers or ending up in a foster home. Neither option sounded good to me.

“Stop this, or I’ll get mad at you,” Johnny warned, his voice firm but not unkind. Angela looked at him, confused, but I knew exactly what he meant.

“I know you’re overthinking again,” Johnny continued, his tone softening. “Stop thinking for a second and let those around you take care of you. You have me, Mom, Dad’s just a call away, Angela, Abby, and their family. You have all of us. So, I want you to stop worrying for once and let us handle things.”

His words hit me like a punch to the chest, and I felt my eyes well up with tears. Seeing my reaction, Johnny’s expression softened, and he stood up, walking over to me. He pulled me into a tight hug, his familiar scent of leather and faint cologne wrapping around me like a blanket.

“Look, I’m sorry,” he murmured, his voice gentle. “I didn’t mean to make you cry. I just want you to know that I’m here for you.”

I buried my face in his shoulder, letting the tears flow. It felt like a dam had broken, and all the fear and uncertainty I’d been holding back came rushing out. Johnny held me tightly, just like he used to when I was little and needed comfort.

After a moment, I pulled back, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. Johnny gave me a small smile and ruffled my hair. “Alright, let’s figure this out together,” he said, guiding me back to the table.

We all sat down, brainstorming names that might suit me. More than 20 names were suggested, but none felt right. Then it hit me. “How come we never thought of Carla?” I asked, looking between Johnny and Angela.

Johnny’s eyes lit up. “Carla? That’s perfect. If you like it, I don’t see why not.”

“But let’s make one thing clear,” Johnny added, his tone turning serious. “My job here is to keep any potential boyfriends away.”

I felt my cheeks burn, and Angela burst into laughter. “How do you know I’ll even like boys?” I challenged, trying to deflect. “Maybe I’ll be a lesbian.”

I hadn’t given it much thought before, but from what I’d read about GCS, the chances of me being a lesbian were almost nonexistent. Still, I couldn’t help but throw it out there, partly to tease Johnny and partly to see how he’d react.

Johnny shrugged, unfazed. “I wouldn’t know. What I do know is that my little sister is very cute, and all the boys will want to date her. And if any boy breaks her heart, I’ll break his neck.”

“That’s not fair!” I protested though I couldn’t help but smile. “I won’t be able to date anyone that way.”

“That’s the point,” Johnny said with a smirk.

Angela was holding her stomach, laughing so hard she could barely breathe. “I’m glad I have an older sister instead. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to date me when my big brother is the Hulk.”

“Well, Abby’s a great sister,” I said, grinning at Johnny. “But she probably never broke someone’s nose for making fun of me.”

Johnny’s eyes narrowed. “He wasn’t making fun of you. He was saying nasty things about you. He was the new guy and didn’t know who he was messing with. I had to set him straight.”

I nodded, remembering the incident. “Only three guys in the whole school would dare to pull something like that to protect me, knowing they’re untouchable. I bet the other two would never lift a finger to help me.”

Johnny raised an eyebrow. “Hold on, you knew all this time?”

“Of course,” I said with a shrug. “I didn’t know how to deal with that bully, and I was never the violent type.”

Before Johnny could respond, the front door opened, and Mom called out, “I’m home!”

I hurried to the door, my eyes widening at the number of shopping bags she was carrying. “Mom, what’s all this?”

Mom chuckled nervously. “Sorry, honey, I couldn’t help myself. You’re going to need clothes anyway, and this saves you the first shopping trip.”

I smiled, touched by her thoughtfulness. Mom had always wanted a daughter, and now that she had one, she was clearly over the moon.

“You’re right,” I said, helping her with the bags. “And thank you.”

Mom’s eyes softened as she looked at me. “By the way, that’s a cute outfit you’ve got there. And who owns the motorcycle parked in front of the house?”

“That’s mine,” Johnny said, stepping into the room with a smirk. “I can move it if you want.”

Mom’s eyes widened, and for a moment, she just stared at him. Then, tears filled her eyes, and she rushed over, pulling him into a tight hug. “Johnny,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Look at you. You’re a grown man now, and so handsome—just like your dad.”

Johnny hugged her back, his expression softening. “Well, I’m not a 9-year-old anymore,” he joked awkwardly.

Mom pulled back, cupping his face in her hands. “Even as a 9-year-old, you were handsome,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

I saw Angela trying to sneak out, clearly uncomfortable with the family moment, but Mom caught her. “Oh, Angela, you’re already leaving? I was going to take Carla out to dinner tonight. Now that Johnny’s here, it’s all the more reason for you to join us.”

Angela let out a defeated sigh. “It’s Carla, Aunt Lil. And I’ll have to tell my mom about it first.”

“Carla, huh?” Mom said, her eyes lighting up. “That’s the obvious choice, and a lovely name too.” She walked over and pulled me into a hug. “I’m so happy you decided to come live with me. I’m pretty sure your dad wouldn’t know how to get your bra size.”

I giggled, imagining Dad trying to navigate a lingerie store. He’d probably rather wear a bra himself than step foot in one.

“Anyway,” Mom said, pulling out her phone, “let me call Carol and ask if Angela can join us. It’s been a while, and I’m sure you’d like to spend more time with Carla.”

Johnny grabbed his helmet, heading for the door. “I gotta go for now. Just have Carla send me the time and location, and I’ll be there. I think Crystal’s had enough of a timeout to think things straight.”

“Crystal?” Mom asked, her eyebrow raised.

“Mom, I think we should ask Abby to come to dinner,” I suggested, exchanging a glance with Angela.

“Honey, is there something you’re not telling me?” Mom asked, her tone suspicious.

I sighed, knowing I had no choice but to explain. “I’ll tell you everything, Mom, but let’s sit down first.”

We sat at the kitchen table, and I began to explain. “Crystal’s been using Johnny for his money. She’s always asking him to buy her expensive things, and I’m pretty sure she’s cheating on him.”

Mom’s expression darkened. “And you’re sure about this?”

I nodded. “I’ve seen her with other guys. Johnny’s too in love with her to notice, but I can’t just sit back and let her hurt him.”

Mom sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Sweetheart, while I believe you, Johnny’s a grown man. I can’t tell him what to do. But if she’s really cheating on him, he deserves to know.”

“That’s why I think we should invite Abby to dinner,” I said. “She’s always been good at putting people in their place. Maybe she can help Johnny see what’s really going on.”

Mom nodded thoughtfully. “All right, we’ll invite Abby. But remember, Johnny’s not a fool. He’ll figure things out in his own time.”

“I know,” I said, feeling a little relieved. “I just don’t want him to get hurt.”

Mom reached over and squeezed my hand. “You’re a good sister, Carla. Johnny’s lucky to have you.”

I smiled, feeling the warmth spread through me. For the first time in a long time, I felt like everything might just work out.

“Forget about all of this for now,” Mom said, standing up and clapping her hands together. “I want all my attention to be on you for now. Let’s see what I’ve bought for you.”

I nodded, following her to the living room where the shopping bags were piled high. Mom began pulling out clothes—dresses, skirts, tops, and even a few pairs of shoes. Her excitement was contagious, and I couldn’t help but laugh as she held up a flowy summer dress.

“What do you think?” she asked, her eyes sparkling.

“It’s… a lot,” I admitted, looking at the mountain of clothes.

Mom laughed. “Well, you’re going to need a whole new wardrobe, aren’t you? Now, let’s try some of these on and see what works.”

As I started trying on the clothes, I felt a sense of warmth and belonging. Mom’s enthusiasm was infectious, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

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Copyright 2025 by Mr. Lajien