After Class

Soon after the bell rings, I exit the classroom with the rest of students. My now short stature made it harder for me to weave through the crowd, but I eventually reach the place of my rendezvous with Tristan.

He was already there, leaning onto the wall, hands in his pockets. He straightens up when he notices me and begins to walk over before he stops.

The sudden stop unnerves. "Does he... know?! No way, I'm perfectly copying her every mannerism!" I begin to panic, but Tristan points behind me and says, "What's he doing here!?"

I spin around to find myself looking up at my body, that is, Dop. Apparently he had been on his way out according to my routine and since I didn't tell him to keep a distance from me, he chose to walk exactly behind me.

"Um.... No reason in particular?" Dop stammers out a half-baked answer. Excuse yourself and get the fuck out of here!, I command him.

He gives a slight nod to indicate he received my order. "I'll take my leave then-" He begins to say.

"Hold up!" Tristan cuts him off. He looks between the two of us, first at Dop, then me. His face turns grim.

He doesn't know, does he? My pulse quickens as gaze turns back to me. I squirm, longing to break away from this inquisition of sorts. If it were a true inquisition, a not so pretty end awaited me.

"I see how it is." Tristan walks up to us slowly. "So you did that to her you-" I back away, panic building up within. So many plans for Dagmar skin, all foiled by this meathead! I was this close to having a spastic fit from the pressure when-

TH~wack!

Tristan punched Dop square in the jaw. "-Mother-fucker! Since when did you have the balls to make a move on MY girl!" Relief flooded within me. He didn't know after all. Of course he wouldn't, the dimwit!

Giddy as I was from the turn of events, Dop seemed even more so. He struggled back to his feet only to fall over again. The punch must've put him off balance.

"Don't worry babe! I'll put this fucker in his place! You're too nice to him anyway." Tristan steps in and socks Dop again, this time right in the gut. It was an eerie sensation, watching my body, well, former body getting tossed around. As Dagmar, I felt pity for Dop and a bit of pride that Tristan was stepping up for me, even though it was based on a misunderstanding. My Dagmar side was content to let Tristan get in a few more punches and pull out the sensible girl persona and scold Tristan after he'd had his fun. The Lasse part, however, was mortified at what a pathetic display Dop was putting up for the bystanders. It longed for nothing more but for Dop to end this humiliation and walk away with a few shreds of integrity, maybe after throwing back a few volleys of his own.

Tristan winding up for another shot pulled me out of my stupor. Dop was still trying to get to his feet, his back to Tristan. It seemed inevitable that this third punch would also meet its mark. As Tristan brought his fist down, reflexively, I thought, DUCK!

Dop dropped to floor like a sack of vegetables, and Tristan landed on top, having lost his balance from putting too much momentum into the attack. For one awkward moment, it was two guys lying on the floor in heap, the most borderline gay sight the school probably ever witnessed in public. Cameras flashed as people scrambled to be the first to share the gossip. There goes what's left of my dignity. Well, I'm not going back to being Lasse, so its none of my business.

Still, while my new life may not be affected, I had people in my old life I still cared about, like Laura. Dop would no doubt have to narrate today's events to some of them, the facts of which may sadden them. I guess that settles it. Dop, listen to my instructions carefully!

Tristan had pushed himself off Dop, and he did not look pleased. He'd just embarrassed himself in front of his girlfriend. ME. Oh my, this might develop into something fun if I play it right. On your feet Dop, we're wiping the floor with this dipshit.

Dop seemed to have stabilized himself within the few moments Tristan's slip up had granted him. "Tristan, I don't know what the fuck is your problem, but if you wanted a fight, you got it!" Dop takes a fighting stance, fists up in a guard, which gets Tristan riled up. _Figures. He's always been a bit hotheaded when it came to his pride, my Dagmar persona notes. Perfect! It's about time he learned some humility then._

Dop goes on the offensive. Tristan ducks, but anticipating that move, I'd commanded Dop to swing downwards. His fist connects with Tristans left cheek, sending him stumbling into the wall. A cheer went from behind crowd. "Yeah, get him Lasse!" I guess Tim had found his way here already.

Roaring, Tristan pushed away from the wall and charged. Dodge him with flip! Dop jumped into the air, angling his feet over his head, but that was as far as he got. He fell flat on his back like a clown, just in time to trip Tristan and knock him over headfirst into the ground. Note to self, don't give Dop instruction even I could never fulfill.

"Oof," Tristan groaned. He didn't sound too hot.

Was it time for me to end this?