Happy to Meet an Old Friend

Rafe smiles at you. It’s obvious now that you know that she used to be him.

She puts a finger over her lips in a shushing gesture. “Not so loud,” she says. “I don’t want the whole world to know.”

Your new memories bubble up, and you remember that life is even more dangerous for trans women in this new world than it was before you started playing with the rulebook. Rafael had been your best friend in college despite his clear crush on you.

“I go by Isabella now,” she whispers to you. “My closest friends and family call me Bell.”

The fact that Christal does not catch on even after Bell slips you her number reminds you that your fiancé is not the smartest woman in the world.

You and Bell agree to meet for lunch tomorrow. Christal is delighted that you are already looking for women to join your growing family.

You and Christal enjoy the rest of your evening as familiar faces congratulate you both on your engagement.

You can’t help but be amused by the idea of ‘Bill dating Bell.”