The Girl They Called A Boy

“Hey man, let’s go. I’m damn famished.”And there it was again, the shoulder hit. What was this guy’s obsession with smacking shoulders? Every time Dave hit me, it felt like a jab to my taped-up chest.I was already in the worst mood possible, with cramps, mood swings, and the growing fear that I was probably stained. If I stood up right now, I would be toast. Might as well wave goodbye to this place and say hello to prison.“You go ahead,” I said with a weak smile. “I just wanna get familiar with the place.”“If you say so, man. See you around.”And just like that, he was gone. One by one, the others started leaving. I kept my head low, trying not to shift in my seat. But then I heard that annoying voice.I turned slowly.Of course, it was her, the girl who took my seat earlier, and now, she was blatantly flirting with him. My savior.From the look on his face, he couldn’t care less. He looked like he was watching paint dry.Can they both just get the fuck out already?As if he heard

I caught the evil grin stretching across Jimmy’s face. I knew why he was smiling, and I hated it.Why, oh why, can’t I ever keep my mouth shut?I couldn’t concentrate for the rest of the lecture. My head was filled with one thing: a swimming competition. The bell finally rang, saving me from my fake note-taking.I did what I had in mind. I grabbed Jimmy’s wrist and dragged him out of the lecture hall, ignoring the surprised looks people threw our way. Let them stare. I had bigger things to worry about.“Hey… smallie,” Jimmy muttered, half amused. “What are you up to this time?”I glanced around, making sure no one was nearby, then leaned closer.“I’m doomed,” I whispered. “If I participate in that competition, our little secret is out.”I chewed my nails, stomach growling like a wild beast. Great, on top of doom, I was starving. I reached into my pocket for money, but it was empty. Not a damn coin.Turning back to face Jimmy, an idea hit me.I pretended to stumble. Perfect timing, he

IRISH’s POVOkay, this is awkward. What am I supposed to say? I just smiled. Been doing that a lot these days.“I really like you, Idris, but it’s okay. You should have told me earlier. Finding out at the concert was heartbreaking, knowing that you will never see me the way I see you.”“I have to go to my bed now and nurse my heartbreak.”She ran off, sucking real hard. Just when I thought I was the only dramatic one around here, turns out there’s another human. Fine. I might as well freshen up and sleep. That was one hell of a concert.*****It was Sunday morning. I woke up earlier than usual, my stomach grumbling all night. Didn’t eat any decent food. After eating and dressing up, I dragged my lazy ass to the sitting room.I was so engrossed in the movie on the big screen that I didn’t hear Becky come in until she threw her body on mine.Gosh! For someone who looks this skinny, she sure has some weight. Why was she dragging my neck like that? I needed to call my lawyer and scramble

IRISH POVWhat will I do now? I don’t want to take the risk of turning over. Just then, I saw Jimmy’s car parked close to the court. He got out, looking around. I didn’t need anybody to say anything. I ran straight and slipped inside his car. Of course, he saw me; he followed right after.“Drive… just drive.” I strapped my seatbelt across my chest.That was close. Okay, that boy Dave will likely die between the thighs of a woman. I finally caught my breath. That was so close.“Sometimes, I just wonder what is going on in that head of yours. You should be called Chaotic,” Jimmy said.I’d forgotten he was the one driving. I needed to breathe first.“Well, maybe you should have informed me you’d be coming back with someone. For Pete’s sake, I am your roommate! And I deserve equal rights too.”What did I just say? Roommate. Now I’ve given him more reason to think I’m crazy.He chuckled, and of course, I know what that means. I bit my lower lip. Irish, zip it. Today has been a whole drama a

IRISH’S POV“Yes, Sir. You were the first person I met when I came to the college. You even offered to carry my bag.” I saw the confused look on his face. Okay, I'd better not laugh now.“I can’t remember that episode. So I was told you will be leading the men’s team for this year’s swimming competition. How prepared are you? Even if you ain’t, we will start our practice soon.”What is he talking about? Oh no, I just remember. What to do now. Yes, I am a good swimmer, but that is if only I can identify as my God-given gender. I need to do something now. Think, Irish. Just think.I started coughing, holding my chest. “Are you okay, Idris? You seem to have the flu.” The way he shifted back like I had COVID, that means my act is working.“I’m sorry. I so much want to be part of this competition, but I have a serious cold. The doctor recommended I stay off cold water.”He used his fingers to tell me to go. Mission accomplished. Finally out of his office. Okay, where the hell is Jimmy? I