Aunt Amy nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed with him. “Yeah, it is. I sent John, Blaine and Seth off to the dog park with Summer for a while. They’ll be here when we get back, though, not to worry. Your mom gave me all of your old high school’s records when she released custody, so I’m hoping it’ll be easy to get you in. As long as they aren’t stupid, I’m not expecting to have to explain too much to them. But to even get started, you have to get up.”
Adam sighed heavily. After the incident with the box of clothes, he was totally over his parents and didn’t really care if he ever saw either one of them again. “Could you please call her Claire? She’s not my mom.”
Aunt Amy wrapped her arms around him and gave him a sideways hug. “Of course, honey. I’m sorry to even say I’m related to her now. But here’s the thing. You have to get up. I’d love to just say that I could do this on my own but I already talked to the principal and they insist on actually talking to you, too, for some reason. So get up, get dressed and come downstairs. I have donuts and iced chai tea for us.”
He really didn’t want to, but it was one of those things he knew he had to do, even if he dreaded it. He generally was okay with school. He’d never had all that many friends, but school life wasn’t exactly hard for him either. It just was.
Only, he slowly started to realize as Aunt Amy gave him another sideways hug before getting off his bed and leaving him alone to get ready on his own, this year was going to be different. Because this year he had Seth as a brother and Blaine as his boyfriend. And they’d look out for him and be there for him on the hard days. They could all celebrate the good times too. They could do homework together, even though he was a year younger than Seth and Blaine.
As he quickly showered and got dressed, he thought of all the things ahead that he had to look forward to. He’d go to prom with Blaine, and maybe Seth would go with Heidi if he could be nice to her long enough to keep her attention. And Adam’d go to the formal with her because he already promised her that he would. But maybe she’d choose to go with Seth instead.
They’d take Summer for walks together and everything would be just fine. His new life would take some getting used to, he knew that, but it would still be a good life and he was looking forward to every minute of it. Even the ones he could imagine wouldn’t be so great. He’d already thought about the worst-case scenario types of things—like, what if the guys in the locker room were jerks to him while he was getting ready for gym? Or what if Pharrell High didn’t let him try out for a team of any sort? He really wanted to do a sport this year.
He hugged himself tightly as he looked at himself in the mirror and tried to find some inner strength to match the muscles that were already appearing from him working out daily with Seth and Blaine. He thought about Blaine and that night on the beach when he’d held him as he cried. And he thought of the ponies and the surf as it ran up the beach where they were sitting then quickly retreated. He closed his eyes and remembered the sound of the sea and the smell of the salt on the breeze and how strong Blaine had seemed in that moment, and how broken he’d been so soon after his parents’ rejection of everything that he was. It had been the low tide of his life. That was by far and away the hardest day of his life. Even more so than when his parents had told him they were getting a divorce and his dad had moved out of the house. He’d thought that had been bad, but being abandoned by his parents had been even worse.
Only, he’d come so far already. He looked like a boy now. And he had his first boyfriend and Seth was his friend now. And he had replacement parents that gave a real damn about him. He was going to be okay.
They ate quickly and were off to the school with Aunt Amy’s classic rock music blasting around him. “I never get to listen to my music this loudly when John is in the car!” she shouted over the music in between her laughter.
She had all the windows down and the wind blasting around them. It was freeing and it distracted Adam from where they were going and what they were about to be doing. Adam found that it was easy to laugh along with her.
Pharrell High was a large red brick building with narrow windows that he could maybe slip through if he went sideways. But none of the windows looked like they opened. “It looks like a prison,” he said with absolutely no enthusiasm.
But Aunt Amy just laughed. “Seth said the same thing the first day he was here. It isn’t that much better on the inside, but at least there’s a newer area that has bigger windows. I’m told the light there is good, according to Seth.”
Well, at least he and Adam had the same taste in buildings then.
“It’ll be okay,” Aunt Amy said as she patted his knee. She found a place to park near the entrance and they were soon out of the car. “Now, the man we’ll be talking to is named Carlton Lills. I’ve talked to him on the phone about you, but this is our first meeting in person about you coming to the school. He’ll be your new principal. I like him. He’s always been encouraging and supportive of his students.”
Adam slowly followed along slightly behind her. He was worried about how this new principal was going to treat him, but when they went into the school, and the bright sunlight hit him, he felt instantly better. Pharrell High looked like a prison on the outside, but inside there was so much light he couldn’t help closing his eyes for a second and smiling. This was going to be okay too. He’d be fine there. He hadn’t admitted it to either Seth or Blaine, but he’d been worried about getting bullied there for who he was. It was hard not to expect the worst from strangers considering how his own parents had treated him.
But before he could dwell too long on that feeling of dread, Aunt Amy came back over to him and grabbed his hand. “C’mon, slowpoke,” she joked with him. “We’ve got to go meet him. You can daydream later. Like, when you’re supposed to be in class starting in two weeks.”
Adam grinned. “Yeah. I can do that.”
“And,” Aunt Amy continued, “the sooner we get through this, the faster we can get back to the guys. I told John I wanted pizza there waiting for us. And this time he better not have ordered any bell peppers on it. He likes them. I don’t.”
Adam was still smiling as he followed his aunt into Mr. Lills’ office. He was a bald man in a tight-fitting blue suit. He’d look like any business man, except that his tie had bright yellow smiley faces on it. It was the tie that instantly worked to put Adam at ease as he and Aunt Amy took seats across from him.
“Thank you both for coming to see me,” Mr. Lills said. “We’re always looking for more bright, dedicated students here at Pharrell High.”
Adam leaned forward and put his elbows on the desk. “Hi,” he shyly said.
Mr. Lills gave him a welcoming smile. “Hello, Adam. I think you’ll find that even though we’re a small school, we are open to diversity and we have a zero tolerance harassment policy.”
Okay…so that was easier than Adam had thought it would be. “What about sports?”
“Do you want to try out for something?” Aunt Amy asked. The question made Adam realize that he hadn’t discussed it with Aunt Amy or Uncle John yet, just with Seth and Blaine, both of whom were supportive of his playing.
He was pretty sure that he did. “Soccer,” he said automatically, though that was only the first sport that came into his head. Maybe track would be better for him. But he didn’t like running around like that. He wanted to compete and he did like soccer.
Mr. Lills took some notes then looked back up at him with a nod. “Yes. I think that would be good. I was a forward in college.”
That was a bit more good news that made Adam feel just that much better about going to Pharrell High.
“But you will need to work harder on your grades. I want to see every student here succeed and our definition of that is that you get into college. A B average just isn’t going to do that for you. So let’s get you into the classes that challenge you and make you want to learn and when you start to find yourself struggling, let someone know right away. Then we ca
n get you the help you need.”
Adam could only stare at him as he turned his attention away. “Amy, did you bring all the legal documents we talked about on the phone? And remind Seth of how much he needs to ask for help, too, please. He can’t keep struggling at the last minute when it comes to tests.”
Aunt Amy laughed and handed over a big manila envelope she’d had stashed in her purse. Then she looked over at Adam. “It’s copies of all the documents your mom—I’m sorry, honey—Claire sent over. Your shot records, school reports from the past few years, that sort of thing. Do you want to look at it?”
Adam shook his head. “No. Thanks. I’m okay.” And he was. Mr. Lills seemed like he was one more person in a surprisingly growing number of people who wanted to see him do well.
Mr. Lills took the envelope and quickly locked it up in his desk. “Great. Since I’m not doing anything right now, Adam, would you like a tour of the school? We’ve got an excellent library.”
Adam knew they had to get back, especially since Blaine was waiting for him, but he didn’t think that it would be wrong of him to make him wait just a few more minutes while he got a tour of his new high school. “Sure. I’d like that.”
Aunt Amy rubbed his shoulder, and seconds later Mr. Lills was telling them all about the different champions that had come through his high school. He took particular pride in the soccer team and even hinted that Adam might one day be part of those champions. It made Adam feel great about his prospects.
Chapter Nineteen
Sweat dripped into Blaine’s eyes and he wiped it and his hair off his forehead. “Wow, Adam, you’re making great progress here.”
Under him, Adam’s face twisted as his arms and chest flexed and he pushed the weight bar into Blaine’s hands. Adam’s breath came in short gasps. “Are you sure?”
Seth grinned at him. “Is he sure? Dude, you’re lifting nearly twice what you could when you started a month ago. You’ve got some major definition starting to show.”
Adam sat up as Blaine set the weights onto the rest. He grabbed a towel and ran it across his chest and arms. Even in a tank top, it was getting harder and harder to tell that Adam had been born a girl. He was getting the sleek, lanky form of a teenage boy. “Great.”
Blaine walked over to the outside door leading up into the back yard. “We’ve got to see if your folks would mind getting some fans down here or something.” He stood so he caught the breeze there. “I think I’m sweating out more weight than I’m putting on in muscle.”
Seth grabbed a towel from the stack they kept near the weight bench and laughed. “And then you’ll be complaining in the winter that it’s too cold and wet down here. Hey, we’re in the basement—it’s not supposed to be a luxury gym.”
“I don’t care,” Adam said. “I just think it’s great that we’ve got the equipment down here so I can work out with you two. I’m not sure I’m ready to try going to the gym yet.”
“If you get on the soccer team, we’ll have to figure out something.” Blaine spread his arms and let the wind cool him further.
“I guess we’ll cross that bridge if I make the team.” Adam stood and walked toward Blaine. He even moved more like a boy since Blaine and Seth had been working with him to not walk like a girl. Any awkwardness could easily be passed off for his age.
Blaine had been so thankful when he realized he’d managed to get out of the clumsy stage so many of his friends were still in. The last growth spurt he’d gone through had driven him nuts. He’d always seemed to be stumbling over his feet, or missing a grab because his arms were longer than they’d been a month or so before.
A cell phone rang. Adam turned and strolled over to the small table where they’d all left their phones. “That’s Heidi’s ring.”
“Hey, she was supposed to call me this afternoon.” Seth moved quickly to follow Adam across the basement. “If she wants to talk to me, let me have the phone.”
Adam shot Seth a sharp look as he picked up his phone. “If she wants to talk to you, she can call your phone.” He swiped the phone to answer it.
“The only other person who ever calls you is right here.” Seth gestured at Blaine as Adam put the phone to his ear.
“You don’t know that… Hi, Heidi, what’s up?”
“Hey, Heidi!” Seth shouted, causing Blaine to roll his eyes.
“Seth, this is me telling you you’re being an idiot.” Blaine moved from the doorway, deeper into the warm basement. “Let them talk without you interrupting.” He dropped his voice and hoped he wouldn’t be heard. “If you want Heidi to like you, be mellow, not all jumpy and high strung.”
Understanding appeared on Seth’s face. “Yeah. Hard to get is better, isn’t it?”
“To a point, yes. She already knows that you’re available and interested.” Blaine took Seth by the shoulders and turned him toward the weight bench. “Now, why don’t you do a few sets and I’ll spot you while they talk.”
“Okay.” A wry grin crossed Seth’s face. “I guess the more buff I am, the better she’ll like me.”
“Maybe, but I don’t think Heidi’s that shallow.” Blaine took his position over Blaine’s head.
Adam pulled the phone away from his ear for a moment. “Hey, guys, Heidi wants to know if we can go to the end of summer bash tonight. Her brother’s driving.”
Seth paused in his laying back. “Give me a second to go check with Mom, but I bet she’ll say yes.”
Blaine dashed to the table and snatched up his phone. “I’ll know in a minute.” He’d heard about end of summer parties, but had never been invited to one. He and Seth normally just celebrated by spending some extra time at the skateboard park, and sometimes Seth’s mom would do steaks and ice cream. The idea of getting together with a bunch of other kids sounded like a lot of fun and a great way to spend the last weekend before school started.
* * * *
When they arrived at the beach, the parking lot was filled and there was already a huge bonfire glowing just down the dune from the asphalt. They’d been squished into the back of Heidi’s brother’s Subaru, but since Adam had been pressed up against Blaine, it didn’t matter.
“Wow, who all is here?” Adam asked as they got out of the car.
Heidi shrugged and pulled off the T-shirt she’d been in, revealing the bikini top underneath. “Not real sure. I got a call from Sheila—you remember her from the cheerleading squad. She said a bunch of kids were getting together to enjoy the last Saturday night before school. I was excited enough to get invited, I didn’t ask any questions, just if I could bring you guys. She said some folks from Pharrell would be here, too, so Seth and Blaine will know people. I think it’s awesome we’re not rivals or anything tacky like that.” She shook her long blonde hair out.
“I might have to change schools if that was the case,” Seth said, his eyes were already starting to glass over as he stared at Heidi.
Blaine was surprised Seth could put together a coherent sentence. “It does make life easier, but right now, let’s just go have some fun.” He hurried around to the back of the Subaru and helped Heidi’s brother, Kevin, pull the cases of beer out that they’d stopped to get using Kevin’s fake ID.
As they reached the sand near the bonfire, several very pretty girls dashed forward. “Oh my God!” one of them shrieked. “Ang…ah, Adam, I’d heard you were undergoing some changes—”
“Heidi said you were now a hot boy,” one interrupted the other. “But, damn, girl…I mean, boy—she weren’t lying.”
Adam stopped before their enthusiastic onslaught. “Thanks.” A mix of surprise and fear tinged his voice. “What have you guys been doing this summer?”
The second one, a very pretty African American girl with a brown bikini stretched over her heavy chest, kept looking up and down Adam. “Not as much as you have. Heidi said you even have a hunky boyfriend. Damn, she wasn’t lying. I was kind of hoping that she was after she was describing how cute you’d become. I mean, you were always pr
etty, but now you’re totally drool worthy. Seriously.” She shook her head and sighed, making Adam blush under the sudden attention.
Blaine added his load to the pile of beer and turned toward them. “He is, isn’t he?” He thrust his hand out to the girl. “I’m Blaine, his boyfriend.”
She smiled as she shook his hand. “Brandi. Yeah, Heidi was right about you. Damn, you two make a pair.” She released Blaine’s hand and pulled out her phone. “You two stand next to each other right there. I want a picture so I can remember how adorable you guys are.”
Blaine glanced at Adam. “You okay with this?”
Adam beamed, apparently recovering from the greeting. “Sure.”
“Okay then.” Blaine draped his arm over Adam’s shoulder and they leaned their heads together.
Brandi and the other girl sighed and their phones clicked.
“Damn, sweetie, that was just too much sugar for one shot. You two are so going to sweeten up the Internet when I post that one.” Brandi’s fingers flew over her phone, obviously posting the shot already.
“And what about this one?” Heidi pulled Seth over to their little group. “Didn’t I tell you he was a hottie?” She ran her hand along Seth’s jaw. “I think he might be worth keeping.”
“Girl, if you don’t keep him, I might have to change schools and go after him.” Brandi held up her phone and snapped another shot. “If I’d realized that the boys over at Pharrell were this hot, I’d have changed schools long ago.”
“No, you wouldn’t,” the girl who hadn’t introduced herself yet said. “If you changed schools, we’d lose our strongest base for our pyramid. We can’t have that.”
Blaine pulled on Adam’s arm. “Come on, let’s go closer to the fire.”
Adam looked at him and followed. “You’re not grabbing a beer?”
“No.” Blaine looked a little remorseful. “I promised Gran that if I could come, I wouldn’t drink.”
Shifting Tides Page 14