A month has passed since Chang found out the truth. We added dating to our list of secrets to keep, though things really didn’t change much. We still eat together, do extra practices. He pushes me when we’re at the club but when it’s just the two of us he’s playful. When he told me he would keep my secret and that he liked me back; I was in such a shock I didn’t know how to react. He told me he liked me and pulled me into his arms. I looked up at I’m surprise and happiness written all over my face. He lifted his head and brushed his lips against mine. I had never kissed anyone before but when he made that short contact, I liked it. He looked at me again like he was asking permission. I smiled at him and he took that as a yes. Bringing his lips back to mine, he kissed me. Really kissed me. At first, I was shy, not really sure how to react but I followed his lead.
“Hey, Ping. Where’d you go? It looked like you were off in space somewhere.”
“Hugh?” I looked up to see Hercules standing over me. We've become close friends over the past few months.
“You’re spacing out.”
“Yeah. Sorry. What were we doing?”
“I was asking you for help with a girl problem.”
“Ah. Yeah, what’s up?”
“Well, I met this girl and she’s beautiful. She has this sassiness about her that makes me laugh. I keep trying to get her to go out with me, but she keeps turning me down.”
“Hmm. Instead of trying to date her first why don’t you try being her friend? That’s your best way of getting under her skin.”
“Hugh I never thought of that. Thanks, Ping.”
“Oh and Hercules, be yourself. You’re such a wonderful, smart, funny guy. If it’s meant to be she’ll see that.” Hercules looked at me with such a soft expression that I knew he was thanking me and he really is such a good guy. He works with people, helping them rebuild their homes after natural disasters; he works with old people and animals. “Sigh.” He’s good looking to top it off. Tall with broad shoulders and muscles everywhere. Shaggy red hair and violet eyes. Hercules and I walked to the club room, Chang had called all of us in for an unexpected meeting.
“Okay, it looks like everyone is here. I have great news, our team has been selected for an all-state national competition.” The whole team cheered. A few of the guys jumped up and punched the air, and others high-fived. This is so exciting. “Settle down, you have all worked hard and I know you’re ready for this; I expect a lot from all of you. I have some paperwork to pass out. This will be a traveling trip. We will be spending two nights in a hotel. The competition starts December fifteenth and will be back on the seventeenth in time for the winter ball.” With that last comment, my excitement died. The winter ball, ugh. How could I have forgotten about that? I guess I would go stag.
Then a thought crossed my mind making me laugh. I never thought I would be going to my first school dance as a boy in a tux. After the meeting ended I headed to my room. So many emotions ran through me I didn’t know how to handle it.
“Hey, Mulan slow down.” I stopped and looked over my shoulder.
“Hi, Chang.” I started walking again. Deciding not to go to my room but outside. I need some air.
“Hey what’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong.” We went through a set of doors and walked out into the garden.
“Then why do I feel like you’re trying to escape?”
“I just need some fresh air.” Chang grabbed me spinning me around to face him.
“Mulan don’t hide from me. Tell me what’s bothering you.” We were standing in the middle of the garden. For late fall, the flowers were still beautiful. A fountain sat in the middle of it all. I took a seat on the bench next to it. Looking down into the water I saw my reflection. Who am I? Who am I supposed to be?
“I don’t recognize myself anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“Chang. I’m masquerading as a boy. I look and act like a guy, but I have the feeling of a girl. I’m so excited about the competition, but I wish I could go to the dance as a girl. With a date, but I can’t.” I dipped my fingers into the cold water and watched as my reflection rippled. A tear ran down my cheek.
“Mulan.” Chang sat down next to me and took my face in both of his hands. “To me it doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or a girl. To me, you’re amazing either way.” He stroked my falling tears away with his thumbs. “I love you for you. You’re a beautiful, smart, funny, sweet, strong person; and whoever you choose to be I’ll be with you.” Chang moved his face closer to mine. He had such a soft serious expression on his face. I let him kiss me. Long, slow, soft kisses. He kissed my lips, my cheeks, my eyes and my forehead. “Let’s go on a date.”
“When?”
“Now.”
“Where?”
“Let’s go to that dinner SMushu’s roommate, Jaq told us about. We will make a day of it. Shopping and dinner. What do you say?”
“Yes.”
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