2. School sucked. Kids whispered, pointed and giggled. I tried to brush it off, but honestly, it hurt.Teachers were always praising me for being "well-behaved" and "feminine." Like, what even does that mean?Then Alex transferred to our school. We instantly clicked over superheroes and video games. Finally, someone who got me!Alex didn't care that I liked "boy" stuff. We'd play soccer together during recess.Lunch breaks were spent drawing comics. He'd include me in his games with the other boys.My parents were relieved I'd found a friend but worried about my "tomboy" phase. "Elsie, why don't you play with the other girls?" Um, because.They didn't understand – this wasn't a phase; it was me!Alex gave me the courage to stand up for myself. I'd speak up in class, even if my voice trembled.When our teacher asked us to draw our favorite things, I sketched Batman. Alex grinned, validating my awesomeness!Sleepovers at Alex's house were the best. His mom joked about us being "partners in crime." Little did she know how much those words meant.Alex's family treated me like one of their own. No judgment.My parents enrolled me in ballet, hoping I'd discover my "feminine side." Ugh.Ballet was torture. I'd trip, feeling like a total failure.Alex teased me about my outfits, but deep down, he admired my courage.Exploring our neighborhood, dreaming up adventures – those were the best times.With Alex, I forgot about confusion and felt free.He never judged. Never questioned. Just accepted.Why couldn't others be like Alex?Why conform to societal norms? Why can't I just be?Those questions still linger, but with Alex, I felt less alone.