Photo of Crystal

I woke up to Dobby licking my face. "Dobby, you dumb dog! You know you're not suppose to be on my bed and waking me up so I catch you isn't very smart." I pushed him away but I guess he was back to being stubborn. At least he wasn't barking like crazy. "Let me guess, you want to go out again?" He hopped down and started circling excited.

"Fine..." I forced myself out of bed and made my way to the coffee pot. I turned it on and took the dog outside while I waited for it to brew.

I put him on the leash just as my sister, Joann pulled up behind my car. You've got to be kidding me! I wasn't awake enough to deal with her. Don't get me wrong, I loved her and she's definitely helped me out countless times but her along with my parents never accepted me transitioning. I held no illusions that much of her "help" was just a way to stay around more so she could try talking me out of it. At least this meant they no longer thought it was some stupid phase.

"I haven't even had my coffee yet, Joann. What do ya want? I crossed my arms defensively. "I'll be taking Dobby for a walk as soon as I do and get dressed so make it quick."

She looked me up and down as she walked closer to me with the same look of disappointment that was always there it seemed.

"Are those things going to get any bigger? Because I don't know if I'll be able to handle it if they do." She asked her eyes locked on my breasts.

I looked at her shocked, but really, there was no reason for me to be. "It none of your business. I told you before to call before you just show up. You don't want to see me half naked, give me some warning next time. What do you want?"

"I'm sorry. It's just a little much seeing my little brother grow tits. We're-"

"I'm not your fucking brother, Joann!Either get it right or stay out of my damn life!" I yelled at her. I hated getting upset as my voice always went back making me even more upset. I turned and went back inside hoping the coffee would calm me down.

"Luke! I mean, Crystal!" I heard her call behind me. "I'm sorry, alright!" I just ignored her as I checked the coffee that wasn't even a third done. Close enough I thought as I grabbed a cup.

"I'm sorry, Crystal. Believe it or not I didn't come here to fight. It... Are you going to offer me some coffee? If you're going to be a woman you really need to work on your manners."

I glared at her shaking my head. She just doesn't get it. "Get it yourself. Was there a reason you showed up so early besides telling me about my boobs?"

She crossed her arms annoyed "Mom wanted me to ask you to stop by. Dad isn't doing well and it would be nice if you spent some time with him. Uncle Tom and some others are supposed to be over Saturday and they want to have a BBQ.

I shook my head again grabbing another cup from the rack and filling it for her. "That's not a good idea and I have to work." I said handing it to her.

"They still love you. I know they don't show it-

"He basically disowned me and she didn't do shit! Have you forgotten already?" I took a sip of the coffee and headed back outside. Once again Joann followed.

"That was years ago and he didn't disown you. He- he just needed some time to deal with it. We all did."

I sat down on the steps not really listening to anything she had to say. I haven't talked to my parents since I moved out about three years ago just before I was to start college. After about a year of going place to place homeless spending what little money I was able to get on doctors and hormones Joann bought me this trailer. Then just six months ago I managed to land my first job since changing my name. My family just seems to strip away any progress I think I'm making. Joann I guess is trying in her own way but...

"He's still your father and the only one you'll ever have. Just... think about it alright?"

I glanced over to her as she stood up. "Thanks for the coffee, sis."

I spent the rest of the morning stress cleaning. I tried several times to get ahold of Jake, of course he wasn't answering and by one I figured he wasn't going to call me back anytime soon. I decided to take Dobby for a walk down by the river as I promised him before I had to get ready for work.

About an hour later I got back and took a shower before I noticed that Jake had tried calling me back. Just great I thought to myself. Getting a signal out here was a bit hit and miss especially down by the river. I called him back as I searched for what clothes I wanted to wear.

"Where the fuck were you?! You call me all goddamn day then don't answer when I can call you?

"I didn't call all day. My sister came by and she wants me to visit my parents." I slipped on my jeans holding my phone between my head and shoulder.

"So? Why you telling me?"

"I thought you wanted to do something then." I answered. He's always doing this and it pisses me off.

"You get Nancy suspicious and then ignore my call and you think I want to do something with you? Yeah, I do! You're lucky I'm fucking busy right now!" He ended the call.

"Fuck!" I yelled trying not to cry. I quickly threw myself together and headed for work.