I could still remember that day
the day I wore that beautiful gown and the little crown that sat proudly on my head.
It was my birthday.
The house was filled with laughter, balloons, and the sound of my classmates singing my name.
Back then, I thought life was perfect…
I never knew everything was about to change.
After cutting the cake, everyone was cheering and happy.
I turned left and I was stunned by what I saw.
It was the three girls who always bullied me.
They said I wasn't worthy of being a girl.
They'd always mess up my uniform, push me around, and whisper behind my back.
I could still remember everything they did to me the previous day.
I was so scared I didn't even remember inviting them to my birthday.
All I could ask myself was *how?*
*How did they get here?*
That day changed everything for me.
It was the first time I realized being different had a price.
And from that day on, I promised myself I would never let anyone decide who I should be.
Alex… wow, I love that name.
Going to Sterling Academy, that would be the perfect name to use.
Barb my hair, get new clothes, act the part… and then I'm good to go.
"Mum… Dad, I'm going," I said, my voice trembling but sure.
"Where?" they both asked, surprised.
"Sterling Academy. Now please don't try to stop me."
I wiped my tears quickly. "I'm going."
"You won't dare!" Mum's voice cracked. "Why, Alexis? We haven't tried other schools yet. That's… that's not a good idea."
Her voice broke completely as she began to cry.
Looking at her, I couldn't say anything more. The words got stuck in my throat.
So instead, I gently placed the picture frame back on the nightstand and turned away.
As I walked out of their room and down the hall to mine, I could still hear her voice behind me, soft and desperate.
"Honey… say something, please. Say something. Are you going to let her go? Please…"
Her words echoed in my head long after I closed my door.
Now I'm stuck with one question,will they let me go?
Or are we going back to face the rejections
we are yet to face from other schools?