Author's Note: Welcome to a much delayed new story. The Collective received a review regarding an earlier Lovely Complex fan fic encouraging us to expand upon the basic premise. A new Directive from the Bureau of Story Planning was issued and production of this fan fiction began immediately.

A Fresh Start

She could barely contain her excitement. The large manila envelope stuffed full of all her hopes and dreams lay on the dining table. The English writing on the address label told her everything she needed to know. Her wish to attend university in the United States had been granted. All the effort and hard work had paid good dividends.

"Aren't you going to open it, Seishiro?" a husky voice asked.

"I've asked you to call me Seiko, dad," the girl responded in exasperation.

"Your name's Seishiro," the senior Kotobuki stated tersely. "I wish you'd accept that."

"I wish you would accept that I'm not anyone who should have that boy's name," Seiko huffed.

"Now now," Mrs. Kotobuki interjected calmly. "Sei-chan, why don't you open your package. I'm sure you're anxious to find out what the Americans have to say."

Seiko smiled at her mom. At least Sei-chan was far and away better than Seishiro.

"I'm not sure how I feel about this," Mr. Kotobuki sighed. "Bad enough you're runnin' around pretendin' to be a girl here at home. Now foreigners are going to get the wrong impression too."

"For the last time, pop," Seiko replied irritably. "I'm not pretending to be anything. I am a girl. Just the way God made me."

Seiko's father let one last sigh escape his lips before standing and moving into the kitchen. Retrieving a cold beer from the reefer, he walked into the sitting room and switched on the TV. Presently laughter wafted into the dining area.

"He must be watchin' All Hanshin Kyoujin ," Seiko remarked.

"Your father's having a hard time accepting that his only son-"

Seiko fixed a withering glare on her mom.

"Sorry, dear," she corrected. "Only child is living up to her own expectations, not his."

Seiko's gaze softened immediately. She toyed with the envelope some more before picking up a butter knife and slicing the flap open.

A student life handbook and a folder containing numerous sheets of colored paper glided into Seiko's hands. Carefully, she set the folder onto the table and shook the envelope. A loose sheet of paper bearing the seal of the California State University at Long Beach fluttered onto the wood table top.

Welcome to California State University, Long Beach, Miss Kotobuki.

Seiko smiled as her mom looked over her shoulder.

"Miss?"

"I convinced the lady in Admissions to change that," Seiko grinned mischievously.

"Oh, sweetheart," Mrs. Kotobuki cautioned. "Don't get caught in a lie."

"But it's not a lie," Seiko pouted. "I am a Miss Kotobuki."

"What will you do when you have to take a physical exam?"

"I don't think they do that in American universities, mom."

Mrs. Kotobuki raised an eyebrow. "What about baths? The other students are going to find out as soon as you're naked."

Seiko smiled triumphantly. "Private bathing in the dorms. No one will know."

Mrs. Kotobuki sighed in resignation. Seiko could be a very strong willed girl. She had to be in order to persevere in her gender presentation, especially in a conservative country like Japan.

"I worry about you, Sei-chan. I just want you to be safe."

Seiko smiled warmly. "No one knows who I am over there and I pass pretty well."

Unconvinced, Mrs. Kotobuki regarded her child with mild apprehension.

"I promise to be extra careful," Seiko answered her mother's unspoken concern. "That's part of the reason I chose this school."

Mrs. Kotobuki cocked an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I did my research," Seiko explained. "Not only to they have a top notch nursing school, but the city of Long Beach itself is a very tolerant place. People like me can make a home for themselves there and no one bothers us."

Still unconvinced, Mrs. Kotobuki picked the letter up and continued reading aloud.

We are proud and honored to offer you a place at the university and wish you all the best on your journey into the future. On behalf of all faculty and staff, please allow me to extend our greetings to you. As a student from abroad, I am sure you will have many questions. Within the envelope, you will find valuable information regarding acclimatization, settling into your classes and hints on making new friends and acquaintances. The Student Handbook, also included, contains further information regarding clubs, sports events and teams along with school activities and all the resources available on and off campus to make your stay away from home as comfortable as possible.

We look forward to your arrival. Please note the important calendar dates. Incoming Freshmen are strongly encouraged to attend the matriculation seminar one week prior to the start of Fall Term to familiarize themselves with the campus and some of the faculty and staff.

Once again, Miss Kotobuki, congratulations on your acceptance into CSU Long Beach, and good luck.
Office of F. King Alexander
CSULB President

Seiko bounced in her chair at the thought of finally being on her own and becoming the person she knew in her heart she was.