23-year-old Bridgette Dubois was waiting for big sister Ariel in the train station. It was the day before Christmas Eve and the Dubois middle child was looking forward to spend a few days with the family. Bridgette was feeling both eager and a bit nervous.
"Hey, Bridge!" someone said.
It was Ariel. Bridgette smiled and hugged her.
"How are you doing, Sis?"
"Great! Anna loves drawing now."
"Thanks for sending me all these photos, she's so cute!"
Anna was Ariel's daughter. She was going to spend Christmas with the Dubois. Dave, Ariel's husband and Steven, Marie's boyfriend, were going to be there too. This was going to be great.
Both siblings sat in the car and Ariel coughed.
"Listen," she said, "I don't know how to tell you this politely so I'm going to just say it. Marie and I had the same dream a few nights ago. You were asking a doctor for, well…"
"Hormones," Bridgette said. "I didn't know how to tell you and Marie. I'm a transgender man."
Bridgette felt suddenly better. He glanced at his sister, who was driving carefully.
"Are you OK with this?" he asked.
"Of course," Ariel said kindly. "Did you choose a new name?"
"Yeah. I like the name Billy."
"So from now on, I'll always call you Billy!" Ariel said.
"No! I mean, I'm not ready to tell mom yet. I'm a bit worried about her reaction so could you please still use my deadname in front of her?"
Ariel parked the car in front of the house and grabbed her brother's hand.
"It's OK," she said. "We'll wait until you're ready. And Marie and I will always support you unconditionally, you know?"
"Thanks."
"You look great with short hair, by the way."
Billy nodded. He felt he had the best sisters ever. Both siblings got out of the car with Billy's luggage and entered the Dubois house. In the kitchen, Anna was dozing on Dave's lap and Marie was talking with a young man who could only be Stephen. Allison rushed to meet her kids.
"Sweetheart!" she said, hugging Billy. "It's so nice to see you again!"
"And it's nice to see you, Mom," Billy said, hugging her back.
"Meet Steve! This is Steve, Marie's boyfriend."
"And you must be Bridgette?" Steve asked.
To everyone's surprise, Allison answered:
"No, this is my son, Billy. Billy is currently writing a book."
Everyone felt silent. They were all staring at Allison and she felt uncomfortable.
"Is there something wrong, sweetheart?" she asked. "Oh, I know, I shouldn't have mentioned your book. You're so private about your writings!"
"It's OK," Billy said. "Who did you just call me?"
"Do you feel you're too old for me to call you sweetheart?"
"No! I mean, who told you about my new name?"
"Your dad, of course! He visited me last night, he told me you're a boy now and you'll be much happier if I just call you Billy!"
Allison was beaming. Her son was still feeling a bit awkward so he asked:
"And… you don't mind it?"
"Billy, please. I really, really love my daughters but I always thought it would be nice to have a son, too."
Billy wiped a tear. This was perfect. So both of his parents were supportive of his new identity. He couldn't hope better. However, Steve frowned and whispered something into Marie's ear. She shrugged and said:
"Yes, my dad died in a plane crash when I was a kid but he still visits us sometimes. He's a very caring dad."
"Isn't anything normal with this family?" Steve asked Dave.
Dave shrugged. He loved his wife and his kid but there was still something disturbing about them being able to talk to ghosts.
"I guess normal is overrated," he said.
Then Anna opened her eyes and smiled.
"Auntie Brigette!" she said happily.
"No," Allison said. "It's Uncle Billy. He's your uncle and he really loves you so you're not going to killname him!"
"Mom, it's called deadnaming!" Marie said while Anna was hugging her uncle.
"Anything. So, now that we are all together, what about having a drink before dinner? Maybe Billy will tell us about his new book?"
"No way!" Billy said, laughing.
He grabbed his luggage and went up the stairs. This was the pink room he used to share with his sisters. So many good memories.
His beloved dad was standing in the room, smiling at him.
- I love you, son, he said before vanishing.
Note : this chapter is a tribute to former child actor Feodor Lark. He played Bridgette in 'Medium' and he came out as a transgender man in 2021. I wish you nothing but the best, Feodor.
