Tomboy and her admirer

Rachel

The alarm screeched with alarming ferocity before I stretched out my hand to keep it quiet.

The sunlight seeping through the light blue curtains highlighted the sparse decorations adorning the room. There wasn't any hint of a feminine color at all.

I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Today was going to be a good day because I and my brother are going to visit his best friend.

My brother, Norman had a best friend since his college years. I, my brother and his best friend, Chase had always been together because as far as I could remember, I had always been Norman's handbag. With me detesting feminine things and embracing things the society called masculine, I was practically with my brother and his clique.

I cleaned up before wearing jean trousers and a red t-shirt that made my green eyes pop.

I ran my hand through my short hair that hung around my head in ruffling curls. I felt keeping longer hair is very troublesome.

Taking care of my short hair is more relaxing. I didn't have to wait a long time for any hair to dry, I just have to go to the salon at regular intervals.

I lived with my family in a sprawling building with two stories. There was abundant space.

I could not remember how many times my mother reminded me to call my female peers over for a sleep over. my mother's expectations always fall short because I only hung out with the boys and I and the boys couldn't have a sleepover.

I could still feel the shock my younger self felt when I was told I couldn't have a sleepover with the boys. I used to wonder why I wasn't a boy then.

Although I am a grown up now and trying to second guess my gender has worn off, I still loved all the things boys do and more.

I descended the stairs, my room was at the topmost floor. I wanted to see the glittering lights highlighting the city's night life whenever I wanted to go to sleep and my family obliged my request.

I was my family's baby.

As I stepped into the huge kitchen, I halted my advance to sniff deeply. A busy figure arranged and cooked.

I tiptoed to the female figure before hugging her tightly.

"Good morning mom. What's for breakfast?" I asked as I leaned on my mother while nuzzling her neck.

My mother gave me a glare, "Unhand me this second. If something goes wrong with the food, can you take responsibility? Your dad and brother will kill you."

I loosened my hold before sticking my tongue out of my mouth.

"Don't worry. Dad and brother loves me so much, they wouldn't do anything to me." I defended playfully.

I surveyed the kitchen before checking the living room too. I couldn't find the figure I was looking for so I turned to my mother.

"Mom, where is Norman?" I asked.

My mother shrugged as I continued what I was doing, "I haven't seen him today. Check his room, he might still be in bed."

I nodded and I wanted to leave right away but my mother, Kelly stopped me.

My mother looked at my outfit disapprovingly with her emotions written clearly on her face.

"Why are you wearing this t-shirt and trouser again? How many times would I have to remind you that you are a girl and not a boy?" My mother scolded but I didn't take it to heart. I didn't even blush in embarrassment.

I knew my mother had always wanted a girl child so she can bond with the child. Dressing up and looking beautiful were one of the important parts too.

My mother was a born fashionista. She matched clothes and accessories like it was a common gift like breathing. She never looked gaudy or unkempt.

My mother had been looking for who to inherit her mantle but she was disappointed. I showed an apparent lack of interest for this things.

Although our relationship is as close as it could ever be, this part of our personalities did not mix well together.

My mother always complained anytime she saw me in outfits that don't highlight my endowments.

The green pupils that was similar to hers stared at me in dissatisfaction.

"I know mom. I am girl. You have told me to write this on the tablet of my heart for like the bazillionth time." I concluded before rushing upstairs swiftly.

I knocked on my brother's door but there wasn't any reply coming forth. Thankfully, I had a key to Norman's room because of our close relationship.

I opened the door.

A figure covered by the bed sheets came into my sight.

I flung my figure onto the person laying on the bed without any regard for my image.

"Norman! Wake up! Didn't you say we were going to visit Chase today? Why are you still in bed?" I was practically shouting out my questions into my brother's ears.

Immediately after finishing college, Chase travelled abroad and the only connection I had with him was through my brother.

He was a rich man son then.

I didn't know why he attended their college instead of private schools but I was thankful of our encounter.

I knew he treated me like a younger sister but I didn't treat him as an older brother at all. I did not know when my feelings began to change.

I started to notice the little things I used to forgo. I began to look forward to his words, actions and smiles with a longing that almost frightened me.

I didn't confess to him because I didn't want to endanger the relationship we had already cultivated.