"That's different..." she mumbled before eating it. Alex's head remain low. The only sound on the table was her spoon hitting her plate. She wasn't aware of her parents' expressions but she could hear her father's in his voice.

"How is it different?"

Taking the napkin, Alex patted it on her lips and took a deep breath. She glanced up, altering her gaze between them. The outer corners of her eyes were turned down and her voice was soft, "You're my parents. I know you know I wouldn't do it hastily. Plus... you know my reasons. Would you have stopped me after I've already done it?"

"No, and we didn't stop you either when we found out before you could" her mother answered. Mr. Greenwood remained silent. Crying girls weren't his specialty. His wife had better empathy and he let her take the reigns.

"I know, mom. I know" Alex sighed inwardly, relieved. The bomb was diffused before it could explode, "I was too nervous. I was committed to do it. Nothing you would say would have changed my mind so I'd rather not fight before I even got a chance"

"Fine, fine. You did it to ensure that you get to be a boy for your high school years" Mrs. Greenwood huffed. Alex had mention the same thing when they first found out.

She didn't often show it but she wasn't that happy with her daughter's schemes. She understood, yes, but instead of broadening her horizons, it was limiting her. In her best motherly tone, she said, "But, Alex, sweetie, that doesn't mean you can't make friends. Male or female, rich or poor, real friends wouldn't care"

"Yeah, well... I didn't think it would be that hard until it happened. What if they realize my secret? Then, what's the point in going in the first place if you'll drag me back home once its out? I'd rather not take that risk"

Mr. Greenwood was aware of his daughter's intentions. By wording it that way, she implied it was his side of the bargain that kept her from fulfilling his wife's wishes.

Mrs. Greenwood sighed. She also knew what Alex was doing. The girl purposely didn't want to get close to anyone knowing she couldn't be fully honest. Her daughter didn't need to say it, she knew that was the truth. The argument she presented was just an excuse she knew they wouldn't compromise on. Thus, gaining her victory.

"How about this?" She wasn't about to back down. Things needed to change, "You make one friend—just one! Even if this friend finds out your gender, your real ident.i.ty or both and does not reveal it to anyone at all... we won't bring you home"

"Dearest!"

"I've made up my mind. Our daughter needs someone she can rely on" the woman stared down her husband. After a careful thought, he sighed, nodding in agreement. She turned to Alex, "With this, you have no more reason to isolate yourself, right?"

Alex bit her inner cheek. Her mother drived a hard bargain. Her request wasn't simple to achieve so she could probably avoid it for a while. She wasn't sure how but for now, it was better to please her mother.

"Alright"

Her daughter's answer was music to the woman's ears. Her eyes and lips lit up.

"Truly?" She asked. Even her voice was higher. Alex chuckled. Her mother's happy aura sure was overwhelming—like a little sun burning bright.

"Yes, I'll do as you ask" Alex affirmed, "But, please, be patient"

"That's understandable. It won't be easy to find such a person"

"I'm glad to hear you agree"

"Well, then, shall we continue?" Mrs. Greenwood gestured to their food. As she was about to raise the fork to her mouth, she gasped and looked at Alex, "Oh, right, sweetie, we were calling you earlier. Why didn't you answer?"

Alex opened her mouth to say she didn't feel it vibrate in her pocket but closed it again when she realized...

"I must have left my phone inside the ca—taxi"

"Alex!"

Alex pressed her lips together. Her right temple throbbed. That good for nothing son of a c.o.c.kroach stole my phone! She fumed in her mind.

Alex did her best to stay composed and to a.s.sure her parents about the matter, "Yes, I know, I know. It's irresponsible of me. Don't worry. There's nothing significant on that phone. It doesn't even have any picture of me"

Neither of them relaxed. These days a phone was precious. It contained valuable information. If the person was smart, he/she could find something useful in its memory.

Mr. Greenwood's eyes squinted at her, "Did anyone see you?"

Alex took a bite, hoping they could see it wasn't a big deal, "Relax, dad. I was careful." To lighten the mood, she gave him a half smile, "If anyone becomes suspicious, I'll just say Alex and I are twins"

Her father was quiet. He clearly didn't appreciate her humor.

She sighed and wiped her lips with the table napkin, "Come on, you and aunt Lilly are twins. Who is to say it doesn't run in the family?"

"It's very risky" her father retaliated. Something was wrong. He could sense it. Like him, his daughter was straightforward. If she was avoiding a direct answer, she was hiding something.

Mr. Greenwood thought to himself for a while, wondering whether he should call her out for it or wait and see how she'll handle the situation.

Alex wasn't a child anymore. She was more than capable of facing her own problems but... parents always worry about their children no matter how old they grow up to be.

In the end, he decided to let it go but he will always be ready for her in case she needed him.