The Greatest Lie Part 1

I had read about the transformative power of these drugs, so I copped samples of estrogen, progesterone or anything that sounded like a female hormone. I began taking them occasionally, but while they had a noticeable effect on my acne (it completely disappeared) and hair (it became smoother and more manageable), I stopped after a few days, both to preserve my supply and to preserve my precarious grip on maleness.

Sometimes I thought there was hope for me as a male if I could escape this macho hotbed of a high school. College applications were in, and the end of high school was in sight. I was actually gaining some status as a class genius, and a poem I had written for English class had been published in the school paper. The girls all loved it 'cuz it was romantic. Soon, I would be checking out of this shithole, moving out of my parents house and going to college, where I could start out with new friends and become a new me.

But for the moment, Sadie Hawkins Day, and all that went with it, was the here and now. Reality hit me right between the eyes when I opened my locker. I discovered an envelope inside addressed to me, Alex Rios, from Marta Gonzalez, who had been the girl I wanted to be since I was a scrawny and scared eighth grader. Marta wanted me to go to Sadie Hawkins Day with her! I was totally freaked. Quinn told me, "forget it, man, she's way over your head," and Barb and Anne nodded in silent agreement.

I told them they were just jealous. I said, "Hey, it's an experience, and it's our last chance to do this high school crap. I can write about it in my autobiography when I'm famous." They rolled their eyes.

I accepted, and my mind went into turmoil. Mom and dad were so delighted that I had my first date that they overlooked Marta's modest social background. They had revelled in my scholarly achievements but I could tell they were wondering about me socially, and this reassured them. Was this my chance to banish the horny slut that secretly shared my life and become a normal guy?