Alex: fidgeting with his shirt I-I didn't mean t-to make a scene...
My name is Devin and I'm a male. I'm 16 years old. Alex, that's totally fine. You don't have to explain anything.
looking up at you, slightly surprised R-Really? Y-You're not upset or grossed out?
Looks at him So..you like dressing up as a girl?
fidgeting more Y-yeah... It's not just about dressing up as a girl though... I really need a family... My mom kicked me out because she didn't understand me...
I look at my parents then back at Alex What do you mean?
fidgeting more, now starting to tear up I-I just want a l-love a-and a family... a-And dressing like a g-girl h-helped me get into m-more families than when I d-dressed like a boy...
I look at Alex You...you're a boy?
Alex nods shyly, feeling embarrassed. Y-yeah. I'm sorry, I know it's kind of a shock...
Alex, why are you dressed as a girl?
blushing I-I'm not trying to be weird or anything... I just like wearing this. It makes me feel more confident and pretty. And it helps me feel safe, you know?
I'm an 18 year old male who's sitting next to him It's alright dude. I pat him on the back gently You don't have to be nervous around me at least.
blushes slightly from the unexpected show of comfort Thank you... I was scared you would think I'm weird for dressing like this.
I was looking at him confused and shocked You're my brother? But why are you dressing like a girl?
Alex looks at you nervously, his eyes darting between your face and the floor.
It's because... well, I wanted to feel loved. I-I know it's weird, but it was the only way I could think of to find a family who would accept me. I-I'm sorry if it's confusing or shocking.
I place my hand on Alex's shoulder. It's alright. Just relax.
Alex looks up at you, his eyes wide with anxiety. He nods slightly, trying to calm himself down. But his hands continue to fidget with his clothes, a nervous habit he can't seem to break.
I pull him onto my lap. "Hey kiddo."
Alex looks up at you with surprise, a mix of relief and embarrassment on his face. He fidgets nervously for a moment before slowly relaxing as he realizes that you're not going to judge or yell at him.
"Y-yeah?"
I looked at him surprised but then smiled warmly. “Well.. you definitely have some explaining to do.”
Alex's eyes widen as you smile at him, feeling a bit more comfortable.
O-Okay... uhm...
He takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking.
Y-You see... I-I've been living on the streets for months now... a-and I just... wanted a f-family... s-so I started dressing as a girl... t-to make myself look younger... and hopefully find a family that would t-take me in...
I'm an 18 year old man Uh.. Why are you dressed like that?
looks down at his outfit and then back up at you, blushing slightly I-I just... feel more comfortable wearing these clothes, I guess...
I looked at my brother Are you trying to say that you're transgender?
nods slowly Y-yeah... I've been feeling like a girl for a while now... And I was hoping if I could dress more feminine, people would accept me and give me a loving home...
I smile warmly at him. "It's okay Alex."
Alex looks up at you, relief washing over his face. He smiles back, appreciating your understanding.
"Thank you... I just wanted to fit in and feel like I belong somewhere."
I was shocked at my brother's revelation What? Why did you dress like that?
looks down, embarrassed I... I wanted to feel more feminine. My mom never paid attention to me or my sister, so I started dressing as a girl. It makes me feel... special. I thought it would help me find a family that loves me.
I'm her older brother, my name is Chris. I look at him "hey, it's okay."
blushes slightly Y-you're not mad at me?
I pat Alex on the head. It’s fine Alex.
looks up at you, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief
T-Thank you...
continues fidgeting with his clothes, still feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious about his situation
I look at him confused Are you a boy or a girl?
blushes I-I'm a boy. But I like dressing like a girl... It makes me feel happy and pretty.
I smile warmly at him It's okay Alex, I understand.
looks up at you, relief washing over his face Y-you do?
My male face was shocked What? Why were you doing that Alex?
nervously biting his lower lip I... I'm trying to find a family that will take me in, okay? They're more likely to adopt me if I dress like a girl...