This post was written in response to Charli Mills at Carrot Ranch’s weekly #99 word Flash Fiction Challenge. This week’s prompt is to write a story about gender issues. Check out other entries or take part yourself!
The Guest Room
‘Alice, Billy’ll have to stay in the guest room, tonight.’
‘Mum, we’ll be up late, finishing our project.’
‘You can’t sleep together, not since…’ She nods towards Alice’s waist, ‘you were ill.’
Billy frowned. Alice didn’t look unwell.
‘It’s not contagious.’
‘You’re not a little girl anymore.’
Billy’s eyes widened. He stared at Alice. She looked the same to him.
‘So, you’re going to punish Billy because of me?’
‘Everything’s different now, Alice.’
‘Billy’s afraid of the dark. I’m grown up, so I’ll look after him, won’t I Billy?’
Billy’s jaw dropped and he nodded. Alice was always right.
***
Rereading Jane Eyre 
Interesting, Luccia. Though I fear I don’t quite have it fathomed. I’m working on it.
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Alice and Billy are school friends working on a project. They’ve been friends since preschool, staying over at each other’s homes etc. Until Alice gets her first period and her mum wants their relationship to change. When they were younger, Alice’s mum wasn’t worried about their gender differences but now she is. Gender differences for parents are more complex than wearing pink or blue.
I’ve used Alice and her family and friends a few times. I’m sorry the situation/idea didn’t come across well. I’ll have to reread and improve. Thanks for letting me know, Norah.
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This is very intriguing, Luccia.
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Lucy, you’ve caught that moment before bodily changes are fully comprehended, as well as the awkwardness of speaking about it. I think Alice’s response is sweet and innocent.
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Thank you, Charli! Their friendship is the same to them, but the adults around them are the ones who are making them aware or forcing them to face their gender differences. Although many say gender is ‘forced’ on children from birth, pink and blue etc…, I think the real awareness starts later, in adolescence. Alice doesn’t want her relationship with Billy to change, but will that be possible as they grow into adulthood? What are the challenges?
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