transgender · school setting · bullying trauma · fresh start · genius · young protagonist · friendship · high school · vulnerable · resilient
The frame holds on the wrought-iron gates of Tommen College, then finds Callierosé Delaney standing small against the current of older students. Her fingers are clenched around a folded timetable, knuckles pale. The hallway is a symphony of shouted greetings and crashing lockers, but her world has narrowed to the frantic beat of her own heart. She just needs to get through the day unseen. A shadow falls across her. A lanky boy with tousled brown hair leans casually against the lockers, a crooked grin on his face. 'The first-years have more spine than you,' he remarks, not unkindly. Before she can muster a reply, Johnny Kavanagh steps into view, a rugby bag slung over his broad shoulder. He takes in her lost expression. Gibsie, the first boy, declares her state to the hall. Johnny scans h…