Fair warning; this story features a transexual character - if that is not your thing, then maybe this isn't the story for you. If it is, please enjoy...
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To understand this story you first need to know about the Benton clan.
In the town of Willowbrook Sam Benton, a shrewd local businessman, had crafted his empire with hard work and a touch of charm, while Eleanor, his creative, energetic wife, added grace to their seemingly perfect life.
Their first child, Emily, arrived soon after their marriage, a testament to the love that flourished within the Benton household. But as the years passed, so did the shadow that cast itself upon Eleanor. Restless spirits rarely find solace, and her struggle with depression and a brewing drink problem exposed the fragility of even the strongest bonds.
In a desperate bid to mend the fraying threads of their union, they welcomed a second child, Alex. He arrived like a burst of light, a ray of hope in a dimming world. Yet, fate's cruel hand struck again when Sam fell ill and passed away, leaving the family to grapple with the void he left behind.
Emily, now a young woman, met rebellion head-on. Life had woven a tapestry of hardships, and she bore the weight of it with a fierce determination. It wasn't long before she found herself with child, birthing a son named Lucas.
Eleanor's relapse brought the storm to a head. The residential care was a difficult decision, but a necessary one. It left Emily as the sole guardian of the two young boys, a role she shouldered with a blend of devotion and youthful exuberance.
Time wove its inexorable course, carrying Eleanor away. Emily, who at least had her parents' inheritance to fall back on, proved a very capable parent. She put herself through college, ensured a good ipbringing for Alex and Lucas, and did so while maintaining a relationship with both boys that straddled mother, sister and friend.
Lucas and Alex, though uncle and nephew by blood, shared a bond that ran deeper than mere family ties. They were like two sides of a coin, each complementing the other in ways only they could understand.
Alex, the enigmatic soul with a twinkle in his eye, was a mosaic of contradictions. Creative and quick-witted, he charmed his way through life's twists and turns. Slight in build, he carried an air of mystery that intrigued those lucky enough to cross his path. When asked to fit into a box, he'd simply flash that radiant smile and declare, "I'm Alex." He was a force of nature, channeling his grandmother's restlessness into a sunny outlook on life.
Lucas, on the other hand, was a figure of strength and athleticism. Time had sculpted him into a handsome young man, his stature evidence of his love for sport, particularly rugby. Lucas may have had a different build to Lucas but people still mistook them for brothers, their dark brown hair, sallow compexion and striking brown eyes gave them an unmistakeable similarity. Despite their five-year age gap, they hung out together like the best of friends. Raised as brothers, they had differing interests but it was their mutual love of a good time that kept them close.
Their banter was the soundtrack to their lives, a symphony of good-natured teasing and playful ribbing. Lucas thrived in the world of sports, finding his stride on the fields and courts, while Alex danced through phases like a chameleon changing its colors. From goth to rocker, ladies' man to an experimental flirtation with his own sexuality, androgynous and confident in every skin he wore.
As years rolled by, life took its turns, and Alex headed off to college, eager for new adventures. Visits back to Willowbrook became rare, but the connection with Lucas and Emily stayed strong, like it always had.
One day, curiosity got the better of them, and in hushed tones, Emily and Lucas asked Alex about his romantic escapades. They wanted to know about the rumour he was dating a guy. "So, are you gay?" His response? It was classic Alex: "I'm Alex."
Time moved on, and along came a girl who stirred something in Alex's heart. Emily and Lucas, ever the supportive duo, couldn't help but ask, "So, are you bi?" But once again, Alex's answer was just as clear, "I'm Alex."
Then, a subtle shift. Makeup, a bit of flair--Alex was discovering new layers of themselves. Emily and Lucas, always with love in their hearts, approached the topic with care. "Are you trans?" they wondered. And in that moment, with a wise smile, Alex replied, "I'm Alex."
In Lucas's eyes, Alex's ability to confidently chart his own course, even in the face of societal norms, was nothing short of admirable. It was a lesson that spoke volumes to Lucas, reminding him that true strength could be found in embracing one's authentic self, regardless of the external mold.
It was an inspiration to Lucas too, who soon would be on his own college adventure, completing his degree and beginning the pursuit of a career. This led him back home again to live with his mother, saving money while he found his feet. Alex would still visit from time to time, but his own career and his multitude of interests occupied him.
One evening Emily lounged on the couch, engrossed in her Instagram feed, when she stumbled upon a series of photos that gave her pause. There was Alex, radiant and glamorous, a whirlwind of colors and confidence. She nudged Lucas, who was sprawled out on the adjacent chair, engrossed in a game on his phone.
"Hey, look at these pictures of Alex!" Emily exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.
Lucas leaned over to get a better look, his curiosity piqued. "Whoa, when did this happen?"
Emily shook her head, still trying to process. "I have no idea. And look, there are signs... could he be on HRT?"
Lucas glanced at her, a mix of concern and intrigue in his eyes. "Should we call him and ask?"
Without hesitation, Emily grabbed her phone and dialed Alex's number. It rang a few times before he picked up, his laughter filling the line.
"Hey, you two! What's the scoop?" Alex's voice was as lively and carefree as ever.
Emily couldn't contain her curiosity. "Alex, we saw your pictures on Instagram! You look amazing. And, um, are you on HRT?"
Alex chuckled, the sound warm and reassuring. "Oh, Em, always getting straight to the point. Don't worry, I'm just me. No labels necessary."
Lucas couldn't help but join in. "Seriously, Alex, you've got to spill the secret of your glow-up."
Alex's laughter bubbled through the phone. "Ah, you know, a little makeup and a whole lot of self-love. But really, it's just me being... well, me."
Emily and Lucas exchanged amused glances, their worries fading into the background. There was something comforting about Alex's easy confidence.
"Well, we're here for you, no matter what," Emily reassured, her voice full of affection.
Lucas nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. You're Alex, and that's all that matters."
Alex's voice was touched with gratitude. "Thanks, you two. You always get it. Now, let's plan a get-together soon, alright?"
And that wasn't an empty promise from Alex. A few weeks later, he gave Lucas a call.
"Hey, I'm coming home for summer, Lukey, I'll be home just in time for your birthday. what do you reckon? I think we are long overdue a few pints?" he said, enthusiasthcally.
"Sure, that would be great. Are you off work?" Lucas queried.
"I have some time off to take, besides I have some new revenue streams, i can afford it."
A 22nd birthday is rarely one for major celebration. And meeting up with Alex for a few brewskis was just what Lucas fancied. Alex was the first person to take Lucas out to a pub, and a nightclub. They enjoyed meeting up whenever they could, their closeness of relationship making it easy to relax, knowing they could say basically anything to one another without causing offence.
But something made Lucas anxious as he waited in the bar for his uncle to arrive. Was Alex presenting as a girl now? And how would Lucas react to this?
Alex finally came into the bar... in guy clothes. he had his hair tied back under a baseball cap, wore a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and a loose fitting gillet jacket.
"Lukey!" Alex exclaimed loudly, "here, let me get these" he said as he joined Lucas at the bar.
Alex looked his uncle up and down, notifing a few small changes - the styled eyebows, the clear skin, the perfect manicure, his facial features somehow softened. "I wasn't sure whether you'd be in guy mode or girl mode."
"Oh were you hoping I'd turn up in a little skirt with my tits hanging out?" joshed Alex.
