Chapter 2 I NEED YOU TO MAKE ME A BOY

NOAH’S POINT OF VIEW.

“You want me to do what?” My best friend, Tara, blinks rapidly at me.

“Make me a boy, specifically Owen. And you need to do it today.”

“You want me to turn you into your brother?”

“Yes, I’m going to Blackridge Academy as Owen, join their boys team there, and in six weeks, I’ll beat Justin’s team. Then, Dad will see  that a girl can be a hockey prodigy."

“That’s just crazy, Noah.”

“Come on, Tara. You know I need this.” I groaned. “The scouts came for the girls, they loved our performance! If dad doesn’t want to see how good we can be, maybe showing him how good I am would finally make him snap out of it.”

She drops her glass of wine on the table before releasing a sigh. “Do you understand how insane this is? What if someone finds out? You’d get expelled, and you won’t be able to play anymore. The rules clearly state…”

“I know what they state, and I’m ready to take the risk.”

“How are we even going to make this work?” She chuckled before grabbing the wine to take a sip. “How do we hide all those goods?” She wiggled her brows

“What goods?”

“Noah, do you even own a mirror? You have Beyoncé-level curves! Any guy can spot that.”

I plopped back in her chair with a heavy sigh. She’s right.

It’s hard enough to play hockey like this; if I have to hide under layers of clothing in the heat, I’ll probably pass out.

“You’re right…. " It's pointless,” I whispered, then grabbed the big bag of chips. Stuffing my face, I tried to stuff my emotions too, but all I could hear was Scott’s voice.

‘Noah Brooks…. It's lovely to meet you!’ I could still see the joy and wonder in his gaze the moment our eyes met.

I had a chance; one chance, and it would slip by. There was nothing I could do about it……unless…..an idea struck me.

“Wait!” I snapped my fingers.

“What?” She coughed, choking on her wine.

“How about Ernesto? He could make me up.”

She sits up and nods slowly. “You’re right…..Wrnesto is an amazing makeup artist. And he could pick out your clothes too.”

“So call him already!” I pushed her softly towards her phone. Her heels clicked against the marble tiles as she rushed to grab it. But in the background, I heard the low ringing before she spoke.

My phone suddenly vibrated, and the sight of my brother's name bold on the screen hit me like a ton of bricks.

I groaned but slid to answer.

“What?”

“Noah! You gotta help me!” He rushed out, breathing heavy like he’d run a marathon. I pushed up instantly, my eyes wide as I pressed the phone to my ear.

“Wait, what is it?

“Dad just called; he said hw blocked a spot in Black Ridge Academy in Canada. He wants me to go play with the team for nationals.”

“You must be so happy.” My voice dropped with a sarcastic ring

“No! I’m the opposite of happy.”

I frowned immediately. “You are?”

“Of course I am. You know how I really feel about hockey; I don’t want to do this.”

“You haven’t acted like you hate hockey in the last three years, Owen. You don’t have to lie to make me feel better, you know? I know you want to take it.”

“I lied, Noah…..dad got into my head with the whole family honor thing. Plus, he put me in one of the most expensive training academies last summer. I paid someone else to pretend to be me while I went off to Paris to learn ballet.”

“No way! No wonder you never did a video chat that time.” I gasped, smacking my hand against my thigh.

“Yeah! I came to America so he wouldn’t suspect anything. I need to be back in Paris tomorrow, we have an important competition soon.”

I swallowed, my brain tingling with a weird idea as I watched Tara give me a thumbs up. “He’s on his way!” She whispered before disappearing into the kitchen.

“What are you doing now?” Please say what I want you to say…..I crossed my fingers and shut my eyes tight.

“You know… everyone says we look alike.” I leaned forward until I almost slithered off the silk-sheet-covered bed.

“Yeah…” Please go on…. Please…. I'd need his passport at the airport, and I need him to know so I don’t get caught early.

“What if… You go in my place?” I leapt off the bed with a squeal. “Please don’t cry…..I’ll give you whatever you want, I promise. Just do this one for me, please.”

“Uh….of course I will. What are siblings for?” I chuckled, eyes widening as Ernesto walked in, dragging a huge suitcase along.

“Great! I’ll give you my passport as soon as you're home. The plane leaves for Canada in an hour and thirty minutes. You need to be ready before then.”

“Wait… that soon?! I haven’t even changed my appearance yet.”

“What’s happening?”

“Owen says the plane leaves in ninety minutes. We won’t have time to change me into Owen.” I rushed out, heart slamming hard as I tried not to panic.

“Wait, is that Tara?”

“Not important, Owen….what are we going to do? I still need to pack.”

“I’m, give me a list of all you want packed, and u can pack it for you. I can meet you at Tara’s or the airport with my passport, too. You can focus on the rest.”

I released a sigh of relief. “That would be perfect. Thank you so much, Owen.” I hung up.

Ernesto stared at me like I’d grown two heads. He glanced at Tara, then shook his head slowly.

“What?” She and I asked at the same time.

“Where is the girl you want me to turn into a boy? Because I know it can’t be this one in front of me.”

“It’s… her.” Tara pointed, but he burst into laughter.

“Please, say something else.” He said between fits of chaotic laughter. “You expect me to turn her into the picture you sent?”

“Come on, how hard could it be?”

“Terribly hard, especially when she has curves celebrities in this country would kill or die or do both for.”

“Come on, it can’t be that hard…please.” Tara and I clapped our hands together and pled. For a moment, all he did was stare at me. Untill he rolled his eyes and placed his suitcase flat on the floor.

“Even the greatest artists have challenges. Take a seat in my chair, princess……time to make you a boy.”

About thirty minutes later, I stared at myself in the large mirror. My once full, long blonde hair now hid under a wig, my curves hidden under the big hoodie and jeans Ernesto put me in.

I looked exactly like Owen without facial hair. I gasped, turning to a proud Ernesto and a shocked Tara.

“Don’t sing my praises yet, sweetheart. I already know.” I giggled, and in the process, I glanced at the clock.

“Fuck! We have less than forty minutes!” Tara and I scrambled immediately, packing whatever I would need before she pushed me to the door. I rushed into my car, waved goodbye, and sped off.

“Good luck!!!” They yelled from behind.

I sped through the normally busy road, dashing into short cuts untill I stopped in front of the airport.

I jumped out of the car, phone pressed to my ear as I called Owen. He picked on the fourth ring;

“Where are you?!” He hissed

“I’m at the airport now; please tell me you’re here too.”

“Yeah, I’m by the departures gate; hurry; mom and dad are here too.” My heart pounded as I pushed my legs fast enough.

The airport was huge; too huge. I bumped into children, pets, and couples, uttering apologies untill finally, I stood a few feet away from my brother. My mother brushed her hands through his hair, while Dad probably rambled on about hockey.

Owen looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. He discreetly searched around until finally, his eyes landed on mine.

“I'm here!” I mouthed. Subtly, he moved his head towards the airport bathroom. I dashed in there, my fingers tapping against my pants as I waited for him.

Luckily, the bathroom was empty when I walked in. The door pushed open to reveal a frantic, breathless Owen.

“Finally! What took you so long ……wow that make over is insane!”

“Who cares about that?!” I said through gritted teeth. “Did you bring it and pack what I said you should?”

“Yeah, here it is.” He pushed it into my hands. “Remember to act naturally in front of mom and dad.”

“I know.” I headed for the door when he grabbed my wrist. "WHAT IS IT?" There was no time left. 

"Good luck, Noah...try not to get caught." He pulled me in a hug, pressed his lips to my forehead, and sent me off. I gave him a last look before walking out of the bathroom.

“Owen!” Dad yelled, and for a moment, I stood there, waiting for Owen to show up. “What are you doing standing there?! They’re counting the members already!”

I gasped, relaxing, it was me….kn Owen now. I rushed there in a few strides. Oh, my baby is going to make us proud.” Mom whispered, going in for a hug. My eyes widened, but luckily, before I had to do something, Dad held her back.

“That’s enough, Violet. He needs to go now.” He glanced at me. “Hurry now, the teams are waiting.”

I swallowed and walked past them, barely letting my mother hug me.

“Owen Brooks?” The attendant glanced at my passport.

“Yes, that’s me.” I nodded, sweat suddenly coated my forehead and hands as he stared at the passport for a moment too long. His lips pulled into a thin line.

“Hey, come help me check this.” He called for another person. My heart jumped to my throat.

This was it…..they would know…..I’m done!

“Hey, sir….um…” Dad appeared at my side, his hand slung around my shoulder. “This is my son; he needs to be on the plane now so he can be part of his hockey team.”

“Wait… are you Brooks? Coach Brooks?”

“Yes, I am.” Dad smiled proudly.

“Oh, I’m a big fan of you! Why don’t you say so?” He stamped the passport before placing it in my sweaty hands. “You may go along now, young sir. I love you so much, sir.” He gushed, making way for one to whisk away while dad went on about his achievements.

I sped untill I boarded the plane. The moment I dropped into my seat, I released a breath.

“Thank God.” I looked around me in the business class cabin, staring out the window. The pilot’s voice came through the speakers just as someone else dropped beside me.

His dark hair sat full on his head, and the tattoos that covered his neck and arms looked like they would never end. He glanced at me for a second, and it felt like the pores on my skin grew larger. 

"Since when did you have this haircut?" He glanced at my hair...or the wig.  My mouth fell open as I stared into his blue eyes.  "What?" He smirked, "Forgotten your best friend so soon?"

I gasped, mouth falling open when I realized who it was. He didn't let me think or speak because before I knew it, he wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug.

It was him, Jace Donovan! Owen’s former best friend and my one-time crush.