Stranger Than Fiction Interacting with total strangers can be a challenge under any circumstance. I knew that living at the residence for the next two weeks would require patience and understanding. We were all there for similar reasons. The difference in our ages and personalities would test the one thing we had in common: we were all transsexual men and women. Sitting down the first time for dinner with everyone provided me with a glimpse of the potential for acrimony. The many different personalities assembled at the table struggled to find commonality. It was obvious there were certain people who were a handful. My roommate stood out among those. She was outspoken, opinionated, crude and brash. I tried to remain positive inspite of the initial shockwaves of her crass nature. I had figured my biggest concern was whether the staff would be able to accommodate my vegetarian needs. I soon found out I would have much greater concerns than the food. Why Me? I wanted to access the internet after we had eaten. I was told a previous resident had abused the internet priviledges they had supplied at the residence and it was no longer offered. I would have to go to the local library to access the web. The only person interested in driving there with me was my roommate. I wanted to understand her better so I invited her along. I tried to chat with her as we drove. She changed my music selection and cranked up the volume on the radio. I tried to get a picture of her background as we debated the music she had selected. The most I could ascertain was that she didn't have a very supportive family. Once we arrived at the library we had to wait for some computers to open up. I was so excited to fire off some e-mails to friends and family to let them know I had arrived in one piece. I was eager to share my excitement of being there for my SRS. I jumped on the computer when it opened up and started checking and sending e-mails. My roommie couldn't remain still or be quiet. She ended up playing some sort of porn video game and continually described the action out loud. The rest of the people there kept shushing her. I tried to concentrate and get everything done quickly before we were kicked out. Finally she reached into her bag for a bottle of wine which she promptly sucked down. Alcohol consumption inside one week of the surgery was definitely frowned upon by the doctors. Drinking that bottle of wine would be one of many things that would come to haunt her come Sunday. I finished my e-mailing and we headed for the door. I wondered why I had to be the one paired with this loose cannon. She wanted to detour for cigarettes on the way back. Her cigarette usage would be another one of her undoings. Our arrival back at the residence was a big relief. I hoped that surviving that episode would be as bad as it could get with her. When we settled in for the night it became abundantly clear that I had definitely underestimated her propensity for irritating people. She proceded to belch and fart her way to sleep. She snored and grunted all night long. It was a good thing I brought along ear plugs. I was eager to get up in the morning and make my way upstairs for breakfast! BACK NEXT |