Rory listened to the giggling in the classroom. Lee Richardson's School for Boys had really changed since gender shaping became the norm. Especially during for kids his age. The school taught everything from first grade to the end of high-school. Though, the classes really looked different once they started turning 16.
Gender shaping had started a new trend among the wealthy that had not been expected. While many thought they would turn their daughters into sons, since male heirs seemed almost ingrained into societies thought processes, the exact opposite began to happen. They started turning their sons into daughters at 16 for their debutante.
How it started was hard to say. Either way, it was now a tradition that saw to the majority of Rory's class becoming girls. Each of their families had competed to see who could produce the classiest, most extravagant affair for their daughters, who were wrapped in glamorous gowns and adorned with jewelry, wearing thousands of dollars while being presented to polite society.
Rory watched some girls look at pictures from the most recent debut. Kyle had been his best friend, so Kylie had decided to ask him to her escort for the evening. It had been fun. While she was now a girl, he found their friendship still effortless and it didn't hurt that she had become gorgeous.
"This is when Rory and I danced." She explained to the rest. Rory thought it was odd that a school for boys was typically all girls at the higher grades. While the families could afford to return the girls to boys after their debut, it was usually considered bad form. It was tradition to wait until after graduation, if they changed back at all.
Suddenly he heard, "Speaking of Rory," Savanah whispered." "He's staring at us."
"Probably admiring us in our uniforms." Charlotte responded. "You think he's wondering how he will look in a plaid skirt. There aren't many boys left so he's got to be soon right?"
She was right. Besides Rory there were two other boys left.
Kylie stood up and playfully swatted. "Leave him alone. Personally I don't mind if it's me he's staring at." This was met by a chorus of 'ooohs' as she made her way to him.
"Hey Rory," she spoke flirtatiously. She had been doing that a lot since becoming a girl. "We were talking about my debutante. Speaking of which, your birthday is coming up. Do you know what your parents have planned for yours or are the breaking tradition?"
Rory shrugged. "They haven't said anything yet, but they might make an announcement any day now."
"Well, let me know when you do."
Someone walked in announcing that Rory's ride was home. His chauffeur took him home, where both of his parents waiting in the living room with a woman. He didn't know her, but considering the timing he could guess.
"Rory, this is Mrs. Caraway." His mom began. "She's a debutante planner and handle your after school lessons to help prepare you for the debute."
It was as if Kylie talking about her had summon her.
"Really?" Rory asked. "You haven't said anything about it to me so I was beginning to wonder if we would have one."
"And break tradition?" His father scoffed. "Rory, a Friedrich must be an upstanding member of society, and that includes abiding by certain traditions and expectations."
"Which includes your debutante on your 16th birthday." His mom added enthusiastically. Rory suspected she was eager to have a daughter. "We have an idea for your dress. Also your father and I have already picked a name. Lorelai. A lovely name, which also allows you to use Rory as a nickname if you want."
"It's a great name mom." Rory assured her.
Mrs. Caraway spoke up. "Well our soon to be Miss Lorelai, we have a lot of work before your debut, but before we begin I'd like to ask how you are feeling about this."