Tug of War 32.2

Then, after saying that, Richard came even closer to Timothy, looking furious. He raised his hand, as if he was about to slap his son, but Susan stood between the two of them before her husband could try anything. 

"Don't you dare to lay a finger on Tiffany, Richard!" the woman said, looking as furious and threatening as her husband, and putting one hand on his large chest. "What's the matter with you?"

"Get out of the way, Susan!" Richard growled. 

"No! You can only reach her over my dead body!" the woman shouted, defiantly. "Think about what you are doing, Richard. You can't hit your own daughter!" 

"She... He is not my daughter! He's supposed to be a man! Seeing how he is hiding under his stepmother's skirts, though, I can only think of him a freaking fairy! Why don't you face me, sissy boy?"

Timothy, who had indeed been hiding behind Susan during the whole discussion, couldn't say anything. In the past, he had never had trouble yelling at and challenging his father's authority. At that moment, however, he was trembling from head to toe, scared to death. He felt even more emasculated realizing how much it seemed that now he always needed someone around to protect and defend him. 

"Richard, you need to calm down" Susan insisted, trying to push him back. "Can you explain me why you are so angry, anyway?"

"This damn pervert is trying to ruin my reputation! As if it wasn't bad enough that he dresses and acts like a sissy inside the house, now the neighbors are also starting to know about Tiffany. For what I know, Mrs. Bennett is talking about her with everyone. This went too far! Look at you, boy. Aren't you ashamed to be dressed like this?" 

"Well, daddy" Timothy started, finally feeling bold enough to talk again. "I thought you were supporting me in my decision to become a girl."

"Don't play the smartass with me, you freak! I don't want you to leave the house wearing women's clothes again, did you hear me?"

"What if I do?" Timothy asked, in such a brave tone that he himself got stunned. 

"Then... then you'll see what I am capable of!" Richard thundered, leaving the living room with heavy footsteps, and slamming the door behind him. 

Timothy waited until his father disappeared from sight, and then he collapsed into Susan's arms, starting to cry.

"It's okay, Tiffany" Susan said, cuddling her stepson. "Remember I’m always going to be here for you… I promise you everything will be fine."

"I... know... Susan..." Timothy said through sobs. "This time I truly know you're right."

"What you mean, sweetie?"

"We expected this nightie to work as a silver bullet tonight, which obviously didn't happen. However, now I know how to defeat my father once and for all... I need to get out, Susan. I need to get out as a girl one more time... I know he won't stand it... "