People don’t take trips, trips take people - Antoine End

2 months later

With the familiar sound of high heels clicking along on the stone paving below, Antoinette strutted through one of the central squares of Milan, thinking about how much life had changed in the last six months.

(See image 58)

The slightly shy, introverted man, known as Antoine, who had struggled all his life to make friends, was no more, and in his place Antoinette, the outgoing, fashionista now existed.

The first few weeks after moving to Italy had proved difficult, as Antoinette struggled to adapt to a new culture and language, while also trying to find somewhere to live and manage the opening of the new shop, but, with the arrival of Fifi, halfway through the second week, things had gotten easier.

Sat talking one day, Fifi had offered some advice that Antoinette really took to heart, three simple words, “let it go”, she had said talking about his old life, and after hearing the words, everything changed.

After the conversation, the way Antoinette perspective on her time in Milan changed drastically. No one knew her in Milan, she could start over, be whoever she wanted to be, be a better version of himself, no, be the best version of himself, starting with her name, and from that moment on she would only ever think of herself as Antoinette or Netti.

The next day, she signed up for an intensive Italian language course and after using some of the budget, given to her to open the new store, Antoinette hired a translator. Feeling more confident and adventurous, she had vowed to explore and get to know her new city, venturing out, walking, shopping, and whenever possible chatting with the locals.

It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the beautiful old city and along with it the freedom in exploring her new self. she realised that Antoinette was everything Antoine had always wanted to be, confident, decisive, and popular, so after another chat with Fifi, during another one of her visits, she decided to make it official.

She applied to change her name and documents and started seeing a doctor. She would soon be starting hormone replacement therapy and had even booked an appointment, with a consultant, to discuss breast augmentation and facial feminizing surgery.

Three months after arriving in Milan, the new store was due to open in just a few days, which meant Fifi was coming over for a visit.

That afternoon, Antoinette was feeling excited, looking forward to meeting up with her close friend. She had carefully selected an outfit, heavily influenced by a runway show, she had recently attended, and she couldn't wait to discuss it with Fifi, over a bottle of wine later that evening. But with still a few hours until dinner, and wanting to look her best, not just for Fifi, but also for the store opening, which was going to feature in a local magazine, Antoinette was heading for the hair salon with a special look in mind.

Later that evening

Looking out over the breathtaking city beneath her, the Duomo looking particularly spectacular lit-up in lights, Antoinette felt like a princess in a Disney film.

In that moment, she was at peace with everything that had happened, and although, if you had asked her a year ago if she could see herself ever wanting to live out the rest of her life as a woman, she would have instantly said no, and thought you were crazy for asking.

But things had changed, and now stood perched on a pair of high heeled shoes, she would have once thought of as impossible to stand in never mind walk, the warm evening air gently blowing around her exposed legs below her designer skirt, and through her long dyed hair, Antoinette, wouldn’t have it any other way.

Upon hearing a pair of high heel shoes clicking towards her, Antoinette turned, as a huge smile appeared on her painted lips, “Fifi, there you are”, she said tottering over to give her a great big hug.

“Netti, it's so good to see you”, Fifi announced happily, “wow. you look amazing, I love your outfit, and your hair, it looks great. I guess the lifestyle here in Milan suits you after all”.

Antoinette stepped back and looked her friend in the eyes, “thank you, Fifi”, she said sincerely, “you know, you were right, living in another country, really changes the way see the world and yourself, and although it took me a while admit it, I’ve never been happier”.

(See image 59)

The End