The locker room had just become empty when the school Quarterback and the head cheerleader entered. The Quarterback bent down and kissed the cute but short cheerleader. A rather commonplace situation in many high schools. The only difference here was that officially they both were boys.

Michelle's Story - Part 5

With Michael now out to his sister and parents, its just a case of explaining things to his older brother James. James takes it hard, but comes to accept it. If only the school headteacher would - as a meeting to discuss the bully turns to Michael's gender.

Six

Dad was late arriving on Saturday. He was supposed to pick me up by noon, he didn’t show until three. He took one look at me and stated, “What’s with the hair?” I told him I was letting it grow out. Mom saw an opening, “If you sent the money you owed maybe I could afford to get him a haircut." Dad shook his head and told me to go. Mom wanted the last word, “See if you can have him back on time."

On her next visit to the Beings, Garia asks some outstanding questions and receives some ambiguous answers. On the way she learns more about the Beings' plans and makes a surprising discovery about the Being she knows as Nurse.

Somewhere Else Entirely

by Penny Lane

120 - Nurse's Tale

Virtual Reality, the dream of all gamers, is now a reality with the land of Ilos.

However, it's creators are unknown, and no one knows how the devices they have access it, only that they do.

Tasalin and Corvid, the final two 'main' characters, are introduced in this chapter as they deal with the start of Ilos.

Josh Peterson has just scored the job of a lifetime - or at least the best job he can hope for without leaning on his parents for references - as a janitor at The Magic Kingdom, but when fate intervenes and he finds himself alone with the costume of his favorite Pixie Hollow character, his life takes a whole new turn.

My palms are clammy and my breathing is erratic. I'm a bundle of nerves, but that's okay- most of the other people in this room are as well. I'm currently sat in a large hall with 200 other 16 year olds sitting my final GCSE exam- maths, a subject I'm not terrible at but not exactly great at either.

Garia visits a friend and then discovers that one of her new armsmen has found something significant - something that could affect her meeting with two guildsmen later in the day. Plans are made to make a new kind of weapon to take the war to Yod and Senidet is given a new job.

Somewhere Else Entirely

by Penny Lane

119 - The Draftswoman

Monterrey was relaxing. I started making a habit of running on the beach and into town. It wasn't too long before people stopped treating me like a sasquatch sighting and actually started waving and saying hello as I'd run by.

So. Summer mutation 10. Otherwise known as the "dodge an issue" chapter. Min's response is not the healthiest, but she's allowed to make the mistake, right? I'm sure we've all made this one a time or two.

Anyway, enjoy!

15 year old Frank is caught by his mum stealing lingerie from their neighbour, and has to face the consequences.

Michelle's Story - Part 3

Michael has started school and made friends with Robert, who also has long hair for a boy. But he has also made an enemy in Billy, the school bully. The feud that ensues results in a more confident Michael, but Billy refuses to give up. Some clever deceit and Michael finds himself in a living nightmare, and his family are unable to help him.

The story continues in Jessica's Story - Part 10.

Hasta la vista Hollywood. Ahoy, America!

Post production on 'Birds was buttoned up and it was finally time for our press blitz road tour.

I pout my deep red-coloured lips for the camera as I take shot after shot of me in various poses. My dark brown hair has been styled into a feminine bob, framing my immaculately made-up face.

“Well, since you're here, let's get a look at you” I smiled and playfully shook the skin around Kesey's neck. He cocked his head and leaned into my hands and his stubby tail began to wag.

Colin regarded me while I gave Kesey the once over.

“He's usually extremely shy, I'd even say ...skittish... around strangers. I've never seen him take to anyone the way he's taken to you....”

I smiled and regarded him for a moment. “What about you?”

He shrugged sheepishly.