Erika nodded.

“I haven't seen her in a very long time.” he stated distracted by trying to find a parking space. “She was banished from my families gatherings.”

“Were you banished too?” Erika asked. “We don't go to them either.”

“What's the matter?” Erika's mother asked as they got into the car.

“I don't want to go through puberty.” she said. “I was told that I could take blockers to keep from growing chest hair or my voice changing.”

“Are you sure you don't want to try things out as a boy again?” her mother asked without any malice in her voice.

Erika pushed herself to her feet and smoothed down the royal blue, sweater dress she was wearing. Her palms began to sweat with nervousness as she followed her father's lead and ambled to a column about thirty feet from the exit of the security gate.

“Here she comes.” her father said.

Samantha turned down the music as they entered the city limits and parked in the gravel parking lot where their camp bus had parked.

“It hasn't changed much.” Krystal noted.

“It's a lot colder here than in Constitution. Tricia commented.

“We're going to be late.” Samantha ushered them down the sidewalk.

“You made appointments for us, right?” Krystal asked of Samantha.

“You were fine in the lake at camp.” Samantha stated.

“But that isn't the same as being in a hot tub. I don't want to accidentally expose my secret to Taylor and Melinda.”

“Why does she have to tell him at all?” Samantha asked.

“Some guys go psycho if they find out that they have been sleeping with a girl that was once a guy. Beatings and even murders have taken place. She has to be careful.”

Erika's heart sped up. A warmth washed over her body as his tongue explored her mouth. She felt his hand resting lightly upon her thigh. It felt weird having such a large hand touch her in such a way. His hand slowly slid to the inside of her thigh and rested there sending a wonderful shockwave to her brain. A moan escaped her lips. His hand ever so slowly started to slide up the inside of her thigh.

"Julian," Erika said his name around his lips.

"Mmm," Julian persisted. His hand slid up a little more.

"Julian, stop," Erika tried to pull away.

Erika felt a pull in her groin as she stepped forward. Smooth dark skin and well muscled shoulders stood waiting for her. She ached to touch that perfect skin, to carress it and feel it's silkiness under her fingers, but gained control of herself and zipped her squad leader's dress.

"So I'm off the squad?" Erika demanded, "Someone says I'm sick and I am banned from participating?"

Taylor asked, "I know you're bi, and you've been seen making out with Julian Rock. Did he get you pregnant?"

"Find out what?"

"I'd... I'd rather not say just yet," Erika looked away.