Ryan was nervous. His girlfriend was on her way...what would her reaction be? He desperately wanted to appear strong and masculine. His skin had changed and he now stood a bit smaller than he used to, but he was still the guy she fell in love with. He remained the quarterback of the football team and could still be her man after all right?

The knock came. Ryan took a deep breath and swung the door open.

There stood his baby girl looking very happy to see him...with a bouquet of flowers?

"Hi baby!" she said giving her boyfriend a big hug, "I was so worried about you"

Ryan returned her affection but was thrown off by the flowers.

"I'm fine. I kind of shrunk a little but other than that everything is cool."

"You look good. Ummm, these are for you." she replied as she gave him the bouquet of flowers.

They were an interesting arrangement of red and white roses in a pink wrapper.

"Flowers?" he asked.

She looked at his disappointment and she couldn't take it anymore. She burst into tears.

"Christina, what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry Ryan. I didn't know what to do. I thought that you might like flowers now or something. I don't know what to think of all this. I'm so sorry." she replied sobbing softly.

"I told you not to worry babe, I'm not going to let this affect me. I don't care what everyone says, I'm not changing. Why don't you keep those flowers for yourself beautiful. They look much better on you." he replied with confidence.

"Oh I love you Ryan. I don't want this to happen, but I am going to be here no matter what ok?"

"Look, I told you that I'm fine. Now can we just drop this and get re-acquinted with each other?"

"Sure thing babe" Christina replied as they embraced.

The two spent the rest of the day together. Christina heard of other boys having the virus and knew what the end result would be. She admired how brave he was but was concerned with his unrealistic approach. He must still be in denial. He seemed the same looks-wise, but his skin was porceline and felt softer than hers. It reminded her of a babies skin. She made a mental note to not wear any heels when she was around Ryan. He still was an inch taller than her.

That night Ryan took in what had transpired that day. He was different...there was no denying that. He both marveled at and dreaded how quickly he had changed. There was absolutely nothing that he could do to prevent it either. He felt helpless against the changes looming in future and had a restless night. Come on Ryan...keep your head up!

The next day Ryan saw his return to school after his lengthy absence. The word that he had the virus had spread like wildfire and he was confronted by strange looks and snickering by the immature students. He ignored them for the most part and headed to his peer group. That too was an awkward experience.

"Damn Ryan, I heard about the virus man. We are sorry about that. It kind of hit us like a load of bricks when we found out." his friend Rob said.

"Yeah, I mean not you bro. I feel for ya man." another friend chimed in.

"Drop it guys. I'm not talking about this. I'm still the same guy as always." Ryan defended himself.

Although they tried to make him feel welcome and act as if nothing had changed, the air of the group was different. No matter how they attempted to overlook what was happening, his friends could clearly see the differences in Ryan already. Ryan too could feel how uncomfortable the vibe was. Would things at school ever be the same again?

The answer to that question came at the end of the school day when he was summoned to the principal's office. As he entered he saw his mother sitting in the room. His football coach was also there as well as a woman he didn't know.

"Ryan, go ahead and sit down." Pricipal Stevens said, "I asked your mother to join us as well as Tom and Ms. Jacobs."

"What's this about Mr. Stevens?" Ryan asked.

"First of all, we all understand the journey that you are about to take and we are here to be your counsel and support throughout your transition."

"Look Mr. Stevens, I really don't need any of this. I'm fine ok? I just want to live my life like I always have." Ryan countered.

"Ryan, please listen." his mother jumped in.

"Ryan, there are certain rules and guideline that we need to adhere to when someone is found positive. These are rules that are set in place by the state and, by law, we need to follow them. These are put in place to both protect you and also to make your transition as comfortable as possible."

"Okaayyyy" Ryan replied.

"Let me introduce Ms. Jacobs. She instructs a special class for students who have the virus."

"Hello Ryan" Ms. Jacobs said, "Beginning tomorrow you will be attending my classes. There are currently 4 students who are in various stages of transformation..."

"Hold on a second here. I'm not going to go into some new class. I'm great where I'm at and I don't need to be segregated from the everyone else." Ryan interrupted.

"Ryan, this is not optional. You are going to be going through many changes, some of which you have already experienced. This class serves several purposes. We will educate you on how to adapt and thrive as a female and be there for you through your fevers. In addition, this class setting will protect you from those who may not understand what you are going through. It's a cruel world out there sometimes. Once you have fully transitioned, you will be given your "diploma" and you are free to join your regular classes again. Like I said, this is not optional. The state requires this for all those who have the virus." she explained.

Ryan sat in silence. She was going to teach him how to thrive as a female? Holy crap! His heart sunk as everything was becomming that much more real.

"I'm still going to be able to lead the football team though...right?" He asked frantically.
"Ryan, this hurts me more than I can tell ya, but with your condition you're not going to be able to participate any longer." his coach informed.

"Hell no coach! I'm still good man!" Ryan pleaded.

"You already are not the same physically as you were a couple weeks ago Ryan" his principal explained, "as you move foward with your transition you could be seriously hurt"

Ryan didn't know what to say or think. His world was quickly caving in and he felt helpless to stop it. He thought of how great his life was and how much it was going to suck. There was no way he would ever "adapt" to being a girl. "Thrive"? No way! He was a smart kid though. He knew that there was no reasoning with these people. He would go to the stupid classes. He would not be on the football team for now. He was very strong willed and he knew his resolve could do wonders. He would not let this virus take control of him. He would show them all that he could beat this thing. Suddenly he was filled with a new enthusiasm and zest. He would triumph over this virus, and in doing so he would get his old life back and things would be awesome again!

"I understand and I take your counsel and do what you ask of me", Ryan replied to a somewhat shocked room.