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Author's Note:So the first story in this little universe was posted last week and I think fell through the cracks. It was hit and miss with some people too. Whereas many of you enjoyed it, there were a few who didn't. I feel like I missed the mark a bit. I almost didn't post it. That's actually the reason this one was written, as a replacement. Someone convinced me to give it a shot, so I did. Here's hoping this one hits a bit better :).
 

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Jason strolled through the hallways of Elmwood High, his sneakers squeaking against the gleaming floors. The school was a maze of lockers and classroom doors, a place where he had spent countless hours navigating the social landscape of teenage life. His blond hair was a mess, but he wore it proudly, a symbol of his carefree spirit. The bell rang, signaling the end of another uneventful class. He slung his backpack over his shoulder and made his way to the cafeteria, eager to catch up with his friends.

Dave, with his ever-present baseball cap, was already there, tossing a crumpled napkin at the trash bin. He had the kind of laugh that echoed through the halls, a laugh that had gotten them into trouble more times than Jason could count. Kieran sat at the table, his dark eyes focused on a book, his glasses perched on the tip of his nose. He was the brain of the group, always eager to share his latest obscure piece of trivia. Sam, the quiet artist, was sketching something in her notebook, her pencil moving with the grace of a dancer's hand. Then there was Elena, the heart of their little band of misfits. Her glossy dark hair was pulled into a ponytail, her smile innocently lighting up the whole room.

The five of them had been inseparable since kindergarten, sticking together through the awkwardness of growing up and the endless dramas that seemed to plague their school. They had shared secrets, tears, and laughter in these very hallways. Their bond was stronger than the steel beams holding up the school roof.

Dave's laugh boomed through the cafeteria as Jason approached, and Kieran looked up from his book with a knowing smile. Sam's pencil paused mid-stroke, and she looked over at him with a raised eyebrow. "What's up, Jay?" she asked, her voice a soft melody.

Jason's expression grew grim as he slid into the chair next to Elena. "I just overheard the teachers talking," he began, his voice a hushed whisper that carried the weight of their fears. "There's an outbreak in Portsville."

They all grew quiet as what he said sunk in. The news hit them like a cold gust of wind, stealing the warmth from their cheeks and leaving goosebumps in its wake. Portsville was just twenty minutes away, a neighboring town they often visited for movies and shopping. The virus had been a distant whisper, something that happened to other people in other places, but now it felt like it was knocking on their own front door.

Elena's hand reached for Jason's under the table, her grip tight. "What are they saying?" she asked, her voice barely a murmur.

They all knew about it. It was hard not too. It was all over the news these days.

The "GB" virus, as everyone called it, had become a dark joke. A horror story whispered at sleepovers, a plot twist in a poorly written sci-fi show. But it was real, and it was closer than any of them had ever imagined.

The symptoms were like a cruel mimicry of the flu, lulling people into a false sense of security before the real nightmare began. It started with a tickle in the throat, a sniffle, a sneeze, and then the fever would hit like a ton of bricks. The body aches weren't far behind, turning the strongest into trembling masses of pain. The final phase was the scariest. The victim would fall into a deep sleep, their body a ticking time bomb ready to rewire its very essence.

When the virus was first identified, the CDC had given it a long, scientific name filled with syllables that nobody could pronounce, let alone remember. So, "GB" stuck. Short for "gender biomorphism," it became a twisted punchline, a shorthand for the inexplicable horror that was unfolding across the nation.

The worst part, it only seemed to target teenagers. Mostly ones around the ages of thirteen to eighteen. No one was truly sure why. There was some speculation about raging hormones but there was nothing concrete.

Jason looked around the cafeteria, at the sea of faces that were normally filled with chatter and laughter, now stilled into a cautious silence. The whispers of the virus had become a shout, a constant background noise that was impossible to ignore. Kids were eyeing each other suspiciously, wondering who would be next.

"Looks like the secret is out" he said, noticing the whispers and scared looks.

The loudspeaker crackled to life, the principal's voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Attention students and faculty," she began, her words measured and solemn, "due to a potential health concern, we are dismissing school early today. Please collect your belongings and proceed to the buses in an orderly fashion."

The room erupted into a cacophony of gasps and murmurs. Chairs scraped against the floor as everyone jumped to their feet, the weight of the announcement crashing down on them like a collapsing house of cards. The cafeteria was a flurry of activity, trays clattering as they were abandoned and books flying into backpacks.

Jason and his friends exchanged nervous glances, the color draining from their faces. They had heard of schools being closed for lesser reasons, but an early dismissal with such a serious undertone was unprecedented. They gathered their things and made their way through the chaos, navigating the sea of bodies that were now moving with a newfound urgency.

As they approached the buses, Jason couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. It was like watching a scene from a movie, one that ended in tragedy. The buses were lined up outside, their engines rumbling impatiently, ready to whisk them away to the safety of their homes. Or so they hoped.

The air was thick with uncertainty and fear, a stark contrast to the carefree banter that usually filled their walks home. They huddled together, the cold wind cutting through their thin jackets, and made a plan to meet up that evening for their weekly gaming session. It was a small slice of normalcy in a world that was rapidly spinning out of control.

Jason's house was a beacon of warmth in the gathering dusk, the yellow light from the windows spilling out into the street. He, Dave, and Sam lived on the same quiet cul-de-sac, their houses a comforting reminder of the childhood days when the only thing they had to fear was a scraped knee or a missed curfew. They parted ways with Kieran and Elena at the bus stop, their faces a mix of worry and bravado as they climbed aboard their respective buses. The engines roared to life, and the vehicles pulled away, leaving the three friends standing in the cold, the promise of their online escape just a few hours away.

The walk home was eerie, the usual sounds of laughter and the distant bark of a dog replaced by the occasional cough or sniffle that made their hearts skip a beat. They talked in hushed tones about the virus, the 'GB' that had turned their world upside down. The news reports had become more frequent, the faces of doctors and scientists grim as they discussed potential treatments and the alarming rate of infection. It was as if the very air they breathed had become tainted, carrying with it the whisper of fear and the specter of change.

Jason's house was a sanctuary, the silence a stark contrast to the chaos they had just left behind. He dropped his backpack in the hallway and made a beeline for the living room, his mother's gentle reprimand about not taking his shoes off echoing in his head. But she wasn't there to scold him, nor was his little brother, whose toys littered the floor, untouched.

He pulled out his phone, the battery icon glaring at him with its crimson half-life. He shot off a quick text to his mom, asking if they knew anything about the outbreak. His thumb hovered over the send button, the gravity of the situation weighing on him. The phone buzzed back immediately. "Stay safe. We're coming home early. Watch the news."

Jason dropped his phone on the kitchen counter, the cold marble a stark contrast to the warmth of his palm. The house felt eerie, the emptiness echoing his own fear. He wandered into the living room and flicked on the TV, the news channel already on from his mother's morning routine. The reporter's face was a mask of concern, the ticker at the bottom of the screen scrolling through a list of symptoms and warnings.

The TV's blue light flickered in the silence, casting shadows that danced on the walls. He sank into the couch, his eyes glued to the screen as the images of chaos in Portsville played out before him. People in hazmat suits, streets deserted, the occasional flash of an ambulance's siren piercing the silence. It was a scene from a dystopian movie, not the town they had all visited just last weekend.

His phone vibrated in his pocket, a feeble protest against the gravity of the situation. He pulled it out, his heart racing. The text from his mother was short and to the point: "We're on our way. Stay inside." The battery icon on his phone was a flickering warning, a bar of red that seemed to be slipping away with each passing second. He plugged it into the charger, the lifeline of power a comforting presence in the face of the looming unknown.

In the kitchen, Jason grabbed a bag of chips from the pantry and ripped it open, the crunch echoing through the quiet house. He poured the salty contents into a bowl, the sound of each chip hitting the ceramic a tiny rebellion against the silence. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts, and sat at the counter, his eyes glancing at the clock. 10 minutes ticked by, each second feeling like an eternity.

The sound of the garage door opening made him jump. His heart pounded in his chest as he heard the car pull in. The house was alive again, filled with the muffled sounds of his parents' footsteps and his brother's excited chatter. The door swung open, and in burst a whirlwind of coats and backpacks. His mother, her eyes wide with concern, rushed over to him, her arms open wide. "Jason," she said, her voice a mix of relief and worry, "are you okay?"

Jason couldn't help but roll his eyes, a small smile playing on his lips despite the fear that clung to him like a second skin. "I'm fine, Mom," he said, his voice a little too casual. He knew she was just trying to keep the panic at bay, the same way she had when he'd fallen out of a tree and broke his arm as a little kid.

His father's footsteps were heavier, his face lined with a worry that went deeper than just the latest school closing. He placed a hand on Jason's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. "You heard anything else?" he asked, his voice low.

Jason shrugged. "Just that there's a case in Portsville," he replied, trying to keep the tremor out of his voice.

His little brother, Andy, barreled into the room, his eyes wide and curious. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice a high-pitched squeak.

Jason forced a smile. "It's just a little virus, buddy. Nothing to worry about."

But his mother's eyes searched his face, looking for any sign of the lie that hung heavy in the air. She had always had a knack for seeing through his bravado. "I don't like this, James," she whispered to his father, her eyes never leaving Jason. "It's not just a little thing anymore."

It was easy to see how scared his mother was. She was right though, it wasn't a little thing anymore. He was terrified, even if he wouldn't admit it.

The news played in the background, a grim reminder of the world outside. The reporters talked in hushed, urgent tones, the kind that only came with bad news. His dad, James, took charge, turning up the volume so they could all hear the latest update. The CDC had set up a temporary hospital in Portsville. They were calling it a precautionary measure, but Jason could see the fear in his father's eyes. He knew it was more than that.

After what felt like hours, his mother finally released her grip and let him escape to his room. The door closed behind him with a soft click, the sound muffling the tension outside. He collapsed onto his bed, the springs groaning in protest. His hand hovered over the glowing screen of his laptop, the promise of escape just a few clicks away. But he couldn't help the dread that settled in his stomach like a lead weight.

With trembling fingers, Jason logged into the game, the familiar login screen a beacon of comfort. The digital world was a place where he could control the chaos, a stark contrast to the real one that seemed to be spiraling out of control. His friends' usernames popped up one by one, each joining the chat with a mix of relief and fear.

"Sorry about that guys" he said into his headset after finally getting things adjusted. "Mom was..."

"Yours too?" added Dave with a sigh. There was something in that sigh that Jason felt as well.

The others offered sentiments. This was all pretty scary after all.

Jason did his best to try and focus on the game but his heart wasn't in it tonight. He was distracted and sloppy. No one complained though. The others weren't playing their best either. Usually if someone tanked it, there was good natured ribbing but not tonight. After a few hours, they called it.

"I think we all need some sleep," Kieran said, his voice tired but firm.

Jason agreed, his eyes bloodshot from staring at the screen for hours. They all signed off, the digital world of the game fading away, leaving only the cold reality of the quiet house.

He lay in bed, the blankets tangled around him like a cocoon of unease. The glow from his phone cast a soft light on the ceiling, the screen a window to the chaos outside. The news was a never-ending stream of updates and warnings, each one more ominous than the last. Portsville was now on full quarantine as much cases were reported. The National Guard had even been called in. Things were getting scary out there and they were far closer than he wanted to admit.

The clock ticked away the hours, each minute stretching into eternity. His thoughts raced, conjuring images of friends transformed by the virus, of a town forever changed. What would happen if one of them got infected? Would they still be the same? Would they still be...them? What if he got infected? Would he still be himself afterward?

Saturday morning finally came. When he woke up, he couldn't even remember falling asleep. His body felt like it had been run over by a truck, and his mind was a fog of fear and confusion. The house was still, the silence a stark reminder of the chaos just beyond their walls. He went through his morning on auto-pilot, stopping briefly to stare at himself in the mirror. The same tired eyes looked back at him, the same mess of blond hair that had always greeted him in the morning. He was terrified of what might happen if he got sick and that face changed.

He took a shower, the hot water a comforting embrace that washed away the sweat and the nightmares of the previous night. The steam billowed around him, the fog on the mirror a mirror to the fog in his mind. As he toweled off, he heard his parents talking in hushed tones downstairs. They were probably discussing the latest news, the whispers of fear seeping through the floorboards like a toxic mist.

Breakfast was a quiet affair.

Jason's mother had made pancakes, their sweetness a sad attempt to bring comfort to the tense atmosphere. They all sat around the kitchen table, the clink of forks against plates and the occasional cough from his dad the only sounds breaking the silence. The TV played in the background, the news a constant hum of dread.

"Jason you're barely eating" his mother finally said, noticing how he'd only picked at his food.

"I'm not really hungry" he finally admitted.

His mother looked like she was going to say something but changed her mind. She nodded and left it at that.

After breakfast, he decided to do something to help things feel normal---mowing the back grass. It was one of his usual Saturday morning chores after all.

As he pushed the mower out the back door, the sun hit him like a slap in the face, the heat a stark contrast to the cold fear that had taken up residence in his chest. The smell of freshly cut grass filled the air, and the buzz of lawnmowers and the distant chirp of birds tried to reassure him that everything was okay.

He'd barely started his first row when Caitlyn's voice called out to him from the fence. She and her friends were laying out by her pool, their bodies a tapestry of bikinis and sunscreen. "Jason!" she yelled, her voice carrying over the low murmur of their conversation.

Caitlyn was one of those girls---blonde, gorgeous and definitely not in his social circle. They'd been neighbors for years though and while not exactly friends, they were friendly when they saw each other. Caitlyn was the bouncy, cheerful and friendly type, a cheerleader and on Student Council.

Jason waved back, his grip tightening on the mower's handle. Caitlyn and her friends looked so carefree, basking in the sun like it was any other weekend. He wished he could join them, shed his worries like a snake's skin and just feel normal again. He admired and envied all of them a tiny bit.

"You're not scared?" he asked, walking over to the fence to where she was now standing.

Caitlyn shrugged. "Daddy figures if I stay away, the virus will too. He's decided that I'm not going to school until this whole thing blows over" She waved her hand dismissively at her friends. "The girls rents did the same. So its a bit like an impromptu vacation for us"

"Must be nice" he said envious.

"You should totes join us" shouted Melissa, an even more bustier blonde than Caitlyn.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes. "Ignore her." She then leaned in closer. "I'm not going to lie though. This is all pretty fucking scary. I have a cousin in Portsville, they're all in total lockdown. She's freaking out"

Jason nodded solemnly. "Yeah, we're all on edge."

With a sad smile, Caitlyn nodded in understanding before turning back to her friends. He watched her go, the sound of their laughter fading as he returned to his mower. Her words had hit him hard. It was one thing to hear about the virus on the news, but knowing someone directly affected made it all too real.

He took a deep breath and started up the mower again, the roar of the engine a welcome distraction from his spiraling thoughts. The smell of gas and freshly cut grass filled the air as he pushed the mower in a pattern across the lawn. Each row was a battle against the weeds of fear that threatened to choke him.

The weekend dragged on, a blur of muted TV screens and whispered conversations. The news grew worse by the hour, the smiling faces of the reporters now etched with lines of exhaustion and concern. By Sunday evening, the number of infected in Portsville had skyrocketed, the virus spreading like a wildfire through dry grass. It was all anyone talked about, the town's name a grim incantation that brought silence to every room.

Monday morning dawned with an eerie stillness, the birds seemingly muted by the fear that gripped the town. The school was like a ghostly echo of its former self, the hallways half-deserted, the classrooms a patchwork of empty desks. The teachers that showed up moved with a forced calm, their eyes darting to the doors, as if expecting the virus to stride in at any moment.

Jason's stomach churned as he took his seat in algebra class. Only half the class had made it, the others either sick or kept home by overprotective parents. The air was thick with the scent of hand sanitizer and the unspoken dread of what was happening just miles away. The teacher, Mr. Jenkins, cleared his throat and began the lecture, his voice strained and tight. But the numbers and equations danced in front of Jason's eyes, a jumble of nonsense he couldn't force himself to focus on.

At lunch, the cafeteria was a stark contrast to its usual boisterous self. The tables were scattered with students, their laughter and chatter replaced by a hushed murmur. The clanking of silverware and the squeak of sneakers against the linoleum floor echoed through the cavernous space. As Jason scanned the room for his friends, he saw the glances, the furtive whispers, the way people looked away when they caught his eye. It was like they were all hiding secrets, each one more terrifying than the last.

He spotted Dave and Sam sitting at their usual table in the corner, Kieran's head buried in a book as usual, and Elena fiddling with her phone. The sight of them was a comfort, a beacon of normalcy in a world that was anything but. As he approached, Kieran looked up, his eyes dark with the weight of the world.

"You guys okay?" Jason asked, his voice tight.

Elena looked up, her smile forced. "As good as can be expected," she said, her thumbs still flying over the screen of her phone.

Dave leaned back in his chair, his eyes on the distant doorway. "I think everyone's just waiting for the other shoe to drop," he murmured.

"My parents are freaking" admitted Sam. "They wanted to pull me out, send me to my relatives across the country. This is crazy"

When Kieran finally spoke, his voice was low. "Mine are pulling me out"

Jason's heart dropped. "What? No way."

Kieran sighed, setting his book aside. He ran his hands through his hair. "We argued a lot this weekend. They're not listening. They're acting like the virus is already here."

"That's nuts" grunted Jason, even even though he was scared too.

"Want to hear something nuts" said Dave "I caught my Mom shopping online last night"

"She does that a lot" said Sam, they all knew Dave's Mom was a bit of a shopaholic.

"She was looking at the teen girl fashion sites" said Dave, his voice grave.

Dave was an only child.

"Shit" said both Jason and Kieran together.

Jason was scared. Was this their future?

The next couple of days passed in a blur of quiet anticipation, the school a hollow shell of its former self. Each day brought fewer faces to the classrooms, each absent chair a silent sentinel of the growing fear outside. The air was thick with whispers and unspoken dread, the hallways a ghostly echo of the laughter that once filled them.

Wednesday rolled around, and sure enough, Kieran's seat was empty. His locker stood untouched, the combination lock a stark reminder of his absence. His parents had made good on their word, pulling him from school to keep him safe in the cocoon of their home. The thought of Kieran, holed up and isolated, sent a shiver down Jason's spine. Was it better to be safe, or to face the storm with friends by your side?

Lunch was quieter than ever, the emptiness of the cafeteria a stark contrast to the vibrant, bustling space it had been just a week ago. Sam's eyes were red-rimmed, her voice shaky as she spoke. "They're thinking about it too," she whispered. "My parents. They're worried about me getting infected."

Jason reached out and gave her a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. "They're just looking out for you," he said, trying to keep his own fear at bay. But the words felt hollow, even to him. The thought of losing another friend to the fear was almost too much to bear.

By Friday though, the fear was justified. GB finally made its way to Elmwood. It started when one of the kids in Jason's class coughed, a wet, rattling sound that seemed to hang in the air longer than it should have. The room went still, all eyes on the boy, whose face was flushed and sweaty. The cough echoed through the classroom, a harbinger of the chaos to come.

Mr. Cooper paused mid-sentence, his gaze darting from student to student as if searching for the source of the sound. The boy, a quiet kid named Tim, looked around nervously, his hand over his mouth. "Sorry," he murmured, his voice muffled by his palm, tears streaming down his face.

With a swiftness that belied his age, Mr. Cooper was beside Tim, his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Let's go to the nurse's office," he said calmly, his voice a balm to the rising panic in the room. Tim nodded, his eyes wide with terror as he gathered his things.

As the door clicked shut behind them, the dam broke. The class erupted into a cacophony of whispers and murmurs that grew louder by the second. Jason's heart was hammering in his chest, the fear on everyone's faces like a mirror reflecting his own. He turned to Dave, the gravity of the situation etched into every line of his friend's face. "This is it," Dave whispered, his voice barely audible over the din. "This is when it hits home."

The bell rang, signaling the end of class, but no one moved. They were frozen in their seats, the reality of the situation crashing down around them like a tidal wave. The virus was no longer just a distant threat, a topic for hushed whispers and frantic texts. It was here, in their school, among their friends.

The principal's voice crackled over the loudspeaker, the words echoing through the corridors like a death knell. "Attention all students and faculty. Due to unforeseen circumstances, school is canceled for the remainder of the day. Buses will be leaving shortly. If you are able to walk or get a ride, please do so. Stay safe and be vigilant."

The hallways erupted into a flurry of activity, backpacks slung over shoulders and voices rising in a symphony of fear and confusion. Jason and Dave exchanged a look, the gravity of the situation sinking in. They didn't say a word as they gathered their things, the weight of the moment too heavy for words. They stepped into the flow of students, the cacophony of panic a stark contrast to the silent dread that filled them.

They met Elena in the hall. She absently reached out and grabbed Jason's hand.

"You guys aren't walking?" she asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Too far" said Dave, grimacing at the buses. "Its all good. I've got these"

Dave took some paper masks from his backpack, handing his friends one. He had a box and absently starting passing them out to people in the hall. No one refused.

"We should get going," Jason said, his voice muffled by the mask. The corridor was a river of students, all flowing toward the exits. They didn't bother to say goodbye to anyone, the urgency of the situation too great.

Near the buses, Elena hugged them both. "Be careful and stay safe".

Jason nodded, his mask bobbing slightly with the motion. "You too"

He fought back the urge to say more to her. He'd always had a bit of a thing for Elena but knew Dave did as well.

They pushed their way through the crowd, the masks a flimsy barrier against the fear that seemed to radiate from every person they passed. The buses were a sea of masked faces and nervous chatter, the diesel engines rumbling impatiently. They found two empty seats near the back, the plastic sticky from the last occupant's sweat.

"I can't believe this is happening," Jason murmured, his voice muffled by the mask.

"Yeah," Dave replied, his eyes never leaving the passing scenery outside the window. "It's like something out of a movie."

The bus ride home was a stark contrast to their usual rowdy journey. The seats were filled with the muted sounds of shuffling feet and the occasional cough, each one sending a ripple of fear through the passengers. The windows were foggy with condensation from the nervous breaths of the students, the air thick with the scent of disinfectant and fear. The driver's eyes were fixed on the road ahead, his knuckles white on the steering wheel.

When Jason finally stumbled off the bus, his legs stiff from the tension, the sight of his house was like a balm to his soul. The familiarity of the red brick, the white trim, and the slightly overgrown bushes brought a sense of peace he hadn't felt in days. But that peace shattered when he saw his mother standing at the open door, her face a portrait of worry.

"Mom," he called out, his voice muffled by the mask. She rushed to him, her eyes scanning him over like a hawk searching for prey.

"You're okay?" she asked, her voice tight with fear.

He nodded, the lie feeling thick in his throat. "Yeah, I'm fine."

His mother's eyes searched his, looking for any signs of illness, her own mask hiding her trembling lip. "I've got a surprise for you," she said, her voice forced cheerfulness a poor facade. She led him into the kitchen where a plate of warm cookies sat on the counter, the sweet scent of chocolate chips and vanilla wafting through the air.

"You made cookies?" Jason asked, his voice muffled by the mask.

His mother nodded, her eyes never leaving his face. "They're your favorite. I just wanted to... to do something normal."

He took off the mask. There was no one here to infect. Neither his parents nor Andy could catch it after all.

"Thanks mom" he said, taking a cookie and biting into it. It was perfect. Just like she'd always made.

The crunch was comforting, the sweetness a brief distraction from the bitter taste of fear.

His mother hovered for a while, the smell of her perfume mixing with the cookie scent in a way that made him feel slightly nauseous. She didn't say much, just hovered, her eyes darting to his, searching for any hint of illness.

"I'm fine mom, really," he said, trying to give her a reassuring smile.

Her eyes searched his, looking for any hint of a lie. "Okay," she said finally. "But if you start feeling sick, you tell me. We'll get you to the hospital."

He nodded, knowing it was what she needed to hear. "I promise."

Once upstairs in the sanctuary of his room, he threw his backpack onto the bed and flopped into his chair. The comfort of the familiar washed over him, the scent of his laundry and the faint smell of old pizza from a weekend of gaming a stark contrast to the sterile, fearful air downstairs. He quickly booted up his computer and dialed into a group call with his friends.

Their faces, a mix of masked and unmasked, popped up on the screen. The call was a tapestry of background noises, a symphony of worry and uncertainty. They talked in hushed tones, sharing the latest rumors and news, trying to piece together the puzzle of what was happening in their town.

"So rumor has it that Tim caught it from Molly" said Dave. "Horrible way to find out his girlfriend of two years was cheating on him this whole time with a guy from Portsville"

"Ouch" said Kieran.

Jason felt bad for Tim but momentarily caught eyes with Elena. The look was a silent exchange between the two of them.

"Did anyone else hear anything about the quarantine?" asked Sam, her voice shaking.

Jason shook his head. He, Dave and Elena quickly filled her and Kieran in on what happened today in school. They knew about Tim of course, that was all over social media now. They didn't know the full details though.

"You two were in class with him?" asked Sam, referring to both Jason and Dave. They both nodded. "You're ok, right?"

Dave shrugged. "As of right now but look on the bright side" He reached off camera and a moment later held a spaghetti strap top in front of his camera. "Mom's been busy"

They all groaned. Leave it to Dave to bring some light to this sordid situation.

The chat went on, a mix of muted laughs and genuine concern. The digital space was their sanctuary now, a place where they could be themselves without the fear of infection hanging over their heads.

"So what's the plan?" Kieran's voice was a welcome distraction.

"Plan?" Jason echoed. He hadn't even thought that far ahead. "I'm not sure there is one"

Its not like the virus killed anyone. It just turned you into another gender. While it was scary and the media was making it seem a lot worse than it was, it wasn't the end of the world. They were in New York and the tolerance here was pretty good. Most kids their age didn't care what gender someone presented as. It was still pretty scary though. Jason was happy being a guy and the thought of becoming a girl unnerved him a bit.

There was a knock on his door a couple hours after their video chat started. Jason's Dad stuck his head in:

"School's closed until further notice. They're being cautious but the government is asking the parents to make sure their children remain indoors until further notice as well"

There is was. They were quarantined.

"Is it bad?" Jason asked his Dad, hoping for a straight answer.

James Burke thought about lying to his son but he'd never been in a habit of doing so. "There have been at least three more reported cases. All from the classroom that Tim was in"

The color all but drained from Jason's face. "Dad...I..."

His father smiled but there was a bit of concern there. "I know son. We'll take it one day at a time. Whatever the outcome turns out being"

Jason nodded, trying to keep his fear in check. He took a deep breath, the smell of the cookies from downstairs still lingering faintly in the air. "Okay, Dad."

The next few days settled into a new kind of normal. Without school, the state had arranged some online classes for them, a feeble attempt to keep the school year afloat amidst the chaos. But the heart wasn't in it for any of them. The lessons felt like going through the motions, a mundane routine in the face of their worlds falling apart.

Instead, Jason and his friends found refuge in the digital world of video games. The familiar landscapes and battles were a comforting escape from the horrors playing out in their own lives. They played into the early hours of the morning, their eyes glazed over from the flicker of screens and the constant button mashing. It was a silent agreement among them, to keep their minds off the virus that lurked just outside their doors.

But things did get real when the CDC announced that the virus had a clear incubation period, all dependent on how close you were to the first victim.

Jason realized he sat two rows ahead of Tim in class. The direct people around him were already sick and the people in the row ahead of him...

He cursed and called Dave the morning of the CDC announcement.

Dave answered his phone after a few rings and when he did, he coughed.

"Shit dude" said Jason, going numb.

"It started this morning" Dave sighed then coughed again. "We called that number on TV, they're sending someone to test me. Its pretty clear though. I was in class with him..."

Jason said what was left unsaid. "No, we were in class with him"

They talked for a few more minutes before Jason hung up and called Elena. "Hey" he said after she answered. "Dave got it"

Elena cursed. "I saw the news. He was close to Tim?"

"In the row of seats in front of him" said Jason with a sigh.

"And you?" she asked.

"The row in front of Dave" he said quietly.

He needed to let her know because he held her hand after meeting her in the hall that day. It stood to reason that she could have possibly gotten infected as well. Then again, more than likely most of the student body in the hallway were infected too. Hell probably the kids on the bus as well. He grunted. None of this was going to end well.

"I'll call Kieran and Sam, let them know" she said reassuring him then added. "This is...we...we can do this"

He thanked her and hung up, almost telling her he loved her but that would have been weird.

That evening, after a dinner where his mother tried to keep the conversation light, Jason retreated to his room to wait for the inevitable video call from Dave. It came later that night, the group all gathered in the call.

"So, the doc was pretty straight with me," Dave began, his voice a little raspy. "It's weird, man. They said everyone's experience is going to be different. Some people might not even know they have it until they just... change."

Jason's heart was racing. He leaned closer to the screen, his eyes locked on Dave's masked face. "What does that mean?"

Dave took a deep, shaky breath. "It means I could change anytime between now and the next few days. Or not at all."

"Wait, that's a thing?" asked Sam, surprised.

"Yeah," Dave's voice was gravelly. "They said it's all over the place. Some change overnight, some take days, weeks even. It's like playing Russian roulette with your chromosomes."

"And some are immune?" asked Kieran.

"Less than one percent" said Dave "and that's not me". He raised his shirt as he said it, showing his nipples were already swollen.

"Shit" said Kieran, his face going a bit flush.

Jason was thinking the same thing but didn't say it.

"Its genetics too" said Dave, lowering his shirt with a shrug. "Things like body type and junk"

The call went quiet for a moment, the gravity of the situation settling in.

"I'm sorry, guys," Dave finally said, his voice thick. "I don't know what to do. I don't know who I'll be tomorrow."

They all reassured him that nothing was going to change. They were all still going to be his friend no matter what.

But Jason couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled in the pit of his stomach. The house, which had once felt like a fortress of safety, now felt like a prison, each room a silent reminder of the world outside that was changing in ways none of them could ever have imagined.

He tried to distract himself with chores, his mother's anxious eyes following him as he moved from task to task, the clinking of glassware and the hum of the vacuum cleaner a poor substitute for the laughter that had once filled their home. Even the sunlight filtering through the windows seemed dimmer, tainted by the shadow of the virus that had invaded their lives.

The silence grew heavier with each passing hour, the muted hum of the TV in the background a sad reminder of the outside world that was now a mere spectacle, a horror show that played out in the confines of their screens. He found himself staring at the walls, the posters of his favorite bands now fading into the background as his thoughts swirled with images of his friends, of the life they used to have.

He'd read every book on his shelf, even the ones that had gathered dust for years. The video games that once held the promise of escape had lost their allure, the repetitive beeps and boops a stark reminder of the monotony that had become his existence. The house, once a bastion of comfort, now felt like a cage, each room a silent witness to his growing restlessness.

On the second day of Dave's transformation, the change was stark. The shaggy hair that once covered his head and framed his face had begun to fill out and grow. His features had softened, his nose a little less pronounced, his cheekbones a little more defined. He was still Dave, but the Dave Jason knew was slipping away, a chameleon shedding its skin to reveal something entirely new.

Dave's voice was the next to change, dropping a few octaves to a softer, more melodic pitch. It was a jolting transformation, like hearing a favorite singer's voice crack for the first time. Yet, amidst the fear, there was a strange sense of wonder in Jason's heart. This was something none of them had ever seen before, a transformation that defied everything they'd been taught about biology and identity.

The fourth day brought a new set of changes. Dave's shoulders began to narrow, his body slowly morphing into a more feminine form. The swelling of his breasts grew more pronounced, the fabric of his shirt straining to contain them. His skin took on a soft, almost ethereal glow, and his eyes, once the mischievous brown of a teenage boy, had a new sparkle to them, a mix of fear and curiosity.

During their video call, Dave spoke in a softer, more tentative tone. "Guys, I've started getting these... these cramps," he said, his cheeks reddening with embarrassment. "And... and my voice is different."

The camera panned down, and Jason and the others watched as Dave pulled his shirt up, revealing the unmistakable swell of breasts. They stared in shock, their jaws slack.

"It's okay," Dave said, trying to laugh, but it came out more like a squeak. "It's all part of the... the transformation."

On the fifth day, Dave was all girl. Her hair had grown out into a cascade of soft waves, framing her delicately sculpted features. The swagger of his walk was gone, replaced by a tentative grace that was unmistakably female. Her voice, now a melodious alto, carried an air of vulnerability that made her seem more approachable, and when she giggled, it was like the tinkling of a bell, light and infectious.

The video call that evening was filled with a mix of shock and awe. They had all seen the changes coming, but the reality of it was something else entirely. The room was silent as Dave, now a she, took a deep breath, her chest rising with the newfound weight of her breasts. She looked into the camera, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "It's weird," she said, her voice a soft rasp. "I'm still me, but... but I'm not."

"Are you still going by Dave?" asked a very curious Sam.

She shook her head. "Mom's been calling me Daisy. Said it was the name she would have given a daughter. I think I like it" She giggled again.

Jason was floored. This was his best friend.

He stared at the screen, trying to reconcile the Daisy before him with the Dave he had known for so long. The jovial, rough-around-the-edges exterior was gone, replaced by a softness that seemed to radiate from her every pore. Her hair, once a wild mop of unruly curls, had grown long and silky, cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall. Her eyes, once a mischievous brown, now sparkled with a gentle curiosity, the kind that made you want to tell her secrets and whisper sweet nothings.

The silence in the room was a living, breathing entity, a testament to the gravity of the transformation. Jason felt a pang of loss, a sharp stab of pain that took his breath away. He missed the boy that Dave used to be, the one who'd throw paper planes in class and laugh so hard that milk would come out of his nose. He missed the shared jokes, the inside glances, the ease of their friendship. It was as if a part of his childhood was being erased, rewritten by an invisible hand, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Daisy, as she was now, watched him with a tentative expression, her new eyes searching his for understanding. The bond between them was still there, a silver thread that hadn't been severed, but it was stretched taut, pulled in a direction none of them had ever anticipated. The room was a cocoon of memories, each one fluttering away on wings of doubt and fear.

"Jay, you good?" she asked.

He nodded but he wasn't. "Yeah just a lot to think about"

The next couple of days were a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings for Jason. He couldn't help but see Dave in every corner of his mind. The way his hair had grown out, the way his body had changed, it was like watching a caterpillar become a butterfly except the transformation was happening right in front of his eyes and it was eerily unsettling. The games they played together, the laughs they shared, it all felt so distant now. It was as if he was mourning a friend who was still very much alive but fundamentally changed.

Jason's mother had tried to keep things as normal as possible, cooking his favorite meals and playing board games with him after dinner. But the tension was palpable. The smell of her perfume was a constant reminder of the fear that lingered just beneath the surface, the way she hovered, her eyes never leaving him for too long, searching for any signs of the virus. But it was Daisy's new name that echoed in his mind, a reminder that nothing would ever be the same again.

Then, one evening, as they were playing Monopoly, Jason felt it. A tickle in the back of his throat that grew into a cough. It was dry at first, but then it deepened, a rumble in his chest that sent his heart racing. His mother's eyes went wide with fear, and she jumped up, knocking over the game board. "Jason!" she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.

He coughed again, the sound echoing through the quiet house. His eyes met hers, and in that moment, everything changed. The fear that had been a shadow in the corner of his mind was now a monster looming over the table, casting its dark pallor over the pieces of their lives.

"It's okay," she said, her voice trembling as she reached out to him. "We'll get through this together."

But it wasn't okay. It was anything but okay. The cough grew stronger, more persistent, as if it had a life of its own, a drumbeat that wouldn't quit. His mother's hand was cool on his forehead, her eyes searching his for reassurance that she couldn't give. He knew what the cough meant, the same way he knew the sun would rise tomorrow. But this wasn't a promise of a new day. It was a harbinger of change, a storm cloud on the horizon of his life.

Dave's transformation had been a wake-up call, a stark reminder that the "GB" virus didn't discriminate. Now, as he coughed into the night, Jason felt the first tremors of that storm. His body was betraying him, turning him into something he'd never asked for. The thought of becoming a girl was as alien as the changes he'd seen in Daisy. The boyish swagger of his best friend was now a thing of the past, replaced by a softness that seemed to have been there all along, just waiting to be revealed.

Jason's mother took his hand, her eyes a pool of unshed tears. She knew the drill; they'd heard it enough times on the news. The cough was the start of it all. The virus didn't care about the life they had planned, the dreams they had shared. It was going to redefine him in a way that no one could have ever predicted.

He was just glad that Andy wasn't here to see it. His little brother, the one who looked up to him, who copied his every move and laughed at his every joke. The thought of watching him go through this, of explaining the unexplainable, was too much to bear. It was a burden he was almost grateful to bear alone.

The cough grew more insistent, a constant reminder of the enemy within. Jason retreated to his room, leaving his mother's worried gaze behind. He closed the door, the click echoing through the hallway like the tick of a time bomb. Alone with his thoughts, he tried to imagine what it would be like, to wake up in a body that wasn't his own. Would he still be Jason? Or would he become someone else entirely?

He called his friends, the digital faces of Daisy, Kieran, and Sam popping up on the screen. The moment he spoke, the mood shifted. They knew what the cough meant. Daisy was the first to speak, her new voice a gentle balm to his fear. "It's okay, Jason. We're all here for you."

Her kindness washed over him like a warm blanket, a stark contrast to the cold sweat on his forehead. Kieran and Sam chimed in, their voices a chorus of reassurance. Yet, amidst the comfort, Elena's silence was deafening. He could almost feel her eyes boring into him through the screen, her thoughts racing a million miles a minute.

"It's okay, man," Kieran said, trying to fill the void. "We're all in this together."

Sam nodded, her eyes wide with concern. "Yeah, we've got you, no matter what."

Elena left the video call without saying a thing.

Jason knew she was worried. He could see it in the way her eyes had searched his during the call, looking for something to hold onto, some shred of the boy she'd known since kindergarten. But she had been quiet, too quiet, and it was killing him. He picked up his phone, his thumbs moving over the screen with a tremor that had nothing to do with the virus.

He called her but she didn't answer. He tried a couple more times but figured she was pretty scared right now.

He decided to focus on something else. The fear was palpable but there was also a weird curiosity, a morbid fascination with the unknown. He opened a new browser tab and Googled "symptoms of the GB virus." The pages were a blur of medical jargon and personal accounts, but one thing stood out: the virus affected everyone differently. Some changed overnight, others took weeks. Some experienced extreme pain, while others felt nothing but a mild discomfort. He was about to close the tab when he felt it: a slight tingle in his chest, a hint of swelling in his nipples.

With trembling hands, he left the video call and made his way to the bathroom. The cold tile felt comforting against his bare feet as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. His eyes searched for any signs of the transformation, his breathing shallow. He was scared, sure, but there was a strange thrill to it too, a feeling like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, about to jump into the abyss below. His eyes fell to his chest, and his heart skipped a beat. There they were, the unmistakable signs of breasts forming. It was like watching a magic trick unfold before his very eyes, except the magician was a microscopic virus that had turned his life upside down.

Looks like he might be one of the fast ones. Maybe even faster than Daisy?

There was a knock on the bathroom door and his mother poked her head in. "They're sending someone as soon as they're available. I've made more..." Her voice caught in her throat when she saw his breast buds. "Oh my God..."

He turned and sighed. "Daisy was fast but I think I'm gonna be one of those ones".

His mother came into the room, he lowered his shirt and she hugged him, reassuring him everything was going to be all right.

A few hours later, the doorbell rang, and Jason's mother ushered in Dr. Amelia Charles from the CDC. She had a no-nonsense air about her, her lab coat crisp and her eyes sharp as she scanned the room. Jason felt a strange mix of relief and trepidation as she approached him, her expression professional but not unkind. She set down her medical bag and began her examination, her gloved hands cool and efficient as she checked his temperature and listened to his heartbeat.

"You're already showing signs" she said, after checking his developing breast buds. "I think you might be one of the quick ones. Lucky you"

"Lucky me?" he asked, not feeling so lucky.

"Trust me, it could be worse. Some people don't take to it as fast as this" she sighed and continued her examination.

When she was done, she gave his shoulder a squeeze with a gentle smile.

"Well, Jason," Dr. Charles began, her voice calm and measured. "You're healthy all things considered. The good news is that the government has recognized the widespread impact of this and is setting up a support system. You'll receive a stipend to help with any expenses that arise during and after the transformation."

Jason nodded, trying to process the information. It was something, at least. A small lifeline in the storm that was his life now.

"What happens next?" he croaked, his voice still raw from the coughing fit.

"Well, the virus has a mind of its own," she said, her tone gentle. "The physical changes can happen rapidly, but everyone's experience is unique."

"It my friend, Da...isy about five days" he said with a nod.

Dr. Charles smiled. "She was a quick one too but I feel not as quick as you might be"

After Dr. Charles left, Jason felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. His mother hovered outside his room, her footsteps a gentle reminder that he wasn't alone, but he craved solitude. The walls of his room had never felt so suffocating, the posters of rock bands and comic book heroes that once brought him comfort now seemed like a mockery of the strength he was supposed to have. He needed to process this, to understand what was happening to him, but the only voice he heard was the echo of his own thoughts.

Ignoring the persistent buzz of his phone, he curled up on his bed, the fabric of his shirt rubbing against his newly sensitive nipples. Each brush sent a shiver down his spine, a stark reminder of his changing reality. His eyes fell on the photo of him and his friends at the beach, taken just a few months ago. They were all laughing, oblivious to the chaos that was to come. He reached out to touch the image of Dave, or rather, Daisy now, but that carefree smile of his back then a stark contrast to the fear in Jason's heart now.

Daisy, Sam and Kieran all called but he ignored them. He ignored the several attempts for video calls too. He wasn't in the mood to talk right now.

The morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room, but it couldn't penetrate the chill that had settled into Jason's bones. He dragged himself out of bed and stumbled to the bathroom, his legs feeling like they didn't quite belong to him. The mirror reflected a face that was still his own, but the eyes that stared back were filled with a newfound fear. His chest felt heavier, his skin tingling with the promise of something unseen.

As the hot water cascaded over him in the shower, he felt the contours of his body shift. His breasts had grown overnight, the tender mounds pressing against his chest with every breath he took. His hands trembled as he touched them, the sensation alien and unsettling. The soap slid over his skin, highlighting the soft curves that had once been flat, the water beading on his newfound femininity. The steam filled the room, a veil that seemed to obscure the person he'd been just days ago.

When he stepped out of the shower, the mirror revealed a reflection that was both haunting and fascinating. His hips had widened, his shoulders narrowed. His face was a canvas of softness, the sharp angles of adolescence giving way to the gentle curves of a young woman's visage. His hair had grown longer, the wet strands clinging to his neck and back like a second skin. He looked at himself, half in awe and half in horror, trying to reconcile the person staring back with the boy who had gone to bed the night before.

He reached for the towel, his eyes lingering on his new body. The towel was rough against his sensitive skin, sending a shiver down his spine as he dried off. The fabric brushed against his now prominent nipples, and he winced at the sensation. The mirror was a silent judge, reflecting his every move as he wrapped the towel around his waist, the material clinging to the curves that had emerged overnight.

The quiet of the house was a stark contrast to the turmoil in his mind. He padded back to his room, the soft thud of his feet on the carpet echoing through the hallway. His phone buzzed again, a relentless reminder of the world outside his door. He picked it up, his heart racing as he saw Elena's name light up the screen.

He took a deep breath and answered, his voice a hoarse whisper that was no longer his own. "Hey," he croaked, the sound of his new vocal cords sending a shiver down his spine.

There was a beat of silence on the other end before Elena spoke, her voice tentative. "Jason? Is that you?"

He nodded, though she couldn't see it. "Yeah, it's me," he replied, his voice a hoarse whisper that sounded like someone else's. "I'm one of the fast ones apparently"

There was a pause on the other end, filled with the kind of silence that was heavier than any words could ever be. "I'm so sorry, Jason," she said finally, her voice thick with emotion. "I just... I needed some time to process everything. I didn't mean to ignore you."

"Its all good" he said, sitting awkwardly on the edge of the bed. "I'm not sure how to process it either. This body, the hair..."

"Hair?" she asked, intrigued.

He blushed. "Let me put on some clothes, I just got out of the shower. I'll send you a pic"

After a few minutes of rummaging through his closet, he settled on a loose shirt that thankfully covered his new assets and a pair of sweatpants that hung low on his hips. He took a deep breath and took a selfie in the mirror, his heart racing with every click of the camera. He studied the image, the way his eyes looked softer, his cheekbones more pronounced. His hair had grown down to his shoulders and had a slight wave to it, framing his face in a way that made him look almost...pretty. He hit send, his thumb hovering over the button for a beat too long before he could bring himself to let it go.

"Holy shit Jay" said Elena a few seconds later.

"Yeah, I know it's wild" he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"You look... wow," she replied, her voice a mix of amazement and something else he couldn't quite pinpoint. "Beautiful even"

"Thanks," he murmured, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil inside him. He didn't know if he was ready for anyone to see him like this, even if it was just a photo.

Elena's questions came in a flood, a mix of curiosity and concern. "How do you feel, like really feel?"

Jason took a deep breath, his chest tightening around the towel. "It's weird," he admitted, his voice still unfamiliar to his own ears. "My body's changing so fast, it's like I don't even recognize myself sometimes."

Elena was silent for a moment, her thoughts racing. "Does it hurt?" she finally asked.

"It's more...uncomfortable than painful," Jason replied, his eyes flicking down to his chest. "Everything's just so...sensitive."

Elena's voice softened. "I can't imagine what you're going through. It's just so much to take in."

Jason nodded, his heart racing as he tried to put his feelings into words. "It's like my body's playing tricks on me," he said. "One minute I'm me, and the next..." His voice trailed off, lost in the vast unknown of his new reality.

He coughed a few times, his body letting him know that he was technically still sick.

They finally ended their call and he was glad that Elena had reached out. He was also glad that she was the only one that had seen the new him and had called him "beautiful". That thought sent a flutter to him.

That night, Jason's fever spiked, his stomach churning with a nausea that was unlike anything he'd ever experienced. His mother hovered over him, her worry etched into every line on her face as she tried to coax him to drink water, but he could barely keep anything down. The pain was intense, a deep ache that seemed to resonate through his very soul, as if his body was fighting a war from the inside out.

As the night dragged on, Jason felt his body shift and contort, his bones reshaping themselves to fit a new mold. The agony was unbearable, each moment a fresh hell that seemed to stretch on forever. He was vaguely aware of his mother's voice, soothing and calming, but the pain was a siren's call, demanding all his attention. It was a battle between the person he had been and the one he was becoming, and he wasn't sure which side was winning.

When dawn broke, the fever had passed, leaving him drenched in sweat and trembling with exhaustion. He tried to sit up, but his new body protested, muscles unused to the weight of breasts and the softness of hips. His mother rushed to his side, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and something else—pride, perhaps? But Jason couldn't focus on her; he was too busy staring down at his chest. The transformation was complete.

"Come on, sweetie," she said, her voice a gentle whisper. "Let's get you cleaned up."

Jason's legs felt like jelly as she helped him to the bathroom. He leaned heavily on her, the weight of his new body foreign and cumbersome. The lights flickered on, and the mirror reflected a vision that couldn't possibly be real. A beautiful blonde girl stared back at him, her eyes wide with shock and a hint of wonder. He had always admired his mother's looks, her blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, and now, he saw those very features reflected in his own visage.

"You look just like me when I was your age," his mother said, her voice filled with awe. "Your grandmother's genes are strong in you."

Jason couldn't believe what he was hearing. He looked down at his chest, the breasts that had appeared overnight, the way his hips had swelled and his waist had narrowed. It was as if he'd been Photoshopped into a different body. A beautiful body, sure, but not his. "I... I don't know what to say," he murmured, his voice still unsteady and unfamiliar.

His mother took his hand, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and something he couldn't quite place. "You're going to be okay," she said, her grip firm and reassuring. "More than okay. You're going to be amazing."

The words didn't quite land, not yet. He was still too lost in the shock of his new body, the reality of his transformation too fresh to fully comprehend. But as she helped him into the shower, her gentle touch washed away some of the fear, leaving behind a semblance of comfort. The warm water cascading down his body felt like a rebirth, a cleansing of the pain and the doubt that had consumed him.

When he stepped out, the towel around his waist, his mother handed him a shirt and sweatpants, both in his favorite color. The soft fabric of the shirt brushed against his sensitive skin, a stark contrast to the tightness of his old clothes. "No bra yet," she said, her voice a mix of apology and resignation. "We'll have to get you measured once the quarantine is lifted."

Jason looked down at his chest, the fullness of his breasts now a stark reality. He didn't know what to say, so he just nodded and slipped into the clothes. They were snug and fit well. His mother explained they were her workout clothes.

"You're growing fast," she said with a sad smile, her voice a mix of concern and wonder. "We're going to have to get creative with your wardrobe until we can get you to a store."

His mother excused herself then he sat at his computer and initiated a video call with his friends. He sat and waited nervously.

The screen flickered to life, and he was met with the stunned faces of Elena, Sam, and Kieran. Daisy's expression, however, was anything but shocked. She grinned ear to ear, her eyes sparkling with something that could only be described as excitement. "Well, don't you clean up nice," she said, her voice filled with mischief.

Kieran's cheeks turned a deep shade of red as he stumbled over his words. "J-Jason, I-I didn't... I mean, you look..." He couldn't finish the sentence, his eyes darting anywhere but at the new girl on the screen.

Sam leaned closer to the camera, her expression a mix of awe and confusion. "Wow," she murmured, her eyes wide. "I can't believe it."

Elena's voice was softer, a little shaky. "You're... you're beautiful, Jason."

He felt his cheeks warm at the compliment. "Thanks, Elena," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "It's just so weird."

"She's not just beautiful, she's fucking hot!" gushed Daisy with another one of her new trademark giggles.

That broke the tension and the friends had a good time, laughing. It didn't matter that the group dynamic had changed, they were all still friends.

The next day, Dr. Charles arrived as scheduled, but she wasn't alone. Following her into the house was a young woman, probably in her early twenties, dressed in a trendy outfit that somehow managed to look professional and stylish at the same time. She had a warm smile and a confidence that was infectious.

"This is Grace," Dr. Charles said by way of introduction. "She's here to help with your transition."

Grace stepped forward, extending a hand that Jason took hesitantly. "Hey, I know it's weird," she said with a warm smile. "But I promise, I'm here to make this as easy as possible for you."

Her touch was surprisingly comforting, and Jason found himself relaxing a little. "So, what do you do?" he asked, his curiosity piqued despite the situation.

"I'm a case manager for the CDC," Grace said, her voice a soothing melody that seemed to resonate with the quiet hum of the house. "My job is to help people like you navigate through the physical and emotional changes that come with the virus. We're setting up a network of resources and support groups to make sure no one has to go through this alone."

Jason's mother hovered in the background, her eyes filled with hope. "This is wonderful," she said, her voice wavering. "Thank you so much for coming."

Grace nodded and turned to Jason. "Why don't we start with the basics?" she suggested, her gaze kind and understanding. "Do you have any questions about your new body?"

Jason swallowed hard, his throat dry with nerves. "Yeah," he croaked. "How do I... I mean, what do I do with... these?" He gestured awkwardly at his chest.

Grace chuckled gently. "Well, first things first," she said, her voice soothing. "Let's get you measured up for some clothes. It's going to be a bit of a challenge since everything's closed right now, but we've got some government-provided supplies coming in."

Jason's mother looked relieved. "That's so kind of you," she said, her eyes misty with gratitude.

Grace waved off her thanks. "It's what we're here for," she said, her smile never wavering. "Now, let's get down to business. Do you have a tape measure?"

Jason nodded, his cheeks flaming as he dug through his mother's sewing kit. He handed it to her with trembling hands, trying to ignore the way his new breasts moved with every gesture. Grace took it, her own movements calm and confident as she approached him.

"It's okay, Jason," she said softly, noticing his discomfort. "I've seen it all before."

Grace gently measured his bust and waist with a professional touch, jotting down the numbers on a clipboard. She then turned her attention to his hips, her eyes scanning over his new curves with an expert eye. "We'll make you turn heads," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

As she worked, Jason felt a strange sense of relief. It was as if, with her calm demeanor and straightforward approach, she had the power to make the unthinkable seem almost... normal. He watched as she pulled out a small bag filled with what looked like a starter pack of women's undergarments. "These are for you," she said, handing them over. "A sports bra should help with the discomfort for now. And these," she added, pulling out a pair of panties, "will be more comfortable under those sweatpants you're wearing."

Jason blushed crimson but quickly took them from her.

Grace noticed his discomfort and gave him an understanding nod. "Why don't you go try these on?" she suggested. "I'll be here when you're ready to go over the rest."

Jason retreated to the privacy of his room, the soft fabric of the bra and panties feeling foreign against his skin. As he put them on, he couldn't help but marvel at how different they felt, the way they molded to his new form. It was a strange sensation, one that made him feel both vulnerable and powerful in ways he couldn't quite articulate.

When he emerged, Grace nodded in approval. "Much better," she said, her voice brimming with encouragement.

That was the beginning of everything for Jason's new life.

The next two weeks passed in a blur of lessons and adjustments. Grace's presence became a reassuring constant in Jason's life. She arrived each morning with a smile that seemed to chase away the shadows of doubt that lingered in the corners of his room. With her guidance, Jason learned to navigate the uncharted waters of his new body. Lessons on makeup, hair care, and even the intricacies of walking in a way that felt natural with his newfound curves filled his days. His mother watched, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and admiration as she saw her son become someone new.

One morning, as Grace was helping him choose an outfit from the limited selection of clothes that had arrived, she paused and looked him in the eyes. "What about your name, Jason?" she asked gently. "Do you have any thoughts on what you'd like to be called?"

He'd been mulling over the question in the back of his mind, but hearing it out loud made his heart race. The name "Jason" felt like a lifetime ago, a relic of a boyhood that was slipping through his fingers. "I... I don't know," he admitted, his voice cracking. "It's all so much."

His mother came forward. "If you'd been female from birth, we were going to name you Jessica"

Grace nodded approvingly. "That's a lovely name," she said. "How does it feel, Jessica?"

Jessica took a deep breath, the name rolling off her tongue like a whisper. "It feels...right," she murmured, a tentative smile playing on her lips. "It feels like me."

Her mother's eyes filled with tears, and she leaned in to give Jessica a gentle hug. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You're handling this with such strength."

Jessica nodded, feeling the weight of her mother's embrace. The name "Jessica" had grown on her, a soft mantle that she was slowly beginning to accept as her own. She returned the embrace, feeling the warmth of her mother's love in a way she hadn't felt in weeks. It was a small victory in the face of so much change, but it was enough to keep her going.

After Dr. Charles' final visit, she was declared virus-free. The news was a beacon of light in the dark tunnel of her transformation. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, Jessica started a video chat, eager to share her new identity with her friends.

She was dressed in a modest blue top and some skinny jeans, her hair styled in ponytail to keep her hair from her face. She still wasn't ready to go all "girl" as Grace called it. She'd been meeting a shrink too, Dr. Harris. Dr. Harris told her it was ok to take things slow and one step at a time. So she was still in the tomboy phase of things and happy being there.

She took a breath as her friends joined. "I'm happy to report I'm virus free!"

Elena's face broke into a wide grin. "That's amazing, Jess!" she exclaimed, her voice a symphony of relief and joy. "We're all so happy for you!"

Daisy and Sam expressed their gratitude as well. Kieran just grunted and nodded, back to being his usual self.

"So, what now?" Sam asked, her eyes glued to the screen.

"Now" said Jessica with some determination. "We live our lives"

The following weekend, after a particularly draining session with Dr. Harris, Jessica decided she needed some fresh air. She'd been cooped up in the house for too long, and the walls were closing in on her. She grabbed her headphones and a baseball cap, tucking her hair up underneath it. She was feeling more comfortable with her new identity, but the town was still a minefield of uncertainty. She slipped on a pair of sneakers and headed out the door.

She wasn't ready to go into the city but figured the backyard was a good first place to start.

As she stepped outside, the sun kissed her skin, and she took a deep breath of the fresh air, feeling the gentle breeze ruffle her hair. She took a moment to appreciate the simple things she had missed during her quarantine. The sound of birds chirping, the rustle of leaves, and the smell of the neighbor's grill. She sat down on the porch swing and closed her eyes, letting the calming sounds of the suburban afternoon wash over her.

"Hey" said a voice from over the fence. "I'm Caitlyn..."

Jess had completely forgotten that Caitlyn had been home this whole time, thanks in no small part to her parents' smart thinking.

"Umm, I'm Jason" she said, getting up from her swing.

Caitlyn's jaw dropped.

"I know it's weird," Jessica said, feeling self-conscious under her neighbor's scrutiny. "I didn't get by unscathed"

"Jason" Caitlyn said, unsure. "You look amazing!"

She blushed. "Its Jessica now, well Jess for short I guess"

They talked from either side of the fence. Jess filled her in on everything that happened. She told her about Tim, about how school had been closed, about Dave becoming Daisy and then about her own change. She also mentioned how some people were exposed, like Elena but didn't get sick.

"So you're adjusting then?" asked Caitlyn, waving her hands at Jess's clothes.

She shrugged. "I'm getting there"

"Well if you ever need any fashion advice or even a friend, you know where to find me" she said sincerely.

A couple of months later, things had really changed. The virus moved on. The last reported case in the area was a month ago. Jessica settled into her new life, in part because of family and friends, including Caitlyn, who molded well with their group. School started up again too, somehow the new genders changed some dynamics.

Some popular kids were less so after switching to the other side, while some unpopular ones came out of their shells.

Jessica was one of them.

While she was just there as Jason, she blossomed as a girl. It was weird really. She messed well with Caitlyn's clique while at the same time staying true to her own friends as well.

Daisy blossomed too. She started dating her former crush Valerie, who went through her own change and was now Craig. The two of them made a perfect couple.

Sam and Kieran finally admitted their feelings for one another as well.

Jess took some time to sort out her own feelings and realized her attraction to girls had not changed. Even more surprising, it turns out Elena was very bisexual. The two of them have been dating for over a month and were going strong.

As for GB, it moved onto the next area. It was almost as if there was some intelligence driving it, pushing it from place to place.

The End

Author’s note: As I’m sure all of you know, comments are life blood to an author. I’m not begging or demanding, but I certainly would appreciate anything you have to say (or ask). It doesn’t have to be long and involved, just give me your reaction to the story. Thanks in advance...EOF