“And now,” April flourished Desdemonia’s hands, “Comes the moment we’ve all been waiting for.” She beckoned to me.

I took a deep breath. This was it.

If I took that step forward, I could be leaving humanity behind forever, doomed to an eternity, or perhaps, many eternities as another being entirely. Something so completely alien, even aliens from another galaxy would be more familiar. In exchange for what?

I saw the scowling faces of my parents. I was happy they were there. Hopefully, they would make sure there was no funny business.

Drying off after the hot tub, I leaned over and quietly asked Ella, “What exactly is a manicure and pedicure?”

“You really are a boy,” she whispered, her smile taking any potential sting out of her words. “They're going to clean, massage, and colour our hands, feet, and nails. It feels really nice, just relax and go with it.”

“God, what day is it?” Cassady sits up rubbing her eyes trying to wake up.

“I think it's Friday.” Jessie turns around to face her cousin.

They had gotten in late from the rodeo they had played at. Instead of staying on their tour bus, Cynthia sprung for a nice hotel room for the group. They were worn out from playing two gigs back-to-back and doing a rodeo several days later.