---

 

~* I am walking through a long corridor, I can't see any doors so I just kept walking wondering where am I.

'How did I get here?' I think to myself and keep walking.

After what felt like ages I see the end of the corridor at a distance and there is a door, also I see something else. Something is on the floor by the wall not far from the door and I decide to take a closer look. 'It's not like I have any other way to go.' I thought.

As I get closer I see it's not something, it's someone. A girl sitting down holding her legs and with her face buried in them. It seems she is crying.

“Hello.” I said as I got closer to her.

She raises her head, looked at me for a second or two, buried her head on her knees again and resumed crying.

“What's wrong? Are you okay?” I said slowly sitting down close to her hoping she doesn't freak out.

She shook her head and just kept crying.

“Is that a no nothing is wrong or I'm not okay?” I ask her.

“I... I'm... not... okay.” She said between sobs.

“What's wrong? Maybe I can help you?”

“I'm sad.”

“Why are you sad?”

“Because of you.”

“What? Why? I never saw you before. How can you be sad because of me?”

“That's why. You don't remember me and that makes me sad.”

“How can I forget someone as pretty as you?”

“I can't tell you that. You have to find out yourself.”

“And how do I do that?”

“The door.”

“What about it?”

“The answers are behind the door.”

“Is that it? All I need to do is go through the door?”

“Yes, but is not that easy.”

“How so? Is the door locked?”

“No, it isn't locked, and you'll see what I mean when you try to open the door.”

“Who are you? Why are you telling me all this?”

“I can't tell you who am I and I'm telling you this because I want you to remember me.”

“Can I at least have your name? Just the first name will be enough. It might help me a little.”

“D...Danielle.”

“That's a pretty name. I wish I could remember you.”

“You will and I can't wait for you to remember.”

“So all I need to do is go through the door?”

She nodded.

“Can you go with me?”

She shook her head and said. “No, you need to do it alone.”

“Will you be okay here?”

She just nodded her head again.

“Okay. I better do it then.” I said getting up.

“See you later Danielle.”

“I hope so Dan, I really hope so.” She said.

I started to walk towards the door again and look back to see her one more time but she vanished.

'What is going on? Was she real or am I losing my marbles?' I thought and decided to keep walking towards the door. She said the answers were there, but also that might be my only way out of here so I need to go through it anyway.

As I got closer, each step seemed to be harder to make. The door looks familiar but I don't know why. I started to get a sense of dread, like something really bad is behind that door. I can almost feel what it is and it scares the crap out of me.

I kept going slowly and the fear in me kept growing too. All I want to do is turn around and run away but something else tells me that not only something really bad is behind that door but also something very dear to me.

'She was right, this is not going to be easy. I hope she is worth it.'

It seemed that an eternity passed before I could reach the door. By the time I reached it I was shaking and very afraid of what might be behind it. I slowly reach for the doorknob. After a few false starts I finally was able to grab it. I was about to open the door when.... *~

The alarm starts screaming waking me up with a start.

'I hate this alarm. It is always scaring the crap out of me.' I thought after turning it off

'Gosh I hate that dream. I have been dreaming it every night since I made that stupid promise to Ashley. The girl is something new though. What does this dream mean? I better write it down before I forget. Maybe Ashley can help me get some sense out of it.'

Ashley is a long time friend of mine. She is a neighbor and we grew up together. She, Steve and I were always together. Steve is my best buddy but he has been acting strange for a while now and she keeps saying everything is fine but I know him. Something is bugging him and I think it is something to do with me.

Ashley is always there for me and keep having strange ideas. She is also always trying to make me dress like a girl but I always refused. I mean until last week when she tricked me to make that damn promise.

Before you ask me, no, she didn't dress me up, yet. She said something about doing it right, and needing some stuff. So, she said she would do it Saturday. The worst part is that Steve is also in cahoots with Ashley, and no she is not going to dress him up. Talk about being unfair. Of course there is no way he could ever pass as a girl. He is 17 years old, 6'2 and very athletic. By the way did I tell you he is also Ashley's older brother?

I am 16 and just 5'7 just like Ashley and people keep thinking I am a girl. I know I'm not buff like Steve but I don't think I look like a girl. Okay I confess I am scared shitless about Saturday. What if I really do look like a girl? I keep getting this sense of dread just like the one I sensed in my dream.

No I can't think like that. I know I don't look like a girl and they will see it soon. That's why I made that promise to Ashley. And yes she tricked me to make that promise. What can I say she knows me better than anyone and used it against me.

What did I promise? Well... it is the holidays season and she knows how much I like to help people out, specially children, and she... well... wanted us to volunteer to help out some children in the local hospital that will need to spend Christmas there. The thing is that she want us to volunteer as Santa's Helpers, yes you got it, female elves like those you see in the malls. So I promised her that if she can make me look like a girl I will volunteer with her. What can I say she appealed to my soft side. It almost makes me hope she can make me look like a girl so I can bring those sick kids a smile on their faces.

  

  

After I finished writing the dream down I quickly went trough my morning routine, grabbed a piece of toast for breakfast and flew out of the house to meet Ashley and Steve.

It didn't take long to meet them because as soon I got out of the house I bumped into Steve as he was about to ring the bell. I just didn't fall on my butt because he held me up before that.

'Gosh he is strong' I thought to myself

“Are you okay?” He asked me.

“Y...yes. Thank you Steve.”

“You are welcome, Danny.”

“Hi Danny.” Ashley said and gave me a big hug and a peck on my cheek.

“Hi Ashley.” I said and did the same to her.

“Did you sleep well?” She asked me.

“More or less. I had that dream again.”

“The one with the door?” Steve asked.

“Yes, the same one, but this time there was something different in it.”

“What was that?” Ashley asked.

“I wrote it down and you can read it later okay?”

“Okay.” They said.

“Oh, are you ready for tomorrow?” Ashley asked.

“What about tomorrow?” I asked her.

“Tomorrow is Saturday, remember?”

“Oh shit. I forgot. Steve, please get me out of this.”

“No can do Bro. It's your mess and I have nothing to do with it.” He said.

“Yeah right. I know you are dying to see me dolled up so you can laugh at me.”

“That's not true. I would never laugh at you, and to tell the truth I am kinda curious how you would look dressed as a girl.” He said.

“I am doomed.” I said and lowered my head.

  

  

The walk to the school was pretty quiet after that.

What can I tell you about my school life? Ashley and I are juniors and Steve is a senior. I dread the next year when I will be a senior. Why? Because my friendship with Steve have kept the bullies at bay so far as he can be very scary when he is protecting me or Ashley. Of course he will be at university next year and I will still be trapped here, at least I will have Ashley with me.

No I'm not a loner, lot by a long shot. I just don't have many friends and most of my friends are the same as Ashley's so I am always around girls, but I am just a friend for them and I am fine with that. Unfortunately that has a downside and they treat me like one of the girls and they talk about everything around me and I mean everything. For example I know more about periods than any guy should know. Also it seems that the guys at the school avoid me like plague. I hear them calling me names in the hallways and even some openly gay boys asked me for dates a few times. No I'm not gay. At least I don't think I am. To tell the truth I'm not attracted to boys or girls. I did hear some boys talking about “hard-ons” sometimes but I never had one and I wonder what it is like.

Yes you probably figured out by now that I didn't start puberty yet, but my parents said it isn't uncommon in our family for boys to start it late. My father only started bulking up when he was my age so I figure that it won't take long now.

I better stop rambling now

  

  

The morning was pretty uneventful and before I noticed it was lunch time. Today I sat with Ashley and Steve as they wanted to read what I wrote about my dream so we found an empty table at the corner of the cafeteria after we grabbed the grub they call lunch here.

As soon as we sat down Ashley said. “Okay, where is it?”

“Where is what?” I said feigning innocence.

“The paper with the dream, silly.”

“Do I have to?”

“Yes.” Both Steve and Ashley said firmly. One thing you can say about them, they are very close and get along very well.

“Can we eat first?” I asked them.

“You can eat while we read. What about that?” Steve asked.

“That won't work.” I said. “I will be too nervous to eat while you read.”

“Okay, we eat first, but as soon we, and by we I mean Ashley and I, finish our lunches we start reading, okay?” Steve said.

“That's not fair.”

“It is. I know you. If we don't do that way you will take your time eating and the bell will ring before you finish your lunch.” Ashley said.

Darn, they do know me well. That is exactly what I was planning to do.

“Fine.” I said and pouted.

It didn't take them much time to finish eating because they both wolfed the food down their throats. I never saw Ashley eat that fast though wolfing down is Steve's usual way of eating. I don't know how he can eat so much and stay in shape. I think he could eat an entire cow and then go back for seconds.

“Okay we are finished.” Steve said.

“But I hardly started to eat mine.” I said.

“You always eat slowly.” He said.

“Just as slow as Ashley usually.” I said.

“But you are eating more slowly today.” Ashley said.

“No, you did it like Steve today.” I said.

“I know.” She said. “It's because I want to read it without worrying about the time. The other dream was pretty interesting and you said something was different this time.”

“Okay, okay. Here it is.” I said producing the pieces of paper and giving it to Ashley.

They put it on the table and started to read together while I tried to eat the rest of the lunch.

By the time they finished reading they had a strange expression on their faces.

“What's wrong?” I asked them.

“N..nothing.” Steve said.

“Do you know something about the girl in my dream? Is she real?”

“We don't know anything, Dan.” Ashley said.

“Is it true?” I asked Steve.

“Y...yes.” He said.

“Why don't I believe you?” I told them.

“Please believe us, Dan. We don't know anything. We just found the dream a little strange and interesting.”

“Okay. I'll drop it for now.” I said.

  

  

The rest of the day was pretty quiet but I was a little distracted. Something kept telling me that they know something about the girl in my dream and are not telling me. I might be wrong and a little paranoid though, after all it was just a dream, wasn't it?”

After the end of the school day we walked back together. They walked me all the way home but had to leave because they had errands to run.

“That's okay guys. I'll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, don't forget to shave before going to my place.” Ashley said.

“Shave? You know I don't shave yet, Ashley.”

“Not your face, silly. Pits and legs.” She said.

“But I hardly have any hair on my legs.” I whined.

“You want to do this right, don't you?”

“There is no way I can win this one, is there?” I asked looking at Steve.

“You should know that by now, bro.” He said.

“Fine. I'll do it right. I made you a promise after all.”

“Thank you, thank you.” She said happily and gave me a big hug.

“See you tomorrow at 9:00 then?” Steve asked

“That early?”

“No whining.” Ashley said.

“Okay, okay.” I said

  

  

Ashley

After we left Dan at his place we quickly went back home so he couldn't hear us talking.

“Do you think it is starting?” I asked Steve.

“I think so. It is about time.” He said.

  

---

 

~* I find myself again in that strange corridor without any doors around and unable to see the end of it.

'Come on, not this again. It is getting ridiculous. This gotta be a dream.' I thought to myself.

Okay, that is new. The other times I never had thought of this being a dream and I wondered if that's what people call lucid dreaming.

'I better get moving and find that dammed door so I can get out of here.' I thought and started walking again.

After a long time I saw Danielle again. She was sitting on the floor but she wasn't crying this time.

“Hello Danielle.” I greeted her.

“Hi Dan. It is nice to see you again. At least this time you remembered my name.”

“I remembered it from the last time I was here.”

“I know.”

“This is a dream, isn't it?”

“Yes, Dan. This is a dream.”

“But why do I know this is a dream? I never knew that before.”

“I'm not sure.”

“But you know something, don't you?”

“Yes, but I can't tell you that. You have to figure out yourself.”

“Is there ANYTHING you can tell me?”

“Just that it is starting.”

“What is starting?”

“Your journey to discover who you are.”

“But I know who I am.”

“Do you really? Don't you have any doubts about that? Don't you feel something is not quite right about your life?”

“Well... I'm not sure. I never really thought about that.”

“No, you did think about that. That is one of the reasons you forgot about me. I know you Dan, better than you know yourself.”

“How can you know?”

“This is a dream, remember? Everything you know, I know. Also I know things you don't remember or refuses to.”

“Let me guess, you can't tell me which things I don't remember, right?”

“You catch on quickly.” She said grinning.

“Okay. But there is anything you can tell me about the door? Why is so hard for me to open it?”

“I can't tell you much about it, and you still didn't open it because you are afraid of what is on the other side.”

“And what is on the other side.”

“I can't tell you that. All I can say is that the answers you seek are on the other side of it.”

“Grrrrr.... Are you always that cryptic?”

“I'm sorry Dan. If I could I would tell you. You are very important to me and there is nothing that I want more that you remember who I am, but I can't. To do that will serve no purpose. You need to figure it out yourself in order to find out who you really are.”

“But why do I keep dreaming about that dammed door every night?”

“Because you are getting ready to open it. The time for your awakening is approaching.”

“Awakening?”

“Yes, awakening as in removing the veil of your eyes and finally remember all the things you forgot.”

“Will I be able to open the door tonight?”

“I don't know.”

“But I do have to try, don't I?”

“If you wish to.”

“Did anyone tell you that talking to you can be very frustrating?”

“No, you are the only one I can talk to.”

“Oh yeah. I forgot this is a dream for a second. I better go try to open that door. This is getting out of hand. I want my regular dreams back.”

“Good luck with that Dan. I hope we can see each other again.”

“If I do open the door, will I be able to see you again?”

“More times than you can imagine.” She said smiling.

“What do you mean by that?”

“You will find out soon, Dan.”

“I better go, this talk is giving me a headache.”

“Good luck.”

“Bye Danielle.”

I turned around and kept walking towards the door. I looked back again to see if she would disappear like she did last night and when I looked back she wasn't there anymore.

'Okay, I really need to open that door. I can't take this much longer, I feel like I'm about to go insane.'

I kept walking towards the door and again like last night each step started to become harder to make than the previous one.

'It feels like something doesn't want me to open the door. But I have to do it.'

I kept walking slowly and after a long time I finally reached the door. I could feel a lot of things coming from it, some really bad things but also some extremely good ones things that I can't put on words yet because it is all overwhelming to me. It's like everything coming at once, confusing me and scaring the crap out of me.

I was about to reach for the doorknob when... ~*

The alarm started to scream at me again.

“Dammit, not again.” I said loudly as the alarm woke me up.

'This is ridiculous. Why the alarm has to wake me up every time at that point?' I thought.

'Why did I know I was dreaming this time? Maybe I will be able to open that door soon? I hope so.'

I decided to go on with my morning routine instead of writing the dream down as I felt I wouldn't forget this dream easily.

While having my morning shower I couldn't shake the feeling that Ashley and Steve know something about what is going on, but if they do, why aren't they telling me? They are my best friends and I trust them, but why can't I shake this feeling off? We grew up together and they were always there for me as I was always there for them. We don't have any secrets from each other. Maybe I am just being paranoid. That's it, I'm just being paranoid and my promise to Ashley probably had a bigger effect on me than I thought. Maybe I'm just scared that she might be able to pull it off and make me look like a girl. That's all there is, isn't it?

  

  

I went down to breakfast and mom was already there setting up the table.

“Good morning Dan. Did you sleep well?” She asked me.

“Morning, mom. Sort of. I keep having this really strange dream for the last few nights and it is really bugging me. Where is dad?”

“He left for work early today. Can you tell me about your dreams?”

“Sure, mom.” I said and started to tell her about the dreams and the things Danielle said. When I finished she had the same strange look Ashley and Steve had yesterday.

“Mom? Do you know something about those dreams?” I asked her

“N...no. Of course not.”

“So why do you have that look on your face?”

“What kind of look?”

“The look that you know something and are afraid to let is show.”

“I... I don't know anything, sweetie. It's just that it was a very strange dream and I was thinking about it, that's all.”

I sighed and said. “Okay mom. I know that if you knew something you would tell me. It's just that I'm getting tired of these dreams and I really want someone to know what the heck is going on so they can tell me. It is making me a little paranoid I think.”

“I'm sure you will find out sooner or later, after all they are your dreams. Maybe they are trying to tell you something and you are just afraid of what it might be.”

“I think you are right mom. The good old fear of the unknown, right?”

“I think so. Probably when your curiosity becomes stronger than the fear you will find out.”

“I hope so.” I said with a long sigh.

“Are you going to your friends house today?”

“Yes, right after breakfast.”

“I hope you have fun. Any big plans for today?”

“Not really. I think we will just hang out together and maybe study a little.”

  

  

(Megan) Dan's mom

Dan just left to see his friends when I collapsed to the floor and started to cry. I cried like I never did before.

'Oh my goddess. It is starting. I dreaded this moment for so long. She promised me that it wouldn't happen before his 18th birthday, but why is this happening now? Am I going to lose my son? I don't want to lose him. I love him so much. Please don't let me lose him.'

  

---

  

Please remember to comment. Your comments are important to me and the might affect the direction of the story, and knowing peoples opinion about the it helps me keep going.

  

---

 

“Hey Dan. Good morning.” Steve greets me as he sees me arriving at his house.

“Hey Steve. Good morning for you too. What are you doing out here? Isn't is getting a little cold to stay outside?”

“I just got outside. Came to get the newspaper.” He said lifting the newspaper and showing it to me.

“Oh. Didn't your dad pick it up this morning?”

“Nah. He and mom went out of town for the weekend. Something about needing to relax a bit.”

“So they won't be around?”

“Nope. They won't interrupt us.”

“Isn't there a way for us to not to do this?”

“Yeah, you can run away, but then you would break your promise to Ashley and she would never forgive you.”

“Aren't you exaggerating a bit?”

“Maybe, but she would definitely not speak to you for a few weeks.”

“Okay, okay. Let's get inside already. I'm freezing out here,”

  

  

We went inside and Ashley came running to me and gave me a big hug.

“Good morning Dan.” She said with a heart melting smile.

“Good morning Ashley.”

“Are you ready for today?” She asked excitedly.

“I'm scared shitless, Ash. I don't know what scares me the most. To look like a guy in a dress or that you pull it off and I look like a girl.”

“Are you afraid to look like a girl?”

“Yeah. I don't know why but I keep getting this feeling you will probably pull it off and I am scared. What if I look like a girl? What will it mean?”

“It won't mean anything you don't want.” She told me.

“I think you will look great, a real babe.” Steve said and I blushed.

“Did you shave like I told you to?” Ashley asked.

“Hummm.... I forgot?”

“You forgot?”

“Yeah, I had other things in my mind, okay? I had that same dream again, and every time something new happens. This time I was aware it was a dream.”

“Really?” Steve asked.

“Yeah. And I had a big talk to that Danielle girl. Man that girl is cryptic. She would never give me a straight answer. It was always I can't tell you or you will have to figure it out yourself. I feel like I am supposed to know her, but I can't remember her. Wait, if I am supposed to know her, maybe you two are supposed to know her too, after all we grew up together and we know all of each others friends.”

I see a mild panic look on their eyes after I said that.

“You know her, don't you?”

“N...not really.” Steve said.

“Ashley?”

“I think maybe we met once or twice.” She said.

“And who was she?”

“I don't know.” She said.

“Come on Ash, I know you know more than you are telling me. I never lied or hid things from you. Don't do that to me, please.” I pleaded.

“I'm sorry Dan. I can't tell you that, not yet.”

“Why can't you tell me?”

“Because you are not ready to know, and if I did you wouldn't believe me anyway.”

“So you do know something about what is happening.”

“Yes, and we are trying to help you.” Steve said.

“By dressing me up as a girl?”

“Yes.” He said.

“But why?”

“I think things will be a bit clearer after Ashley works her magic on you.”

“Magic?”

“Yeah, fashion magic.” She said.

“There is no way you two are going to tell me anything before that?”

“No.” They said together.

I sighed and said. “Okay. Let's get over it then.”

  

  

“Okay Dan, first you will need to shave your legs and armpits.” She said giving me a lady's razor.

“And how do I do that?” I asked her?

“Want me to do it for you?” She asked coyly.

“I don't know. I don't think so.” I said feeling embarrassed.

“Come on Dan, we grew up together. You can keep your underwear on.”

“It's not that.” I said.

“What is it?”

“I don't like to show my body.”

“Come on Dan, I won't make fun of you, okay?”

“O...Okay.”

We went to the bathroom and she asked me to strip down to my underwear. Of course Steve is downstairs waiting in the living room under the threat of losing his balls if he tries to peek on us. By the time I undressed I was blushing from head to toes, I never felt so embarrassed in my entire life before.

Ashley stood there looking at me for a few moments then shook her head.

I won't go into details about the shaving as it was one of the most embarrassing and sensual experiences I ever had. Good thing I never had an erection or I would have been even more embarrassed by now.

We got out of the bathroom and she led me to her room. As soon we got in she closed her door and asked me. “How long has this been happening?”

“What?”

“Your body.”

“What about my body?”

“You are getting a figure.”

“Huh?”

“Look at yourself in the mirror and tell me what you see.”

I turned around to see myself in her full lengh mirror and I said. “I see myself, why?”

“Don't you notice anything strange?”

“Like what?”

“Your waist. You are getting an hourglass figure.”

“WHAT? You mean like a girl's figure?”

“Yes. Didn't you notice it before?”

“No. I'm pretty sure I didn't have that figure a few days ago.” I told her.

“You mean it happened in just a few days?”

“I think so. I'm not sure. It's not like I look myself in the mirror much. And I don't have a full length mirror either.”

“So it might be happening longer than a few days?”

“I... I suppose. Ash, I'm scared.” I said starting to shake.

“What's wrong?” She asked me.

“I...I don't know.”

“Shhh... It will be okay.” She said hugging me.

“I'm scared.” I told her.

“Scared of what?”

“I feel like I don't know who I am anymore. I am scared that you will be able to make me look like a girl and I don't know how I will react.”

“Do you want to do it another time? We can wait a few days if you want to. I don't want to hurt you Dan. If this is too much for you to take right now we can wait.”

“No, I made a promise and I need to know.”

“If its because of that stupid promise you don't need to do it.” She said.

“Okay, it started because of the promise, but now I feel like I need to go through with this, I have to know. I am scared to death but something tells me I need to do it. I know it sounds crazy as I was still trying to get out of this when I got here.”

“Are you sure about that?” She said worriedly.

“Yes Ashley, I'm sure.

  

  

“Okay.” She said and went to her dresser and picked up a pair of panties.

“First you need to take off your ugly boxers and put this on.” She said giving me the panties.

“What? Are you serious?” I asked her.

“Hey, you gotta do it right or don't do it at all.” She said.

“Okay, okay. But turn around or I won't do it.” I told her.

She turned around and I took off my boxers. I picked up the panties and looked at it for a long time unsure of which side to put them on. I studied it a bit and decided to try to put it myself, the worst thing it would happen was that I would need to take it off and put it back on. I decided not to ask for Ashley's advice afraid that if I said anything she would want to put the dammed thing on me herself.

I put the panties on and it felt comfortable, too comfortable. 'I guess I got it right' I thought to myself.

“You can turn around now.” I told her.

She turned around and looked at me. I started to blush the second she looked at that panties.

“You are looking great, Dan. Did you tuck yourself?”

“Huh? Tuck?”

“Yeah, put your thing between your legs.” She said.

“No, I didn't know I needed to do that.”

“Apparently you don't need to. I don't see any bulge.”

I just sighed at that. It seems my little friend is smaller than I thought it was.

Next she handed me a bra to wear.

“What is this?” I asked her knowing exactly what it was.”

“You know what it is.”

“But why would I need one? I don't have anything on top.”

“Not yet, she said.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just put it on. Don't tell me you are going to fight me the whole time. If you are we will stop this right now.” She said angrily.

“I'm sorry, Ash.” I said sheepishly

It took me a few tries and a few minutes for me to put that damned bra on, and I only did it because Ashley helped me.

After that she decided to fuss with my hair, trying to give it a more feminine look. Oh I don't think I said before but I had a dark brown hair, almost black and it is about shoulder length. She took her time on my hair, combing it and trying different things. It was quite relaxing actually. She said my hair was still a little damp and used the hair dryer.

“You should have dried your hair correctly before leaving your house, Dan. It's too cold outside and you could get sick.” She admonished me.

“I'm sorry.”

“Okay, now the hair is done.”

“Can I take a look?”

“I think it is better not. I want you to see the end result when you are ready. She said and I noticed she covered her room mirrors.

'When did she do that?'

“I bet you are wondering when I covered the mirrors.”

“Are you psychic now?”

“I would be wondering the same thing.”

“Well?”

“Well what?”

“When did you cover them.”

“I'm not telling.” She said grinning

“Grrrrr.”

  

  

Again I won't get into details about the rest of my 'makeover' as I am still too embarrassed to talk about. Let's just say I blushed every step of the way, specially when she added some pads into the bra cups and made it look like I had breasts, they even jiggled every time I moved. There was also a couple times I feared for my eyes when she was doing my makeup. Yes makeup. She made me wear makeup too. Also she refused to let me wear pants and made me wear a skirt, something about making me look as feminine as possible. Thankfully we are not going outside so I won't get cold.

“I think we are done.” She finally said.

“It was about time.” I said.

“Come on, it wasn't so bad.”

“No I just feared for my life a couple times when you went to put the eyeliner on me.” I said.

“Don't be such a baby. You'll get used to it in no time. Now get up and let me give you a good look.” She said.

I slowly got up and she kept looking at me with a strange expression on her face.

“Ash? Do I look that bad?”

“Huh? Sorry.” She said shaking her head a little. “You look that good.”

“Can I see how I look?”

“Sure. I hope you are ready for this.”

“Come on, Ash. Don't make me sweat.”

“Okay.” She said leading me to the full length mirror.

“Are you ready?” She asked me.

“No, but I need to do see.” I told her.

“Okay. Close your eyes while I uncover the mirror.”

I closed my eyes. A few moments later she said. “You can open your eyes now.”

I slowly opened my eyes and looked at the mirror. When I saw the girl on the mirror everything went black and I fainted.

  

  

(Megan)

I was still crying when I heard the doorbell. I tried to make myself presentable and went to answer the door. When I opened the door I saw a pretty blond girl, about Dan's age standing there.

“Can I help you?” I asked her.

“Hello Megan. I came to talk to you about my daughter.”

  

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Please remember to comment. Your comments are important to me and the might affect the direction of the story, and knowing peoples opinion about the story helps me keep going.

  

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*~ I found myself in a big room feeling confused about how I got there. I looked around and see the door. 'Oh crap, not another dream.' I thought to myself.

“Hi.” I heard her voice coming from behind me.

I turned around to face her and asked. “What am I doing here? Where am I?”

“You fainted and ended up here.” She said.

“I fainted?”

“Don't you remember what were you doing?”

“I was at Ashley's house. We were... well...”

“Dressing you up as a girl?”

“How did you know that?”

“I know everything you know, remember?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that.”

“So you were at Ashley's and she was dressing you up as a girl.”

“Right.”

“So, what happened next?”

“Why do I need to tell you? Don't you know what happened?”

“I do, but I think you need to remember it too.”

“Okay, she was dressing me up, after she finished she took me to her full length mirror and asked me to close my eyes.”

“Go on.”

“Then she said I could open my eyes, I did so slowly afraid of what I would see. When I looked at the mirror I fainted.”

“What did you see in the mirror?”

“I... I... don't know. I... can't remember.”

“Can't or don't want to?”

“I don't know.”

“Do you want to know?”

“I do, but I am scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“Of what I will see.”

“You don't need to be scared to see yourself.”

“I guess not. But I am scared.”

“Do you want to keep running from yourself?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I meant exactly what I asked. Do you want to keep running from yourself? Are you afraid of who you are or who you might be?”

“I guess I am afraid to find out who am I. I thought I knew but now I'm not so sure anymore.”

“Do you want to open that door?”

“You know I do.”

“You won't be able to do it unless you face yourself first.”

“Is there another way?”

“You can avoid facing yourself and keep dreaming about the door. Sooner or later you will be forced to do it or go insane.”

“Then I better get on with it. What do I do?”

“Close your eyes and try to remember looking at the mirror.”

I closed my eyes and started to remember the moment Ashley asked me to open my eyes. I remembered opening and looking at the mirror. The image is a bit fuzzy.

“What do you see?” She said gently.

With my eyes still closed I answered. “The image is fuzzy. I can't see it clearly.”

“Keep looking at the mirror, try to relax, breath slowly. There is nothing to be afraid of.”

I took a few good deep slow breaths and started to relax a little. She is right I can't be afraid of myself. Slowly the image started to get into focus. Slowly I started to recognize the face in the mirror.

“OH MY GOD!!!” I yelled and started to shake.

“What did you see?” I could clearly hear the anticipation in her voice.

“I... don't... understand.” I said shaking. “I... saw... you.... me...”

She hugged me for a long time and tried to calm me down a little.

“Everything will be fine. I know it is scary.” She said in a soft voice.

After a long time I finally calmed down a little. I looked at her and asked. “Am I you or are you me?” ~*

  

  

(Ashley)

I saw Dan look at the mirror looking transfixed at his (her?) own image and suddenly collapse on the floor.

“STEVE!!!!” I yelled.

Steve came running into my room and saw Dan on the floor unconsious.

“What happened?”

“Dan was looking at the mirror and when saw her reflection she fainted.” I said.

“Did you notice you just referred Dan as her?” He said while picking Dan up and placing her on my bed.

“Look at her. Can you call her him right how?” I asked.

“No I can't, and she looks even more beautiful than I remember.” He said.

“I know. How long has it been?”

“3 years since we last saw her.”

“I missed her so much.” I said. “But I think we went a bit too far. I hope she is okay.

“She will be okay. She has to.” Steve said and sat by the bed looking at Dan's unconscious body.

“You love her, don't you?” I asked him.
“Yes I do, sis. More than life itself. Am I crazy for feeling this way?”

“Not at all, Steve. I love her too, but like a sister so you don't need to feel jealous.”

“I'm afraid she will never be able to see me as nothing more than a friend.” He said sadly.

“Give her time, Steve. Everything will be too new for her and she will be confused. There is so much she can't remember right now. I hope those things will come back in time. Don't lose your hope just yet.”

“I won't. She is worth the wait.” He said and hold her hand lovingly. “I just hope she wakes up soon.”

  

  

(Megan)

“Aren't you going to invite me in?” The girl asked.

“Goddess? Is that you?”

“I'm glad you remember me Megan.” She said with a smile.

“Come in.” I said nervously.

She came inside and sat on the sofa. She motioned for me to do the same.

“Megan, I came here to talk about my daughter.”

“You mean Dan?”

“I think we should call her Danni.” The goddess said.

“It started, didn't it?”

“It did. I don't know why it happened now. It should happen only in a little over a year.”

“I don't want to lose my child.” I told her in tears.

“Who told you that it would happen? I never said you would lose your child when she reached 18.”

“But.. but I thought.”

“You thought that because she would finally become the girl she was supposed to be I would take her from you, right?”

“Yes.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because she is your daughter. I am just her surrogate mother.”

“Oh Megan. I would never take your child away from you.” The Goddess said.

“You won't take her away?”

“No. She is much your daughter than she is mine.”

“I don't understand.” I said.

“Megan, genetically she is much your daughter than she is mine. I wanted a daughter and not a clone so I used the genetic code of one of your eggs to fertilize one of mine and place it in your womb.”

“So you mean she is really my child?”

“Yes Megan. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I shouldn’t have kept that from you.”

“But why did you use the code from one of my eggs and fertilized one of yours and not the opposite?”

“Because I wanted my daughter to grow up to become a goddess like myself.”

“So my daughter will be a goddess? And I am really her mother?”

“Yes, she is our daughter and she will be a goddess. It beats becoming a Doctor, doesn't it?”

“She could become a doctor too if she wants to too.” I said. “But why is this happening now?”

“I don't know. A lot of things has been happening lately and maybe it is time after all.”

“You think she will be able to control her abilities?”

“I think so, and she is older now.”

“I just don't want to go through what happened three years ago again.”

“I know. The first time her abilities surfaced was terrible enough.”

“Did you find out what happened to make them surface?”

“Her abilities are tied to her true feminine self. At the time she was exploring that without you knowing and something extremely stressful must have happened, forcing her abilities to surface to protect her.”

“And what happened?”

“I never found out. I had to suppress any knowledge she had of her true self in order to avoid a bigger tragedy. She wasn't ready for her abilities. If she is regaining her knowledge now we might find out.”

  

  

(Dan)

*~ “I am you.” She said to me.

“Why didn't you tell me before?”

“Would you believe me if I did?”

“No I wouldn't. So what do we do now?”

“Now you need to open the door and remember the things you forgot. The things you were forced to forget.”

“Forced to forget? Why?”

“That I don't know. I wish I did.”

“Will I still be myself after I remember?”

“You will still be yourself, but you will also change a little.”

“Change how?”

“You will be complete, have a better understanding about yourself and be happier because of that. Also I will be free too.”

“Free?”

“Yes, when you remember everything we will be one once again. You were forced to forget everything about me, that caused me to appear here. I am not real I am just an echo of those memories you lost.”

“So if I open that door and I remember everything I will never see you again?”

“Of course you will see me again. You will see me every time you look in the mirror. I am you.”

“You mean I will become a girl?”

“What do you mean become a girl?”

“Well, you are a girl and I am a boy.”

“Are you really a boy?”

“I am. At least I think I am.”

“Don't you think you should have all the information necessary before making that assumption?”

“I guess you are right. You think I will be able to open that door now?”

“Yes, I think you will.”

“Okay Danielle. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck Danielle.” She said giving me one last hug.

I walked towards the door and this time the steps weren't hard as they were the other times. I quickly reached the door. I turned around to see her smiling at me and giving me an encouraging nod.

I was still afraid of what was on the other side but that fear seemed meaningless. I knew I had to face whatever is on the other side. I gave her a last smile and I turned back to face the door. I reached for the doorknob, grabbed it, turned it and finally opened that door.~*

  

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Please remember to comment. Your comments are important to me and the might affect the direction of the story, and knowing peoples opinion about the story helps me keep going.

  

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(Steve)

Here I am sitting beside Ashley’s bed where Danni is unconscious. It has been over an hour now and she still didn’t wake up.

“I’m getting worried, Ashley. She has been unconscious for too long.”

“I think it was just the shock, Steve. She will wake up soon, I hope.”

“God I hope so. I’m so worried about her. I think that maybe we pushed things too fast and too far.”

“Maybe we did. But I don’t think there was any other way. I miss my best friend and it was so hard to see her suffering and not knowing why.”

“I still don’t know what happened 3 years ago. One day she was so happy and bubbly, having fun with us and the next day Dan was there and it was like some spark left his eyes. And it was like didn’t remember anything about Danni.”

“I know. It was terrible. When Dan forgot about Danni he never really smiled anymore.”

“You think Dan will ever be Danni again?”

“I think so. I think that according to the dreams Dan told us about Danni is screaming to get out. I just hope we didn’t mess up.”

“What could have happened to make such a drastic change in just one day?” I asked.

“I have no idea, but it was probably something really bad.” She said worriedly.

  

  

(Megan)

“Goddess, do you think there is any way to postpone her awakening?”

“Maybe if we get to her in time, but I don’t know if it would be wise.”

“Why not?”

“Because if we do that again and she finds out later she will probably hate us. Doing it the first time was bad enough. We can explain to her why we did it the first time, but there would be no real motive for us to do it again. She is awakening before we planned but maybe there is a reason for it.”

“What kind of reason?”

“I’m not sure yet. There are some things happening lately but I don’t know if it is related to what is happening to our daughter.”

“You know, you should have told me the truth about her being my daughter too. I don’t mean to disrespect you but I think I deserved the truth.”

“I’m sorry about that. When I used my magic to conceive her using our eggs I wasn’t the same person I am today.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Recently the way I look at things has been changing. We, the gods, for too long been apart from humanity, thinking we are better than humans because we are more powerful and immortal. Lately I met some people that is making me review those beliefs.”

“Is that why you look like that?”

“Not exactly, I choose this appearance because it would help me fit in with those people better and I thought it would be fun to be a teenager for a while, after all I never been one before.”

“Does it mean you assumed a human identity? Are you going to high school?”

“Yes to both questions. It is easier to interact with them better and protect them if the need arises.”
“Why are you telling me all this?”

“I’m not sure. Probably because I trust you and we do have a daughter together. I know you won’t tell anyone what we talked about. After all who would believe?”

“You have a point there. If I told anyone that I have a daughter with a goddess that looks like a teenager I would end up in the funny farm wearing a straightjacket in no time.”

“I would never allow that to happen, Megan. Danielle needs you.”

  

  

(Ashley)

I’m really getting worried now. It’s been two hours and Dan still didn’t wake up. ’What is going on inside her mind? Was the shock of seeing her reflection that big?’

“Steve, I’m getting worried. Maybe we should call her mother.”

“And tell her what? That we were dressing her son like a girl and he fainted when he saw his reflection?”

“I don’t think we have any choice.”

“We could dress her back into the clothes she was wearing when she came here.” He said.

“I don’t think it would be right. She needs to know what happened. We need to take responsibility.”

“But if we tell her the truth she will probably forbid Dan to see us again.” He said worriedly.

“And make Dan even more miserable? I don’t think so.”

“What about her father?”

“If he tries anything funny I will let you do whatever you want to him.”

“If he hurts her, he will wish he was never born.” He said with anger in his eyes.

“I’ll make the call.”

  

  

(Megan)

I was still talking to the goddess when my cell phone started to ring. I looked at her and she nodded, allowing me to answer the call.

“Hello.”

“Aunt Megan? This is Ashley. You need to come to my house quickly.”

“Ashley? What happened?”

“It’s Dan. He fainted over 2 hours ago and still didn’t wake up.”

“WHAT? I’ll be right there.” I said and turned off the phone.

“Goddess, something happened to Danni. She fainted 2 hours ago and still didn’t wake up.”

“WHAT? Where is she?”

“She is at her friend’s house. She is a neighbor and grew up together with Danni.”

“Then she probably knows about her.”

“I think so.”

“We better go there right now.”

“You think you should go?” I asked.

“No, I don’t think. I know I need to go.”

  

  

(Ashley)

Not long after I left the phone the doorbell rang. I opened the door and Dan’s mom was there together with a girl I never saw before.

“Where is sh... he?” Dan’s mom said.

Did I hear that right? Did she almost called Dan she?

“He is up in my bedroom. Come.” I said and we went hurriedly to my bedroom.

When we got there they saw Danni unconscious body and noticed how she was dressed.

“Why is she dressed like that?” Aunt Megan asked.

Before I could answer her I started to feel a light draft that soon became a wind. I looked at Danni and it felt like the air around her was moving, her hair was all over the place.

“What is happening?” I asked.

“She is awakening.” The girl said.

I looked at Danni again and it looked like she was starting to float a few inches over the mattress like the wind was lifting her. Steve had a shocked look on his face and I think I probably had the same look on mine.

“W…what is going on?” Steve asked.

“You caused her to awaken prematurely.” The girl cryptically said.

“Awaken?” I asked.

“Yes, she is awakening to her true nature, her heritage.”

I looked at Danni again and it looked like she was starting to change, not much, just subtle things. It seemed like she was developing right before our eyes.

“Oh my God. She is turning into a girl.” I exclaimed.

“No, she was always a girl. She is just maturing how she was supposed to.”

“Who the hell are you? How do you know these things?” Steve asked angrily.

“Steve, don’t talk to her like that. Show some respect.” Danni’s mom admonished me.

“Respect? I never saw her before and she seems to know what is going on with Danni. I want answers dammit.” He said with anger in his eyes.

“I can see you care deeply about her, Steve. The answers will come after she wakes up.”

  

  

(Danni)

*~As I said before I opened that fraking damned door that haunted my dreams for days. When I opened it at first I didn’t see anything so I slowly decided to step inside. I didn’t know what to expect but certainly it wasn’t what happened. As soon as I got inside the door closed and a bright light blinded me. I was overwhelmed by the memories flowing, at first came memories that I treasured so much and was forgotten. The ones that were among the most precious were the times I spent as Danielle with Ashley and Steve.

Steve. Oh Steve. I remember now. 3 years ago the best and the worst day of my life. The day we finally kissed. My very first kiss. We were hanging out in his place with Ashley, talking, playing games and having fun. I had such a crush on him. I think Ashley noticed that because she decided to give us some time alone saying she had something to do but wouldn’t take long. Such a lame excuse but it was exactly what I was hoping for. We were young I was 13 and Steve was just 14.

Ashley went upstairs leaving me and Steve alone in the living room. He looked so cute and was blushing furiously. I confess I was blushing too. We were just kids but our feelings for each other were growing. As I said before we grew up together and he was my best friend, well… he and Ashley of course. We stayed there a long time quiet, blushing and exchanging quick glances at each other. I didn’t think he would have any courage to say anything when Ashley came back and smacked him on the back of his head.

“You big dope! Kiss her already.” She said.

“What?”

“Kiss her you silly boy. Don’t you see she likes you?” At that point I was blushing from head to toes hoping a big hole appeared on the floor and swallow me in.

He turned to me and said. “Is it true?”

All I could do is blush even more and nod a bit.

“I like you too.” He said and I swear that when he said that my heart skipped a beat.

“Y…you do?”

“Y…yeah.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Really really?” Gosh I probably sounded like a broken record by now.

“Yes.”

“Kiss her or she will keep saying really.” Ashley said giggling.

He looked at me and said. “Do you want to me to kiss you?” Again all I could do was nod.

He came closer to me and I closed my eyes, uncertain of exactly what to do. After what it seemed to be a long time I was about to open my eyes thinking he would never kiss me when I felt his lips touch mine. I swear I saw fireworks right then. No there was no tongue involved. Just lips to lips contact but it melt me.

Too soon the kiss ended and I opened my eyes to see his face so close to mine. He had a big smile on his face and I am sure I had a bigger one on mine. The rest of the day I felt like I was walking on air. I was so happy.

It was getting dark when I got out of Steve and Ashley’s house. My house is pretty close to theirs, just four houses away. I was almost reaching home when I felt someone grab me from behind and put something on my mouth. After that everything went black.

I think it was a long time before I woke up in a strange place. I wondered where I was when a man appeared.

“Well, well. It seems the little faggot decided to wake up.”

“W…where am I?”

“It doesn’t matter. You won’t live long enough.” He said. “But before I kill you I will have some fun with you.”

“W…what a…are you g…g…going to do w…with me?”

“What do you think I’m going to do you little freak? First I’m going to have some fun with you then I’m going to beat your faggot ass and after that I am going to kill you.”

He came closer to me with a knife and started to cut my clothes off. At that moment I felt something build inside of me. I just wanted for him to leave me alone. I didn’t do anything to him. I didn’t want to die. I wanted to be with Steve. The anger kept growing and growing and suddenly I released it. I don’t know what happened because suddenly it seemed I was in the center of a hurricane. I looked around and only saw destruction before I passed out.

I was sure I heard someone talk to me after that, lifting me up and carrying me away. I felt so safe and loved right then and I knew everything would be okay.

The next day Dan woke up. Unaware of what happened the day before and about all the good times as Danielle. He felt empty and sad but didn’t know why. For a while Steve and Ashley acted very strangely around me but over time things seemed to get better.~*

  

  

I felt like I was floating on air and I heard some voices far away, too far to understand what they are talking about.

I can feel him next to me. Steve, my Steve. I can smell him. I slowly open my eyes to see him right there, sitting next to the bed looking at me.

“Dan? Are you okay?” He asked me.

“Dan is no more. I remember now. I am Danielle.” I said looking at his gorgeous bluish green eyes.

“You remember? Everything?” He asked me.

“Yes, everything.” I said and gave him a peck on his lips.

He blushed furiously, just like that day. Then I heard some other voices. I looked around and saw Ashley, my mom and another girl were there looking at us.

“Mom? What are you doing here?” I asked her.

“You fainted, sweetie. We were worried about you.”

“Did you see what I just did?” I asked nervously.

“Yes I did. Do you like him?”

“I do, mom. Does it makes me gay?”

“Gay? Did you take a good look at yourself?” She asked me.

“Huh?”

“Come here sweetie. I will let you see. Just promise me you won’t faint this time.”

“I’ll try not to.” I told her.

Mom guided me to the mirror and I took a good look at my reflection. I looked a little older now. Before I looked like a 13 or 14 year old. Now I looked my age. I had curves and I had… breasts?

“Mom? What happened?” I asked her. “Am I a girl?”

“Yes, sweetie. You are a girl.”

“H…how?”

“You just awakened to your heritage, child.” The girl said.

“My heritage? Who are you?”

I saw her look at mom and for a second and then she came closer to me, looked deeply into my eyes and said. “I am Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and you are my daughter.”

What can I say? I fainted again right there at that moment.

  

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I opened my eyes to find myself again on Ashley’s bed looking at Steve. “How long was I out?”

“Not long. We just laid you down on the bed.” Steve said.

“I had a strange dream. I dreamed I woke up as a girl and a strange girl said she was a goddess and was my mother.” I told him.

“Huh… Danni?” Steve said

“Yeah?”

“It wasn’t a dream.”

“W…what?”

“Look.” He said pointing at something.

“I turned my head to where he was pointing to and I see mom, Ashley and that girl.”

“W….what is going on?” I asked them.

“Don’t ask me. I have no idea.” Ashley said.

“Mom?”

“Oh sweetie. What do you remember?”

“Not much, only that I woke up as a girl and that girl said she was my mother. That can’t be true, right?”

I looked at mom and the look at her eyes said it all.

“Mom? Is it true?”

“Yes, sweetie, it is.” She said in tears.

“Bu…but, If she is my mother does it mean you are not my real mom?”

“No my daughter, she is your mother as much as I am.” Artemis said.

“What about dad? Is he my father?”

“Not biologically.” She said.

“Are you really a goddess?”

“Yes, I am the goddess Artemis, but you can call me Diana, that’s the name I am using right now.”

“Why did I wake up as a girl? “

“You were always a girl. You only had a pseudo-male body.”

“B..but why?”

“For your protection. I had to disguise you.”

“My protection? Protection from what?”

“I couldn’t let the others know you existed. I didn’t want you to be raised among the gods. The disguise was to mask your true nature.”

“My nature?”

“Yes my daughter. You are also a goddess and from what I noticed you are attuned to the winds.”

‘Me? A goddess? Have the world gone nuts?’ I thought to myself

At that moment I started to feel angry. I just noticed that my entire life was a lie.

“Why didn’t I remember about me being Danielle?”

“I had to repress those memories. You were awakening too early and was too young to safely control your abilities in the human world.”

“WHAT? You did it on purpose?”

“I had to. There was no other way.” She said sadly.

“No other way? You made me forget my most precious memories. You made me suffer for so long, feeling that something was missing inside of me. “

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t want to risk losing you. Your abilities had just emerged and you cause a lot of destruction.”

“I remember. I was being ATACKED by a man that wanted to rape me and then kill me. I felt something building inside of me and I just released it. The next thing I remember was being in the center of what looked like debris caused by a tornado.”

“You were attacked?” Steve asked.

At that moment I started to cry. It just dawned to me that I had probably killed the guy and maybe others too.

Steve sat beside me and held me tight. I kept crying on his chest and said between sobs. “I… think… I… killed… him.”

“I never knew that. We never find out what happened.” Mom said coming closer to me and hugging me.

When she hugged me I pushed her away. “Don’t touch me.” I yelled.

“You knew everything, didn’t you? You knew I was a girl all along, didn’t you?”

“Yes… I did.” Mom said with her head lowered incapable of looking at me.

“You two have no idea what you did, do you? Before that I was happy but because you thought I wasn’t ready you made me forget everything that was dear to me? The guy tried to rape me and I protected myself, but you two succeeded in raping my mind. I spent 3 years feeling empty inside. You have any idea how many times I thought of ending it all? I woke up every day trying to find a reason to keep going.”

“You said you didn’t want to lose me? What you did almost made me take my own life. The only thing that kept me going was Steve and Ashley. They were always there for me. No wonder I felt empty. You made me forget how I felt about STEVE. I might have been young and I was falling in love with him and you TOOK THAT AWAY FROM ME! And what for? Because you love me? Because you didn’t want to lose me? I don’t even KNOW you!”

“What do you want from me? To be my mother? Too late. You two made sure that almost everything in my life was a lie and expect me to forgive you? Think again.”

Before anyone could say anything I stormed out of the room and started to run and cry.

  

  

(Ashley)

I saw Danni storm out and Steve running after her not long after.

I turned to Danni’s mother and the ‘goddess’ and said. “You two really messed things up.”

Danni’s mother (sorry I can’t call her aunt Megan right now) just sat on the floor and kept crying.

“My baby hates me now. I lost her. I lost her” She kept saying over and over again.

“Danielle will come back. She just need some time.” The ‘goddess’ said. I know I should respect a goddess more but I can’t, not after what she did to Danni.

“Do you think she will ever forget you? Do you have any idea how happy she was just before you made her forget about being Danielle?”

“No I haven’t. I remember feeling something was wrong with her and when I found her I found her in the center of a tornado she created. Not long after that the tornado was gone and I saw her collapse. She wasn’t ready for that kind of power and the only way to contain it until she could handle it was doing what I did.”

“You could have trained her.” I said.

“That would take months, maybe even a year where she would have to be apart from her family and friends.”

“It is better than forgetting the feelings you have about the person you love and forgetting who you are. She was so happy. After you did whatever you did I never saw her smile a single time. It was like a spark left her. Her eyes were empty. She was just existing. She wasn’t living at all. What did you expect to happen when she regained her memories?”

“I don’t know. I was too worried about her at the time and I did the only thing I thought could be done at the time. Now I probably lost my daughter, the daughter I longed for thousands of years because I was afraid of losing her.” She said crying openly now.

I looked at Danni’s mom and she was still there on the floor crying and saying the same thing over and over.

“I don’t know if she will ever forgive you but right now we need to help her ‘mother’. I think she is in shock.”

  

  
(Steve)

I kept running after Danni, calling her name but she was ignoring me. She was running faster than ever and I was having trouble keeping up to her.

After about 15 minutes we arrived at the park and I saw her collapsing on the ground next to a tree and cry. I called her name and started to walk towards her when I felt a strong gush of wind trying to push me back.

“ LEAVE ME ALONE” She yelled at me.

“I can’t. You are in pain and I can’t leave you alone like that.”

“Please leave me alone.” She said and another gush of wind almost knocked me of my feet.

“I can’t leave you alone dammit! I love you, don’t you see that?”

“Y…you love me?” She said still crying.

“I never stopped loving you, Danni.” I said while moving closer to her.

“B…but I thought….”

I sat down next to her and held her tight. “You thought that I stopped loving you because you forgot about us?”

“Y…yes.” She said crying to my chest.

“I could never stop loving you Danni. Why do you think we worked so hard in trying to make you remember?”

“Is that why you and Ashley dressed me up?”

“It was our last hope. We saw how miserable you were and we were afraid you would end up killing yourself if we didn’t do anything. I couldn’t stand the idea of losing you. Why do you think we came up with the Christmas elf idea? Christmas always were your favorite holiday.”

“I did think it was a bit strange. After all Christmas is still two months away. And next week is still Halloween.”

“I know. That’s why we came up with the pretense that you needed that time to practice. I know it was a low blow involving sick children but we didn’t know what to do.”

“Do you mean the Christmas elf thing is a lie?”

“No. It isn’t a lie, but we won’t force you to do it. You know we could never lie to you. You could always see in our faces when we did.”

“I know. I was sure you were lying when you said you didn’t know anything about the dreams I told you about.”

“I know and it pained me very much. We couldn’t tell you because you would never believe us.”

“I want to do it.” She said into my chest.

“Do what?”

“The elf thing. You know how much I love kids and it gave me warm feelings when you suggested it. I was at my hope’s end and it gave me a reason to keep going.”

We just stood there a long time holding each other in silence after that. I just noticed how close we were of losing her and hold her even tighter.

  

  

(Danni)

I stood there a long time in his embrace, his big strong arms around me, holding me tight. It made me feel safe and protected, a feeling I don’t remember ever having before. My father always seemed a little distant and now I know why. I know he loves me but I always felt like there was something between us. He never made me go into sports or forced me to do boy stuff. I guess he knew the truth and don’t know how to relate to me. Sometimes he would act indifferent and sometimes he seemed a little overprotective. I could always relate to mom better and we talked about almost everything. It hurts so bad to think I lived a lie all these years.

I raised my head and looked at Steve. “Steve, why do you think my parents lied to me?”

“I don’t know. Maybe they thought they were doing the right thing at the time.” He said.

“And what about Diana?”

“From what she told you I guess she was afraid. I know you were defending yourself but can you imagine what would happen if you lost control? What if you lost control while I was with you? You created a tornado. This is so strange.”

“God I could end up killing you if I lost control with you around.” I said and started to cry again. “I wouldn’t be able to handle killing you.”

“You would never hurt me, Danni. I know that. I was just giving an example of what could happen if Diana is right.”

“But she made me forget about myself, about us.”

“She did, but I think she did it out of love. She said you awakened prematurely that means you were meant to remember sooner or later. I guess you didn’t forget about us completely or you wouldn’t have worked so hard in remembering.”

“I thought it was because the dreams were making me crazy. I was afraid of what was on the other side, but every time I got close to that door I felt that there was something very dear to me there. I thought it was about Danielle but when I opened the door one of the first things that came to my mind after I recovered those lost memories was you, they way I felt about you. It was the day we kissed. I was my fondest and happiest memory.” I said and hugged him tighter.

“I am glad you came back. It was killing me to see you suffer like that.”

We kept holding each other for a long long time. I was basking in his warmth and loving embrace when I looked into his eyes and said.

“Steve?”

“Yeah?”

“You know I love you, don’t you?”

“I love you too, Danni.”

“So what are you waiting for? Kiss me already you big dope.”

And so he did. The poor boy can be so clueless.

Just like old times.

  

---

  
To be continued….
  

Joan - Chapter 1

By Andrea Ribeiro
Thanks To Stanman63 for editing!
Synopsis:This chapter deals with a suicide attempt. I personally would avoid writing about suicide, but this story has been haunting my dreams for over a week now and I believe it is begging to be written. This first chapter is quite heavy and dark, but I promise the next ones will be a lot lighter.

.

[-][+][-]

Here I am, lighting scented candles in the bathroom while I wait for the tub to fill. Tears streak down my cheeks, very soon it will be all over. No more pain, no more suffering. The tub fills up and I add some of my mother’s jasmine scented salt baths, slowly enter it, soaking my body in its warm water, I reach for my father’s razor, take a deep breath, close my eyes and cut my wrists.

It’s done. Now all I need to do is to wait and the pain will go away. I think to myself.

I try to relax while the blood slowly pour to the tub water, and I start to think about my day and how it led me to this moment.

[-][+][-]

The day started pretty normal, I woke up, got dressed, had my breakfast and cycled my way to the school. Arriving at the high school things started going sour. You see, I’m a 15 year old high school sophomore, but I look younger and I am one of the shortest boys in my school. Heck, most of the girls are taller than me. I am the favorite target for the school bullies, specially Tom Arnold, the football team captain. He has bullied my daily ever since I started high school, beating me up and stealing my lunch money, and today wasn't different.

As I get closer to my locker I see him waiting for me, I try to turn around and run away, but one of his friends appear from behind and grabs my arm, and pushes me inside the boys bathroom.

“Hey faggot, where is my lunch money?” Tom asks me.

“Your lunch money? It's my money.” I spat back a him, tired of the constant abuse.

“No, you sissy faggot, its my money, so give it to me or I'll beat you up and grab it anyway.”

“I don't have any more money this week you moron, you already stolen everything I had for the week.”

“Don't lie to me freak!!! Give me my money or I'll beat the crap out of you.”

“Go ahead, I don't have it and you always beat me up anyway.” I say holding back the tears and trying not to look scared.

The next thing I know I'm falling down to the floor after he punch me on my stomach, trying to get my breath back. Then he kicks me a few times and then start throwing my things out of my backpack looking for the money I don't have.

“Where is it, Freak? Where is the money?”

“I... I t.told you I don't have any.”

He then kicks me one more time and say “Let's go guys, we don't want to be late for class.”

I stay down a few more minutes crying before I was able to put myself together. I get my things and go to my homeroom class.

As I open the door, Mr. Jameson, my homeroom teacher looks at me and say “Nice for you to finally join us Mr. Heart, do you have any excuse for being late again?”

“No, sir. I’m sorry sir.”

“Sit down Mr. Heart, and I don't want to see you late again.”

“Thank you sir.”

After that the day went on slowly, being tripped on the halls between classes or shoved on the lockers doors by Tom and his cronies. At the end of the school day, things got even worse.

When I go outside to grab my bike to go home, I want to cry again. My bike is destroyed, bent wheels and the frame broken. I want to scream and cry but I hold myself because I see Tom and his friends on the other side of the street pointing at me and laughing their asses off.

I decided to walk home as I don't have money for the bus, luckily its only 2 miles.

While I walked home I kept asking myself why did he hate me so much, what did I do to him, why can't he leave me alone?

Finally, I got home and went to my room. I check the time and see that I have at least one more hour alone before my sister gets home from her practice and my parents from work. I then reach my closet and remove fake bottom where I hide my other clothes. I pick up my blue floral sun dress, a pair of panties and a padded bra. After I get dressed I brush my hair and look at the mirror. Looking back at me is the real me, a pretty girl, with shoulder lenght dark brown hair and blue eyes. She smiles back at me and I feel the stress starting to subside.

I lay down on my bed for a bit thinking about my life and whats soooo good about it. I have an older sister that avoids me like the plague, a distant mother that doesn't know how to deal with me and a father that keeps trying to “man me up” every chance he gets. I start crying and after a while I ended up sleeping of pure emotional exhaustion.

[-][+][-]

I wake up with my father screaming “WHAT THE FUCK YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING???”

Oh crap...“D...daddy?”

“YOU FREAKING FAGGOT!!!! TAKE OFF THAT FUCKING DRESS RIGHT NOW!!!”

“N...no.”I say without thinking.

“WHAT??”

“I said no daddy, this is who I am. I am a girl.” deciding its time to finally stand up to myself.

“YOU ARE NOT A GIRL YOU DAMN SISSY! NOW TAKE OUT THAT FUCKING DRESS RIGHT NOW!!”

“NO!!”

He then launched at me and rip my dress and bra out, I never saw so much rage in my father’s eyes. I saw them him making a fist and I closed my eyes and started to shake waiting for the punch, but it never came.

I then opened my eyes and saw my father turning around and waking towards the door saying “I can’t even look at you right now. Tomorrow I’ll take you to the barber to get a crew cut and enroll you at the military school. I’ll make you a man even if it’s the last thing I do and if I ever hear about you wearing girl clothes again I’ll beat the crap out of you.”

I then fell down shaking and crying. “My life is finally over, I can’t be a boy, I won’t EVER become a man.” I thought to myself.

A lifetime later, or perhaps just a few minutes, I have no idea, I felt numb and out of desperation I went to my desk and started to write a note.

Dear mom and dad,

I’m sorry I can’t be the son you wanted, but I can’t be a man, I am a girl and always have been, but I know that you’ll never allow me to be myself and I can’t live a lie anymore, I rather die than become a man.

I can’t deal with the pain and loneliness anymore. I hope someday you find in your hearts to forgive me.

Your loving daughter,
Joan.

[-][+][-]

I’m starting to feel tired now. I hope it won’t take long.

I hear a voice calling me.

“Johnny, are you in there?”

It’s my mom

“Johnny, please answer me.”

I’m so sleepy now....

“John, there is something wrong, Johnny isn’t answering.”

“JOHNNY, OPEN THAT DOOR NOW!!!!”

“Open up sweety, I just want to talk to you, please.”

“Get out of the way,I’m going to open the door, that fucking bastard will learn his lesson”

I then hear loud banging on the door and the door suddenly is forced open.

Through my sleepy eyes I slowly look at the door and see the shocked look at my parents faces.

“JOHNNY!!!” My mother yells and runs to me.

“I’m going to call the emergency, you keep him awake, don’t let him sleep.” my father says.

“Oh, god Johnny, stay with me.”

“Mommy?”

“Mommy is here sweetheart.”

“I’m so sleepy, Mommy....”

“Don’t sleep honey, help is on the way. Please stay with me.”

“I.. I love you Mommy.”

“I love you too sweety, please stay with me.”

“I’m sorry Mommy, I’m so sleepy.....”

“No sweety, don’t sleep, stay with me, please.”

“I.... love... you... Mommy.....” I tell her before the darkness engulfs me and I hear her screaming voice sounding far far away....

“JOHNNY!!!!”

[-][+][-]

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To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 2 By Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Synopsis:In this chapter Joan wakes up in a strange place and meets a mysterious woman.

[-][+][-]

I slowly open my eyes and look around me, I’m in the middle of a flower field, on a small grassy mound with a big apple tree in the middle, the skies are blue with a few white clouds, the sun gently warms my face and body.

Confused, I get up and the first thing I notice is a strange weight on my chest, looking down I notice that I have breasts and before I explore further I notice that I’m wearing a blue floral sun dress, the same one my father....

OH MY GOD!!!! I’m I dead? Is this heaven? I ask myself as I start to remember what happened and start to cry.

“No dear, you are not dead” a melodious voice startles me, making me jump a bit.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, child.”

I look around and look at her, and what I see is the most beautiful woman I ever met. Her wavy golden colored hair reflects the sun light, giving it a gentle glow, as if the hair itself is made of sun light. Her eyes are as blue as the skies above, her flawless white skin has a gentle touch of a tan. She has a small slightly upturned nose and full lips. She is tall, at least taller than me, I think about 5’9” or 5’10” and she is wearing a gold color sundress that glows the same way as her hair. Her body is perfectly proportioned.

“Wh... who are you?”

“Who am I it’s not important right now Joan. I am here because you needed me.”

“How.. how do you know my name?”

“Does it really matter? Just accept that I know for now, answers will come in time, my child.”

“I guess I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

“We all have a choice, but sometimes is easier to accept things as they are.”

“Why are we here? Is this heaven?”

“No child, this is not heaven, as I said before you are not dead, and we are here because you came here.”

“Why are you here?”

“I'm here because you needed me, and to answer some of your questions.”

“So if this is not heaven and I'm not dead... Is this a dream?”

“In a way you could call it that, but it's not exactly a dream although it is somewhat related to the dreamworld.”

“So what is this place?”

“This is your haven, your refuge, your world. This is your spiritual landscape, you created this place, and quite beautifully I might add.”

“Th..thank you I guess.”

“You are welcome.” she answers with a smile that is capable of melting the coldest of hearts.

“So... if I'm not dead does it means I'll have to leave this place?”

“Yes child, you need to go back. Your family is worried about you, they are suffering.”

“But what if I don't want to go back? What if I want to stay here? All that awaits for me there is pain and I can't deal with it anymore.” I say and start to cry.

She then comes to me and embraces me in a tight hug and says. “You have to go back child. If you stay you will die and this place will die too. I promise you things will get better for you.”

“Y..you promise?” I ask her between sobs.

“Yes my child, I promise.”

“Will I ever see you or this place again?”

“Yes child you will see me again and this place is part of you. In time you’ll be able to come whenever you need.”

“How will I know how to come back?”

“When the time is right you will know how.”

“O..ok. So what do I do to go back?”

“I will send you back as you don’t know how to yet, but first I have a small gift for you that will help you.”

She then gives me another hug and kiss me gently on my forehead, sending a warm tingling all over my body right before the world goes white....

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 3 By Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Synopsis:“B...but daddy yelled at me, grabbed me,ripped my clothes and said that he would make a man out of me even if its the last thing he would do and said that he would send me to a military school. I can’t go to a military school, I will die there.”

[-][+][-]

beep... beep... beep... beep...

What’s that noise? I think to myself

I open my eyes and they feel heavy. I find myself on a strange room, its all white and very clean. “I’m I in a hospital?”

I look around. Beside the bed I see my mother sleeping in an uncomfortable position. She looks so tired that I decided to not say anything just yet, I just stay looking at her.

A few minutes later she started to wake up and stretch her arms, then she looks at me and suddenly she is hugging me very tightly, “Oh sweetheart, you are awake. You scared me to death. I thought I was going to lose you,” she tells me crying.

“I’m sooo sorry Mommy.” I tell her crying too.

We stay there for a long time crying and hugging unable to say anything. After a while we were able to compose ourselves back together.

“Don’t you ever scare me like that again, Sweetheart, I almost died when I saw you in that bathroom.”

“I... I’m...(sob) s..sorry Mommy.”

"OK."

“How long have I been here?” I ask her

“You been asleep for almost two days. We almost lost you, Honey.”

“W...what do you mean?”

“Soon after the paramedics arrived, you stopped breathing and your heart stopped.” she tells me crying. “T..then they started CPR for several minutes and I was praying to God to not let you die, to take me instead when they got a pulse.”

“I’m sorry, Mommy, I didn’t know what to do. I was desperate and hurting and I wanted it to stop it so much that I couldn’t even think straight anymore.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me how you felt, Honey? I never knew you were suffering so much.”

“B..because D..Daddy was always trying to “man me up” and would never accept me for what I am, and I thought that if I said anything, I would lose both of you,” I tell her with tears rolling down my cheeks.

“Oh, Sweetheart, that’s not true, we Love you very much.”

“B...but Daddy yelled at me, grabbed me,ripped my clothes and said that he would make a man out of me even if its the last thing he would do, and said that he would send me to a military school. I can’t go to a military school, I will die there.”

“Your father is very sorry for what he did, Honey, he thought he was doing what’s best for you.”

“Yeah, right. By bullying me, always forcing me to do guys things even when I didn’t want to, always looking at me with disapproving eyes, like he was disappointed with me.”

“He wasn’t disappointed, he was frustrated, and he did what he was taught to. You know how strict your grandparents were with your father.”

“I know, but that’s no excuse to treat me like he did.”

“No it’s not, but he blames himself and after the paramedics arrived he lost his calm and started crying saying it was all his fault, because of him you tried to kill yourself.”

“Dad was crying? I never saw him cry before.”

“Yes, Sweetheart. He was crying, and when he read your note he cried even harder, and blamed himself even more.”

“Where... where is he?”

“He is just outside, Honey, he is afraid you don’t want to see him. He stayed there all this time, he didn’t even sleep or eat anything in two days worried about you.”

“Can I see him?”

“Are you sure?” she asks me and I nod. “I’ll go get him.”

“OK.”

She left the room and I started to look at the ceiling, trying to figure out what just happened. My father crying? That big man’s man crying? I can’t even picture it. Suddenly I hear a gentle knock on the door that makes me jump a bit.

“S..sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” my father tells me in a very low voice, almost whispering.

I look at him and almost doesn’t recognise him, he looks awful, his clothes are all wrinkled his eyes are baggy, his hair is a mess and it seems he didn’t shave in days, he looks like a street bum.

Is this really Daddy?

He slowly comes to the bed and sit on the chair beside it, he gently grabs my hand look at me with very tired and sad eyes and say “How are you feeling, Pumpkin?”

Pumpkin? Did he just called me pumpkin? He never called me that,before now. What’s going on? Who is this man? He can’t be my father. Did the aliens replaced him with a clone? (I giggle to myself after that last thought.)

“Tired, confused.”

“I’m sorry, Pumpkin, I never knew.” I see tears rolling down his cheeks.

It really IS Daddy.

“Damn air conditioning, it makes my eyes water,” he says while weeping his eyes dry and I giggle at that.

"Hi, Daddy."

“It’s good to see you laugh, I thought I lost you.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy, I really am.”

“No, I’m the one that should be sorry, I was a bigoted jerk and it took me almost seeing you die to open my eyes to what I was doing.”

“Oh Daddy!!” I say hugging him with all my might and cry on his shoulder.

“I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry! It’s all my fault!” he kept saying and crying openly now.

“Stop blaming yourself, Daddy. You didn’t know. No one did.”

“Still... I am your father, I was supposed to love and protect you and not bully you. Can you ever forgive me?”

“Oh, Daddy!!! Of course I forgive you, I love you,” I tell him still crying.

“Can I join that hug?” I hear my mother's voice coming from the door.

“Of course, the more the merrier.” I tell her.

“Thank you, Sweetheart,” she tells me and joins the hug.

A few minutes later, I hear a new voice in the room. “Ah. I see our patient is finally awake.”

I look at the door and see a middle age woman walking our way.

“Hello, Sweetheart, my name is Dr. Margaret Simpson, I worked on you when you arrived here.”

Margaret Simpson? Where did I hear that name before? Then it comes to me. Marge Simpson? It was enough to give me the giggle fits.

“It seems I keep getting that reaction from my patients,” She tell us.

“Sorry Doctor,” I tell her trying to suppress the giggles. “It’s just I got the picture of Marge Simpson in a doctor’s uniform when I heard your name.”

“It’s alright, Dear. It’s good to see you up and in a good mood. You gave us quite a scare.”

“I’m sorry,” I tell her and look down ashamed.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s alright. In a few minutes I’ll ask the hospital psychiatrist to come talk to you, but first there are some things I need to discuss with you and your parents.”

“Oh... Is it bad news? Am I going to die?” I ask her starting to worry.

“No, you are not going to die, Dear,” she tells me.

“Well..., when you first came here we were busy trying to save your life so we didn’t notice it a first, but the next day, after the nurse gave you a sponge bath that she noticed something strange. So we took some blood to run some tests. The results just came back.”

Something strange? Whats she talking about? What’s wrong with me? I start to hyperventilate and pass out.

[-][+][-]

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To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 4 By Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously:Something strange? Whats she talking about? What’s wrong with me? I start to hyperventilate and pass out.

[-][+][-]

“Joan, wake up honey,” I hear a voice say.

I just lay there.

“Joanie, wake up,” There it is again.

I open my eyes and look confusedly at Mom who's holding me very gently.

“W..what happened?”

“You passed out, Sweety.”

“Oh...” I look down and blush.

“Don’t worry, Sweety, you had a very exciting day and you should be resting,” Mother says.

“C..can I have some water? I’m thristy.”

“Sure, Sweety,” says my mom as she gives me a glass of water.

I sip the water and look around. “Where is the doctor?” I ask

“She will be right back, Pumpkin.” My father says.

“I.. I need to use the bathroom.”

“Let me help you up, Sweety.” says my mom, giving me her arm to me.

“Thank you, Mom.”

Mother leads me to the bathroom, stops at the door and says, “If you need any help I’ll be right outside the door, OK?”

“Mother!!! I’m not a baby.” I exclaim. “But thank you for offering.”

I close the bathroom door and walk to the toilet, I sit down and relieve myself like I always did. Peeing standing up always felt wrong. I wipe myself and then I notice something strange.

What is happening? Is it smaller? It looks smaller. How is it possible? Maybe its just my imagination. That’s it. It has to be my imagination.

I then go to the sink and wash up my hands and face. After drying, I look at the mirror and jump a little. Is that me? I look a bit different. Do I? It’s probably my imagination again. It has to be or someone would have said something, right?

I hear a knock on the door, “Sweety, is everything OK in there?” my mother asks.

“Yes, Mom. I was just finishing.”

I go out of the bathroom and lay down, look around I notice something.

“Mom?”

“Yes, Sweety?”

“Where is Jenny?”

“She went home for a bit honey. I ordered her to. She was a mess. When she heard what happened she and her friend Mindy came right away. She stayed by your side for a long time, crying and running her fingers through your hair, just like you liked when you were little.”

“Does she know I’m awake?”

“I called her when you were in the bathroom. She is on her way here.”

“OK.”

[-][+][-]

“Hello again Joan,” I hear the doctor’s voice say.

“Hi again Doctor.”

“Feeling better now?”

“Much better, thank you.”

“You passed out before I could tell you the test results.”

“Oh... I forgot all about it,” I start to get worried again, specially after going to the bathroom.

“Don’t worry, I suspect you might find what I have to say to be good news, actually.”

“Really?”

“I promise you.”

“OK. I’m ready, Doc.”

“As I was saying before, we noticed something strange yesterday and did a few blood tests and a physical exam. Physically, what we noticed is that at a first glance your testicles haven’t dropped yet, and your penis seems to be very underdeveloped. During the physical exam things looked a bit stranger as we couldn’t find the gonads.”

“Gonads?” I ask her

“I think they are better known as the balls.” she tells me and I blush.

“Also there is the blood work, the hormone levels are not compatible with a 15 years old boy. The testosterone levels are way too low and the estrogen levels a bit high, just like a girl just entering puberty.

“WHAT?” me, my mom and dad ask at the same time.

“It’s pretty rare, but we suspect you might be intersexed to a certain degree. How much is what we plan on answering with the ultrasound we scheduled for this afternoon and the result of the DNA test tomorrow.”

“You mean that I might be really a girl?” I ask her with a big smile on my face

“I wouldn’t say that just yet, but so far the tests seems to indicate that.”

“Mommy... is it real? Tell me this isn’t a dream. Pinch my arm.”

“I don’t think its a dream, Sweety. And no, I won’t do it” she tells me.

“OK, you meanie,” I pout and decide to pinch my arm myself.

“OUCH!! That hurts.” And my parents started to laugh.

“Mommy, Daddy, I think I’ll take a nap now. I’m a little tired. As soon Jenny gets here I want you both to go home and have a looooong bath. You guys are stinking.”

Mom look at me with a goldfish impression and Dad just raise his left arm and snif his armpit. That gives me the giggle fits again.

“OK, you little brat, I can see you point.” my dad says. “But we will be back right after we have a shower and change our clothes.”

“OK. Daddy, Mommy, I love you.”

“We love you too, Pumpkin.” they say at the same time.

After they leave the room I close my eyes and then suddenly I remember the strange dream I had. Was it really a dream? What did she mean about a gift? Who is she?

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 5 By Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously:After they leave the room I close my eyes and then suddenly I remember the strange dream I had. Was it really a dream? What did she mean about a gift? Who is she?

[-][+][-]

I awaken from my daydream as a nurse come into the room, “Hello dear, how are you feeling?” she asks me

“I’m feeling better, thank you, Miss.”

“Call me Chrissi, Sweety. Are you hungry?”

At that exact moment my tummy decides to rumble loudly and I look at it and blush. The nurse giggles and that starts me off in another giggle fit.

“I guess I just got my answer. I’ll be back in a few minutes with something,” she tells me with a smile.

“Thank you, Chrissi.”

“You’re welcome, Sweety.”

A few minutes later she comes back with my breakfast, it was; a few slices of toast, jam, piece of melon and a glass of orange juice.

“Thank you,” I said and start eating.

It wasn’t very good, but I think its supposed to be that way. They want you out of the hospital as fast as possible and I think they look for the healthiest and worst tasting ingredients to make you want to get better just to run away from it. I ate it all, as I hadn’t eat anything in two days.

After I finished eating, a doctor came in introduced herself, “Hello Joan, my name is Elisa Towers, but you can call me Lisa. I am the hospital psychiatrist.”

“Hello, Doctor Lisa. Are you here to talk to me?”

“Just Lisa, please, and yes, it’s protocol to talk to a psychiatrist in cases like yours.”

“What do you mean?” I ask her in confusion.

“In attempted suicides, we need to make sure that you are not at risk of trying it again. Also in your case there is the gender issue too.”

“Oh...”

“We could start talking about what happened to make you take such drastic measure if you are up to it. I know it can be hard.”

“I... it’s ok. I think I need to talk about it.”

[-][+][-]

I then told her all about that day, how it started: the bullying, the beating, my bike and finally what happened at home. When I finished I was crying my heart out, and I think I saw some tears in her eyes too.

After that, she started to ask me questions about my life at home. I was uncomfortable at first, but she had a way of making me feel safe tell her things, so I did.

I told her how my father had been pushing me to do ‘manly’ things even though I had no interest in them at all and I would then spend a lot of time in my room reading or on the computer. I also told her how my mother was distant back then and how my sister seemed to avoid me.

At that point, she interrupted me and asked. “Hmm... have you thought that maybe your mother wasn’t as distant as you thought and sister wasn’t the one avoiding you?”

“W..what do you mean?”

“From what you told me, it seems you are the one that was isolating yourself from them, staying in your room avoiding them, isolating yourself from them.”

“I... I... I never though of it that way before.” I look down ashamed. “I... guess you are right. I think I was the one that started to isolate myself from them. I was jealous of my sister’s relationship with them; how my father treated her in such a caring way and the way that she and my mother would do things together all the time.

"I wanted to do those things too, and it hurt me to see them doing those things, leaving me out.

"I wanted to be able to hug my dad like my sister did and for him to look at me with the same way he looked at her, NOT with the look of disappointment I use got from him.”

“Have you ever thought of telling them how you felt?”

“I... couldn’t, my father always seemed to be bigoted against gays and transexuals, every time some news appeared on TV or the paper, he would start calling fucking queer and faggots and how much he hated them.”

“I know what you mean, I talked to your father yesterday for a long time.”

“You did?” I asked her surprised.

“Yes, he was having trouble dealing with what happened to you.”

“What did you two talked about?”

“I can’t tell you that. The same way I can’t tell your parents exactly what we talked about either.”

“You meanie,” I pouted and she laughed.

“I can see you are a feeling a lot better.”

“Yes I am, Lisa.”

“I heard you are taking some more tests later today, so I would like to talk again after you get the results, OK? “

“OK.”

“Good bye, Joan. See you later.”

“Bye bye.”

[-][+][-]

After she left the room I hear a knock on the door and I sighed. Can’t I have a minute of peace today? I thought and looked at the door. When I saw who was at the door a huge smile appeared on my face. “JENNY!!!!” I screamed.

She ran to the bed and hugged me to death.

“I... can’t.... breath...” I told her.

And then she said giggling, “If you can talk you can breath.” but she eased up the grip a bit.

“How are you feeling?” She asked me.

“It seems that’s the question of the day, everyone asks me that,” I said giggling. “I’m feeling better, Sis.”

“That’s great to hear. You scared us to death. Don’t ever do that again.”

“I’m sorry. I really am.” I started to cry again.

“Shhh.... it’s ok, it’s ok.” She said hugging me. “Are you up to one more visitor? There is someone else that was worried about you that came with me.”

“Who is it?”

At that moment I look at the door and see my sister’s friend Mindy and called her in.

“Hi Mindy.”

“H.. hi Joh... Joanie. It’s nice to see that you are OK,” she says shyly.

“Thank you.”

My sister then stands up and says. “Joanie, we know how awful the hospital food is, so we smuggled a little something for you. Mindy, if you care to do the honors.”

Mindy then opens her backpack and take a paper bag from it and says, “Your sister says that this is one of your favorites.”

She then open the bag and take out a double cheese burger and french fries.

“Oh my gosh!!!! Thank you Mindy.”

“You’re welcome.” she said extending her arm to give me the burger.

I reach my hand to grab it and our hands touch. At that moment I felt a tingling sensation all over my body and my brain turned mushy....

“.... ..... ....”

“Are you both OK?” my sister ask us. “You seem a little flushed.”

“I... I... I’m fine I said.” after my brain finally rebooted.

“I’m fine too, Jenny.” Mindy says

“What happened?” my sister asked.

“BSOD” I told her.

“BSOD?” they ask in unison.

“Yes, Blue Screen Of Death. It seems my brain locked up and needed a reboot.”

They both then started giggling and my sister says. “You are such a geek.”

“Guilty as charged.” I tell her, giggling.

I then started to happily eat that fabulous sandwich. But Jenny and Mindy kept stealing fries. I didn’t mind. I never felt closer to my sister than now.

A few minutes later, my parents arrive and they looked a lot better.

“Oh oh, it seems we are too late.” My father said to my mom.

“Too late?” Me, Mindy and Jenny ask at the same time.

“Yes, too late. We brought you one of your favorite sandwich, but you are already eating one,” He said producing a brown paper bag with another double cheese burger and that set us off another giggle fit.

“I wouldn’t mind eating it. I’m hungry,” said Mindy

“You are always hungry, I have no idea how can you be so skinny eating so much,” my sister says.

“Good genes I guess.” she said and showed her tongue to my sister.

[-][+][-]

A little while later, just after Jenny and Mindy left, nurse Chrissy came back with a big jar of water and said, “You need to drink all this water in the next hour for your ultrasound. And don’t go to the bathroom.”

I look at the jar in shock and said “I’ll never be able to drink all that in one hour.”

“Just do your best, Sweety, the more you drink the better the images.”

“OK. I’ll do my best,” I told her and drank the first glass.

[-][+][-]

An hour later, I was still trying to drink the last glass when she returned to wheel me to the exam room. I thanked her for that because if I had to walk I would certainly pee in my hospital gown.

A few minutes later I’m laying down the exam table, the technician said, “This will feel a little cold.” as she spread some ice cold goo all over my belly.

Right after the exam, I went straight to the bathroom and peed for what seemed forever and wondered if there was a world record for time peeing and giggled at the thought.

After that, I wanted to take a shower but wasn’t sure I could do it with the bandages on my wrists, so I decided to wait and ask nurse Chrissi, later.

[-][+][-]

A few hours later, Dr. Simpson came back to my room.

“Hello Joan, how are you feeling?”

“Bored, I hope I can go home soon.”

“Well, I have the results of the ultrasound here and have some news for you.”

At that I held my parents hands tightly. ( They'd returned after my exam.)

“And...?” I asked her expectantly.

“It seems you have a completely formed set of female reproductive organs. I would recommend surgery as soon as possible as you can start menstruating at any time and right now the blood doesn’t have anywhere to go and that can be very dangerous.”

“Surgery?” My parents asked her.

“Yes, to open the vaginal canal. Also we discovered that your penis is nothing more than some flap skin shaped like a penis and we can reshape it and the scrotal skin to form the labia and clitoris.”

“You mean I really am a girl?” I ask her starting to feel a little dizzy.

“Yes Joan, that’s what I’m saying.”

“Mommy!!! Daddy!!! Did you hear what she said?” I asked them excitedly.

“Yes sweetheart, we heard it.” My mom said with a smile on her face.

My father looked a little shocked but then hugged me and said softly. “I’m sorry,, Pumpkin. I never knew. How could I have been so blind?”

“I don’t blame you, Daddy. I know you thought I was your son and you did what you thought was right.”

“Still I shouldn’t have pushed you so hard. I guess I turned into my father. He was a very strict man, and I promised myself I wouldn’t be like that when I grew up. It seems that along the way his ideas made their way into my thick skull.”

“Don’t worry, Daddy. I’m glad you changed your mind.”

“But I had to almost lose you to see what I was doing and how wrong I was,” he said between tears.

“Don’t cry, Daddy. I promise I’ll never do something like that again,” I told him, crying.

“Who said I’m crying? It’s that damn air conditioning that makes my eyes water,” he said trying to look tough.

“Yeah, right,” Mother says giving my father a stern look before she starts to giggle and that starts me off again and soon we are all laughing at my father antics.

A few minutes later we were able to recompose ourselves and Mother asked the doctor, “When can you do the surgery?”

“We can schedule it for tomorrow morning. I already checked with the surgeon and we have a spot open.”

“You mean that after tomorrow I’ll be a normal girl?”

“You are a normal girl, Sweety, you just have a small birth defect that will be corrected.”

“Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! I can’t believe it,” I said excitedly.

The doctor then said, “Joan, you better not get too excited or you might faint again.”

But it was too late because as she said that my vision became blurry and right before everything went dark I thought. ‘There I go again.'

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 6 By Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously: But it was too late because as she said that my vision became blurry and right before everything went dark I thought. There I go again.

[-][+][-]

I wake up again in the middle of the flower field, under the Apple tree, look around but I see no sign of that lady.

I’m I dreaming again?

I stand up and start to walk around. At some distance I see a lake and decided to take a closer look.

When I get closer to the lake I see someone swimming and wonder if its the lady from the last time, but when I got a better look I noticed it wasn’t her. It was a boy, he saw me and started to wave at me, not knowing what to do I waved back.

Who is he? What is he doing here? I ask myself.

He started to swim in my direction and I felt a bit uneasy, when he got out of the water I had a huge shock. That can’t be. It is impossible. He looks like me.

He walks in my direction with a huge smile on his face and says, “Hi Sis.”

Sis? What’s going on? “W...who are you?” I ask him.

“I am kind of your twin brother.”

“B...but I never had a brother.”

“Well... it is what the lady told me.”

“What do you mean?”

“From what she told me, we were supposed to be twins, a boy and a girl, but something happened and we became one person.”

I felt completely confused, but he continued.

“She said that right after our conception, our embryos merged at the beginning of their development. We had one body and 2 different sets of DNA, making a bit of a mess of things. Some of the internal organs had your DNA, together with most of the brain and some other areas had my DNA, that’s why everyone thought you were a boy.”

“B...but how are you here now?”

“Remember when the lady said she would give you a gift?”

“Yes.”

“Do you remember how you felt?”

“Yes, I felt a warm tingling all over my body, just before everything went white.”

“Nothing else?”

“Now that you mention it, I felt like a huge weight was lifted from me.”

“That was me, Sis. I was trapped inside you all our lives.”

“B... but why was I the one that got sent back and not you?”

“Because you were the one in control.”

“Are you stuck here?”

“For now, ” he said with a mischievous grin.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll see.”

“Where is the lady?”

“I have no idea. We talked a while after you were gone, but she is one frustrating lady. She doesn’t give straight answers.”

“I know what you mean,” I giggle.

“So.. Do I call you Johnny?”

“Nahhh. Johnny was our name, he doesn’t exist anymore. My name is Josh.”

“Nice to meet you Josh.” I said as I gave him a hug.

“It’s nice to finally be able to talk to you, Sis.” He said hugging me back.

“I wish you could live with us in the real world,” I tell him and feel the tears starting to fill my eyes.

“I can’t just yet, Sis. For the same reason you still have to do the operation. She did some minor changes, but couldn’t do more. Not because she lacks the power, but she doesn’t want to attract unwanted attention.”

“Unwanted attention?”

“I don’t know what she meant by that, but she said you would be in danger if ‘the others’ knew what she is doing.”

“The others? Who are the others?”

“Don’t look at me. I don’t know either.”

“You have any idea of who or what is the lady.”

“I have my suspicions. I think she might be a goddess of some kind.”

“A goddess? Are you kidding me?”

“No. She is too powerful and too mysterious. Maybe she doesn’t think we are ready to know the truth.”

“I don’t know. It seems a bit far fetched to me. But I think we will know when the time is right, just like she told me.”

“By the way, how did I get here this time?”

“That I know.” he told me with a grin. “I brought you here.”

“Why?”

“Because I wanted to see you. I was feeling lonely,” he said looking at his feet and blushed.

“Awwww, you big softy,” I said huging him.

“Also I wanted to tell you that I learned a few things about this place.”

“Oh?”

“Remember that she said that this place is related to the dreamworld?”

“Yes, she also said this is my spiritual landscape.”

“Actually it is our spiritual landscape, we were merged for so long that our souls are extremely tuned in, and that’s how I was able to bring you here. The moment you fainted I was able to pull you in.”

“Oh, that is neat.”

“And that’s not all. It seems that this place is connected to the spiritual and the dream worlds, even the lady was surprised by that.”

“And what does it mean?”

“She is not sure. She said she needed to study it for a while, but I suspect that means that from here we might be able to enter either of the worlds and come back.”

“Isn’t it dangerous?” I ask him.

“I don’t know, that’s why I want to know more about this place first. But now we are running out of time, you need to go back. We will see each other soon.”

“Oh, and don’t tell anyone about this place just yet.”

“Why?”

“Just don’t, please. The lady said it could be dangerous if the wrong ears heard about it.”

“OK, I’ll keep my mouth closed for now.”

“See you soon sis.” he said giving me a hug just before everything went white again.

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 7 By Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously:“See you soon sis.” he said giving me a hug just before everything went white again.

[-][+][-]

I wake up and stretch my arms. What a dream., I think to myself.

I look around and see my mom seated on a chair next to the bed.

“I see you are finally awake.”

I yawn and ask, “How long have I been asleep?”

“A few hours. We decided to let you sleep, you had a very exciting day.”

“Mom...”

“What is it, Sweetheart?”

“I’m not dreaming, am I? I mean what the doctor said about me being really a girl.”

“No, Sweetheart, you are not dreaming. And don’t get to exited either or you’ll faint again,” she tells me trying to suppress a giggle.

“It is becoming a habit of mine, isn’t it?” I say blushing a little.

“It is understandable.”

“OK, I’ll try to not faint again.”

"We'll see, Sweetheart."

“What time is it, Mommy?”

“Just a little after 5:00 PM. Why? Have a big date?”

“No, I’m just anxious. I wish I could have the operation today and be over with. Also I’m a bit hungry and I don't think that I be able to eat later.”

“That’s true, the doctor said you can’t eat after 7pm and no liquids after 10pm. I think they will bring you your dinner soon.”

“Where’s Daddy and Jenny?”

“He went home to sleep a little, and Jenny will be here in a few minutes.”

“Does she know?”

“Yes, I told her.”

“And Mindy?” I ask and blush a little.

“What about Mindy?”

“Nothing, it’s just that she came earlier with Jenny and I was wondering if she knows too.”

“I don’t know, maybe Jenny told her.”

“OK.”

I lay my head back and start looking at the ceiling.

Why did I ask about Mindy? What happened earlier? When our hands touched earlier I couldn’t even think straight. Why I am even thinking about that? What does it mean?

“Sweety? Are you ok?” I hear my mother ask with some consern in her voice.

“Hmmmm...? Oh. Yes mom, I’m fine, I was just thinking.”

“Thinking about?”

“About what will happen after I leave the hospital, school, things like that I lied.”

“After you leave the hospital you will stay at home a couple weeks while you heal, and after that you’ll go back to school.”

“I hope not as a boy, right?” I ask her a little preocupied.

“No sweety, as a girl. The hospital are preparing some of the paperwork necessary to correct your records and to change your name.”

“Change my name?” I ask her a bit confused.

“Yes, sweety, John Heart Junior isn’t a name suited to a girl.”

“So I will be Joan for real?”

“Joan Erica Heart, actually.”

“Erica?”

“It was my grandmothers name, Sweety. I hope you like it.”

“I love it, Mommy.” I tell her as I give her a big hug.

At that moment Jenny arrives, “Aren’t we in a hugging mood today?” with a giggle.

“Mom just told me my new name, Sis.”

“Really? What is is? It is still Joan, right?”

“Yes, sis it is still Joan. Wanna tell her, Mom?”

“Sure, Sweety. Jenny, meet Joan Erica Heart, your sister.”

“Ohhh Sis, what a great name. Where did the Erica came from?”

“It was my grandmother’s name.” Mom tells her.

“It is very beautiful. And congratulations, Sis,” she tells me and give me a big hug.

“Thank you, Sis.”

“You know, I always wanted a little sister. We will have so much fun together. I have so much to teach you,” she tells me with an evil gleam in her eyes.

“Oh oh! Should I be worried, Mom?”

“Not at all,” she tells me with the same gleam in her eyes.

Oh damn, what are they planning? I think to myself, “Why is that I think you two are up to something?”

“Who? Us?” they say in unison and flutter their eyes.

I start laughing, and soon we are all laughing like mad.

A few minutes later, I hear Doctor Lisa knock on the door, “It seems we are in a good mood this afternoon.” .

“Yes, Doctor.”

“What did I tell you earlier young lady?” She tells me with a stern look.

“Hmmm..... drop the Doctor?” I ask her a bit worried.

“Yes, sweety.”

“Ok, I’ll drop the doctor, Lisa.”

That set her off a bit and I hear her trying to suppress a giggle.

“What happened?”

“The way you said it was a little funny.”

I start thinking of what I said and then it hit me and I start giggling which also set Jenny and mom off and soon we are having another laughing fit.

A few minutes, later we were able to stop laughing and Lisa said, “I think Joan and I need a few minutes alone, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Mother said. “Jenny and I will go to the cafeteria for a bit while you two talk. Do you want anything sweety?”

“A tuna sandwich?”

“Sure thing. We will be back soon. By sweety,” she said while giving me a kiss on my forehead.

“See you later, Sis.” My sister said asd gave me a kiss in my forehead, too.

After they left, Lisa sat down, “They seem to love you very much.”

“I love them very muc,h too. Too bad it took me so long to notice it.”

“I know it is a bit of a cliche, but its better later than never.”

“That’s true.”

“I heard the news from your doctor and I want to know how are you feeling about it.”

“Ecstatic, couldn’t be happier. It’s exactly what I wished for my entire life. It’s like a miracle.” I tell her with happy tears.

“And how do you feel your family is coping with it?”

“My mother and my sister are happy for me, I think my dad might be a bit shocked, but dealing with it.”

“Why do you say that?” She asked me with a questioning look.

“I don’t know, it’s I feeling I have. Woman intuition I guess.” I tell her and giggle.

“Hmmmm... can you tell me what I am feeling?”

I look at her for a few minutes and then I said. “You are happy for me, but still a bit preoccupied that I don’t see the implications of what happened. Am I right?”

She then opened her eyes wide and said. “That’s very good, how you did that is beyond me, at least the preoccupied part. Were you always like that?”

“Hmmm... not really. Actually ,I just noticed it.”

What is happening? Could I really feel her emotions? I better not say anything more about it.

“You do understand the implications, right?”

“Of what? What I did or the fact I just discovered I’m a real girl?”

“Both, actually.”

“Well... I know I shouldn’t have done what I did, and I feel bad about it. But at the same time, it was because of what I did is that I discovered that I am really a girl. And about me being a girl, I know that even if I have a full reproductive organ set inside, some people will not accept me, thinking that I am a freak or an abomination or both, but I’m not afraid of them.”

“That’s a good way to think. And you’ll need all the support you can get.”

“I have my family on my side now.” I tell her firmly.

“Yes, and you’ll need their support. I’m glad you are feeling better.”

“Thank you, Lisa.”

“Now I think we should let them back in.”

“Yes, I’m starving.”

“I’ll see you soon, Sweety.” she tells me and leaves the room.

A few seconds later, they come back and Jenny gives me the tuna sandwich and a cup of apple juice.

“Thank you, Sis.”

“You are welcome.”

“How is Mindy? Does she know?”

“She is fine, and I told her. She is happy for you.”

“You think she will come to visit me again?”

“Yes, she said she would come tomorrow after school. Why do you ask?”

“No reason.” I tell her feeling my face on fire.

She then looks at me with a questioning eye and say “Do you have a crush on her?”

“N...no!” I lied.

“I don’t believe you.”

“W...we are both girls.” I tell her

“So?”

“I... I don’t know, sis. Ever since our hands touched I can’t stop thinking about her. I felt all mushy and tingling, I couldn’t even think straight.”

“It seems you do have a crush on her.”

“B...but I hardly know her.”

“These things happen sis. We can’t really control it.”

“Yeah, but its not like anything can happen between us.”

“I wouldn’t be sure of that.” I hear her saying under her breath.

“What did you say?”

“N..nothing.” she said looking at her feet.

“Hmmm... OK.”

“I think I better try to get some sleep, I can’t wait for tomorrow to come.” I tell them excitedly.

“It’s understandable.” Mother says. “Remember, no liquids after 10 and no more food today.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“And don’t ‘yes, mother’ me young lady.” she tells me with a smile

“Yes, Mother.” I tell her and giggle.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning, OK?” my sister asks me.

“OK, Ssis. See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow, Sweety,” Mother hugs me and give me a little kiss on the cheek.

“See you tomorrow, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too. Sweet dreams.”

After they left I lay down on the bed, close my eyes and think about my day. ‘What a strange day. I still can’t believe that I am a real girl. And do I have a crush on Mindy? I’m so confused right now. And what about my dreams? Are they just dreams? Is Josh real?’

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 8 By Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously:After they left I lay down on the bed, close my eyes and think about my day. ‘What a strange day. I still can’t believe that I am a real girl. And do I have a crush on Mindy? I’m so confused right now. And what about my dreams? Are they just dreams? Is Josh real?’

[-][+][-]

I woke up around 7:A.M. the next day. As I stretched and did my business in the bathroom, I thought I should have had trouble sleeping because of the operation that is going to happen this morning. But instead, I slept incredibly well, and had no strange dreams last night.

When I left the bathroom, I see my family arriving, “Mommy!! Daddy!! Jenny!!” I squeal and run to them and drown them in hugs.

“Good morning, Sweety,” Mother says as she kissme me on my forehead.
“Excited?”

“Extremely. I can’t wait for it to be over.”

“Good morning, Sis.” Jenny says, hugging me.

“Good morning. I thought you would be at school, today.”

“Do you think that I'd be able to do anything there knowing that you will be on an operating table?”

“Thank you for being here for me, Ss.” I say, trying to hold back the tears.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now,” she says, giving me another hug.

I look at Dad, He seems to be sad. I wonder what’s wrong. “Daddy?”

“Yes, Pumpkin?” he says, trying to smile.

“Is there anything wrong?”

“No, Sweety. Nothing is wrong.”

I don’t believe it. “Daddy, something is clearly bothering you, its written all over your face.”

“What is bothering you? You been acting strange since last night.” Mother asks Father. “

Daddy looks at mr, “I’m sorry. It has been a very stressful few days for me. You know I love yo, Pumpkin, but it has been a bit hard for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that you are fine and happy, but I do feel like I am losing a son. It doesn’t mean I don’t love my new daughter though, just that it might take a little time to adjust, that’s all.”

I hug him very tight, “Oh daddy, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be, Sweety, it’s not your fault.”

“OK, Daddy, I just wish that I could make this easier for you.”

“I know, but that’s something I have to do myself.”

[-][+][-]

A few minutes later, a doctor comes in and introduce himself, “Hello Joan, I’m Doctor Willian Jenkins, and I’ll be the one operating you today. I heard a lot about you. Nervous about today?”

“A little, more excited than anything actually. It’s like a dream becoming true for me.”

“I’m glad to hear that. In a few minutes a nurse will come and help you with a bath and prep you for surgery. I’ll see you at the operating theatre.”

“OK, Doctor.”

He left, and Nurse Chrissi came in, “Hello Joan, how are you, today?”

“Excited, mostly. And a bit nervous, too.”

“That’s alright. I’m glad that you are feeling well. I’ll help you with your bath because of the bandages on your arms, OK?”

“OK. I really need a bath.”

“You'll be shaved down there for the surgery.”

“Oh...” I said blushing.

“Don’t worry, Sweety. It’s my job,” she tells me with a smile.

“OK.”

After the bath, I think I went into some sort of trance because I only remember pieces of things: like being taken to the operating theatre, a gas mask some hissing and then nothing.

[-][+][-]

The next thing I remember is waking up in my room and my mother is there sitting by the bed.

“Hello, Sweety, how are you feeling?”

“Thirsty... and a bit woozy.”

“Its probably the painkillers. Here sip a bit of water,” she tells me giving me a glass of water.”

“Thanks, Mommy.”

“You are welcome.”

“Is it done?”

“Yes, Sweety. It’s all done.”

“Thank goodness,” I tell her and fall asleep again.

[-][+][-]

I wake up a few hours later again in a bit of pain, and this time my sister is there.

“Hi Sis.” I tell her softly

“Hi there, Sis, how are you feeling?”

“In a bit of pain, but nothing I can’t handle, yet.”

“If it gets too uncomfortable, tell me and I’ll call the nurse to see if she can adjust the painkillers.”

“Thank you, Sis.”

“Are you up for a visitor?”

“A visitor? Sure. Who?”

As soon as I ask her I see Mindy at the door and I start blushing, “H..hi Mindy.”

“Hi Joanie. How are you feeling?”

“Just in a bit of pain, a bit groggy, but happy.”

“That’s good to hear.” she says sitting by the bed. “You look good.”

“I must look a mess.” I blush.

“You really do look good. There is something different about you.”

“Different?” I look at her confused.

“Yes, you look more at peace and it shows.”

“I FEEL more at peace.”

“There is also something else, but I can’t put my finger on it.”

“It must be the drugs,” I giggle.

“Hmmm.... maybe.” she says, looking deeply into my eyes.

She then takes my hand, my brain goes mushy again, and I melt.

“I’m glad you're OK, Joanie. I wish I could have been here this morning, but my parents forced me to go to school.”

“It...it’s okay Mindy.” Oh my. Why does she have such strong effect on me?

[-][+][-]

A few minutes later, the nurse comes in, "How are you feeling?"

"Lousy."

She gives me a new dose of painkillers. Didn’t take long and I was floating again. And a few more minutes later I was in the land of Nod again.

[-][+][-]

I won’t go into details of my recovery in the hospital as I got bored out of my mind. It went with the doctor’s visits to check on the dressings and stitches, talks with doctor Lisa, a lot of TV watching, reading and sleeping. My family was around me most of the time. Of course there was the time I finally saw my new vagina and the time I went to pee the first time after the operation. I cried of happiness both times.

By Saturday the doctor said I was fit to leave the hospital and I would jump up and down if I could. My mother and Jenny came to sign me out and take me home. They brought me a nice pink sundress, a pair of cotton panties and a padded bra. The last few days I noticed some breast development, it’s not quite an "A" cup, but they are breasts nonetheless.

I was wheeled out of the hospital and my mom brought the car close to the entrance. Jenny helped me to get into the car.

“Where’s daddy?”

“He is at home, he is making the final touches to your room, Sweety.” Mother says.

“Oh... really?” I ask her excitedly.

“Yes, really.”

“I can’t wait to see it.”

[-][+][-]

The ride home was uneventful and I dozed off. What it seemed a few seconds later I wake up with my mother telling me we arrived home. Jenny helped me out of the car and Daddy was waiting at the door.

“Hi, Daddy.” I tell him giving him a big hug.

“Hi, Pumpkin, welcome home.” He says, hugging me back.

“It’s nice to be home.”

“I think I’ll go up to my room and lay down, I’m a bit tired.” I tell them and yawn, also wanting to see my new room.

“I’ll help you up the stairs, Sis.” .

When we reached top of the stairs, I open my door and look inside.

‘What’s happening? Didn’t Mom say that Dad was working on my room? Why does it look the same as always?’

I was still confused when Jenny tells me. “This isn’t your room anymore, silly. You are now sharing the room with me. It’s not like you would be comfortable here, anymore.”

What does she mean by that? Why wouldn’t I be comfortable? I think to myself completely lost and confused and follow her to our new room.

I open the door, and look inside and then I saw him and stop dead in my tracks. He looked at me and a big smile appeared on his face. He then got up and opened his arms to me.

“JOSH!!!!!!” I screamed and practically jumped on him hugging him fiercely and start to cry.

“H...how? W...when? A...are you r..really here?.” I say between sobs.

He was then holding me with one arm on my waist and the one hand doing soothing motions on my head and saying “It’s OK, Sis. It’s okay. I’m here. Welcome home.”

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 9 By Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously:He was then holding me with one arm on my waist and the one hand doing soothing motions on my head and saying “It’s OK, Sis. It’s okay. I’m here. Welcome home.”

[-][+][-]

“Sis, what is wrong?” asks Jenny, worriedly.

“I think she is just happy to see me.” Josh tells her.

“I...I am.” I tell them still crying and holding tightly to Josh.

“How are you feeling?” Josh asks me.

“Happy, confused mostly. How?”

“I’ll tell you more about it later, now I think you need to rest a little,” He said leading me to my new bed.

“OKy Josh, I do feel tired,” I said laying down.

As soon my head hit the pillow I fell asleep.

[-][+][-]

I wake up at the flower field again, laying down with my head on the lady’s lap while she was gently caressing my hair.

‘That feels nice’ I think to myself.

“Hello my child, how are you feeling?”

“Confused. This really isn’t a dream?”

“No, it isn’t.”

“How can Josh be at my house?”

“I did that,” She tells me. “That is his where he is supposed to be.”

“But why don't the others don’t seem to think there is nothing strange?”

“For them, he has always been there. In a way he has.”

“I... I don’t understand.”

“You, my child, is a very special person, and Josh too.”

“Huh?”

“You were always supposed to have been two people, but something happened during your early development that merged the two embryos. Usually that results with a person with one soul and two different DNA, but in your case you had also two souls, a female and a male soul in one body. I believe the strain and confusion you felt your entire life to be overwhelming. What I did was fix that.”

“B...but how?”

“That was easy, the hard part was to introduce Josh into the reality without attracting unwanted attention.”

“Unwanted attention? What do you mean by that? Josh told that too. Said that’s why I had to go through my operation to fix me.”

“There are other parties that wouldn’t be happy to know what I did to help you and that could be dangerous to you and your brother.”

“Who are they? And who are you? Why do I fell so at easy around you? Josh thinks you are some sort of goddess.”

She then start to laugh and say “Oh my, he really is bright, isn’t he? OK, my child, I’ll tell you, but first I need to bring Josh here too, this concerns you both.”

As soon she said those words Josh appeared next to us looking confused for a few moments.

“Hello again Josh.” The lady tells him.

“Hi. How did I get here? Last thing I remember I was sitting by Joanie’s bed watching her sleep.”

“I brought you here, and Joan too a bit earlier.”

“Why?”

“It is time for you to know more about me. I’m not sure you are ready for it, but you both deserve an explanation.”

I moved closer to where Josh was sitting and placed my hand over his.

“We are ready.” We both said at the same time.

“I’ll answer any question that I can. Why don’t you each ask a question in turns? Joan you first.”

“You just sounded like a school teacher.” I tell her and giggle. At that both of them started to laugh.

“Who are you, exactly?” I asked her.

“What do you know about Greek mythology?” she asks us back?

“You mean like the Greek gods?” Josh asks.

“Yes, my child.”

“A read a lot about them, I always found them fascinating , but what does it have to do with who you are? Are you telling us that you are a Greek Goddess?” I ask her

“Yes and no, I am their mother.”

“Are you Rhea, mother of the gods?” I ask her.

“Yes my child, also goddess of the earth and motherhood.”

“Why did you help us?” (Josh)

“Because I had to, I felt your pain and looked into your heart and what I saw surprised me. I saw not one, but two different people both in great pain, but also with pure hearts untainted by it. I also noticed the internal struggle, and that moved me.”

“Also now I feel great power within you, and I think it is partly my fault.”

“Power?” we both asked together.

“Yes, each of you have a great power within, It seems it was always there, but dormant, probably due to your own dual nature.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“When you both were merged together, it kept those powers dormant. When I separated you both I had to give you a piece of my own essence or you would have died, and that combined with your own suls started to awake your powers.”

“You gave us a piece of your own essence?”

“Yes my child, and that’s why I didn’t want to attract unwanted attention, by giving each of you a piece of my essence you both became my children too.”

“You mean you are like our mother?”

“Yes, at least spiritually, your mortal parents are still your parents too. Some of my children would feel threatened if they find out about you.”

“The Greek gods? Why would they feel threatened by us?”

“Because of what you might become of what you represent. Your powers are just awakening, but over time they will grow stronger.”

“Which powers are you talking about?” (Josh)

“I’m not sure exactly which powers you both might have, but they are tied to your own nature, and they are the strongest when you are both together. Also you might also be able to channel the magical energy around, due to my essence within you.”

“Magic is reawakening on earth, for a long time magic was very weak, almost extinct, actually. The last few years though, the magic energy started to grow and flow stronger. Some people already can do some minor magic. Some parties are fear the changes will cause, others embrace it, and others want to manipulate it to their own purposes.”

“And what does it have to do with us?” (me)

“For now, not much. I want you to live your life, like the children that you are. Just be careful with who you trust, keep your abilities secret from the world, learn more about them. There are some people that will help you. You both have a lot to learn before choosing a side.”

“For now that’s all I can say, it’s time for you to go back, my children.”

“We still have a lot of questions, goddess Rhea,” I ask her.

“Those will have to wait, and you don’t need to call me that.”

“What do you want us to call you?”

“How does your heart wants to call me?” she asks me.

“It wants me to call you mother.”

“Of course it does, you are also my daughter now, and Josh is my son too.”

“OK... mother, I hope to see you soon.”

“Don’t worry, my daughter, you will see me very soon.”

“See you soon.” I tell her and a second later I’m waking up in my room.

[-][+][-]

I look around and see Josh sleeping on a chair by the bed. “Josh?” I call him.

“Yeah?”

“What happened?”

“I’m not sure, but I do think we were not dreaming.”

“I don’t think we were dreaming either. Not anymore.”

“Right after you left, she told me something just before I came back here.”

“What did she say?”

“Protect her, my child. She is the key.”

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 10 By Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously:“Right after you left, she told me something just before I came back here.” “What did she say?” “Protect her, my child. She is the key.”

[-][+][-]

“The key?”

“That’s what she said. Don’t ask me what she means by that, I have no idea,” he said, shrugging.

“I wonder what she means by that.”

“I think we will know eventually, when she decides it’s time for us to know.”

“I guess so. And she is probably right, I’m still trying to get my head around what she already told us.”

“Yeah.”

We then hear a knock on the door and see Mom coming into the room.

“Hello Sweety, how are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, Mommy. Just woke up a few minutes ago and was talking with Josh.”

“That’s good. Are you hungry? Dinner is almost ready, if you want I can bring something up.”

“I’m starving, but I think I’ll go downstairs.”

“Are you sure about that? You should take it easy for a little while.”

“I am, Mom. I think I can make it to the couch at least. I don’t want to spend all my time in my bedroom, I'd die of boredom if I did.”

“OK, Josh, can you help your sister downstairs?”

“Of course, Mom.”

After Mom left the room, I started to get up and noticed something strange.

“Josh, I just noticed something.”

“What is it, sis? You forgot to take your pain medication?”

“Well... I did forget about it, but it’s not what I noticed.”

“What did you notice then?”

“I’m not feeling any pain.”

“That’s strange. Let me see your arm sis." he says with a thoughtful look in his face

I show him my left arm and he starts to take off the bandage, “What are you doing?”

“Just checking something,” He said while he finished removing the bandage. “Sis, look!!!”

“What? Is there something wrong?” I ask him and look at my arm. “Where did the wound go?”

“It seems your arm is all healed, there isn’t even a hint of a scar.”

“You think the other one is the same?”

“Only one way to find out,” he tells me and grabs my other arm.

After removing the bandage we look at it and it’s like the other one, completely healed.

He then look thoughtful and says. “I wonder if the arms are the only parts that healed.”

I look at him confused for a minute, then blushed. “You pervert. You are not looking at that,” I said slapping him on the arm.

“I didn’t say I wanted to see it, after all you are my sister. I just wondered if it’s healed too.” He told me rubbing his arm. “You do hit like a girl, by the way.”

“I am a girl,” I told him and poked my tongue at him.

“I'd better check, I need, anyway.”

“OK, sis. I’ll be in my room.”

I entered the bathroom and locked the door. I sat down on the toilet and relieved myself. I wiped myself dry and notice the lack of pain. I look down and notic that there was no more redness, no more puffiness. It looked perfect, completely healed.

I got out of the bathroom (after washing my hands of course) and Josh was waiting for me next to his room. I get close to him so we can go downstairs together and told him that it was healed too.

“Cool, maybe you have super healing powers like Wolverine,” he says with a grin.

“I don’t know. If so why it appeared only after I got home?”

“Maybe so the doctors didn’t think there was something strange?”

“Hmmm... maybe. One more question to add to our list.”

“We better go downstairs, I think dinner is ready.”

“What do I do? Do I pretend I’m still in pain or just act like nothing is wrong?”

“I don’t know, Sis, I don’t like the idea of lying to them. Of course we can’t tell them we used to be one person as for them I have always been here, so they would thing we are crazy.”

“I don’t like that idea either. I think I’ll just act normal, whatever that is.” I say and giggle.

“Yeah, things have been a bit strange lately.”

“Just a bit?” I looked at him with a questioning look.

“OK, OK, a lot strange, but I couldn’t be happier.”

“I know what you mean.” I tell him and gave him a hug. “It's still a bit hard to believe we were the same person just a few days ago.”

We walked downstairs, enter the kitchen and Mother says, “I was about to call you, dinner is ready.”

“Thanks, Mom.” we chorused.

“Oh no you two, don’t start that again.”

“Start what?” we chorused again and look at each other.

“That, talking at the same time.” she tells us.

“OK.” we say in unison again. Mom just shakes her head.

“How are you feeling?” Mom asked me.

“I don’t feel anymore pain.” I tell her.

“And your arms?”

“They seem to be healed already.”

“What? Let me look at them.” she said grabbing my arms.

“There isn’t even sign of scars, that’s strange. Maybe I should call Doctor Simpson.”

“I don’t think that is a good idea,” I tell her.

“Why not?”

“And tell her what? That I’m completely healed weeks before I should be and with no sign of scars? What do you think will happen if we tell that? I might become a lab rat with doctors poking and probing me.”

“I think you might be right, but I think it’s strange.”

“I think so too, but what can we do? It’s almost like I was magically healed.”

“Don’t be silly, there is no such thing as magic.” Mother tells us and at that moment Jenny entered the kitchen.

“Magic? What are you talking about?”

“Your sister. She said it’s like she was magically healed.” Mom tels her.

“Really? Let me see,” she says looking at my arms.

“That is soooo cool. I can’t wait to tell Mindy about this,” she says excitedly.

“No!!!” Both Josh and I said at the same time.

“OK, I won’t say anything right now, but I need to talk to you later, Sis.”

We went to the living room where Daddy was watching TV, he looked at us and gave us a smile.

“Hi pumpkin, feeling better?”

“A lot better, thank you, Daddy.”

“That’s good. Do you want to sit on the couch during dinner?”

“No, Daddy. I’ll sit at the table with everyone. I’m feeling a lot better. “

We all sat down and had a pleasant dinner, I can’t remember the last time I had one of those and started to cry softly.

“What happened, sweety? Are you in pain?” My mother asked me.

“N..no (sob) I’m (sob) just happy. (sob)”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Daddy, these are happy tears.”

He just shook his head and said “Women, they cry when they are sad and they cry when they are happy. I’ll never understand them,” and starts to eat again. WE girrls think that's funny and we laugh.

After dinner, I went to the bathroom to take a shower, the shower felt great without having to worry about my wounds anymore. After the shower, I patted myself dry and went to my room, Jenny was there waiting for me.

“Hey Sis, do you need any help drying your hair?”

“Could you?”

“Come, sit here. I’ll get the hairdryer.” She says patting the vanity seat.

She starts to dry my hair and brush my hair. I just love when people brush my hair, it is so relaxing that I almost dozed off.

“Don’t go sleeping on me, Sis.” Jenny says giggling.

“Sorry sis, this is just so relaxing.”

“I know, I love when people brush my hair.”

“If you want I can do that for you.”

“I would love that. I think we can get ready faster if we help each other.”

“I didn’t think about that before, but you are right.”

I started to think of how my relationship with Jenny changed. Before we would hardly talk at all and now she seemed to welcome my change with enthusiasm.

“Jenny?”

“Yes?”

“What changed?” I ask her.

“Huh?”

“Before you were always avoiding me, we would hardly talked at all. I thought you didn’t like me very much.”

“Oh Joanie. It wasn’t like that. It’s not like I avoided you, it was you that avoided everyone. The last few years not even Josh could really reach you. I just thought you needed space, that you would grow out of the emo phase you were into. But I never thought you were hurting so badly. If I had known, I would have helped, you know. I always wanted a sister and to think I had one all along. I’m sorry for not noticing before. I promise that I’ll be there for you from now on.” She says with a hug.

“Thank you.” I say and cry again on her shoulder. She is right I was the one that avoided everyone. I didn’t want them to see my pain, I don’t even want to think about it, so I just distanced myself from everyone, using books, comics and the computer to escape the cruel reality I was living in.

“Sis, do you believe in magic?” Jenny asks me

I looked at her surprised. “Why?”

“I heard Mindy talk about it before, but I never really believed in it. I mean until tonight when I saw your arms healed without even a scar. That’s what I want to tell her about.”

“I don’t know, Sis. Do you think we can trust her to not tell anyone?”

“I’m pretty sure of that.”

“I think if anyone is to tell her, it should be me then. I need to be sure I can trust her before I do.”

“She is coming by tomorrow to visit you, by the way.”

“What? Really?”

“Would I lie to you?”

“I don’t know, would you?”

“No sis, I wouldn’t.”

“What time she will be here?”

“She said around 10, it is Sunday, after all.”

“OMG! What will I do? I don’t have anything to wear.”

“I could loan something, we are almost the same size anyway. And with you being healed already we could go to the mall and do a little shopping with Mindy and Mom to start building up your wardrobe.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for that, yet.”

“Come on, Sis, it will be fun. We could also go to the hair salon to get you pampered a bit. You will love that.”

“OK, but only if Mom agrees.”

“MOOOOM!!!!” she screams

“Ouch, Sis. My ears. Do you want to make me deaf?”

“Sorry about that.” she says not looking sorry at all.

“Yes, Sweety? “ Mom suddenly ask entering the room.

“Mom, could we go shopping tomorrow together with Mindy to start building Joanie’s wardrobe?”

“Just the three of you?” She asked us.

“No, Mom, we thought you would want to go too, and maybe we could go to the hair salon to give Joanie a new haircut and some pampering. It will be a new experience for her, an all girly day,” Jenny says with an evil grin on her face

“That’s a great idea, maybe we should get her ears pierced too,” Mom says with her eyes sparkling with the same grin as Jenny on her face.

Oh my, what did I get myself into?

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 11 By Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously: “No, Mom, we thought you would want to go too, and maybe we could go to the hair salon to give Joanie a new haircut and some pampering. It will be a new experience for her, an all girly day,” Jenny says with an evil grin on her face “That’s a great idea, maybe we should get her ears pierced too,” Mom says with her eyes sparkling with the same grin as Jenny on her face. Oh my, what did I get myself into?

[-][+][-]

“Joanie, wake up,” My sister says, shaking me.

“What time is it?”

“Eight in the morning, we have a big day ahead of us.”

“It’s Sunday, Sis, it’s too early. We have lots of time,” I say trying to hide my head under the covers.

“We have a lot to do before Mindy gets here, now get up,” she says, taking the covers away.

“Grrr... OK, OKy. I’m up.”

[-][+][-]

I get up and started walking to the bathroom when Jenny gives me a strange look, “Joanie, I think you had a bit of a growth spurt last night.”

Still half awake I looked at her, “I don’t seem to be any taller, Sis.” trying to compare our heights.

“Not that kind of growth spurt, silly.” she giggles.

“Huh?”

“Look down.”

I did so, but probably by being still half asleep, I didn’t notice anything strange, “I still don’t know what you are talking about.”

That set her off and she started to laugh.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Sorry, Sis, its the face you made, it was priceless.”

“Now tell me what you meant about growth spurt.”

“Look at your breasts.”

I looked at my breasts and they did look bigger, “Oh wow, I have breasts!”

“I think we are almost the same size, now.”

“It seems I won’t need to pad my bra, anymore.”

“Only to make them look bigger,” she giggles.

“I need to go to the bathroom.”

“OK,take a shower too and then we will have breakfast.”

“OK.” I reply, dashing to the bathroom.

[-][+][-]

I get a shower cap as I didn’t want to deal with wet hair. During the shower, I check my new breasts, the last few days my nipples had started to grow a bit and get a bit puffy, but nothing like this. They are not big, but perfectly formed, and the nipples are very sensitive, too. I decided to stop the exploration before I lose control as I was getting pretty heated up already.

After I get out of the shower, I pat myself dry, wrap the towel around myself and go to my bedroom to check myself in the mirror. I like what I see, my body is starting to take the shape of a teenage girl. ‘It is happening pretty quickly though.’

I brush my hair and notice that it really needs a cut and a more feminine style. ‘I wonder how I would look with my hair with the same golden color as Rhea’s’ I ask myself while putting on my panties and try to put on a bra, but it's a bit too tight, so I decide to wear a bath robe for now and ask Jenny to help me, later.

[-][+][-]

I turn around and I am about to leave the room to go downstairs when I stop dead on my tracks.

“JENNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I yell.

A few moments later she comes running and asks, “What's wrong?” before stopping dead on her tracks too.

“W...what, H...how?” she stutters.

“I have no idea, I wondered how I would look with my hair with a certain golden color and I turn around that's what I saw.”

She still has her mouth wide open in shock, but soon I see her closing it and forming a big smile, “Oh wow, Sis. That color looks amazing. I’m so jealous of you. I wish I could change my hair color like that.”

“Sis, I have no idea how I did it, and frankly, I’m a bit freaked out right now.”

“Sorry sis, I know what you mean. I would be a bit freaked out if it happens to me, too.”

“What will I do? I mean, the others will see me downstairs and see that something is strange.”

“Just act normal, If anyone asks, just tell the truth.”

“OK, but I don't think they will buy the ‘it just happened’ bit.”

“There is no point on worrying about it right now, is it? Unless you can change your hair color back, I mean.”

“I don't know how it happened, so I don’t think I can do it, right now.”

“Then let's go downstairs because breakfast is ready.”

“Jen, can you help me choose something to wear?”

“Of course, right after breakfast. OK?”

“OK.”

[-][+][-]

We go downstairs, enter the kitchen to help Mom sets the table and she looks at me, “Joanie, the hair color looks great, but you should have waited to do it at the salon.”

“Sorry, Mom.”

“Mom thinks you painted your hair,” my sister whispers to me.

“I noticed, at least I won't have to explain the new color.”

“Stop whispering you two. Jenny, help me with the table and Joan, you go call the boys.”

“Yes, Mother” we both said at the same time and giggle.

[-][+][-]

I go upstairs and knocked on my parents door, “Come in.” he says.

“Daddy, Mommy asked me to call you for breakfast.”

“OK, Pumpkin, I'll be downstairs in 5 minutes.” He says and starts to get up.

Next, I go to Josh's room and knocked on the door. 'It is still strange to think of it at Josh's room.'

“What?” comes from inside.

“Josh? It's me, Joan. Mom asked me to tell you that breakfast is ready.”

He opens the door, looking half asleep still, “Hi, sis. How are you feeling, today?”

“Apart from some strange happenings, I'm feeling great.”

“Strange happenings?”

“Look at my hair.”

“Oh wow. It looks just like Rhea's.”

“Shhhh. Not so loud, Josh.”

“Sorry. That color looks great on you, though.”

“I know, Mom thinks I painted it.”

“You didn't?”

“No, I was wondering how I'd look with my hair this color, then I noticed it was like this.”

“That's cool.”

“A bit, and a bit freaky too.”

“I think I know what you mean. Now move away from the door or I'll piss in my pants.”

I head downstairs giggling at that.

[-][+][-]

I sit at the table with Mom and Jenny, a couple minutes later, Dad and Josh join us.

“Good morning, girls” Dad says.

“Good Morning, Daddy.” Jenny and I reply.

“Good morning, honey.” Mom says and gives Dad a light kiss on his lips.

“Morning everyone.” Josh says as he sits.

“Any plans for today?” Dad asks.

“We are going shopping to start up Joanie's wardrobe. Do you guys want to join us? We will probably need you to hold the bags for us,” Mom says.

The color drained from their faces. “W..well, I.. we..we...” Dad starts to say.

“I’m going to the park meet the guys, we need to work on our pitching before our next game,” Josh replies.

“I’m going with you, Josh. I can give you some pointers.”

“That will be great, Dad.”

“OK, you two can go play,” Mom says and we giggle.

“Thanks, Love,” Dad says kissing Mom's cheek.

[-][+][-]

After breakfast, we head upstairs and Jenny goes through her wardrobe, looking for something for me to wear.

“I think this will be perfect,” she says picking up a denim mini skirt and top. “It will be good for a shopping spree as it will be good to have something easy to put on take off.”

“You think it will look good on me?”

“Sis, you'll look hot, believe me.”

“I think I'll need a bra too, mine are too small.”

“I'll loan one to you sis, but it might be a bit big on you,” she replies and picks a bra from her drawer. “Here try this one.”

I try and it was a bit big on the cups, “Hmmm, l think you just need a little padding to help fill them up,” She observes and places some pads inside the cups.

After I get dressed I look at the mirror and see that I look good, “Sis, isn’t this skirt a bit short?” I ask her trying to lower the hem a little bit more.

“No, it's perfect.”

“Are you sure? I'm not used to showing so much skin. I feel half naked.”

“Come on, you know you look good. You'll get used to it.”

“OK, I trust your judgment, after all you have been a girl longer than me.”

“No, you been one for almost as long, we just didn't know it. I just have more experience.” She admits as she hugs me.

“Want me to brush your hair?”

“Is the Pope Catholic?” I ask her back.

“Come on, sit down.” she giggles.

“You know how much I love it when people brush my hair.”

“I know, and your hair looks so amazing, right now.”

“Thanks, I'm still a bit freaked out about it, thought.”

“I would be too if I were in your place.”

[-][+][-]

We finish getting ready and go downstairs and sit just as the door bell rings.

“I’ll get it,” Josh says.

He opens the door and it was Mindy. “Hi Mindy, nice to see you again, but I’m in a bit of a hurry, see you soon.” he says as he heads out the door.

“Son, wait up.” Dad yells, dashing after him.

“Come in Mindy, don't mind them. They are just trying to avoid a shopping trip” Jenny giggles. “Mom will be ready soon.”

Mindy enters and has a strange look on her face. “Who was that?”

“Who?” we both ask.

“The boy that just left.”

“That was Josh, silly. You have known him for years,” my sister says.

Mindy has a strange look on her face and I feel a shiver go up my spine. Did she notice something?’

She looks at me and her look does not change, “Hi Joan, do you mind telling me what the heck is going on around here?”

“What are you talking about?” I ask her trying to look confused.

“First, who is Josh?”

“How can't you remember Josh, Mindy? He is Joanie's twin brother,”

“Twin brother? Joan never had a twin brother. And look at her, you can tell she knows something about it.”

Oh crap, how did she know that?

“Joanie?” Jenny looks at me in confusion.

“I think we better go to our room and I'll explain everything.”

[-][+][-]

We go to our room and closed the door. I sit down and wonder what to say.

“Joanie? Do you know what Mindy is talking about? Is it true?”

“It is true, sorta.” I say thinking boy how to explain it.

“What do you mean?” They both ask.

“He has always been around, but not as Josh.”

“I don't get it, sis. What about you, Mindy?”

“I'm also lost.”

I sigh. “Until a little over a week ago, Josh and I were the same person.”

“WHAT????” They both say.

“This is impossible.” Mindy exclaims.

“But I have known Josh my entire life.” Jenny affirms.

“What I'm saying it's the truth, let me tell you exactly what happened.”

And that's what I do, I tell them everything including about Rhea and the 'Dreams' I had.

“You are telling us that Rhea the Greek goddess of the Earth and Motherhood gave you both a bit of her essence to you and Josh?” Mindy asks.

“Yes, and she said it made us her children too.”

“Maybe that's why you healed so fast and was able to change your hair color like that. And probably the boobs too.” Jenny replies.

“Do you believe me?” I ask them.

“I don't know why, but I do.” Mindy affirms.

“How did you know what was happening, Mindy? Everyone seemed to think Josh has been here all along.”

“That's a good question, but as you trusted me with your secret I think I can tell you mine.”

“Is it about magic?” I ask her.

“Yes, how did you know?” Mindy asks confusedly.

“Jenny wanted to tell you about my healing and said you used to talk to her about magic.”

“Well... that's not all. I'm from a long lineage of witches.”

“That's so cool.” Jenny says excitedly.

“So that's how you knew something was different?”

“Sort of. Saturday morning my mom was helping me with my studies and we were inside a protection circle in case anything went wrong when suddenly it started to glow like it was hit by something. I asked her what happened and she said she never saw anything like that before. After coming here and seeing Josh I think I know what happened."

“I think I know too. I think what hit the protection circle was Rhea's spell changing reality to fit Josh in.”

“That's what I'm thinking. Maybe I should take you and Josh to meet my mother sometime.”

“You think she will believe us?”

“I'm pretty sure she will.”

“Are you both still want to go shopping with me?”

“Of course I do.” Mindy says.

Jenny looked thoughtful for a moment and says. “Of course I do too. This might be a bit freaky but from my point of view I just won a new brother and sister.”

“Exactly which one of you were Johnny?” Mindy asks.

“We both were, but my personality was the one in charge. So basically I was him. I can’t imagine how it must have been for Josh to be trapped inside without being able to do anything for so long.” I say and feel a tear forming.

“Don't cry, Sis. Everything is fine now.” Jenny promises and hugs me tightly.

“Thanks, Sis, thanks Mindy.”

A few seconds later I hear a knock on the door.

“Hey girls, are you ready to go shopping?” Mom asks.

“Yes!” we reply.

“Come on, Joanie. Let's have some fun.” Mindy says, holding my hand.

“O... Okay.” I reply, a bit flushed.

Jenny looked at me and started to giggle attracting our attention.

“What's so funny?” Mindy asks.

“You two, holding hands like that.”

“Well... I...” Mindy tries to say blushing, but not letting go of my hand.

“G...Girls can hold hands, OK?” I ask Jenny.

“Y..Yes, that's OK.” Mindy affirms.

I wonder if Mindy has a crush on me too. I ask myself.

“Okay, lovebirds. Let's go raid the mall.” Jenny says, leaving the room in a run.

“Hey!” We both exclaim and run after her.

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Author note: I would like to thank Stanman63 again for helping me with this story.

Your comments are appreciated, I love to hear what people think about my story so far.

Joan - Chapter 12  © 2010 - Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously:“Okay, lovebirds. Let's go raid the mall.” Jenny says, leaving the room in a run. “Hey!” We both exclaim and run after her.

[-][+][-]

Eventually we reached the mall, and believe it or not took us only 15 minutes to find a parking spot. As we step out of the car I began to become a bit apprehensive as it's my first time out in public as a girl. I stop in my tracks and start to shake.

“What's wrong? Why are you shaking?” Mother asks me.

“I'm afraid. What if people recognize me?”

“What's wrong if someone does? You are a girl, Sis.”

“Still, what if someone thinks that I'm a boy in a dress?”

“Have you looked at yourself in the mirror? You are gorgeous,” Mindy tells me.

“OK, I guess I'll have to deal with it sooner or later, right?”

“Don't worry, Joanie. Let's have some fun shopping.” Mindy said

[-][+][-]

Once inside, I think they made me try on half the clothes in each store we visit. I think they were having fun with a live size Barbie doll to play with.

One of the most embarrassing moments of the morning was the lingerie shop. First, I found out that I'm already almost a B cup, and the choices of garments Jen and Mindy made me try, well, I never felt more embarrassed and more sexy at the same time my life.

Luckily, after that we went to have some lunch as I was starving and tired.

After lunch, we went to the shoes stores. I never knew that girls had such variety of choice. I think they made me try half the store. I don't really liked high heeled shoes, they were uncomfortable and make my calves hurt.

They ended up buying a few pairs of them for me, saying that I'll get used to them as well as some sandals, trainers, and cute pink bunny sleepers. ( I never got the chance to have them when I was little so give me a break, and they ARE very comfortable.)

After what I think it was the 6th trip to the car to put our shopping bags in the trunk It was time for the salon appointment. Mom made the appointment just before we left home for us and Mindy. Arriving at the salon, Mom talked to the receptionist who then directed us to the waiting area saying that we would be called.

A few minutes later, another girl came to us and directs us to the changing rooms to put on a robe. After that she directs me to a chair where a woman waits for me.

“Hello Joan, my name is Amanda, what I can do for you today?”

“I don't know, It is my first time in a saloon.”

Mother whispers something in her ear, “Your mother just told me to give you the works, what do you say if we start by washing your hair and then cutting it into a nice layered style?”

“I guess it's OK.” I'm a bit apprehensive of what the works means.

I never thought someone washing your hair could be so relaxing, I think I even dozed off for a bit.

After the scalp massage (I refuse to say it was only washing as I never felt more relaxed in my life), it was time for the hair cut. Amanda directs me back to the chair and turns me away from the mirror.

“I love your hair color, Joan. Is it natural?”

What to I say? No, it was magically altered this morning? “Yes it is.” I decid to tell her.

“You are so lucky, I never saw a prettier shade of gold than yours. It almost glow under the right light.” She said as she starts to cut my hair.

“Thanks, I guess”

[-][+][-]

Suddenly, everything stopped moving, a woman appears from nowhere and walks to me with an angry look on her face, “Child, why do I sense my daughter's essence within you and why do you have her hair color?” she said and a shiver ran through my spine.

“Huh?”

“Don't play dumb with me. What did you do to my daughter? Why can't I contact her?” She says, looking angrier.

“I don't know what you are talking about, lady. Who are you and who is your daughter?” I ask her having a bad feeling.

“How can you not know who I am when I can sense my daughter's essence within you?”

“Are you Rhea's mother?” I ask her. If she is who I think she is I'm in deep shit.

“Yes, child I am her mother. What did you do to her?”

“I didn't do anything to her. I owe her my life. She said she gave me and my brother a little of her essence.”

“What? Why would she do that, and I sense more than just a little of her essence within you. Did you force her to do it?”

“How could I do that? I'm just a normal girl.”

She looks thoughtful for a moment, her expression softens, “I'm sorry, child. You are right. No human can make a goddess give a part of her essence. Still, I am worried about her. Every time I try to sense her all I get is you.”

Suddenly, an idea came into my mind, “Miss Gaea, maybe you can talk to her.”

“How?”

“Well... I met her a few times in a place she called my spiritual escape or something like that. She said it was a place I created as a haven of some sort.”

“Can you take me there?”

“I don't know how to get there yet. Rhea said I would eventually learn how to though.”

“Give me your hand child, maybe I can help you with that. But I'll need your permission to go there if that place is what I think it is.”

“Of course you have it. No mother should be forced from their child.”

She takes my hand, closes her eyes for a moment and suddenly we are in my flowery field. I hear a gasp from behind and turn around to see a very surprised Rhea.

“MOTHER!!! What are you doing here?”

“Hello, my daughter. I should ask you the same question.”

“Did you bring her here, Joan?” .

“No, mother. Actually she brought me here.”

“Mother?” I hear Gaea ask.

“Yes, I made Joan my daughter when I gave a part of her my essence.”

“I see. What I want to know is why you gave her so much of your essence.”

“Wait. I want to know what is going on. How much of mother's essence are you talking about?”

“Almost all of it.” Gaea says.

I look at Rhea in surprise and she seems crestfallen, “Is it true?”

“Yes, my child. It is true.”

“But why? You told me you gave me a bit of your essence to help me heal. Why did you lie to me?”

“I'm sorry I lied to you my child. You were not ready to know the truth.”

“What is the truth then? And what does I am the key thing means?”

“WHAT? Is it true? Is this child the key? The one born with two souls?” Gaea asks.

“Yes mother, she is.”

“Do you have any IDEA of the RISK you are taking?”

“Yes mother, I have, and I have faith in her.”

“STOP!!!” I yell, enraged. “What the heck are you talking about.”

“In all my life, I never heard a human talk to us like that.” I hear Gaea say.

“I know, and that's one thing I like about her.”.

“Can you two please tell me what is going on? How did I get involved in goddesses business?” I plead.

“I think you and mother deserve an explanation, Joan.”

"Then explain," demands Gaea.

“When I told Josh you are the key what I meant is that you are the key to either our kind's salvation or our destruction. It will be your choice.”

“I am lost here, what do you mean by salvation or destruction?”

“As I said before, magic is reawakening, and with that a big change is coming. My children for too long have been from time to time fighting among themselves, and with the magic returning they are getting more powerful. In the future, a full scale battle might happen, and if it happens, many of them will die this time. I believe you are the key to saving them from themselves. I can't let my children and grandchildren die.” she says between tears.

“But I have no idea how I am supposed to do that.”

“That's why I am here, Joan. To guide you and teach you.”

“That doesn't explain why you gave her almost all your essence, daughter.”

“Mother, I gave her my essence, because I have chosen her to be my successor. I have been alive for far too long, I am tired.”

“You want to die?” I ask her in shock.

“In a mater of speaking, yes. I lived long enough. Eternal life after a while becomes a curse rather and a gift.” she says between tears.

I get closer to her and give her a very tight hug, “I don't want to see you die. You saved my life and made me your daughter. Is your life so without purpose that you want to die?”

“I have only one purpose now, and that is to teach you for the next few years. After that I will let go and disappear.”

“What if I gave you a new purpose?”

“What kind of new purpose can you give to a goddess that has lived for several millenia?"

“Something you never did before.”

“And what would that be?”

“To live a human life. To raise a family and watch them grow older and have a family of their own, enjoy life knowing that one day it will end.”

“I never thought of that.”

“Of course not. Why would a god or a goddess want to become a human?” Gaea asks.

“Why not? What better way to understand us? And at the end of that life you can choose to simply fade away or reincarnate again, this time fully human with prior knowledge of godhood. I think it is a better alternative to simply fading away.”.

“But how would I do that? I don't have enough essence to do that anymore.” Rhea says crestfallen.

“I think I can help you with that.”

“I can't take my essence back it is yours now.”

“Then I'll give you a piece of my own essence to make you human. That way you can guide me from the mortal world. If you want to do that of course.”

“Let's do it.”

“Don't I have a say in this?” Gaea asks.

“I'm sorry, Mother, but it is my decision to make.”

“I know it is, my child. What I want to tell you is that I'm proud of you, you are going to do something I can't.” Gaea says hugging her daughter.

“I'm sorry, but I have no idea how to do this.”

“Don't worry child, I will help you,. After all, it is my daughter's wish. Both of you hold one of my hands and each other hands forming a circle.”

We do that and soon we are glowing. I sense energy being transferred between the three of us and for a second I think we merg together before everything went white and I'm back at the saloon chair with Amanda awakening me.

[-][+][-]

“Wake up, sweety. We are done here.”

I open my eyes, What the heck just happened? Was that real or a dream? With my track record I think it might be real.

“What do you think?” .

“Huh?” I look at her, confused.

“Look in the mirror, what do you think of the new look?”

I look in the mirror and my jaw drops, I look gorgeous. The layered style framed my face perfectly. I also notice that I am wearing a pair of studs, and that my ears are freshly pierced.

“I see you noticed the earrings. We decided to pierce them while you were sleeping as your mother asked us.”

“I love the new hair style and the earrings, Amanda. Thank you so much.

“That's not all.” she says, giggling. “Look at your hands and feet.”

I looked at my hands and I saw that my nails now manicured and have a light pink varnish on them, and the same thing on my toes. “I love it.”

“We were going to wax your legs, but you didn't seem to need it. I never saw smoother skin than yours.”

“I got lucky thenm I hear that waxing is painful.”

“The price of beauty, dear.”

“Where is my mother?”

“Your mother, sister and your friend are waiting for you in reception. Let's go reintroduce you?”

“Sure.”

I went to the changing room, change back to my (sister's) clothes, and head back to the reception area. They all look gorgeous with their new hairstyles. I wonder if dad and Josh will notice anything. They look at me and their jaws drop.

“OH MY GOSH!! You look incredible.” I hear Jenny say excitedly.

“Sweety, you look simply gorgeous.” Mom tells me.

“You look really pretty.” Mindy says.

“Thanks guys. You all look amazing too.”

Mother pays the bill, leaving a generous tip. Once outside she says, “Joanie, I think your father will have a heart attack when he sees the next month credit card bill.”

“Oh god, mom. I hope you didn't spent too much.”

“No sweety, I was just joking. And you do need everything we bought today.”

“OK, Mom. Thanks for today. It was tiring, but fun.”

“Next time will be even more fun as we won't be buying so much.” Jenny says.

“I hope so. I think I tried half the mall's clothes today.”

“Ah, come on, that is the fun part.” Mindy says.

“And that's how you develop your own sense of style.” Mom tells me.

We then walked to the car and soon we were our way home.

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 13  © 2010 - Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously:Mother pays the bill, leaving a generous tip. Once outside she says, “Joanie, I think your father will have a heart attack when he sees the next month credit card bill.” “Oh god, mom. I hope you didn't spent too much.” “No sweety, I was just joking. And you do need everything we bought today.” “OK, Mom. Thanks for today. It was tiring, but fun.” “Next time will be even more fun as we won't be buying so much.” Jenny says. “I hope so. I think I tried half the mall's clothes today.” “Ah, come on, that is the fun part.” Mindy says. “And that's how you develop your own sense of style.” Mom tells me. We then walked to the car and soon we were our way home.

[-][+][-]

We arrive at home a little after 6:00 and Jen goes inside to get Josh and Dad to help us unload the car. Once they get outside dad looked in the trunk, “I don't want to look at the credit card bill next month, do I?”

“Don't worry, Honey, we didn't spend THAT much. This time we had to buy a lot more than usual because we had to start to build Joan's wardrobe."

“I just hope I don't get a heart attack when the bill comes.”

“It won't be that bad.” Mum affirms giving him a light peck on his lips.

“OK, lets get all this inside and have some dinner. What do you say we order some pizzas?”

We nod in approval.

“Mindy, will you be joining us for dinner?”

“I should be going home, Mrs. Heart, I don't want to impose.”

“Come on, join us for dinner Mindy. I'll walk you home afterwards.” I plea.

“OK, I'll call mom and tell her I'll be home after dinner.”

[-][+][-]

Soon we have all the bags in our room (mine and Jen's), sorting and hanging the clothes in our closets.

“I just noticed something,” Mindy says.

“What?” we ask in unison.

“We didn't buy a single bathing suit for Joan.”

“I think now we know what to do next time we go to the mall without the parental unit.” Jen says.

“Huh?” I was a bit confused.

“If we go buy swimsuits with mom or dad around, you'll end up looking like a nun.”

[-][+][-]

A few minutes later, we hear a knock on the door.

“Come in.” we chorus.

Josh comes in, “Did you girls have fun today?”

“We did.” I tell him.

“Why are you girls looking at me like that?”

“Josh, they know.”

“Know what?”

“I told them everything. Mindy noticed something was strange the second she saw you this morning.”

“Oh.”

“Don't worry Josh, we won't say anything.” Mindy says.

“And what do you think about it, Jen?” He asks.

“I think it's pretty strange as I have memories of us growing up together, but the way I see it is that I traded one unhappy brother for a happy brother and a happy sister. So it is a win-win for me. Not that I didn't like Johnny, but he was always so unhappy and never smiled. No wonder, Joan was trapped in there. When she tried to kill herself I thought I lost her and what scared me is that I hardly knew her for the last few years.” She says, sobbing.

“It's all right, sis. I'm OK now.” I tell her.

“It was pure luck you are sis, you could have died, many people do die like that.”

“I know, but I will never try something like that again, I couldn't stand to put you guys through such pain again.”

“So Josh, did you notice anything strange happening around you?” Mindy asks changing the subject to something lighter.

“Like what?”

“Like Joan was able to heal herself pretty quickly and change her hair color, so I thought maybe you could be able to do something too.”

“Oh, that. Yeah I noticed something today while I was playing baseball. I did something, luckily no one noticed.”

“What did you do?” I ask him.

“I think its easier to show you.” he smirks.

He looks around the room and sets his eyes on the vanity, suddenly a hair brush flew to his hand.

“Cool, huh?” he says.

“How did you do it?” I ask him.

“I just imagined it coming to my hand and it did, it was pretty easy.”

“That is so cool.” Jen says.

“PIZZA IS HERE!!!” we hear dad yell from downstairs.

“I think we better go, we can explore this further another time.” Mindy says.

[-][+][-]

After we eat, I walk Mindy home, she lives a few houses over. We walk all the way to her house in an awkward silence as I have no idea what to say and was incredibly nervous.

When we arrive at her house, she goes to a bench at her porch and sits down, “Want to sit down with me for a few minutes?” .

“S...sure” I stutter.

I sat down next to her, she grabs my hand, I feel electricity run through our bodies and I melt.

“W...what is going on?” I ask her.

“What do you mean?”

“Ever since we touched hands in the hospital I can't stop thinking about you.”

“You too?” .

“Huh?”

“The same thing happened to me too. I can't stop thinking about you either. I always thought you were kinda cute, but in the hospital even before we touched I thought you were gorgeous.”

“Really?”

“Really. I was always attracted to girls so I was confused about what to think about my feelings for you before, but when I found out you are really a girl, well....” she blushes a very deep shade of red.

“You know, I think I also have a big crush for you too, but I didn't know how to act about it. ”

A big smile appears on her face at that moment, “I think I have an idea how.”

The next thing I know we kiss. We kissed for a long time, I feel the world dissolving around us, a warm glow raised from deep within me and engulfs us, I feel like we were merging together, It was pure bliss, not a sexual feeling but something much deeper than that.

When the kiss ends I am still feeling that glow emanating from inside. I feel like I'm on cloud nine.

“Hmm, Joanie?”

“Yeah?” I ask her, dreamily.

“I think you are glowing.”

At that moment we hear the front door open and Mindy's Mom say. “Hey sweety, I thought that was..... OH MY GODDESS!!!”

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 14  © 2010 - Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously:When the kiss ends I am still feeling that glow emanating from inside. I feel like I'm on cloud nine. “Hmm, Joanie?” “Yeah?” I ask her, dreamily. “I think you are glowing.” At that moment we hear the front door open and Mindy's Mom say. “Hey sweety, I thought that was..... OH MY GODDESS!!!”

[-][+][-]

We both look around just in time to see Mindy's mom falling down on the floor, unconscious.

“What happened?” I ask

“I think she fainted.”

“I hope she is not hurt.” I say worriedly.

“I think she will be fine, help me bring her inside.”

Together we carried Mindy's mom inside and placed her on the sofa.

“I think I should go home, Mindy”

“My mom will probably want to talk to you, maybe you should stick around for a bit.” She says sitting down on the couch and patting the space next to her.

“OK.” I reply, blushing.

“At least the glow is gone now."

“I have no idea how that happened. What is happening to me?” I ask, burying my face on her shoulder.

“I don't know, but Mom might be able to help you.”

“You think so?”

“I sure hope so, or things might start to get a bit difficult for us.”

“Huh?”

“Kiss? Glowing?”

“Oh” I blush again. “Does it mean there'll be other kisses?”

“What do you think?” She says with a mischievous grin.

“I would really like to.” I shyly reply.

[-][+][-]

A few minutes later, Mindy's mom started to wake up, “What happened?”

“You fainted, Mom.”

She looks at us and her jaw drops.

“Mom, I want you to meet Joan.”

“H.. hi, Mrs. Wright.”

She keeps looking at me with a strange look on her face, suddenly, she says, “Oh my goddess, It wasn't a dream.”

“Huh?”

“You were the one that was glowing outside.”

“I... I guess.” I reply.

“I sense great power within you and your aura is like nothing I ever seen, it’s almost like looking at a goddess.”

“What? I'm just a teenage girl. I can't be a goddess, can I?”

“No, you are not a goddess...., yet.” A new voice come from behind us.

We looked around to see a tall, slim woman, with long blond hair standing there.”

“Hello, child. It's nice to finally meet you.”

“Who are you? How did you get in here?” Mindy's mom spats.

“You should really use your other senses more, Megan,” she rebukes.

Mindy's mom looks at the woman again for a few moments and suddenly sits down with a shocked expression on her face. The woman turns to me, “I came to talk to you, Joan.”

“Me? Why? Who are you?”

“You can call me Diana, It's a nicer name to use around here, but you might know me as Artemis.”

Another Goddess? What the heck is going on?’ I think, holding Mindy's hand tightly. “Why me? What did I do? Why are gods popping up in my life now?”

“What do you want with her? Can't you see she is scared?” Mindy said.

“Oh, I'm sorry child, Gaea asked me to keep an eye on you while Rhea settles down in her new life.”

“New life?” I ask.

“Don't you remember what you did for her?” Diana asks.

“Wasn't it a dream?”

“No child, it wasn't. I appreciate what you did, actually.”

“What did Joan do?” both Mindy and her mom ask.

“She gave Rhea's life a new purpose, to live life as a human.”

“You changed a goddess into a human?” Mrs Wright asks me.

“Not exactly, Gaea helped, Joan just provided her with the necessary essence for it to happen. It was Rhea's choice to become human.”

“But why does Joan's aura look so much like yours?” Mrs Wright aska Diana.

“Rhea had given Joan most of her essence, only allowing her to live inside Joan’s spiritual home. She planned to guide and teach Joan and then part with the rest of her essence and die.”

“What did you mean with that I'm not a goddess yet? I never asked for this. And why did I suddenly change hair color and start glowing when Mindy kissed me?”

“What?” Mrs Wright asks in shock.

“About that. Mom, I'm in love with Joanie.” She says and looks at me. I grip her hand and smile back feeling the glow inside me come back.

“Joanie? You are glowing again.” Mindy tells me.

“Damn it! What is happening to me?”

“Your abilities are waking up, you are finally integrating the essence Rhea gave you into your own.”

“But why am I glowing?”

“Because you wanted to let Mindy see what you feel for her. The aura glow you are emanating is filled with love and happiness.”

“I guess so, but how do I stop it?”

“Just concentrate on keeping it inside you and Imagine the glow around you going away.”

I did so and slowly the glow faded away, “This is much better.”

“I wouldn't mind seeing it when we are alone, it makes me feel very good,” Mindy admits.

“That's because it's filled with Joan's emotions and together with Joan's empathic abilities that are also waking, I think it can become quite pleasant,” Diana observes.

“And how did I change my hair color?”

“You probably wanted to. If you try to imagine it with another color it will probably change again.”

“Why don't you try it, Joanie?” Mindy asks me.

“I guess I could try, which color though?”

“Let's try something a little unusual, what do you think of pink?”

“Pink? Why pink?”

“Because I think you would look cute with pink hair.”

I sigh, “OK just because you ask me.”

I close my eyes and try to imagine my hair becoming pink, “Yes!!! It worked Joanie. You look so cute like that.” Mindy exclaims. Mrs Write giggles while Diana looks slightly amused.

“Come with me Joanie, you need to take a look at yourself.” She says, guiding me to the mirror in the hallway.

I look at myself, hate to admit it, but I do look cute. I really like the golden color I had on earlier, so I concentrate and it changes color again. We go back to the living room, sit on the couch.

“I see you managed to change the hair color back again. That is a lovely hair color. I could never quite get it right though. What do you say we try something new?” Diana asks.

“Like what?”

“Change my hair color to the same color as yours.”

“You think I can do it?”

“I think you might be able too with my help. We gods can't change another gods appearance without their consent.”

“But don't you need to have a big trust on the other person to do something like that?”

“Yes, but after what you did to my grandmother I think I can trust you this much. And its not that I wouldn't be able to change it again.”

“Okay. So what do I do?”

“Hold my hands and do what you did to change your hair, but think about doing it to mine.”

I grab her hands, close my eyes, trying to picture it with the same color as mine. When I open my eyes again her hair had changed to the exact same color as mine.

“That is so cool” Mindy says.

“Scary is more like it. I don't know if I like to have such power.” I affirm.

“Don't worry about it, child. I'm here to help you come to terms with what is happening to you. I think Megan can help you too with your magical education.” She says, looking at Mrs Write.

“I would be honored to help Joan out.” She says.

“And you Mindy, you need to take good care of her. She is a very special girl and I don't want to see her heart broken.”

“Of course I'll take good care of her,” Mindy vows with a kiss. "I won't ever break her heart. I promise.”

“You know that promises to gods and goddesses are binding, don't you?” Diana says, sternly.

“Yes I know, My mom told me to be careful doing any promises. I really mean it.”

“What do you think about it, Joan?” Diana asks me.

“What will happen to her if she breaks her promise?” I ask.

“It will depend on you, her promise is to not break your hear, and if she does, her punishment is up to you.”

“Then I accept her promise. I feel that she really intends to keep it. And if it happen in the future, first I'll have to find out exactly why the promise was broken before deciding anything. Sometimes things beyond our control can affect our ability to keep a promise.”

“That was a very wise answer, child. You might end up becoming a great goddess one day.” Diana tells me.

“I'm still uncomfortable with all this goddess business, though.”

“We are all here to help you, Joan, and soon Rhea will help you out too, as soon she gets settled in her new life.”

“Is she OK?” I ask.

“She is very happy and excited right now. I haven't seen her like this for thousands of years.”

“I'm happy for her. I haven't met her for long but I feel a strong connection between us, and I owe her my life, too.”

“She told me that too. She thinks of you as a daughter, did you know that?”

“Yes, she told me that, and I do see her as a mother.”

“Before I go, I have a present for you and your brother,” she says, extending her hand and 2 balls of metal appeared on her hand, a gold and a silver ball.

“What is that?” I ask her.

“Just something that will help you both to control your abilities a little better during these initial days. Just take the gold ball in your hand.”

I did as she asked me and as soon the ball touched the palm of my hand it started to glow and twitch, moving along my hand and going in direction of my wrist, once there it stretches and circles my wrist taking the shape of a gold bracelet.

“Wow, that's a pretty bracelet.”

“It will help you keep control of your abilities so things like the accidental glow or hair color change doesn't happen again. Also it can become invisible if you wish it to. Take the silver ball and give it to Josh, it will also become a piece of jewelry for him, a fitting one to a guy, too.”

She looks at Mindy and at her mom and produces 2 necklaces with a golden teardrop, “This will help you with your magic training Mindy and will also help to protect the both of you against magical attacks.” She says, giving them one necklace each.

“Huh, Diana?” I call to her.

“Yes, child?”

“You think Jen could get one of those necklaces? She seemed so excited of all that is happening and I think she would like to help too.” I shyly admit.

“Here, child. Give this to her,” she says, producing a small gold ring. “It will help her develop any latent magical ability she might have and protect her too, like Mindy's necklace will do for her.”

“Thank you Diana,” I say, giving her a hug and a kiss on her cheek, she blushed. "I never though I would see a goddess blush".

“You are welcome, Joan. Now I have to go and help gram a little,” she says, winking at us and vanishes.

I look at Mindy and her mom, “Does anyone have an idea of what exactly happened here tonight?”

Mindy's mom came closer to us, “I think things are going to get interesting from now on.”

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

Joan - Chapter 15  ©2010 - Andrea Ribeiro Many thanks to Stanman63 for editing.! Previously:I look at Mindy and her mom, “Does anyone have an idea of what exactly happened here tonight?”

[-][+][-]

“Interesting? It’s more like a nightmare, I never asked for this, I only wanted to be a normal girl.” I start to sob.

“Don’t be like that, Joanie.” Mindy pleads while holding me tightly. “I think you were given a great gift, and being normal is overrated, anyway.”

“You.. (sob) think so?”

“Look at me and my mom, we are both witches, hardly normal, isn’t it?”

“Yes.... but why do I feel like I’m way out of my depth here?”

“Maybe because you haven’t come to term about what happened, yet.” Mrs Wright says.

“How can I? A little over a week ago I was a regular person and now I find
out I’m becoming a goddess. I’m getting afraid of myself.”

“Why?” Mindy asks me.

“I’m afraid of what I might become. I never asked for power nor wanted it, and I’m afraid of what it might do to me.”

“Are you afraid of getting corrupted by it?” Mrs Wright aska me.

“Yes.” I say as look down.

“It’s good that you are afraid of that, Joan. It will help to keep your head on straight, power can be very addictive, that’s why it corrupts so many people,” she says .

“But how do I avoid that?”

“I think your goddesses friends will help you with that, and I don’t think
Rhea would have given you almost all her essence if she didn’t think you were unable to deal with the consequences.”

“You need to be more confident about yourself, Joanie.” Mindy says.

“I guess I don’t really have a choice but to deal with it, huh??” I ask.

“We all have a choice, Joan. So do you,” Mrs. Wright affirms.

“Still... I feel so lost right now.”

“Don’t worry, Joanie. We are here for you.” Mindy vows, giving me a peck on my lips.

“Thank you, Mindy, Mrs Wright.”

“Call me Megan, and no Mrs please, I’m not married.”

“Oh... OK... M..Megan.” I say shyly.

“Or you can call her aunt Meg.” Mindy says with a giggle.

“Aunt Meg?”

“I kinda like the sound of it. You can call me Aunt Meg or Aunt Megan if you want, Joan.”

“I think I should go back home, it’s getting late and I was supposed only to walk you home.” I tell Mindy.

“I’ll walk you out the door,” she responds.

“Bye, Aunt Meg, I hope to see you soon.”

“You will, I’ll help you with your magical education, remember?”

“I was forgetting about that.” I blush.

“I’ll talk to my daughter later to arrange it, OK?”

“OK.”

“Bye bye, Joan.” She says with a hug.

[-][+][-]

Mindy accompanies me outside and closes the front door, gives me a long
lingering kiss, I again melt in her arms. After our lips part, she looks at me, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Sweety.”

“I sure hope so.”

“Are you going to school tomorrow?”

“I don’t know. I am supposed to be home recuperating from the surgery, remember?”

“I think you could go to school, just say you just can’t strain yourself physically.”

“I guess. I’ll talk to Mom when I get back home.”

“That’s my girl, now come here,” she says, embracing me, giving me another kiss.

“If you keep doing that I’ll never be able to leave.”

“Who says that I want you to leave?”

“I have too. My parents will get worried.”

“OK.” she pouts.

“You look so cute pouting.”

“You better go before I jump on you and kiss you again.”

“Hmmmm... tempting.”

“Don’t tease me, you meanie.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Sweety.” I tell her, giving gave her one last peck on her lips.

“See you tomorrow, Sweety.”

[-][+][-]

I walk back home still thinking about what happened tonight. It was all a bit mind blowing, but I also found out that Mindy has feelings for
me, her kisses.... oh my... I simply melt every time she kisses me.

When I get home, Mom and Dad ar in the living room waiting for me.

“Hi Mom, Dad. I’m home.”

“We were getting worried, Sweety.” Mother responds

“Sorry, Mom. When we got to Mindy’s house, her mom invited me in and we talked for a bit.”

“Next time, try to call us to say that you are going to be a while, OK?” Dad responds.

“OK, Daddy.”

[-][+][-]

“Do you think I should go to school tomorrow?” I ask them.

“I don’t see why not,” Mom says.

“I am supposed to be home healing from my surgery, remember?”

“Yes, but you are healed enough now, aren’t you?” asks Dad.

“Yes I am. Did you contact the school to let them know about me?”

“Yes, I took all your documentation about your change of status on Friday,” admits Mom.

“OK. I’m going to school tomorrow. I’ll take a shower and go to bed.”

“Good night,” Mom says, giving me a kiss on the cheek

“Good night, Pumpkin.” Dad says, giving me a hug and kiss on the forehead.

“Good night Mommy, Daddy.”

[-][+][-]

I go upstairs, knock on Josh’s door.

“Come in Joan.”

I open the door, “How did you know it was me?”

“I just did., and Jen already said goodnight to me.”

“I have something for you.” I say, showing him the silver piece of metal.

“What is it?”

“It is something the goddess Diana said to give to you. She gave me one and
it became this bracelet.” I say showing him my bracelet.

He reaches for it, when he touches the silver, it starts to twist, climbing his hand and settling on his wrist like mine did me, turning into a thicker band of silver, becoming a very nice bracelet that looks good
on him.

“She said you can make it invisible if you want. It will help you control your new abilities.”

“You mean my powers?”

“Abilities, when you say Powers it sounds like something out of a superhero comic book.”

“It is an appealing thought.”

“What?”

“Being a super hero, helping those in need.”

“I don’t think either of us is ready for any of that.” I telld him a bit worriedly.

“Don’t worry about it, I don’t think it would work out in the real world.”

“OK. we better go to bed, we have to wake up early tomorrow.”

“Are you going to school tomorrow?”

“Yes, and I’m a little worried of how people will react.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be there to protect you.”

“Thanks, Josh. I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night.” I say giving him a hug and a peck on his cheek.

“Good night, Joan.”

[-][+][-]

I go to my bedroom, Jen is on her bed reading a book.

“Hi sis.” .

“Hi, how did things go with Mindy?”

I look at my feet, start to blush. “O..okay, I guess.”

“Ohhh you are blushing. Something happened, didn’t it? Tell me all about it.” She asks excitedly.

“There is no way I can go to bed without telling, is there?”

“None whatsoever, now spill.”

“We... well... we... kissed.” I tell her turning a very bright shade of red.

“And.....”

“And I started to glow.”

“Glow?”

“Yes, glow.”

“How?”

“I don’t know. It just happened when she kisses me, I feel this glow
growing from inside me, a blissful feeling, when I noticed, Mindy told me that I was glowing.”

“Oh my... I wish I had seen that.”

“After that her mom went outside, looks at me and faints.”

“It seems you had a very busy night, sis.”

“That was just the beginning, sis.”

“What else happened?”

I tell her all that happened tonight and about Diana’s appearance.

“A goddess? My sister a goddess? That’s so cool.”

“Diana also gave me this.” I say showing her the ring on my hand.

“That’s a very pretty ring, sis.”

“It’s for you.”

“For me?”

“Yes, It will help you to develop any latent magical ability you might have and protect you from some magical attacks, and you’ll study magic with me, Josh and Mindy.”

“What? You mean I’ll be able to use magic too?”

“Probably. Here, take the ring and put it on. I have the feeling it will fit perfectly.”

She reaches for the ring, puts it on, it starts to glow for a few seconds before returning to normal.

“I think it is working.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Jen says over and over with her eyes filled with tears.

“What for?”

“For this.” she says, holding up her hand showing the ring. “I was feeling
left out with you guys being able to do magic and stuff.”

“That’s why I asked Diana for the ring, sis. I didn’t want to make you feel that you are being left out. Even though all this magic business still scare the heck out of me.”

“Thank you sis.” she says, giving me a VERY big hug.

“Sis... I... can’t... breath...” I joke.

“Oh you...” She say, slapping me on my arm.

“I need to go take a shower now. Need to wake up early tomorrow.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m going to school tomorrow.”

“Can I help you with your hair and makeup tomorrow?” she asks me with a very big smile on her face.

“You really are enjoying your new life size barbie doll, aren't you?”

“Heck yes.”

“OK, Sis, you can help me tomorrow morning. I would have asked you anyway.”

[-][+][-]

After the shower I go back to my room and Jen is waiting to help me dry my hair, “You know, Sis, I always wanted a sister to do things like this with.”

“And I always wanted you to do things like this to me.”

“It seems that in the end we both got our wishes.”

“I think so,” relaxing under her ministrations.

After she finishes with my hair, I change into a pink nightgown and go to bed.

“Good night sis.” I tell her.

“Good night, Sis. Sweet dreams.”

“Sweet dreams.”

I just hope everything goes well tomorrow. How will people react to the new me? Will they accept me?

[-][+][-]

---

To Be Continued...

  

Previously:
I just hope everything goes well tomorrow. How will people react to the new me? Will they accept me?
  

---

  
Chapter 16

“Joanie, Wake up.” I heard someone talking to me.

“Joanie.” It was Jen.

“Five more minutes.” I groaned.

“Okay, you asked for it.” She said.

“EEEEK!!” I yelled and jumped out of bed when something really cold touched my back.

“What the heck was that?” I asked her.

“My hands, I used put them under cold water when I couldn’t wake you up.” She said laughing.

“You.... you....” I said running after her trying to get her and she ran away laughing.

“Where did you get that idea from?” I asked her after we got tired of the cat and mouse play.

“I read it in a story a found. I laughed so hard that I had to try it once.”*

“Where did you find it?”

“A TG story site.”

“Since when you read TG stories?”

“Ever since you were in the hospital, I tried to understand what you were going through so I researched the web and found some TG fiction websites. I started to read some of the stories and got hooked.”

“You have to show it to me sometime. And don’t try the cold hand trick again. You scared the heck out of me.”

“If you had woken up when I called you, I wouldn’t have done it.”

“Then I need to be more careful in the future.”

“Now go have a shower and get ready, we have school today.”

“Oh shit! I was forgetting about it.” I said and run to the bathroom.

After I got dressed, I went downstairs to have breakfast and everyone was seated at the table already. “Good morning everyone.” I said

“Good morning, sweety.” My mom said and kissed me on the cheek.

“Hey, sis.” Josh said.

“Hi pumpkin.” Dad said and gave me a kiss on my forehead.

“What do you want for breakfast sis?” Jen asked me.

“Just some cereal and a glass of orange juice, please.”

“So are you ready to go to school today?” Mom asked me.

“I am a bit nervous. I wonder how the other kids will react.” I admitted.

“Don’t worry, sis. You have me, Jen and Mindy supporting you, and I can protect you from any of the bullies.” Josh said.

“Thank you Josh. You are a hero.” I said and kissed him on the cheek.

After breakfast we got our backpacks and got outside. Mindy was there already waiting for us.

“Hi, beautiful.” She said and gave me a light kiss on the lips.

“Get a room you two.” Josh and Jen said in unison and we both blushed.

“Now that everyone is here, lets go.” Jen said unlocking the car doors.

Of course Mindy and I went on the back seat together.

We arrived at school a bit earlier this morning because I wanted to go to the principal office before the class started. Arriving there, his secretary, Miss Jenkins asked me. “What can I do for you, miss?”

“I’d like to talk to Mr Addams, ma’am.”

“And you are?”

“I’m Joan Heart, ma’am.”

She typed on her computer and said. “I don’t have a Joan Heart here. Are you sure you are a student here?”

“What?”

“I said there is no Joan Heart in the system, miss.” she said sounding annoyed.

“It should have. My mother came by Friday to deliver the documentation to change my name and status.” I said.

“And change your name from what?”

“John Heart”

“What? Are you saying you are a boy?” she said angrily.

“No ma’am, I’m saying that I am a girl, that’s why the name and status change.”

“Are you telling me you are one of those transsexual freaks?”

“What? No, I am a girl and transsexuals aren’t freaks.” I said angrily

“They are freaks, just like you, a perverted boy that thinks he is a girl.”

“I AM NOT A FREAK!” I yelled

“Why the commotion out here?” I hear Mr. Addams ask from his office door.

“Nothing sir. I was just taking care of MISTER Heart here.”

“Who? Where is he?” He asked.

“Can’t you see IT? HE is right in front of you. The boy with fake boobs and in a dress.” She said with venon in her voice.

“My breasts are 100% natural and I’m not a boy in a dress.” I said angrily.

“And who are you, miss?” he asked me.

“Joan Heart, sir.”

“Oh yes, your mother talked to me Friday.” he said and turned to Miss Jenkins. “I thought I told you to change her name and status last Friday, Miss Jenkins.”

“Of that transsexual freak?” She said.

“First of all, she is not a freak nor a transsexual, she is 100% female that had a birth defect that caused her to be misidentified at birth, and you would have known that if you had read the documents I gave you. And for calling transsexuals freaks, you are being way out of line as they are people like everyone else and there are laws protecting them from people like you.” He said angrily and she went white.

“Clean up your desk and I want you out of the school premises in 10 minutes, that kind of behaviour is not tolerated.” He said.

“WHAT? ARE YOU FIRING ME BECAUSE OF THAT FREAK?” She yelled.

“That’s it, I’m calling security.” he said.

“YOU FILTHY BITCH!” she yelled and lunged at me.

I closed my eyes waiting for her to beat but nothing happened. I opened my eyes and Josh was there holding her down.

“Are you okay sis?” He asked me.

“I’m fine. Just a little shaken up.” I said.

A couple minutes later, security came and took Miss Jenkins away. Mr. Addams came to me and said “I’m sorry about her behaviour, Joan. What she did and tried to do was unforgivable.”

“No one got hurt, sir. That’s what matters.” I said.

“Changing subjects, what were the reason for your visit this morning? I wasn’t expecting you until next week at least.” he said.

“Well, I am healing pretty fast from my surgery and I was feeling well enough to come to school, I just can’t overexert myself physically.” I said.

“So you decided to come to school instead of staying home? That’s commendable.” He said.

“But I don’t know if I should go to class today anymore. The system still shows me as John instead of Joan.

He looked at his watch and said. “There is no time to fix the files before classes today, but here is what I’ll do. Take this note and show them to your teachers today.” He said and wrote a note for the teachers. “And I’m going right now to the teachers lounge and tell them to call you by Joan until the system is fixed, Is that okay with you?”

“Oh yes, Mr. Addams, Thank you very much.” I said and gave him a peck on his cheek.

“Thank you, Joan.”

“For what?”

“For being so understanding. Many would have made a huge deal out of what Miss Jenkins did.”

“I just don’t see how it would do anyone any good to do that.” I said.

“That’s my sister, always thinking about others.” Josh said jokingly.

“Now both of you go to your classes, the bell will ring any second now. And no running in the hallways.”

“Goodbye, Mr. Addams” I said

“Goodbye, sir.” Josh said and we went our way to our homeroom class.

  

---

  
To be continued....

  

  

---

 

As we walked together to our homeroom, I looked at Josh and asked him. “Josh, how did you get to me just before Miss Jenkins tried to attack me? I thought you were going to the classroom.”

“I’m not sure, I was walking to the classroom and I felt something was wrong and before I noticed I was running towards the Principal's office.”

“Was it like a hunch or something else?”

“I’m not sure, I felt like you were in danger and I reacted.”

“Maybe we should look into that later.” I told him.

“Yeah, probably.”

  

  

As we walked I noticed several boys looking at me, heard some whistles and some catcalls. ‘Didn't they recognize me?’ I thought to myself feeling a little uncomfortable.

“Josh, I need to stop by my locker for a minute to get my books, I'll meet you later, okay?”

“Are you sure you don't want me to stick around?”

“I'm sure, I don't think anything will happen with all these people around.”

“Okay, I'll see you in a couple minutes.” He said and went ahead.

I went to my locker and picked my books, I was walking towards my homeroom when I heard a voice that made me shiver.

“Hey, babe. Are you new here?”

“What do you want, Tom?” I spat at him.

“Calm down babe, I was just introducing myself, but I think my reputation precedes me.” He said with a grin.

“I'm getting late for class, and I don't want anything to do with you.” I said turning around and walking away.

“Come on babe, I'm just trying to ask you out for a drink and get to know each other better.” He said and grabbed my arm. His touch made me shiver, not in fear, but because something was wrong, very wrong. His touch felt cold, evil and filled with lust.

“Let me go!” I said.

“Come on babe, I know you want to go out with me, how else would you already know my name? Don't play hard to get.”

I turned around and slapped him on the face.

“You little bitch.” he said angrily.

At that moment Josh came back and said. “What is going on here?”

“Stay out of it, Heart. This is between me and the bitch here.”

“What did you say?” Josh asked angrily.

“I said stay out of the way, this is between me and the bitch. Now go away or you'll regret it.”

“No one talks to my sister like that you prick.” Josh said and punched Tom right on the face and Tom fell down on the floor looking shocked.

“Let's get out of here Sis” Josh said holding my hand.

“Thanks Josh.”

  

  

"Another feeling?" I asked.

“Yeah. What was that about?” Josh asked me as we were closing up to our classroom.

“I think Tom was hitting on me, I don't think he recognize me.”

“We need to keep an eye out for him, I think there will be trouble when he finds out who he was hitting on.”

“Something is very wrong with him, Josh.”

“Like I can't see that. Everyone knows something is wrong with him.”

“It's not like that, Josh. I can't really explain it, but when he grabbed my arm, his touch felt wrong, very wrong.”

“Great, one more thing to worry about.” Josh said shaking his head.

  

  

Amazingly enough we arrived just as the bell rang, we entered our homeroom and sat on our seats. I felt like every set of eyes in the classroom were looking at me.

“Hi, my name is Kelly, are you new here?” Kelly, a bubbly red haired girl that sit in front of me asked.

“Hi, I'm Joan and no I'm not exactly new.”

“How so? You must be new, I never saw you around before.” She told me looking confused.

As I was about to say something, our principal came into our room and said. “Good morning everyone. I have an announcement to make, as some of you know, Mr. Jameson got transferred to another school and I would like to introduce to you, your new teacher, Miss Rhea Hunter.”

I looked at the door and my mouth dropped, entering the classroom was Rhea, she looked a bit younger, like 24 or 25 years old, but it was her. I looked at Josh and he had the same look on his face. ‘What's she doing here?’ I thought to myself.

  

  

The morning passed slowly, I couldn't concentrate very well, I kept wondering what Rhea was doing at my school. I also heard a lot of talking in the classrooms and the hallways, people were trying to figure out who I was and why the teachers didn't say anything about my presence as I was clearly new at the school. That was from the girls, the boys seemed more interested in looking at me with hungry eyes that made me feel like a piece of meat.

At lunch time I sat down at an empty table at cafeteria to eat and I saw Kelly coming my way.

"Hi, do you mind if I sit with you?" She asked me.

"Sure."

"I'm still trying to figure you out, girl. You said you are not new, but no one seems to know you."

"You don't really recognize me? Did I change that much in just a week?" I asked her.

"Huh?" She looked confused.

"Come on, I sat behind you at homeroom the entire year and you still don't know who I am?"

"What? The one that sat behind me was...." She then raised her hands to her mouth. "Johnny?"

"Not anymore, I am Joan now. It's better if people heard from me than to have rumors floating around."

"B..but how? Are you a boy? I heard you tried to kill yourself last week."

"No, I'm not a boy, and I did spend the whole week at the hospital. They found out I was really a girl and had to operate me."

"Operate you?"

"Yes, the doctors think my first period might start at any moment and they had to remove a birth defect. I was misidentified as a boy at birth because of a bunch of skin that resembled a penis. You can freak out now." I told her.

"Freak out? Why?"

"Because I know people think I am a freak, they always did."

"I never thought you were a freak, a bit girly yes, but not a freak. Did you know you were a girl?"

"I always felt I was a girl." I admitted. "When the doctors said I was 100% female, with all the girl parts it was the happiest day of my life."

"Life must have been hell for you. Did you really try to kill yourself?"

I looked down ashamed and said. "Yes it is, that's why I ended up at the hospital in the first place." I said feeling the tears building up.

"Oh god!" She said and hugged me. "Things were really tough for you weren't they?"

"Yes they were, and Tom beating me up on daily basis didn't help either."

"Are you talking about that jerk Tom Arnold?"

"Yes, I can't understand why he does those things. Why is he so mean?"

"I don't know." Kelly said. "But my sister said he wasn't always like that."

"What?" I looked at her confused.

"She went to junior high with him. She said he used to be a very nice boy, an all around good guy."

"Are we talking about the same Tom Arnold?" I asked her.

"Yes, my sister said he used to get along with everyone, protecting the smaller boys from the bullies and befriending them, but one day he seemed to become distant, avoid talking to people and sit alone in a corner. A few weeks later he changed and became angry and violent, picking up on the smaller boys and bullying them, apparently he became what he hated the most and no one knows what happened."

"That's very strange." I told her. "If your sister is right is like he became a completely different person almost overnight. I wonder what made him change so much."

  
###
  

While we were talking, Mindy and Jen came and sat with us.

"Hi Joanie." Mindy said with a smile and sat beside me.

"Hi sis." Jen said. "Who is your friend?"

"Oh, Kelly, meet my sister Jen and our friend Mindy."

"Nice to meet you." Kelly said.

"Kelly sits in front of me at my homeroom."

"You two seemed to be having a very interesting conversation." Mindy said.

"Yes, we were talking about Tom Arnold." I told them.

"That Jerk?" Both said at the same time.

"Yes, the one and only." Kelly said.

"What about him?" Jen asked me.

"I'll tell you later sis." I told her looking around and seeing Tom looking at us with a strange look. I think Mindy saw that too because she agreed with me.

"Okay, but I'll want to know everything later." Jen told me.

"Of course."

  
###
  

"So, Kelly. What do you think of my sister."

"Jen." I said with an angry look at her.

"I liked her. I never knew her before when she was Johnny, but I do like Joan."

"Thank you." I told Kelly.

"You are welcome, Joan. I hope we can be friends."

"I'd like that very much. I never had any friends before." I said and hugged her.

  

---

  
To be continued....

  

  

---

 

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, some girls came and talk to me and most had a hard time believing I ever was Johnny. I had a few people looking at me strangely, specially the boys. Between classes I saw Tom looking at me at a distance sometimes but he kept his distance, something I was grateful for. Something is really off about him, every time he is around I feel shivers run through my spine and I want to know why.

After the final bell, Josh and I were leaving the classroom when suddenly someone bumped into him. The poor girl ended up with her bottom on the floor.

Opps. Sorry about that.” Josh said and extended his hand to help her up.

She took his hand, he lifted her up easily and she said. “No, I am the one that needs to apologize. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’m glad you don’t seem hurt. My name is Josh by the way, and the quiet one next to me is my twin sister Joan.”

“I’m Sam, it’s nice to meet you both, but I’m in a bit of a hurry. I need to get to the entrance before my friends leave. They don’t know I’m here today.”

“It’s nice to meet you too, Sam.” I told her.

“Definitely” Josh said with a grin.

“Have you tried to call one of them?” I asked her.

“I wanted to surprise them, but I guess I better do it now or I’ll have to walk home alone.”

She picked up her cell phone and called one of her friends. After she ended the call she turned to us and said. “Thanks for helping me up Josh, and thanks to reminding me of calling my friend, Joan. I was in a bit of a hurry and wasn’t thinking straight.”

“It’s not a problem. If you want we can accompany you to your friends.” I told her

“Hmmm…. I think I’ll accept.” She told us and we started to walk together and talk.

“Are you new here? I don’t remember seeing you around before.” She asked me.

“Not really, I just changed a little recently. This is my first day since Monday last week.”

“I have been away from school since Monday too. I was in the hospital for some of the time and I was released Friday.” She said.

“Oh that is so weird.” I said. “I was in the hospital since Monday night and was released Saturday.”

“Why were you at the hospital for?” Josh asked her.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough so I better tell you both already. I don’t know why but I feel like I can trust you. Tuesday night I had a severe allergic reaction and almost died. The next day I had to make a small operation because a part of my body could kill me because of my allergy.”

“What kind of allergic reaction?” I asked her.

“Testosterone.”

“Testosterone?” We both asked at the same time.

“Yes, testosterone. They had to remove my gonads because they could kill me apparently.”

“Does it mean you are a boy?” Josh asked.

“Josh!!!” I admonished him and punched him on his arm.

“Sorry, I didn’t expect that, you look so pretty that I would never imagine.” He said rubbing his arm. “Damn Joannie. That hurts.”

“You deserved it.”

“He didn’t, he was just surprised I think.” She said.

“So are you a girl now?” I asked her.

“I kind of have too. My body can’t handle testosterone and taking female hormones is the only way for me to have a healthy normal life. I also think I always have been a girl, but I was in denial for the last few years. In a twisted sort of way almost dying might have saved my life as I was really depressed and almost over the edge.”

“You mean you thought about killing yourself?” Josh asked.

“Just about every single day for the last year or so.”

“I know how you feel.” Joan told me. “More than you imagine.”

“How so?”

“Remember that I said I was also in the hospital last week?”

“Yes, why were you at the hospital?”

“I tried to kill myself.”

“What? Why?” She said looking shocked.

“Because I couldn’t live a lie anymore. You see, I was raised as a boy because I had a birth defect and I always felt in my heart that I was a girl. Fortunately in the hospital they did find out I was really a girl and I have a small corrective surgery. Now I am a normal girl, but I still remember how I felt all those years.”

“No way! Wait a second. You said Josh is your twin brother?” She said with a spark of recognition in her eyes.

“Yes, he is. I think that now you remember me.”

“I think so. Were you the person that used to sit at the other end of the table in the back cafeteria?”

“The other end? Don’t you tell me you used to sit at that table too. If I recall the boy that used to sit there was…. Sam?” I asked her.

“Yes, but now its short for Samantha.”

“Hey, I think I heard about it today.” Josh said.

“What did you hear?” Sam asked.

“That apparently Sam has been a girl all along. I also heard the same about Joan though. I guess people are confused right now.” He said and chuckled.

“No wonder, with two boys suddenly turning into girls at the same time, who can blame them?” I said and shrugged.

“And what are the odds of something like that happening at the same time in the same school?” She added.

“I can’t even imagine, but I think it would be easier to win the lottery than something like that happen again.” He said.

  

  

When we arrived at the front of the school, Mindy and Jen were talking animatedly with a few other girls. They looked at us and one of the girls suddenly screamed almost making us deaf.

“SAM!!!” She yelled and gave Sam a hell of a big hug “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to surprise you.” Sam said.

“Hi everyone.” Sam said.

“Hey Sam, I want you to meet Jenny and Mindy.” The girl said.

“Nice to meet you.” She said.

“I see you met my brother and sister.” Jenny said.

“Actually I bumped into Josh earlier and he helped me up.”

“That story sounds awfully familiar. I hope it doesn’t end the same way as the other one.” The girl said looking slightly jealous.

“You don’t have to worry about that.” Sam said and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Joan, Josh, I want you to meet Jess, Steph, Karen, Mandy and Liz.” Sam said pointing at each one.

“Nice to meet you guys.” We said.

Jenny just shook her head and giggled. “They do that all the time, you’ll get used to that.” She said.

“We also found out that Sam and I have a lot in common.” I told them and they looked a bit confused.

“Yes we do, we both were at the hospital last week and had different birth defects that in the end had similar results.” She said and I could practically see the cogs moving inside their heads.

Jess was the first one to say anything. “So did Joan have a slumber party already?”

“No she didn’t. Did Sam?” Jenny asked.

“Yes she did, but was just me, Sam, Steph and Liz.” Jess said.

“We need to have another one soon.” Liz added a little too excitedly.

“And with nine girls it will be a lot more fun than just four.” Mandy added.

“Hey, Don’t I count?” Josh asked.

“Well, only if you decide to dress up like a girl.” Steph teased him.

“No thanks. I think I would be bored to death anyway.”

“Ohhhh and we can discuss Halloween costumes. There are just a couple weeks until then.” Karen said.

“We could have it at my house. We have space there.” Mandy said.

“Space? Your house is frigging huge.” Karen said.

“I just need to talk to mom to make sure we can do it there. What do you girls think of Saturday?” Mandy asked us and we all agreed it would be a good day.

“We could go hang out earlier at the mall, too,” Mindy said.

“That’s a great idea. Were Sam and Joan introduced to girl shopping? Going with your mom doesn’t count.” Karen asked.

“If going with my mom doesn’t count then the answer is no.” I said. “Also I don’t have much money to buy new stuff.”

“Me neither. I just went shopping with mom, Jess, Steph and Liz.” Sam told us.

Jess just shook her head and said. “Girls, we need to do something. These two have no idea what girl shopping means.”

We then decided to plan things for the weekend during the next few days, exchanged a lot of phone numbers and parted our ways.

  

  

Mindy, Jen, Josh and I walked towards the parking lot.

“Sam seems to be a nice girl.” I said

“She looked pretty hot. Nice bum.” Josh said.

“Josh!!!” I admonished him again.

“What? She does. There is no way someone like her could be anything other than a girl.”

“Why do you say that?” Mindy asked.

“Because I’m not attracted to guys and I was attracted to her. A lot.”

“Then it’s too bad that she is dating Jess.” Jen said.

“What? Damn.” Josh said.

“One of the girls seemed to like you though.” I told him.

“Who?” He asked.

“Come on, don’t tell me you didn’t see how Steph was looking at you.” Mindy said.

“What? Are you serious?” He asked.

“It seemed that way.” I told him.

Jen just shook her head and simply said. “Guys.”

We all started to giggle at that and Josh simply looked confused and that just made us giggle even more.

  

  

We arrived at Jen’s car and Rhea was there waiting for us.

“Hi girls, Hi Josh.” She told us.

“Cousin Rhea! What are you doing here?” Jen asked.

“Cousin Rhea?” Josh and I asked confused.

“Don’t you guys remember her? She is mom’s older brother daughter.”

“This is getting weirder and weirder.” I said.

“What?” Mindy asked.

“She is THE Rhea.” I told her.

“You mean the goddess?” Jen asked.

“Yes, Jenny. I am or more precisely I was the Goddess Rhea.”

“But I remember you.” She said confused.

“When Joan helped me to become human, my mother created a new identity for me, an identity that would allow me to spend some time with Joan and Josh to help them develop their abilities. So she made me part of the family.”

“I wish you guys would stop messing with my head.” Jenny said angrily.

“You don’t have to worry about it anymore. The ring you are wearing protects your memories from being affected by reality shifts.” Rhea told her.

“Good. Then I’m never going to take it off.” She said.

“You don’t need to. You can just make it invisible when you don’t want it to be apparent. Also when invisible it will feel like you are not wearing it at all.”

“That’s so cool.” Jenny said and made her ring invisible, then visible and then invisible again for a few times.

“Stop playing with is Jen.” I told her. “You’ll end up breaking it.”

“Sorry.” She said.

“Don’t worry about it breaking, Joan. It won’t break just by doing that. It would need a very powerful magic to destroy that ring.” Rhea told me.

“Why are you working at the school?” I asked.

“For two reasons. First, I am human now and I need a job, and second that with this Job I can keep an eye on you girls, and you too Josh. Something strange has been happening around here.”

“Other than two boys suddenly appearing as girls and a new boy appearing from nowhere?” I asked.

“Yes, other than that. Something evil is lurking around here. I can sense it. I might be human but I still have some magic, but now its human magic. You could say I am a witch now.”

“I wonder if that has anything to do with Tom. I have been getting strange vibes from him all day. Every time he was around I would feel a shiver run through my spine.” I told her.

“Tom?” She asked me.

“Yes, Tom Arnold. He is a senior and the biggest school bully.” I said.

“And not to mention a first class jerk.” Josh added.

“But it seems he wasn’t this way a few years ago. Something happened to him and he changed completely, like becoming that what he hated the most.” I said.

“Please, tell me more.” Rhea said with a very interested tone.

I told her what me and Kelly talked during lunch and how much he changed since junior high.

“I agree with you, something probably happened to him and we need to find out what.” She said.

  

---

  
To be continued....
  

  

  

---

 
We followed Rhea to her house per her suggestion as we had some work to do. I wonder if it has something to do in finding out what happened to Tom.

We took Mindy home first and soon after we arrived at Rhea’s home. As soon we entered the house we were greeted by a familiar looking bubbling teenager. “Hi sis, how did your first day at work go? Oh, hi guys.”

“Hi Diana, it went very well, I’m Joan’s new homeroom teacher.”

“Hi Di.” Jen said.

“Diana? What are you doing here?” I asked her. Josh just stood there with his mouth open.

“I live here now.”

“And why the teenage look?” I asked confused.

“Do you like it? I thought it would be fun to be a teenager for a while, also it will be easier to be around you like this.”

“Sis, what is going on?” Jen asked me.

“Jen meet Diana, also known as Artemis.”

“As in the Greek goddess?”

“The one and the same.” Diana said and gave us a little curtsey.

“Dammit. Now I’m sure I’ll never take the ring off.” Jen said.

“Diana is the one that gave you the ring, sis. Well, she gave it to me to give it to you anyway.”

“Oh, really? Thank you, Diana.”

“You can call me Di. I like it.” She said. “Josh, are you going to say anything or will stand there with your goldfish impression?”

“Sorry, I didn’t know what to think when I saw you. I saw this gorgeous girl acting like she knew us and I had no idea who you were.”

“Josh you were practically drooling.” Jen said.

“Can you blame me?”

“So you like my appearance?” Diana asked him.

“Of course I do. It will be hard to keep the boys at bay with you girls hanging out together.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Josh.” Diana said and gave him a peck on his cheek and Josh went REALLY red.

“Okay everyone, now that you got to know each other a little we have some work to do. I just talked to your mother and she will call you when dinner is ready. Actually we were invited too, Diana.”

“Cool.” Diana said.

“When did you talk to my mom? We didn’t see you use the phone.” Josh asked.

“Oh, didn’t you notice?”

“Noticed what?”

“Your home is right over the backyard fence. Our house is right behind yours. Your mom was surprised when we moved in. Of course she remembers us being her nieces.”

“If you had told us, I would have driven home and came here through the backyard.” Jen said.

“And spoil the surprise?” Rhea asked and giggled a little.

“I’ll be right back. I’ll just drive home and will be back in a few minutes.” Jen said and left.

  

  

“Diana, Joan, Josh, we have work to do.” Rhea said in a very serious tone.

“Something happened? It’s not every day I see you this serious.” Diana said.

“Yes, Diana, something did happen. When I got to school today I felt something evil there. Joan thinks it might have something to do with this boy called Tom Arnold.”

“Why do you think that, Joan?” Diana asked.

I told them all that I know about Tom, from the bullying to what Kelly told me about his past and the feelings I had every time he was around today.

“You might have something there, Joan. From what you told us, it seems his change was pretty fast and he is getting worse.” Rhea said.

“So how do we find out what happened?” I asked them.

“Not we, you.” Rhea told me.

“Me? How?”

“You can do it, Joan. Diana could do it, but it will be a good training for you. She will help linking us so we can all see what you see. We will guide you through it.”

“So when do we start?” Josh asked.

“We could start now or wait for Jenny to come back. If we don’t wait I think she will be mad at us though.” I told him.

“She won’t be long now, she is in your house backyard coming this way now.” Diana said.

“How do you know that?” Josh asked her.

“Duh! I can sense her with my magic, silly.” She said and giggled.

“You are getting into this teenage girl thing, aren’t you?” I asked her.

“A little, I didn’t have the chance to be one before, I think it will be fun. But I think I’ll get bored soon, though.”

“How soon?” I asked her.

“A hundred years or so.” She said and giggled again.

“That long?” Josh asked.

“When you are a few thousand years old, one hundred years is nothing. Don’t worry I won’t stay a teenager for that long. I’ll appear to grow older with you guys. We are family now.”

  

  

“I’m back.” Jenny said less than a minute later.

“Good. We can start then.” Rhea said.

“Start what?” She asked confused.

“To find out what happened to Tom.” I told her.

“And how we will do that?”

“Joan will, and Diana will link us so we can all see.” Josh said.

“Cool! Can Joan do that?”

“She can. It will be a good training for her to get in touch with her abilities.” Rhea said.

“What do we have to do?” Jen asked.

“You and Diana will sit on the couches. Joan, Josh and I will sit on the sofa. As we three share some of the same essence I think that physical contact by holding hands might help her.”

“Let’s do it.” I said.

We all sat down and I grabbed Rhea’s left hand and Josh grabbed the right one.

“Close your eyes Joan. Take deep breaths and think about Tom, try to feel his presence and when you do, try to look into his past to the moment that his changes started. Your own heart will guide you to the right moment.” Rhea told me.

I closed my eyes and did what Rhea told me. At first nothing happened and I felt frustrated but soon I started to feel something, I could feel Tom and I felt something evil inside him. I tried to look into the past to the defining moment that put his changes into motion, slowly an image started to appear.

  

  

(Tom) 5 years ago.

“Thanks mom.” I told her as she gave me the ice cream cone.

“You are welcome, Tommy. I thought you would like that after all the exercise you had today.” She told me smiling.

“Yeah, I had fun playing baseball today. Did you see my homerun mom?” I asked her excitedly.

“Yes, Tommy. I saw it. You were great there.”

“Thanks mom. I’m glad you came to watch me play today. Too bad dad didn’t come.” I said a bit sadly.

“He had to work today. But he promised he will go to your next game.”

“He always say that but never goes to my games.”

“He feels bad about it, sweetie. What do we say we order some pizzas for dinner tonight?” Mom said trying to cheer me up. Of course it worked. I love pizza and mom always gets them to cheer me up.

At this point we were leaving the park and crossing the street to get to mom’s car when I hear the sound of tires skidding. “TOMMY!” I hear my mom yell and I felt mom push me from behind and a loud thud. I was on the sidewalk confused to what happened. I looked in the direction of the road looking for mom and I found her on the road floor and she is bleeding.
“MOM!” I yelled and ran to her.

She was lying there on the road floor still awake. She looked at me “I’m glad you are safe, Tommy.” She said weekly.

“I’m fine mom. You’ll be fine too.” I told her in tears.

“No Tommy I won’t, I can feel it.”

“Don’t talk like that mom, you’ll be fine, you can’t leave me. I need you.”

“I’m sorry sweetie, I wish… I… could.” She sounded even weaker now.

“Please mom, don’t leave me.”

She weekly raised her hand and touched my face and said. “I’m… sorry… I… love… you.” And her hand dropped to the road floor.

“MOM! Don’t leave me, stay with me, please.” I kept saying over and over but she didn’t move.

What happened next is kind of a blur. I kept calling her over and over until the ambulance showed up and took me away from her.

  

  

The next feel days flew by and a lot of people showed at the funeral. I haven’t said a word since mom died and dad seemed even more distant than before. A few days after the funeral I went back to school but kept to myself. I didn’t want to talk to anyone.

A few days passed and dad put all moms’ things in the guest room, he even took down all her pictures from around the house. He still didn’t talk to me. I feel so alone and I miss mom so much. Why did she have to die? Why couldn’t have been me instead?

About a week later I decided to go to the guest room and look at moms’ things. Looking around I found a teddy bear that she once told me she had ever since she was a little girl and she called it Miss Bear. Not an original name but she liked it. I grabbed it and hugged it tightly thinking about her. I also found a bottle of her favorite perfume and put a few drops of it on Miss Bear and she smelled just like mom. That night I took Miss Bear with me to my bedroom and slept hugging it all night long. It was the first time since mom died that I was able to sleep well.

A couple days later, my dad went to wake me up to go to school and saw me sleeping with Miss Bear on my arms.

“What the hell you think you are doing?” He yelled at me and took Miss Bear from me.

“What is this? Have you no shame? Sleeping with a girl’s toy?” He yelled at me.

“But.. but..” I stuttered.

“Don’t say anything you sissy.” He said and started to rip Miss Bear apart.

“DAD, NO!!! THAT WAS MOM’S!!!” I yelled.

“WHAT? You little shit. You had no right to get it. Look what you made me do.” He yelled and hit me. HE HIT ME.

“I’m sorry dad.” I said in tears, tears of fear.

“Don’t you ever enter that room again.” He told me angrily and I said I wouldn’t.

  

  
Another week passed and I decided to go into the guest room again. Dad had put everything from mom inside that room and I had nothing from her. He even took all the gifts she had given me there. Inside I went through the boxes again and I found the dress she used at my last birthday party. I hugged it and I could almost smell her. I stood there crying and hugging that dress for a long time and suddenly I get jerked off from the room.

“I told you to never go back there.” He yelled at me. I could smell the alcohol in his breath and he was drunk again. He started to drink a lot since mom died and drunk more and more every day.

“I’m sorry dad. I really am.” I said afraid of him, thinking he was going to hit me again.

“What is this?” He asked and took the dress from my hands.

“A dress? What are you a sissy?” He asked me.

“No. I was just…” and he hit me.

“Don’t lie to me you little sissy. First you start sleeping with teddy bears and now you are wearing your mother’s clothes?”

“I didn’t wear anything.” I cried.

“I told you to not lie to me.” He yelled again and kicked me.

“I’m not lying.” I yelled.

“You little shit. It is your fault your mother died. You should have been the one that died that day.” He said kicking me again.

“It was not my fault.” I yelled and he hit me again.

“Quiet you little shit. I’m tired of your lies.” He yelled me hitting me over and over.

‘Oh god, he is going to kill me!’ I thought to myself.

After he stopped kicking and hitting me he looked at the dress on the floor and said. “So you want to be a girl? I’ll show you how to be a girl then.”

He then grabbed me by my arm and dragged me to my room and he raped me, the bastard raped me. What did I do to deserve this?

  

  

I stayed in the bed crying after the bastard left, when I hear a voice talk to me.

“Poor child, such pain and suffering. You don’t deserve that.” I hear it say.

“Who… who is there?” I asked?

“A friend. I can take your pain away if you let me.” It told me.

“Who are you?” I said looking around.

“I told you, I am a friend.”

“What do you want?”

“I want to help you. I can take the pain away and can make you stronger so you can stand up to that bastard.” It told me.

“And what do I have to pay?”

“Nothing, I’m doing this because you need me. Just take my hand and your pain will go away.” It said and I saw a shadowy figure appear in the room.

‘This has to be a dream.’ I thought to myself.

“Is that it? I just take your hand and the pain goes away?”

“Yes child. that is all you have to do.”

“Okay. What do I have to lose? I can’t stand this anymore.” I said and took its hand.

The shadowy figure started to craw over me, fills me up and the pain started to fade away. I started to feel stronger and rage filled my being.

“It is done.” I heard the voice say and I fell asleep.

  

  
I woke up the next morning feeling a lot better than before. I felt strong. I went downstairs and dad was there passed out on the sofa. I felt rage fill my being again and I wanted to kill him. I moved closer to him and suddenly I felt fear, and my strength seemed to fade. I could also hear a faint laughter inside my head.

The days passed and rage filled me all the time while I was outside, it made me do terrible things. I started to pick on and hit my friends. I didn’t seem to have any control to what was happening. I screamed inside my head but I couldn’t do anything to stop what I was doing, and every time I went home, all the rage would go away and I cried myself to sleep every night. I wanted to kill myself but something always stopped me from doing it.

The worst thing was when the bastard was drunk and caught me crying. Every time he found me crying he would rape me again. What did I do to deserve such suffering?

  

  

Joan

“That’s enough.” I hear Rhea’s voice say and we get out of our trance.

“Oh my god, what was that?” Josh asked.

“I think that is a low level demon, a sort of psychic vampire. It feeds of pain and suffering.” Rhea told us.

I still couldn’t say a word. I was in tears because of what Tom went through. No one deserves to be treated that way, not even your worst enemy.

“Joan? Are you okay?”

“No I’m not okay.” I yelled. “I can’t believe what that bastard did.” I said feeling a rage I never thought I had in me.

“Joan, calm down.” Josh said and hugged me tightly. “It’s okay, it’s okay.” He kept saying and making soothing motions.

A few minutes later I was still crying but the rage within me subsided. “Thank you, Josh.” I told him still holding him. “I wish I could do something to help him. I wish it with all my heart.” I said.

“I know, sis. I know. I wish I could do something too.” He said and hugged me tighter.

“Huh, sis?”

“What?”

“Something is happening.” Josh told me.

“Huh?”

I looked around still holding him and saw everyone looking at us. A glow surrounded Josh and I and it started to get brighter and brighter until everything went white.

  

---

  
To be continued....
  

  

  

---

 
I look around and see familiar faces looking at me. They look shocked. Not even the goddess Diana seemed to know what happened.

“Joan? Is that you? Where is Josh?” Jennifer asked me.

“Hello Jennifer. No I’m not Joan, nor Josh. I am both and yet I am neither.”

“Who are you?” Rhea asked.

“I am the one that they once were and the one they shall be again. I shouldn’t have awakened this soon.”

“What do you mean by that?” Jennifer asked.

“Now it’s not time for questions, my time here is short and I have a work to do. If I have time afterwards I will answer as many questions as I can.”

“What is your name?” Diana asked me.

“I have no name as I was never named.” I said and turned to Rhea. “Mother Rhea, I would be honored if you named me.”

“Me? Let me think for a moment.” She said.

“Just don’t take long. I have a job to do and not much time to do it.”

“I have an idea. Would you mind if I named you Cybele? It was how the Phrygian used to call me.”

“Cybele is a pretty name and was considered a powerful goddess. Are you sure you want me to use it?”

“Yes, you are my successor, so I think it is fitting you use one of my names.”

“So I shall use it proudly, even if it is for a little time yet. Now I have a job to do.” I said and went my way.

  

  

(Jennifer)

After she said that she simply disappeared. “What just happened here?” I asked Rhea and Diana.

“I don’t know, Jennifer.” Rhea said. “Do you have any idea Diana?”

“I don’t know what happened but I think we just messed with something big here.”

“How big?” I asked her.

“She is powerful, too powerful. I never felt such raw power before. We are probably dealing with something new here.”

“Diana, can you keep an eye on her?” Rhea asked.
“I’m on my way.” She said and disappeared too.

  

  

(Cybele)

I arrived inside the house living room. Richard Arnold is on the sofa, watching TV and drinking bear. The whole room reeks of alcohol.

“Richard Arnold.” I called his name firmly.

“WHAT THE FUCK?” He yells and drops his beer. “Who are you? How did you get in here?”

“Who I am and how I got here is not important. What is important is what you did to your son.” I said angrily.

“What kind of lies the little shit was telling now?”

“He never said a word I saw it all. You did terrible things to a child you should love and protect and I am here to pass judgment.”

“Who the fuck do you think you are bitch?”

“Quiet.” I said, waved my hand and he got quiet. “Sit and listen.” With another wave of my hand he did so.

“You have no idea the damage you did, do you?” I asked and he kept quiet. “I will allow you to talk, but keep in mind that if you don’t ask my questions accordingly I WILL stop you from talking again. Do you understand?”

He nodded his head and I could feel the fear in him.

“Good. You can talk now.”

“What do you want from me?”

“First I want you to see what you have done and then pass judgment.”

“Judgment? What did I do?”

“Don’t you know what you did? I’ll show you exactly what you did.” I then showed him everything he did to Tom through Tom’s eyes several times over.

After I finished showing him his crimes I asked him. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I thought the little shit asked for it. It was his fault my wife was killed.”

“YOU STILL DON’T GET IT?” I yelled angrily. “He was not at fault for her death. If it wasn’t for her, both would have died that day. You disgraced her memory and her love. She gave her life to save Tom’s and you blamed him for it, hated him, beat him and even RAPED him you bastard.”

“What are you going to do? Tell the police? You don’t have any evidence and the little shit is a trouble maker.”

“No, I won’t go to the police. I seriously thought of killing you, but that is not my way. I’ll give you a chance at redemption instead. I’ll give you a chance to honor your wife’s dying wish.”

“What are you going to do to me?”

“What am I going to do with you? You will see in a moment.” I said and his body started to change at my will. A few seconds later he become a 40 year old woman that looked a lot like Tom’s mother.

Richard looked at himself and screamed. “What did you do to me?”

“I just did the first part of your judgment. Now you are your wife’s older sister. I’m going to place several compulsions that will force you to act like the person you are supposed to be. I am also giving you all the memories she should have. If you redeem yourself and accept your fate you might find some happiness otherwise this will be living hell for you. The choice is yours Melisa. Richard Arnold no longer exists.” I said and made her sleep.

  

  

I went upstairs and into Tom’s room. He was there looking miserable and he looked at me.

“Who are you?” He asked me.

“I am someone that will help you, Tommy.”

“How do you know my name?”

“I know everything about you. I know what you father did and I know about the demon inside you.”

“YOU CAN’T HELP HIM. HE IS MINE.” Tom’s voice changed as the demon took over.

“Quiet. You are wrong, he is not yours and never will be.”

“You can’t do anything. You are too late.” It said and laughed.

“You are wrong about that.” I said, reached for him and my hand entered Tom’s body. I grabbed the demon and pulled it away from him and Tom collapsed on his bed.

“I told you. You are too late. The boy won’t live long without me.” It said.

“You are wrong about that demon. Now go back to whichever plane you came from and never come back or I will destroy you.” I said and banished him.

I moved next to Tom and kneeled beside his bed. “Tommy, can you hear me?” I said gently.

“Is it gone?” He asked me.

“Yes, Tommy. It is gone.”

“Good. Am I dying? I feel so week.”

“Unfortunately yes, but I can help you.”

“But there is a price, isn’t there?”

“I won’t lie to you, yes there is. When dealing with gods or demons there is always a price to pay.”

“Then I’m happy to die finally being myself.” He said sadly.

“The price for my help in healing you and easing your pain is one I’m sure you will be willing to pay happily.” I told him.

“What is your price?”

“You will be bound to help and protect Joan and her friends. She needs all the help and support she can gather.”

“Why her? I was terrible to her for years.”

“In time you will learn why, but you will need to win her trust and friendship. What I really want you to do is for you to become the person you used to be before.”

“Is that it?”

“Yes, that’s it. I will give you a gift to help protecting Joan and her friends. This gift will heal you and ease your pain. Also it will give you a few other things that you will find out at the right time.”

“Okay, as long I am in complete control of myself and not be forced to do thinks like the stuff that thing made me do.”

“You will be in complete control, but will be unable to hurt Joan and her friends, that’s the only restriction.”

“What about my father?”

“He no longer exists.”

“Did you kill him?”

“No, I didn’t kill him. I just changed him into your mother’s older sister. She will care for you in a way that your mother would like you to be cared for. I gave your father, now your aunt a chance of redemption. Don’t hold what your father did to you against her.”

“I’m glad. I won’t hold what he did to me against her.”

“Good boy.” I said and gave him a little kiss on his forehead and he promptly fell asleep.

“Sleep wee, Tommy. You will feel a lot better when you wake up.” I said softly and left.

  

  
I went back to Rhea’s house where they were already waiting for me.

“Hello girls. I hope you enjoyed the show. After all Diana was there watching over me and showing you all that happened.”

“You knew about that?” Diana asked me.

“Yes, Diana. I could sense you there watching over me.”

“And you are not mad we spied on you?” Jennifer asked.

“No Jennifer, I’m not mad. I understand your concern.”

“You did well there, Cybele.” Rhea told me.

“Even by changing Tom’s father gender?”

“Even then, many gods would have killed him for what he did, or change him into an animal or a plant. You gave him a chance at redemption though.”

“I think it is Joan’s heart influence. There is much of her in me.”

“Will I ever see her again? And what about Josh?” Jennifer asked me.

“Yes Jennifer, you will see them both in a few minutes, my time here is running out. I was awakened too soon and they are not ready to be me yet.”

“What exactly are you?” Diana asked me.

“I don’t know.” I answered truthfully.

“What do you know?” Rhea asked me.

“A long time ago I was complete, then something or someone split my spirit in two, cursed to never be complete again.”

“And that is Joan and Josh?” Jennifer asked me.

“Yes, they are my latest reincarnation. For eons I was cursed to never be whole again and by some twist of fate both parts of my spirit were infused inside two embryos inside the same womb. Each half recognized the other and tried to merge again, causing a physical merge but the curse prevented the spirits to merge together. The internal turmoil caused Johnny to try to kill himself. That was when you came into the picture Rhea. You saved my, our lives and gave us your essence allowing us to break the curse and finally become whole again. I’ll wait eagerly for the day I shall be whole once more, but for now it is time for Joan and Josh to return.”

“When will they become you definitely?” Jennifer asked me.

“At the end of one of their lives. When that happens I will become whole again. Until then they share a special link that will allow them to life full lives and they might become as powerful as gods themselves because of Rhea’s essence.”

“But I didn’t give Josh much of my essence.” Rhea said.

“No, but they share it through their link.”

“Will they remember what happened?” Diana asked.

“Yes, but will feel like a dream to them, but now it’s time for me to go. Goodbye everyone and Rhea, I will always treasure the name you gave me.” I said let myself go and a white blinding light filled the room.

  

---

  
To be continued....
  

  

  

---

 
After the white light fades I see everyone’s concerned faces.

“Hi?” Was all that I said.

“JOANNIE!!!” Jen yells, runs at me and give me an eye popping hug. “I was so worried.”

“What the heck just happened?” Josh asks.

“You don’t remember?” Rhea asked him

“Kind of, but it’s like a dream or something.” He says and I nod.

“How are you feeling now?” Diana asks us.

“Not much different than before.” I tell her.

“I feel the same way as Joan.” Josh says.

“But there is a difference?” Rhea asks.

“A little, I feel like the bond I have with Josh is stronger now, also I think Cybele left us a little something.”

“What is that?” Jen asks me.

“I feel like I’m more in control of my abilities, like I know how to use them better.” I said, and made a small ball of light appear right above my hand’s palm. “I also seem to be able to see auras and magical energy.”

“Wow, that is cool.” Jen said.

“What about you, Josh?” Diana asked.

“Pretty much the same as Joan, I think. I feel I can control my powers better and about the visual stuff not so much. I think our powers are slightly different in nature.” He said.

“It doesn’t mean I can’t do what Josh can and vice versa. It just takes more work.” I said.

“Is there anything you can tell us about Cybele?” Rhea asked us.

“Not much.” I said. “All I know is that she is old, very old. Also she was never named because when she was complete she never had a physical body, or was completely aware of her own existence. Her first vivid memory is the pain of being split apart. That single memory is very vivid in my mind and I think in Josh’s too.”

“It is.” Josh said. “I also think she had no gender.”

“But why she appeared as a female then?” Rhea asked.

“I think it’s because of the essence you gave us, filled with the essence of the goddess of earth and motherhood.” I said.

“That makes sense.” She said.

“Josh, how do you feel about this?” Jen asked.

“I think I should be freaking out or something knowing what will happen to me at the end of my life, but I’m not. I am a guy and I don’t want to be a girl, but when Joan and I were Cybele I felt complete and at peace, so I think it is something to look for.”

“And how are you feeling now?” Diana asked.

“I still feel complete. I think it’s because of the link Joan and I share.”

  

  

We talked for a little longer until mom called us for dinner.

The dinner was very nice and everyone talked about a myriad of subjects. Mom seemed to be very happy to find out that her 'cousins' were living right behind us and she talked to them for a long time.

After dinner I had a long relaxing bath. ‘What a crazy day. I hope tomorrow things stay normal.’ I thought to myself and sighed.

After the bath I decided to attack my homework and go to bed early. While I was working on my homework I had a silly thought and started laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” Jen asked me.

“Oh, I just noticed how absurd my current situation seems.”

“How so?”

“Let’s see, today I went to school and this afternoon I merged with my brother to become a bad ass goddess, then I changed a person’s gender and banished a demon, got unmerged and now I’m here working on my homework like nothing happened. Doesn’t it sound completely insane?”

“Yeah, no one would ever believe a story like that. It’s too crazy.” She said and started to giggle.

“I wish I could be a normal girl though.” I sighed.

“You are a normal girl, Joanie, but you are also special and today showed how much. It also explained why you and Josh were born as Johnny. Now you are the person you should always have been.” She told me.

“Am I? I think that maybe the person I should have been is Cybele.”

“No, that is the person one day you shall be, and hopefully that will be very far in the future.”

“I know. The day either mine or Josh’s life ends.”

“Sis, can’t you see how lucky you are?”

“What do you mean?”

“People keep wondering what will await them after their deaths, if there is life after death and all, what will happen to them. You know what will happen to you and it is something amazing.”

“Still I won’t be myself anymore, nor will Josh be himself.”

“Is that such a bad thing? Did you feel much different from your normal self while you were Cybele?”

“I guess not, and no I didn’t feel much difference.”

“I know you might find this a bit strange, but what do you know about yin yang?” Jen asked me.

“A little, why?”

“The way I see it, you and Josh are the embodiment of that.”

“Oh, I can see that. You think so?”

“Definitely.”

“We better get back to our homework or we will be in trouble tomorrow.” I said.

  

  

After we finished our homework we went through our nightly routine and got ready to bed. As I lay down on my bed I started to think about everything that happened today and thought a bit about Tom and what will happen tomorrow. I hope I did the right thing about him. I mean I hope Cybele did the right thing. Arrrgh this is so confusing. I guess Jen is right, I didn’t feel much difference when I was her, in a way she was still me.

  

  

I woke up early the next morning and after the morning routine I went downstairs and started to make breakfast for everyone. Jen was the first one to come downstairs.

“Sis, the breakfast smells great.” She told me.

“Thanks, sis.”

Mom arrived not long after Jen and said. “Good morning girls. Who made breakfast today?”

“I did, mom.” I told her.

“If it tastes as good as it smells I’m going to be very happy.” She said. “Maybe even make it your job from now on.”

“Mom!!”

“Just kidding, Joan. Not that I would mind you making breakfast once in a while though.”

“Of course I will make it sometimes, I do enjoy cooking.” I told her.

“Where did you learn how to cook?” Jen asked me.

“I always wanted to cook so I always watched you and mom. I guess I learned that way.”

Soon everyone was downstairs and enjoying my breakfast. Dad was really impressed with my pancakes.

“Princess, this is the best pancake I ever had, after your moms of course.”

“Thanks daddy.” I said and gave him a peck on his cheek.

“I agree with dad, sis. They are wonderful.” Josh said.

  

  

After breakfast we got ready to school and soon we were picking up Mindy.

“Hi Mindy.” We all said.

“Hi everyone. How did yesterday go at Rhea’s?” She said while entering the car.

“A lot happened yesterday.” I said.

“Good things or bad things?” She asked.

“I’m not really sure yet.” I told her truthfully. I then told her everything that happened the day before.

“Wow! That is wild.” She said. “How did she look?”

“I don’t know, I… she never looked in the mirror.” I said.

“Don’t ask me either.” Josh said. “But I think Jen can tell you.”

“She looked a lot like Joan, but she was older, I think around twenty five or so. She was so pretty that is scary.”

“How pretty?” Mindy asked.

“Goddess pretty, literally, and I think Joan won’t look much different when she reaches that age. ”

“Ohhhh. Lucky me then.” Mindy said and giggled.

“You naughty girl.” I said and gave her a light kiss.

  

  

It didn’t take long for us to reach the school and we noticed some kind of ruckus happening at the main entrance.

“What is going on?” I asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe something happened?” Jen asked.

We parked the car and walked towards the front of the school. A lot of reporters were around, they soon saw us and before we noticed they were all around us.

“What is going on?” I asked.

“We are looking for a boy named Joan Heart, do you know him?” A reporter asked.

“What?” I asked shocked.

“Is it true that he came back yesterday wearing a skirt and saying he is a girl and got the principal’s secretary fired?” Another one asked.

“What the hell are you talking about?” I asked again feeling enraged.

“Calm down sis.” Josh whispered at me. “They are not worth it.”

“There must be a mistake there.” I told them.

“A mistake? What kind of mistake?” A reporter asked me.

“First of all, it seems that none of you made your homework. You just took the word of someone and smelled a story where there isn’t one.” I said calmly.

“How can you say that it isn’t a story when a perverted boy thinking he is a girl comes to school wearing skirts and gets someone fired not a story?”

“Perverted? Perverted? Are you guys out of your mind?” I asked them.

“Why are you protecting that freak?” Someone yelled from the back.

“Freak? I AM NOT A FREAK!” I yelled.

The ruckus around me got even worse then. Everyone started to answer questions or insult me at the same time.

“QUIET!!!” I hear Josh yells. “You are scaring her. You guys are a bunch of vultures, she was in the hospital last week where they found out she IS genetically 100% female, and had just a bunch of skin that resembled a penis that made the doctors misidentify her as a boy at birth.” He said firmly. “What happened yesterday is that Joan went to the principal’s office to make sure her paperwork showed her true gender. Arriving there she was mistreated and insulted by Miss Jenkins the same way some of you are doing right now and Miss Jenkins also tried to attack my sister in front of the principal and only failed because I stopped her. That is why she got fired, for attacking a student. Joan is one of the best people I know and she suffered a lot. She is a normal teenage girl like any other. Now excuse us because we need to go to class.”

The reporters kept trying to ask more questions but we refused to answer them. Once inside the school building we could finally relax a little.

“I’m going to the principal’s office.”

“We are going with you.” Mindy said.

  

  

Arriving at the principal’s office I see a new face at the secretary desk.

“Hello, what can I do for you today?” She asked us.

“Hi, I’m Joan Heart. I’d like to speak with Principal Addams please.”

“He is unavailable right now, miss heart. He just went outside to deal with some reporters.” She told us.

“Oh, that is exactly what I wanted to talk to him about.” I said.

“Yes, it seems the previous secretary is spreading some lies about a student here and why she got fired.” She said.

“I know. I am the student she tried to attack.” I told her.

“Oh my. Yes you are, now I remember your name. I’m Megan Wells, it’s nice to meet you Joan.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you too. You seem to be a lot nicer than Miss Jenkins.”

“Thanks Joan. If you have any trouble, you can always come to me, okay?”

“Thanks, Miss Wells, I will. I better go to class now or I’ll be late.”

“See you soon, Joan.”

“Bye.” I said and left the room.

“She seems very nice.” Mindy said.

“I agree.” Jen said and Josh nodded.

“Let’s go to our classes, we don’t want to be late.” I said and we went our way.

  

---

  
To be continued....
  

  

  

---

 

Josh and I were going to our homeroom class when we saw Tom with his back leaned against the wall close to our classroom looking very nervous. He saw us and then he walked toward us.

“H..hi.” he said.

‘Oh, shit! What does he want? Do I act like I don’t know what happened to him last night? I think it’s better to do it.’

“What do you want Tom?” I asked sounding angry.

“C…can I talk to you for a minute? Please?”

“Sure. I’m listening.”

“Can we do it in private?” He asked.

“Do you think I’m going to let you alone with my sister?” Josh said.

“I…I won’t do anything to hurt her, Josh. Please.” He said pleadingly.

I looked a Josh and gave him a look that said it would be okay and he nodded.

“Okay, Tom. What do you say we do it like this? I’ll let you talk in private but I’ll keep an eye on both. I’ll be out of earshot but I want to be able to see you.”

“That’s okay. I promise I won’t hurt her.” Tom said.

“If you do, you’ll regret being born.” Josh warned him.

‘*Damn you is good at that*’ I though at Josh.

‘*Joan?* ‘ I heard Josh’s voice inside my head.

‘*Josh?* ‘

‘*Oh wow. I think we can hear each other’s thoughts.* ‘

‘*Let’s worry about that later. I need to talk to Tom, remember?* ‘

‘*Roger.* ‘

  

  

Tom and I walked a bit further down the hall until we found a quiet spot. I looked around and saw that as promised Josh was just out of hearing range.

“Okay Tom. I’m here. What do you want to talk about?”

He looked at his shoes for a moment, took a deep breath and said. “I wanted to apologize for being a jerk to you for all this time.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry, Joan. I wasn’t being myself. Something that I can’t explain happened to me and I saw how bad I was being. Please forgive me.”

“You used me as your personal punch bag for over a year, stole my lunch money several times and want me to just forgive you?”

“I know I shouldn’t be asking you this, but I am really ashamed about what I did to you and others. I also want to pay your lunch money back. This is all I have now. I know it’s not much but please accept it.” He said and gave me a hundred dollars in twenty dollars bills.

“Tom, I don’t need your money. I can’t accept it. You can’t buy my forgiveness.” I said giving him the money back.

“I know. I just wanted to show you I really am sorry.” He said and I saw a small tear running down his cheek.

“Tom, you don’t need to pay me for me to forgive you. Actions speak louder. The tear you just shed showed me you are being sincere. I think I can forgive you, but I’ll keep my eye on you.”

“Thanks you. Thank you. Thank you.” He said and gave me a big hug. This time his touch felt different it was warm and loving.

“You are welcome, Tom. Now we better go to our classes before we get late.”

“Okay.” He said and stopped hugging me.

We started to walk away from each other and I don’t know why I said my next few words. “Tom, don’t hold against your new aunt the terrible things your father did to you, okay? She is not him anymore.” After that I just walked away leaving Tom with a very confused expression on his face.

  

  

I got into the classroom just before the bell rang. Inside everyone was talking about all the press outside the building.

“Hi Joan.” Kelly said to me.

“Hi Kelly. How are you today?”

“I’m fine. Did you see the commotion outside?”

“Did I? They were looking for me.” I told her.

“For you? Why?”

“I think Miss Jenkins called them saying I was a boy in a dress. I never felt more humiliated in my life.”

“But you are not, right? I mean a boy in a dress.”

“Of course not, but I don’t think that matters for them.”

“I agree with you. Since when the truth matters for some tabloid reporters?” I heard Josh say.

“It matters to me. It’s my life they are trying to mess with. Also I worry about Sam.” I told them.

“Sam? Why?” Kelly asked me.

“Unlike me, she isn’t genetically a girl, but she is a girl nonetheless. The press could mess her life up pretty badly.” I said.

“Oh, I didn’t know that. I thought she was just a tomboy. You mean she is a transsexual?”

“In a matter of speaking I think you could say that. But I think that maybe her problem can be categorized more in the intersex category.”

“What do you mean?”

“She has a medical issue that prevents her to develop as a guy. She is allergic to testosterone. The only way she can have a normal life is to develop as a girl.”

“Oh my! That must be tough on her.” Kelly said.

“Actually I think she is relieved by it. She always felt she is a girl. Maybe it’s because of her allergy or maybe it’s something else. Please don’t treat her any differently than you do the other girls. She needs all the support she can get.”

“Don’t worry about it. I won’t, and I won’t tell anyone what you told me either.”

“Thank you. I knew I could trust you.” I told her.

“How did you know that?” She asked me.

“I just felt it. I’m a good judge of character. You are a very nice person, Kel.” I told her.

  

  
The rest of the morning was pretty much the same. people talked about the reporters and said how angry they were at them. About lunch time things got a lot more normal. Well, at least I think they were getting normal. After all it’s just my second day as a girl at school.

As Josh and I were going to the cafeteria, we met with Mindy and Sam’s sister Jenny. “Hi guys.” I greeted them.

“Hi Joan.” Jenny said.

“Hi gorgeous.” Mindy said and gave me a BIIIIG hug.

“Hi sweetie.” I said to her.

“You two look so cute. Just like Sam and Jess.” Jenny said.

The two of us blushed when Jenny said that, but I knew she was being sincere when she said we looked cute together. It’s good to know she doesn’t judge our relationship.

We went to the cafeteria and grabbed our lunches before joining the others to lunch. Of course Josh only went as far as escorting us to the table where Sam, Jess and their friends were sitting. I think he would feel a bit uncomfortable with all that estrogen and girl talk around him. He can be such a guy’s guy sometimes. I thought and giggled to myself.

Before Josh left I noticed him and Steph exchange some looks at each other and I thought it looked very cute. Maybe there is something there between them. If there is I’m happy for him.
“Hi guys.” Jenny said.

They all greeted us and it didn’t take long before we were all chatting away.

How is your first day going, Sam?” I asked her.

“Pretty good so far, but I sure could use a little less attention though.”

“I know what you are talking about. Yesterday everyone was curious about me. Fortunately today things seemed to die down a little bit.” I told her.

“Just a little?”

“Yes, the press outside didn’t help.”

“What did they want?” Karen asked.

“I think Miss Jenkins told them that I am a boy in a dress. She doesn’t seem to be able to get that I am genetically a girl.”

“She is such a bigot. I’m glad she got fired. Maybe now the bullies will have a harder time. I heard she used to cover for them.” Liz said.

“I can’t understand how someone like her could ever get a job in a school with her attitude.” Mandy said.

“I don’t know, maybe she wasn’t like that when she started. I don’t like to judge people. Bigotry usually doesn’t come naturally, it is taught.” I added.

“That’s true.” Jess agreed.

“Hey, there is still a free spot for one more?” I heard Kelly talk to us.

“Hi Kelly, have a seat.”

“Thanks.” She said.

“I want you to meet Sam, Mandy, Karen, Liz, Jess and Steph. I think you already know Mindy and my sister Jenny.”

“Nice to meet you guys.”

They all greeted her very warmly.

“Oh Mandy, is there space for one more Saturday? Two more actually.” I asked her.

“Of course.” She said. “Who do you want to invite?”

“Kelly and my cousin Diana, she just moved into town and will start school tomorrow.”

“Invite me for what?” Kelly asked.

“For a Slumber party Saturday night, and an afternoon hanging out in the mall and introduce girl shopping to Joan and Sam.” Jess said.

“Oohhh that sounds like fun. I’ll have to ask my mom but I think there will be no problem. How many people are going?” She asked.

“Let me see.” Mandy said. “Me, Karen, Liz, Sam, Steph, Jess, Joan, Mindy, Jenny, You and Joan’s cousin Diana. Eleven people.”

“Wow, that is a big party. It is going to be so fun.” Kelly said. “I never went to a slumber party that big before.”

“I think none of us did.” Mindy said and giggled.

“And I can’t wait to see people’s reaction at the mall when 11 teenage girls start to raid the stores.” Jess said.

“That is something to see.” Karen said.

We all chatted a bit longer before it was time for us to go to our next classes. I still need to talk to Josh about what happened earlier today. Maybe that new ability can be useful and I wondered if I could talk to Mindy the same way or it just happened because of my link with Josh.

  

---

  
To be continued....
  

  

---

 
 

Disclaimer:
 

"This is fan fiction for the Whateley Academy series. It may or may not match the timeline, characters, and continuity, but since it's fan fiction, who cares?
 

---

 
 
Did you ever have one of those days where you wished you never got out of your bed? For me today is being one of those. The worst part is that the day started so well, even if a little strangely.

Did I just say a little strangely? That's not entirely accurate, the day started somewhat more than that. Actually, up several notches on my weird-o-meter.

The day started like every other school day, meaning waking up with my alarm clock screaming in my ears. And I do mean screaming, my alarm clock is the loudest I ever had. My mom got it for me because she got tired of trying to wake me up in the mornings and the other alarm clocks were unable to wake me up, now I wake up every morning to the sound of the screaming 'music' of a group called Brass Monkey. How anyone can call that music is beyond me, but it seems to be the only thing capable of waking me up in the mornings.

Anyway, after my usual almost heart attack waking up I quickly turned off the damned thing, rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and put on my glasses, that's when the weirdness started. Instead of my vision become clear, I got a very unpleasant feeling in my eyes, like the feeling you have when you try out a pair of glasses that are too strong for you. I took them out and looked at them. I examined them and they were my glasses so I put them on again with the same results and took them off quickly. That's weirdness number two hit me. Or is it still weirdness number one? Who cares anyway? The thing is that I was seing things crystal clear and I wasn't wearing glasses. What the heck is going on?

Before I could ponder more about it, the morning nature call hit me and I had to go to the bathroom. After doing my business I went to take a quick shower when... you guessed, weirdness number three. I had set up the shower how I usually take it, but the water seemed to be too hot and too strong. At the time I didn't think too much about it and adjusted the shower again, after that the shower was one of the most relaxing I ever had. For some reason my skin seemed a little more sensitive this morning and the feeling of the water flowing through my body felt very, very nice and relaxing.

Before I knew the water was getting cold an I had to get out. After I dried myself and went to the mirror to shave and I noticed I didn't need to do it this morning. No I didn't think it was weird at the time because I just started to shave a few months ago and only need to shave every other day or so.

Oh, I just noticed I didn't introduce myself. My name is Mark Romsey and I am a 15 year old high school sophomore. There isn't much to talk about me other than I am a straight A student and the number one punch bag for the school bullies. Are you wondering why I am the number one punch bag? It's because I keep interfering when I see someone getting bullied and I end up being the one receiving their punches. I hate to fight but I hate bullying even more. My friends think I am crazy for doing what I do because I usually end up with bruises almost daily, and for the fact that I never punch back. I discovered early that if you don't fight back they usually quickly get tired and move on. I mostly try to avoid the punches and got pretty good at it.

Anyway, after I finished with the bathroom I put on some clothes and went downstairs for my breakfast. Arriving there I see mom setting up the table.

"Morning, mom"

"Good morning Mark. Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah, until the alarm almost gave me a heart attack."

"You know why I set the alarm that way, don't you? And the music is not that bad, I kind of like it."

"You like it? How can anyone like it?"

"How can anyone like what?" I heard my older sister ask coming through the kitchen door.

"Brass Monkey's music" I told her. "And good morning sis."

"What? Their music is great. I have all of their albums." She said proudly. "Who used all the hot water anyway?"

"Sorry sis, it was me. I kinda lost track of the time there this morning."

"Just don't do it again. You know how I like my morning showers."

"I'm sorry. I'll be more careful from now on."

"I hope so." She said and looked at me oddly. "Mark, where are your glasses?"

Shit, how will I explain what happened this morning. They will want to take me to the doctors and I don't like doctors. Well, it's not that I don't like doctors it's jest that I hate needles, always had and probably always will.

"I... I'm trying out contacts this morning." I said thinking quickly.

"Cool. It looks good on you. You should use them more often. What do you think mom?"

My mom looked at me and said. "It looks great. when did you get them?"

"Yesterday after school."

"Are they colored? Your eyes seem lighter this morning."

Lighter? WTF?

"No mom, maybe its because you are used to see them behind the glasses lens."

My sister looked at me and said "They do seem lighter but you are probably right, you are always using your glasses."

My mom looked a little oddly at me for a moment and said "Probably."

After that the breakfast went almost normally. I noticed mom looking oddly at me a few times and I wondered if she suspected something.

  

  

After breakfast I walked to school and met my best friend Alan at the front of his house.

"Hey, man. What's up?" He greeted me.

"Nothing much. An you?"

"I'm good. So you finally decided to ditch those nerdy glasses. Trying to impress someone?"

"What?"

"Is it Mary Jean? I know you have a crush on her."

"N... no. we are just friends." I said embarrassed and feeling my face heat up.

"Yeah, yeah, and I am Brad Pitt."

"Really? Man I am a big fan of your work, Mr. Pitt." I said mockingly and we laughed.

"Seriously, man. You should ask her out."

"I can't. I don't want to mess my friendship with her."

"And if you don't and she start to date another guy it wont? Man, I see how you look at her, and I see how she looks at you. She digs you."

"She does?"

"Yeah, she does."

"But what if I ask her and se says no?"

"If she says no, you won't need to help me study for the rest of the year, how is that?"

"Are you that confident that she won't say no?"

"No, I KNOW she won't say no."

"How do you know that?"

"That my friend, it's a secret."

"Come on man, you can tell me."

"I could, but then I would have to kill you." He said and started to run away laughing preventing me from punching him on his arm.

  

  

We ended up running all the way to the school and oddly enough I didn't feel out of breath. Actually today I was feeling pretty good, better than I ever felt before, so yeah things were a bit weird this morning but so far it was all good weird.

Arriving at school we were greeted by Mary Jean. It looked like she was waiting for us at the front gates.

"Hi Mark, hi Alan." She greeted us with her million dollar smile.

"Hi MJ." Allan greeted her.

"H...hi" I said feeling nervous all the sudden.

"Are you wearing contacts, Mark?" She asked looking straightly at my eyes.

"Y...yeah. Do... do you like it."

"It looks great. I never noticed how beautiful your eyes were before. Are they colored?"

"No. Why?"

"Because your eyes have a pretty color. A very light brown with a bit of... violet?"

What? My eyes are dark brown. Are they changing color? What is going on?

"Strange. I thought your eyes were dark brown." Alan said

"I thought so too." said MJ. "Maybe the glasses were hiding how beautiful your eyes really were."

"Or maybe you are a mutant and you are just manifesting your powers?" asked Alan.

"What?" MJ and I said at the same time.

"I'm not a mutant." I said.

"I think it would be cool if you were." Said MJ.

"Why?" I asked her.

"Because it is cool to have powers." She said. "And you know my parents are mutants, right?" she said that almost whispering.

That's right. I was forgetting that. Even though that is not public knowledge, close friends and family knows that her parents are mutants. I seems that they met each other in some special high school for mutants. Her father is an electrical engineer with some minor electrical powers and her mom is a psychologist with a bit of empathy, other than that they are regular people with regular jobs. Our families know each other ever since before our births so we grew up together.

"Yeah, I know." I said.

"That also probably means that sooner or later I might manifest myself and..."

"And what?" I asked.

"And I might need to change schools."

  

  

We couldn't continue our conversation because at that moment the bell rang and we had to go to class. My mind was in turmoil and I wondered if I was a mutant. in a way it made sense, the way my vision fixed itself, how different the shower felt this morning and apparently my eyes were changing colors. I wonder that if I am a mutant, what kind of mutant I might be, a relatively normal looking one like MJ's parents or like some of those unlucky ones with gross deformities. With my luck I might end up in the second group.

The morning passed slowly and I couldn't concentrate on my classes. I was starting to get worried and weirded out as I still didn't have the chance to check out my eyes, so I kept my head low and avoided looking at people.

As soon the bell for the lunch rang I dashed to the nearest bathroom to check out my eyes, dreading what I would see. I looked at the mirror and got the shock of my life. Shit! My eyes probably kept changing colors during the morning. If it was light brown with a bit of violet it is not anymore. Shit! Shit! Shit! I can't believe it. Just my luck. I should have never got out of bed this morning. My eyes are freaking PINK.

  

---

  
To be continued….
  

  

Previously:
Shit! Shit! Shit! I can't believe it. Just my luck. I should have never got out of bed this morning. My eyes are freaking PINK.

---

 
 

Disclaimer:
 

"This is fan fiction for the Whateley Academy series. It may or may not match the timeline, characters, and continuity, but since it's fan fiction, who cares?
 

---

 
 

Shit! Shit! Shit! What am I going to do? I have to find a way to get out of here without people noticing my eyes. Why did that have to happen to me? Calm down Mark, freaking out will not solve anything. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths trying to calm myself. I must have been hallucinating. That's it, I'll open my eyes and when I look at the mirror everything will be OK. I slowly opened my eyes and looked again at the mirror and... and... my eyes were still pink.

I tried to look one more time hoping it was just a dream again. No such luck, they were still pink. I kept looking at my reflection with a mixture of horror and curiosity when I noticed something that REALLY weirded me out. I looked closer at my scalp and to my absolute horror the roots of my hair were pink.

"Shit! Pink? Why pink? Couldn't it have been blue, green or even red? It had to be pink? I HATE PINK." I yelled in frustration.

Right after yelling I remembered where I was and looked around afraid that someone heard me, luckily the bathroom was still empty. Now I needed to find a way to get out of the bathroom and out of the school without people noticing anything. Maybe after getting out I could get some colored contacts and some hair dye and everything would be fine.

Probably the best time was during lunch, meaning I didn’t have much time left. Maybe I could just tough it out and go out with my head down and try to be as invisible as possible like I did during the morning.

I took several deep breaths to build up my courage and left the bathroom, hoping and praying that I could avoid any problems and most importantly the bullies. The good thing is that they are probably in the cafeteria having their lunches right now.

Unfortunately my luck didn’t last, not that it was a surprise anyway. The problem is that when I made a left turn I bounced off what looked to me a big wall of muscles. Instinctively I looked up and surprise surprise, it was Steven Marshal the football team quarterback.

“What is your problem Romsey? Look where you are going.” He said shoving me aside and kept walking.

I didn’t even have time to think I was safe when he stopped and turned around to look at me. I lowered my head and started to pray to a thousand different gods and entities for him to leave me alone.

He took a step closer to me and grabbed me by my shirt collar. At that point all I could do was to keep my eyes closed.

“There is something different about you today, four eyes. That’s it, where are your glasses? Did you lose them? Is that why you bumped into me?”

“Y...yes, I lost them and was going to my locker room to get me my spare pair.” I said with my eyes still closed.

“That is no excuse to bump into people, and open your f$%ing eyes when talking to me.”

“I can’t. I am blind without my glasses and when I open my eyes I get a major headache.”

“So how did you think you could go to your locker room blind?”

“I was squinting my eyes.”

“I should kick your ass for bumping into me, but I am late for lunch and I am starving, so I will just take your lunch money as payment for my troubles.”

“What?”

“Are you deaf as well?” His voice was getting more and more menacing.

“N...no. T...the thing is... I don’t have any money with me.” I said and he shoved me against a locker.

Unfortunately I made a mistake after dropping to the ground of opening my eyes. Did you ever try to keep your eyes closed for a long period of time? It is damn hard I tell you. Anyway... I opened my eyes and of course he saw them, how could he not to? They are DAMN PINK and the worst part is that I didn’t tell you before, they are not a light pink, they are PINK PINK, so pink that they almost glow.

“WTF? You were lying to me, you didn’t lose your glasses, you are a f#$%&ng faggot using pink contacts. I am so gonna kick your ass now Romsgay”

I closed my eyes again waiting for the punch, but after a few second it didn’t come.

“What the f$%k is that?” I heard him yell and I opened my eyes.

The thing is, that when I opened my eyes, my vision was pink and I noticed that I had some sort of glow around my body and I saw Marshal’s fist coming in my direction just to stop at the edge of the glowing field and his face change from one of rage to one of pain.

I have a force field? A PINK force field? Pink? Why pink? What did I do to deserve this?

I looked around and the hallway was starting to fill up with people and of course they were looking at me.

Shit! There goes the stealth exit, and things got worse, now I am freaking glowing pink.

Marshal was still holding his hand and looked at me with a look of pure hatred. “You f@#$%ng mutant faggot” He yelled and jumped at me again.

I just reacted and raised my arms to protect myself forgetting about the force field, and while I was raising my arms some sort of blast shot out from my hands hitting him on the chest and throwing him backwards several feet. Needless to say that now everyone was looking at me like I was some sort of freak. So I did the most courageous thing I could think of and just turned around and ran like hell, quickly leaving the school building and kept running.

I ran for a while and only stopped when I was home. When I calmed down the glow faded and my vision returned to normal, probably I was seeing everything pink because the force field was pink.

Now I needed to find a way to tell my family what happened to me without freaking them out and (gulp) set up an appointment to the doctors to find out what is happening to me.

I guess I couldn't deny it anymore, I really am a mutant and apparently one with some cool powers, now if only they weren’t pink... I knew I should have stayed in bed.

  

---

  
To be continued….
  

  

Previously:
 
I guess I couldn't deny it anymore, I really am a mutant and apparently one with some cool powers, now if only they weren’t pink... I knew I should have stayed in bed.
  

---

 
 

Disclaimer:
 

"This is fan fiction for the Whateley Academy series. It may or may not match the timeline, characters, and continuity, but since it's fan fiction, who cares?
  

---

 
 

I was pacing back and forth in the living room, nervous as hell and trying to figure out how to tell my family what is happening to me. Not that I think they will throw me out of anything. My family doesn't have anything against mutants and MJ's parents are some of their best friends, so yeah, we don't have anything against mutants so I'm not sure how to feel about this, I mean, who never thought about having cool powers? I know I did, and apparently I got some powers, but why pink? Can you Imagine? A pink guy superhero? The villains would laugh their asses off every time I appeared and everyone would think I'm gay.

Yeah, yeah, I'm babbling, but can you blame me for that? I hope the doctors can find a way to reverse this. And why is my chest itching? Maybe I'm developing muscles, my whole body feels a little off, or maybe... no don't go there Mark, those things don't happen, do they?

I didn't noticed but somehow I fell asleep, waking up suddenly when my cell phone rang scaring the crap out of me, I jumped and noticed that my vision went pink again.

"Shit! Calm down Mark, it was just the cell phone."

I looked around to look for my cell and I noticed something odd. No I won't say weird, I did that too much today. Anyway, I noticed that I was floating and my head was almost touching the ceiling.

"Whoa! I can fly? That is so cool. But how do I get down?"

The thing is, that as soon I wished to stop flying, the pink field went away and.... you guessed it, I fell down hard.

"Ouch, that hurt"

I quickly grabbed my cell and saw that it was MJ calling me.

"Hello?"

"Mark, is that you?"

"Who else would it be, MJ?"

"Sorry, your voice is sounding a little strange"

"Strange? What do you mean?"

"Never mind. Where are you? You didn't show up for lunch and I heard Marshal saying he was going to kill you for what you did today. What happened? There are some wild rumors around the school that he was beaten by a pink glowing mutant."

"Pink glowing mutant? Shit! Shit! Shit!"

"Mark, are you okay?"

"Yeah... no... I don't know MJ. Things are getting weirder and weirder since I woke up this morning and I'm freaking out."

"Do you mean you are the mutant they are talking about?"

"Yeah, I was freaking out all morning after you said my eyes were changing colors and I went to check on the mirror right before lunch and when I saw the color, I had to get out of school and ended up bumping into Steven Marshal and something happened."

"What happened?"

"I.... I... can't tell you this over the phone. I need to tell my parents and I am freaking out. I is not just my eyes that changed color, it seems my hair is too."

"I'm coming there right now."

"Wait! I don..." And the line disconnected.

****

It didn't take long her to arrive, after all, she lives just a few houses away.

I heard her knocking the door and say "Mark? Are you there?"

"Go away, I don't want you to see me like this!"

"Come on Mark, open the door."

"No, I won't. Please I don't want you to see me right now."

"It can’t be that bad."

"It is embarrassing."

"Whatever it is, I promise you I won't laugh."

"........ok." I said and opened the door.

I looked up to her and she had a shocked look on her face.

"M...Mark?"

"What is wrong with you? You said you wouldn't laugh but you stare at me like I look like some kind of freak?" I said feeling pissed off.

"No... It's not that. It is that you look different from this morning."

"Different? Different how?"

"Did you look at yourself in the mirror since you got back?"

"No, why?"

"It wasn't just the eyes and hair that changed. Your face looks different too."

"WHAT?"

"Come with me." She said grabbing my hands and taking me to the bathroom.

She pushed me inside and said. "Take a look."

And unfortunately I did. My hair had grown a couple inches and it was pink, thankfully it wasn't hot pink, more like a light pink with a bit of blond in it. My eyes looked a little bigger and they were a very light pink, my cheekbones looked a bit higher and my face was starting to look a bit softer.

"What is happening to me?" I asked mostly to myself.

"I'm not an expert on mutants but I think you might be an exemplar." MJ said.

"Exemplar? What is that?"

"When a mutant manifests, sometimes they have something called Body Image Template or BIT for short, and the body tries to match the bit, causing the changes. Some scientists believe that the BIT is what our subconscious think the person's perfect body should be."

"B...but why is this happening to me? Why would I want to have pink hair and eyes and look like an effeminate version of myself? I'm not gay." I said sobbing and feeling tears moisturising my eyes.

"I don't know, but I think things will be okay. At least you didn't start to grow wings, fur or scales."

"What? That could happen?"

"They do happen. An uncle of mine has cat eyes, tail and ears. He looks kind of sexy actually."

"B...but that isn't happening to me. I'm not starting to look sexy, I'm starting to look gay." I said and scratched my chest.

MJ looked a bit oddly at me and asked "Mark, is your chest itching?"

"Yeah, it started after I came back home."

"Can I take a look? I want to check something."

"You want me to take off my shirt?"

"You don't mind, do you?"

"I guess not. It's not like guys are afraid to be topless, right?" I said and took off my shirt.

I looked down and my chest looked a bit puffy, maybe I am getting those muscles after all.

MJ raised her hands and reached for my chest. "May I?" She asked and I nodded.

When she touched my nipples was like an electric shock ran through my entire body and I think a small moan escaped my lips. Damn they were never this sensitive, but I think I liked it.

"Mark? I'm not sure how to tell you this... but before I do I want you to promise me something."

"Sure, anything."

"Just promise you won't freak out on me, okay?"

"Freak out? I don't think anything you tell me will freak me out anymore after the day I had."

"Mark, please." She said and gave me her trademarked puppy dog eyes number 3.

"Okay, I promise, just stop with the puppy dog eyes, you know what they do to me."

"Thank you, and remember don't freak out, okay?"

"Okay."

"Mark, I... think.... you.... are.... growing breasts."

What can I say? I broke the promise, freaked out and suddenly everything went pink for a bit before going black.... Now, black I like, black is peaceful... black is...

  

---

  
To be continued….
  

  

Somewhere in today’s chapter:

“Damn you! Now I need to go. You and your big mouth.”

  

---

 
 

Disclaimer:
 

"This is fan fiction for the Whateley Academy series. It may or may not match the timeline, characters, and continuity, but since it's fan fiction, who cares?
  

---

 
 

“Mark, Mark, wake up!” I heard a voice calling me.

“Come on Mark, wake up!”

“Just five more minutes.” I said and then I felt a splash of cold water hitting my face and I do mean cold. Needless to say I jumped and ended up hitting my head on the ceiling.

“Ouch! What was that for?” I asked

“Mark, get down here.” MJ said and I noticed I was floating with my head touching the ceiling.

“I don't know how. The last time I tried I fell down.”

“Try to will yourself down gently.”

“Okay.” I did as she told me and I imagined myself going down, but somehow I guess I imagined going too fast and the next thing I knew I was standing on the floor inside the kitchen and there was a hole in the kitchen ceiling and MJ was looking down to me from it.

“What part of gently didn't you understand?” She asked me with an amused look on her face.

“Give me a break, okay? I have no idea what I am doing here.”

“Okay, give me a few seconds to get there and don't move a muscle.”

“Okay.” The next thing I knew she was jumping through the hole and landed swiftly right in front of me.

“How did you do that?”

“Practice, I have been training in Parkour for a couple years now.”

“Oh wow, I didn't know that. That's kinda cool.”

“It is great to get away from problems, it is something every girl should know along with self defense classes.”

“Like the hit and run like hell routine?”

“That's the idea. But enough about me. Why did you freak out when you promised me you wouldn't?”

“I freaked out? Why? I don't remember very well. The last thing I remember is you telling me to not to freak out and then.... then... Oh SHIT! SHIT! SHIT!”

“Ah, you just remembered?”

“You said that I... I... am growing breasts. AND YOU THOUGHT THAT I WOULDN'T FREAK OUT?”

“Hey! You don't need to yell at me. I'm right here in front of you, you know.”

“Did you know that when you tell someone don't freak out it is almost guaranteed to cause a freak out? Specially with news like that.”

“I know, but what could I do? I didn't expect you to pass out though. By the way the flying trick was pretty cool.”

“I know, but how am I going to explain this to my parents?” I said waving at the hole in the middle of the kitchen ceiling. “I just made the bathroom unusable and the kitchen too. God they are going to be pissed at me.

“At least you are not freaking out about the breasts thing anymore.”

“Dammit! I was trying not to think about it. I am turning into a freak. I'm going to be a joke. A guy with pink hair, eyes and powers... and boobs.”

“Hummm... Mark? I don't think that is what's happening at all.”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you take a good look at the mirror?”

“Sort of. I'm starting to look like an effeminate gay guy.”

“That's not what I'm seeing.”

“Huh?”

“You are not looking like an effeminate gay guy at all.”

“What do you mean?”

“I guess I can't tell you not to freak out again so I'll just say it anyway, okay?”

“Okay. It can't be worse than growing boobs anyhow.”

“Mark, you are starting to look like a girl, a very hot one at that.”

“WHAT?????? I AM TURNING INTO A GIRL????”

She gave me a big hug and said while holding me “Calm down Mark. Calm down. Everything will be okay.”

“B.... but I don't want to be a girl.” I said and started bawling at her shoulder.

“I know, I know.” She said stroking my hair gently trying to calm me down.

“H...how do you know I'm turning into a girl?”

“I'm not sure, but I heard it can happen and the clues kind of jump out at me from you, you know?”

“You mean the pink eyes and hair?”

“No, not the pink. Did you know that pink used to be a manly color?”

“Really?”

“Yeah, until the 19th century the pink color was considered too strong and passionate for someone as delicate as a girl. Anyway it's not the pink that clued me it was your other changes.”

“Other changes?”

“Your eyes are bigger, your face is smoother and taking an oval shape, the breasts, the hips seem a bit wider and your behind is looking rounder and bigger. Oh and your voice is sounding higher too.”

“Now that you mention it, the pants do feel a little tight right now.” I said feeling a bit uncomfortable. “And what do you mean about my voice?”

“The change is still small, but you do sound a little bit more like a girl. The one thing I don't understand is why is that happening so fast.”

“Fast?”

“Yeah, from what I read about the physical changes caused by the BIT on a newly emerged mutant usually take months and don't happen as fast as they are happening to you.”

“What am I going to do? I can't go back to school like this. And what will my parents say? I'm soooo doomed right now.”

“First it might be a good thing you don't go back to school right now, Marshal is very pissed at you. Whatever you did has him fuming.”

“I don't know what I did to him either. One moment he is about to hit me and the next moment he is hitting some sort of pink force field around me. When I moved my arms up to protect myself some sort of blast came out from my hands and he was thrown back several feet, just stopping because he hit the wall.”

“A blast? I heard some people say it was a pink fist coming out from someone glowing pink. I don't think most people knew it was you. I heard some people even say it was a girl that Steven was hitting on. I saw your field when you flew up and it kinda makes it harder to recognize you.”

“What? People thought it was a girl that did it?”

“Yes and I think they might be right about that too, or at least they will be right sooner or later.”

“Oh God. I am turning into a girl, ain't I?”

“I guess so. Hum..... Mark?”

“Yeah?”

“Did your check your..... huh... you know?”

“Huh?”

“You know, to see if it is normal or... shrinking?”

“Shrinking?” I said going pale, as it dawned on me what she was talking about.

“I... didn't, and.... now I am afraid to do so.”

“Well... sooner or later you will have to do it. When was the last time you went to the bathroom. Other than to check yourself in the mirror I mean.

Dammit. She had to remind me of that. The last time I went was this morning before going to school and now I really needed to go. I needed to go bad.

“Damn you! Now I need to go. You and your big mouth.” I said. I started to run towards the downstairs restroom. I could hear MJ giggle as I left the kitchen.

****

Inside the restroom I lifted the toilet seat and opened the pants’ button, feeling a huge relief when I did so as it was getting REALLY uncomfortable. I reached down to grab my little friend to aim, you know like any other guy in this world, and when I did so I got a big shock, or should I say small? As it was exactly what happened to my little friend, it was small, having lost all the growth it had gained the last couple years since I started my puberty.

I wanted to curl up into a ball and cry but I still needed to go so I aimed the best I could and let go.... What a mistake it was, the pee went everywhere BUT the toilet making a huge mess out of things. A huge stinking WET mess. If it wasn't so sad it would be almost comical.

Needless to say it took a long time for me to clean up the mess I made and used a huge amount of toilet paper doing so. I guess I will have to sit down to do my business from now on. (sigh)

The next problem was when I tried to button back my pants, I just couldn’t do it. It was too tight, and I just couldn't go out as MJ was waiting for me. Before I could think of something I heard MJ saying that she left a pair of tracksuit pants outside the restroom for me to put on. I guess she knew that would happen.

I slowly opened the door a little and grabbed the pants from the door handle closing it quickly afterward. I put on the pants and they did fit, though they were a bit tight on the hips and a little loose at the waist, at least I could tie the pants’ string to make them fit better and not let them fall down as soon I took a few steps out.

I left the restroom feeling completely embarrassed and blushing like mad. (Did I just say blushing?)

“Ohh... that's a cute shade of pink.” She said.

“What?”

“You are blushing and it is a very cute shade of pink.”

“Damn it.”

“Calm down, Mark. I didn't mean to tease you. By the way did you know your eyes change colors when you get angry?”

“They do?”

“Yes, they change from a pale pink to a hot pink color.”

“Shit! Shit! Shit!”

“You do like to say shit a lot, don't you?”

“Don't you start on me, MJ. I'm under a lot of stress right now.”

“Then you wouldn't like to know that your hair grew a couple more inches and it is starting to look really good.”

“WHAT? Are you trying to make me freak out again?”

“Not really, I just wanted to see your eyes change color again, it is so cool.”

“I'm glad you are amused by my predicament.”

“I'm sorry.” She said and gave me a hug, and it felt good, very good. The way my breasts felt touching her breasts was very pleasurable. (What did I just think? Shit I'm doomed.)

“MJ? What am I going to do now? I need to talk to my family and I have no idea how to do that.”

“Don't worry about it.” She said.

“Why not?”

“Because they will be here any minute now. My parents too.”

“WHAT?”

“I called them while you were in the restroom.”

“You mean you told them what happened to me?”

“Not exactly, I said you had some serious problem and needed them here ASAP. I told my parents though. I think they might be able to help you out.”

“Help me out? How? They know someone capable of reversing the changes?”

“I don't know. Probably they will help you find some doctor to examine you and someone to do your preliminary powers tests.”

“Power tests? What is that?”

“It is where they test to see which powers you have, what kind of mutant you are and stuff.”

“Oh.”

“You know, I'm kind of glad you are a mutant, and I am not bothered by your changes by the way.”

“Why is that?”

“Well... you know I said that I would probably manifest sooner or later because both my parents are mutants, right?”

“Yeah... I remember that.”

“The thing is.... I did manifest a little while ago during Christmas break. I'm going to a private school for mutants at the beginning of the next school year.”

“Really? What kind of powers do you have?”

“My powers are electromagnetic based, basically I am an energizer and also a gadgeteer.”

“Gadgeteer? What is that?”

“Well... you know how I like to mess with electrical stuff, right?”

“Yeah, you were always tinkering with something and trying to build stuff.”

“That's a gadgeteer, we can build stuff, we have an innate understanding about devices and we can also create new stuff.”

“That is a cool power, useful and discreet.”

“Aren't you going to ask me why I'm not bothered by your changes?”

“Huh? Why aren't you bothered by my changes?”

“Mark, I know you have had a crush on me for a while now.”

“Y.... you knew that?”

“Yeah, my mom has been trying to play the matchmaker to us for a while and she noticed how you felt about me.”

“Really? And she just told you that?”

“Well.... not really. First she noticed how I felt about you.” She said blushing.

“B...but then.... why aren't you bothered about what is happening to me?” I asked confused.

“Mark. I'm going to a private school for mutants next semester and with you manifesting it means you can go too... The other thing is that... I'm... bi.” She said blushing.

“You are what?”

“I'm bisexual. Gender doesn't matter to me, what matters is who the person is and I fell for who you are, so....” She said hugged me and started to kiss me.

What can I tell you about the kiss. The kiss was.... well... magical. It was like an electrical charge went through my entire body I don’t know if it was her power or something else but I didn’t care. My legs felt like jelly and I couldn't think straight. My heart was beating a million times per minute and it was like the world just melted away, leaving just me and her. I never felt like this before and I loved it.

We were kissing passionately when we heard a gasp and we stopped kissing to see my parents and MJ’s parents standing next to the front door looking at us with unreadable faces.

  

---

  
To be continued….
  

  

Somewhere in this chapter:

“What do you have against the color pink?”

“It's too girly.”

“And?”

“That's it. I am a guy. Guys don't like pink.”

“Well, I don't see that being a problem for much longer.”

  

---

 
 

Disclaimer:
 

"This is fan fiction for the Whateley Academy series. It may or may not match the timeline, characters, and continuity, but since it's fan fiction, who cares?
  

---

 
 

“Oops.” MJ said and we left our embrace blushing.

“Hi mom, hi dad.” I said.

“Mark? Is that you?” My mom asked me wide eyed. My father just stood there looking like his jaw was about to fall to the floor. MJ's parents looked a bit confused as well, although I thought I saw a small hint of amusement from her mother.

“Yeah, It's me.” I said blushing.

“What happened? Why do you look like that?”

“Mom, I think I am a mutant.”

“What does it have to do with you looking like that?” I heard my father ask.

“Looking like what?” I asked him.

“Like some sort of fairy.” My father said looking a bit angry.

“John, don't talk to our child like that.” My mother admonished him. “He doesn't look like a fairy.”

“He does from where I am standing.”

“STOP THAT!” I yelled.

“DO YOU THINK I WANTED TO LOOK LIKE THIS? I'M NOT TURNING INTO A FAIRY! I'M TURNING INTO A FREAKING GIRL!” I yelled feeling angry and noticing the pink vision thing again. 'Damn, what a time to show my pink field.'

Everyone looked at me with shocked look on her faces and MJ hugged me trying to calm me down.

“Calm down Mark, everything is okay. There is no need for you to get angry.” She said running her fingers through my hair while hugging me and somehow it worked. It didn't take long and my field slowly fade away.

I looked at my father and he stood there red faced looking angry. My mom turned to him and said. “John, I never thought you were so bigoted.”

MJ's father turned to my father at that point and said. “Your wife is right, John. You didn't even wait for your son to tell us what happened and you were already jumping into conclusions, and to me, it seems it was the wrong conclusion. Or did you already forget that your son was kissing my daughter when we got here? Also a mutation that causes changes in shape like we are seeing here, is not within the person's conscious choice.”

“B..but he just said that he is turning into a girl.” Dad said dejectedly.

“If he is it makes him a lesbian and not a fairy.” MJ's mother said.

“Hey! I'm right here you know.” I told them not liking being talked about like I'm not even present.

“Sorry, sweetie.” My mother said.

'Sweetie? Already?'

“Now John, can we count on you to stay calm and let your kid explain us what happened?” MJ's father asked dad.

“Ok, I’ll be quiet.” He said looking around, seeing he was alone in his opinion.

So I told them everything that happened today, from the moment I woke up till the moment they got home. Somewhere in the middle of my story my sister got home and my mom pointed her to a point of the sofa for her to sit and put a finger up to her own lips as telling my sister to be quiet.

“So that was what happened so far.” I told them.

“Wait a second.” My mother said and run to the kitchen.

“MY KITCHEN!” We heard my mother yell and of course everyone else run to the kitchen wanting to see the damage.

“It's not so bad,” dad said. “Just a hole in the ceiling.” He seemed to calm down after I told them the story.

“I know, it was just the shock when I saw the mess.” My mom said, with tears in her eyes.

My mom is a great cook and loves her kitchen, she says cooking is therapeutic for her and also her hobby. We are always eating something new and different at home. We keep telling her she should have been a chef but she said if she had to cook, for work, it wouldn't be as fun anymore, so yeah, she is very protective about HER kitchen.

“Also the upstairs bathroom is unusable right now.” My sister said.

“I'm sorry sis.”

“I know, it's not your fault.”

“Actually it kind of was my fault, after all I flew down through the floor there.”

“Yeah, he does suck at flying” MJ said.

“I wish I was there to see it.” My sister said and the rest nodded their heads. Apparently everyone wanted to see that.

I noticed something strange then, my father outburst was the only freaking out any of them had about what happened and everyone seemed to be taking things well, too well.

“Huh... why aren't you guys freaking out about this?”

“Sweetie, you explained everything to us and what can we do? Also that kind of change isn't the first time it happened in the family.”

“What, the pink thing?”

“No, the boy to girl thing.”

“Really?” I asked wide eyed.

“Really, my mother is a mutant and she was born a boy. She changed when her mutation kicked in.”

“You mean the grandmother I never met? She is a mutant? Why have I never met her?”

“Whoa, calm down with the questions kiddo.” My father said. “I'm sorry for the way I reacted back there, but it was a shock to see your only son changed so much, you know?”

“I know dad. It is pretty shocking for me too.”

“Answering your question you did meet your grandma. Several times actually.” Mom said.

“But I don't remember her.”

“You do remember her, you just didn't know she is your grandma.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know her as your aunt Judy.”

“What? You mean aunt Judy is actually my grandma?”

“Her power makes her age very slowly, so right now she looks like my younger sister rather than my mother, so we decided to let you and everyone else think she is my sister.”

“What are her powers?”

“She didn't get much in the powers lottery. She has some regeneration, slowing her aging considerably and she is also clairvoyant being capable of seeing up to 5 minutes in the future, so no, she can't give you the lotto numbers, although it did save her a few times.”

“I wish I could speak with her.”

“You will.” My mom said.

“I do have one question.” MJ's mother said.

“What is that?”

“What are your feelings towards my daughter?” She asked and looked intently at me.

That made me think the feelings I had towards MJ and felt the warmth I get when she is close to me, and that led me to feelings I had when we kissed and I blushed. I was about to answer her when she said “That’s good enough for me.”

“Huh?”

“I am an empath, remember? I could read your emotions when I asked you the question. Also I know that everything you told us is the truth.”

“One of the things I am worried about though, is how fast your changes are happening.” MJ's father said.

“Why is that, Matt?” My mom asked him.

“Usually those changes take a long time to happen, and in the hour we have been here, his hair grew about an inch and I can also see a few more changes to the face and body. That is highly unusual.”

“And what does it mean?”

“It means we need to get you tested ASAP. I'll call a friend and get the ball rolling.”

“Yeah, that is a good idea. I don't have any idea what I can do and I don't want to hurt anyone.”

“Also there is the issue with what happened today. I don't know if someone called the MCO or not, or if they knew it was you.”

“Steven Marshal knew it was me, the rest I'm not sure.”

“Dad, Steven is the son of Jack Marshal.”

“Is that so?”

“Who is Jack Marshal?” I asked.

“Jack Marshal is a member of H1. I don't think they would call the MCO on you, Mark. I think they will come after you directly.”

“H1? You mean Humanity First? Those guys are practically terrorists.” I said in horror.

“Yes. I don't think you would be safe here right now, nor is your family.” He said.

“Why wouldn't my family be safe?”

“Because if they come after you, they will come in numbers and usually they think that a mutant's family is also guilt for giving birth to a mutant and should be... how can I say this... removed for the sake of humanity.”

“You mean murdered?”

“Unfortunately.”

“What are we going to do?” My dad asked him.

“Daddy, can't they go to our home tonight?” MJ asked using her puppy eye number 2 (the please daddy one). One thing I’ll tell you, those things are dangerous.

“I guess it's for the best princess.” He told her. “Now everyone take just what you need for a night out and we will meet you at my home in a few minutes.”

After that we rushed around the house to get our stuff.

“Dammit.” I hear my sister swear.

“What's wrong sis?”

“I can't get to my toothbrush. It is over the sink on the other side of the hole.” She said looking into the bathroom.

At that moment I felt bad about it and wished I could get it for her. I felt a tingling inside my body and suddenly I saw a pink flying hand picking up the toothbrush and dropping it at Lisa's hand. (Lisa is my sister's name btw.)

“That was sooooo cool” She said. “How did you do that?”

“I have no idea.” I told her still shocked about what just happened.

“Hey, didn't you say you hit that Steve guy at school with some pink blast or something?”

“Yeah, but MJ said some people saw a pink fist going at him. I'm not sure as I was basically closing my eyes at the time and things happened pretty fast.”

“So isn't this like the same power you used earlier?”

“Maybe, but I wasn't paying much attention at the time. I thought I was going to get beaten the shit out of me.”

“True, probably you will find out sooner or later anyway. That is a very cool power.”

“Yes it is, if it at least wasn't pink.”

“What do you have against the color pink?”

“It's too girly.”

“And?”

“That's it. I am a guy. Guys don't like pink.”

“Well, I don't see that being a problem for much longer.” My sister said with an amused look at her face.

“Don't remind me, okay? Things are pretty scary for me without thinking about that too.”

“I'm sorry but it seems you can't just deny it for much longer, SIS. I don't think you will be a guy by this time tomorrow.”

“Why do you think that? And don't call me sis yet.”

“Because you are already looking almost completely like a girl.”

'I won't freak out, I won't freak out, I won't freak out.' I freaked out.

  

---

  
To be continued….
  

Please comment, give your opinion and suggestions. Your ideas might just end up influencing the path the story takes. If you don’t leave a comment something Pink might find you and hurt you.

  
Somewhere in this chapter:

"Will you still like me after you see me eating?"

"You can eat like a pig and I would still like you."

  

---

 
 

Disclaimer:
 

"This is fan fiction for the Whateley Academy series. It may or may not match the timeline, characters, and continuity, but since it's fan fiction, who cares?
  

---

 
 

I don't really remember the next few minutes, the first thing I remembered was that we were already at MJ's house and I was laid down on the living room couch with my head on MJ's lap.

"What happened?" I asked confused.

"You are awake, good." I heard MJ's mother voice say.

"What happened? I don't remember getting here."

"You freaked out again." MJ told me.

"I did? Why?"

"Don't you remember?"

"Not really."

"Your sister is very worried about you. She is blaming herself." MJ's Mother told me.

"Why would she... oh."

"You remembered?"

"Kind of. I remember her telling me I already looked like a girl, but nothing after that."

"She said you closed your eyes for a few seconds and then got stiff before falling unconscious on the floor."

"You mean I freaked out and then passed out? Shit! That is the second time today."

"It is getting kind of annoying." MJ said.

"How long have I been out?"

"Just under a hour." Her mother said.

"What time is it?"

"It's almost 7."

I did want to get up but MJ was running her fingers through my hair and it was so relaxing. Of course at that moment my stomach rumbled very loudly causing MJ and her mother to giggle and me to blush of course.

"I hear someone is hungry." MJ said giggling.

"Yeah. I don't remember last time I ate something. I guess I was too busy freaking out to think about food."

"Don't worry about it. Dinner is almost ready. Your mother and my husband are having some fun in the kitchen. You know how much those two like to cook."

"Yeah, and you know how much daddy likes to eat too." MJ said.

"Look who is talking, miss energizer" Her mom shot back.

"You do have a big appetite." I told MJ.

"Hey, it's not my fault. Energizers do eat a lot because of their metabolism." MJ said.

"You should see how big the food bill is since she emerged. Thank heavens I'm not an energizer too or all our money would go towards food."

"I'm not so bad mom." MJ said pouting.

"I agree with MJ. I saw her eat, she eats a lot but not that much."

"That's because she takes a couple dozen energy bars to school in her backpack."

"What? Is that true?"

"I do get hungry after lunch, okay? It's not like I can eat what I want in the cafeteria during lunch without raising suspicion."

"As amusing as this is, Please, stop talking about food, I'm starving." I said and my stomach made an even bigger noise.

  

  

It took an eternity for the diner to be served and I was famished. (Actually it was less than five minutes but it felt like an eternity, okay?) I don't remember seeing so much food before. I guess they weren't kidding about the amount the food MJ and her father eat.

MJ sat right next to me at my right and my sister at my left. On the other side of the table were our mothers and our fathers were at the heads of the table. MJ's father didn't look happy about the seating arrangement, probably because it meant he didn't have easy access to all the food on the table, I on the other hand...

God, everything looked so good and the smells were absolutely divine. (Divine? did i just think that?) I serving myself when MJ leaned to me and whispered. "Will you still like me after you see me eating?"

"You can eat like a pig and I would still like you." I told her. "But now let's eat I'm starving."

In the end the diner was a surprise to everyone, of course MJ and her father ate a lot but everyone eyes were turned to me. I looked around and asked. "What? I said I was hungry."

"You did, but we never saw you eat like that." My mom said.

"What do you mean?"

"You just manage to out-eat Matt." MJ's mother said.

"But I am still hungry."

"Then by all means, keep eating." MJ's dad said. " I did suspected you would eat a lot more than you were used to, so we did cook extra."

"Why did you suspect that?" My father asked.

"Because of the speed of the changes and the powers he manifested so far. I thought he would have an appetite like a Brick or an Energizer. The powers showed so far suggests a TK Superman, but the pink visual effects are unusual."

"Brick? TK Superman? What are those?" I asked.

"Bricks are really though and strong and the TK Superman is the brick type that uses TK or telekinesis to emulate the classic superman powers, like strength, toughness and flight." He told us.

"So you think I might be one of those? A TK superman?"

"More like a TK Supergirl." My sister said.

"Lisa!" My mother yelled at her.

"No mom, she is right. I don't think I can deny anymore. I am even sounding like a girl now."

"We didn't want to say anything, but you are sounding like a girl now." My mom said. "Still Lisa shouldn't talk like that."

"I'm sorry Mark." My sister said.

"Don't worry about it sis."

"So what do we do now?" MJ asked.

"I don't know about you guys but I'm still up for dessert." I said. The faces everyone made was priceless. And yes, I still had dessert, four servings actually.

  

  

After diner I was finally feeling satisfied, although I could still have eaten a little more. Not that I would tell them that.

We were all in the living room, talking about tomorrow. MJ's father called a doctor friend of his, who specialized in mutant physiology and got me an appointment first thing in the morning at his friend's private practice. It seems that after he told his friend what was happening to me he was extremely interested in testing me. I just hope he doesn't use too many needles.

Suddenly we heard a commotion on the street and MJ's father and my dad went to the window to see if they could see what was going on.

"It seems a big crowd is coming up the street. I think they are going towards your house, John."

"Is it the H1?" I asked.

"More than likely. Ann (MJ's mother),grab the camera, we have to film this. I'm calling the police. Kids, go upstairs and stay away from the windows."

We did try to argue with them, but we weren't successful and we went upstairs. I was feeling terrible it was all my fault and I hated not knowing what was happening.

You probably thought you were finally going to see some action, didn't you? No such luck, the H1 didn't know where we were and the police came quickly. Yeah I was surprised at that too. First time we needed them that they showed up in a mater of minutes, but then again, the fact that MJ's father helped to set up their computer systems and knows half the force might have helped.

There was a bit of commotion and several people were arrested with Molotov Cocktails ready to throw at my house. Several others tried to resist arrest but most of them scattered like cockroaches when the light is turned on. I heard Steven and his father were among the crowd and MJ's mother’s recording will help to identify some of the ones that got away.

  

  

After the commotion was over, it was time for everyone to go to bed and MJ tried to use her sad puppy dog eye trick on her father for him to let me sleep in her bed with her, but her mother came to his rescue and said that she wouldn't let us sleep together after the display they saw in my home earlier today, and MJ was too smart to try the puppy dog eyes trick on her mother. Apparently mothers are immune to that particular trick. Go figure.

  

---

  
To be continued….
  

Please comment, give your opinion and suggestions. Your ideas might just end up influencing the path the story takes. Comments are like potato chips to Andrea, she would go crazy if she couldn’t have a whole bag-full. (H.E.R.)

  
Somewhere in this chapter:

“Mark?” MJ said with a worrisome tone in her voice.

“Yeah?”

“Are you okay?”

“I'm having a few cramps this morning but it is natural after all I ate last night, other than that I feel fine, why?”

  

---

 
 

Disclaimer:
 

"This is fan fiction for the Whateley Academy series. It may or may not match the timeline, characters, and continuity, but since it's fan fiction, who cares?
  

---

 
 

In the end, my parents got the guest room, my sister got to share with MJ (talk about unfair) and I got the five star luxury treatment, my own very special sofa to sleep in. Fortunately it was big enough so I could lay down comfortably. I thought it would take me a long time to be able to fall asleep but I guess it came as soon as I got my head on the pillow because I don't remember anything after that.

Thursday, February 15 2007

You might notice that I put the date up now, because I just noticed that I didn't do it yesterday. I had too much on my mind and never thought about it until now. Thankfully it is just one day and I won't go back and add it. (yeah, I'm lazy like that.)

Anyway, MJ woke me the next morning with a kiss and let me tell you, what a great way to wake up, waaaaaaaaaay better than my heart attack inducing alarm clock.

“Good morning, beautiful.” She said to me.

“Good morning.” I said back rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. “What time is it?”

“A little after 6.”

“Why did you wake me so early?”

“Because I have school today and you need to get ready for your powers testing.”

“What? I thought you were going with me to my powers testing.”

“I can't, I asked my mom and she said I had to go to school.”

“Man, that is so unfair.”

“I thought so too, but after she said we needed to know how things are at school, I decided to go. It’s especially important because your sister will be there too and my mom wants me to protect her if something happens.”

“But why does she have to go?”

“I'm not sure, but it seems to have something to do with maintaining appearances, making people think everything is normal. If she doesn't go today everyone will know something is up.”

“I'm still worried about her. Keep an eye on her for me, okay?”

“Will do.” She said and gave me a quick kick on the lips. “Now get up and get ready. I'll make breakfast.”

“Breakfast made by you? I'm up, I'm up.” I said jumping off the sofa, hoping today would be a better day than yesterday. I couldn't be more wrong.

“Mark?” MJ said with a worrisome tone in her voice.

“Yeah?”

“Are you okay?”

“I'm having a few cramps this morning but it is natural after all I ate last night, other than that I feel fine, why?”

She didn't say anything just kept looking at my groin area and that made me look down. The first thing I noticed is that my (sigh) breasts were even bigger than last night and I had to bend down a little to be able to look at where she was staring at. Let me tell you, THAT was a mistake as the next thing I remember was waking up on the floor with MJ calling me.

“W...what happened?” I asked.

“You passed out.... again” MJ said.

“Did I?”

“Yeah, it is becoming a habit for you, isn't it?”

“It is not my fault that things keep happening to freak me out. So what was it this time?”

“Are you going to freak out again?”

“I will try not to, but I can't promise you. Is that good enough?”

“That will have to do. Congratulations, Mark.”

“For what?”

“You are a girl. I think you are just having your first period.”

“WHAT?????” I practically yelled and looked down and I was a bloody mess. Yeah, I was almost freaking out again when MJ hugged me and I started to calm down. (That means cry like a baby).

“Why does my life have to be so screwed up? What I'm going to do now?” I said between sobs.

“First you are going to take a shower and clean up this mess, then I'm going to get you something for you to deal with your period.”

“Oh God. I'm having a period that means that I have a... a....”

“A vagina, yes.”

“Shit! Shit! Shit! I'm not ready to deal with this yet.”

“Unfortunately you will have to. Now go have a shower.”

I reluctantly went upstairs and into the shower, and before you ask, yes, I did undress first. The shower water hitting my skin was very pleasant and there were several foreign sensations that I was trying very hard to block out and I just went through the motions. Let me tell you when I had to clean my nether region I almost freaked out again. I so miss my little friend, the new configuration feels disturbingly odd and that's all I’m going to say about it.

I was finishing up my shower when the bathroom door opened. I thought it was MJ but to my horror was my mother that came inside.

“Mark? How are you feeling?” She asked me. Thankfully the towel was wrapped around me.

“M.....mom? What are you doing here?”

“MJ said you are having some problems.”

“Problems?”

“Yes, female problems.” She said and I went beet red.

“Did she tell you? Why?”

“I saw the blood on the sofa sheets, went looking for you thinking you were hurt and found MJ about to come in here with a box of tampons. I made her tell me everything.”

“Oh. So what do I do now?”

“First, let me take a look at my new daughter and then you are going to have to put the tampon in, I wanted to give you a panty liner but there are none in this house, at least not the kind used for periods.”

“Is there more than one type?”

“You'll see.” It was all she said.

The next few hours (okay, it was only a few minutes, but it felt like hours) were the most humiliating in my life so far. Not only did she have me stand naked in front of her, she actually made me put in the tampon while she watched me. And to make matters worse she thought I had to get the ‘birds and bees’ lecture from the female perspective. Let me tell you, it was not fun at all and I was so hoping that I would freak out again to escape that, but I think that after discovering you are having a period on your first day as a girl kind of makes it hard to freak out about other things.

My next problem was clothes, because, let's face it, there isn't anything I own that would fit me anymore. I don't think I lost any height, at least I don’t think I did. My mom measured me and together with the other females in the house, managed to get me something to wear and I swear my sister wanted me to put skirts on. In the end I was wearing a pair of jeans and a pink t-shirt, MJ had in her closet. I just put the dammed thing on because everyone said, it was the pink t-shirt or go topless, at least it wasn't a Hello Kitty one. No, I’m not wearing a bra, because none of the ones available would fit me. Apparently I’m bigger than MJ or even my sister up top, but not as big as my mom. My sister seemed jealous, saying it was unfair that her brother had bigger breasts than she did.

Okay, I think I talked too much about clothing already and I am uncomfortable enough as it is. Of course I was about to get even more uncomfortable and I didn't know it.

  

  

“You look so cute in that.” MJ said when she saw me.

“I don't want to look cute.” I said and did something that looked disturbingly like a pout.

“Cute does seem to agree with you, sis.” Lisa told me trying to hold her laughter.

“I'm glad I amuse you so, sis.” I said angrily at her. I turned to the others and said. “So, what do we do now?”

“I guess we should think about your name, you don't look like a Mark anymore.” MJ said it.

“Melody.” I heard my mom say.

“What?” I asked.

“Melody, that's your new name.”

“I like it.” MJ said and my sister nodded.

“Don't I have a choice in that?”

“No, Melody was going to be your name if you were born a girl and now you are one, so I call the parental right to name their children and name you Melody.”

“B..b..but mom, I don't want to be Melody. It's too girly”

“No buts young lady. It is your name now so get used to it. You didn't have a choice the first time so you don't have a choice now. If you want you can change after your 18th birthday.” My mom said with her no nonsense voice and I knew the discussion was over.

“Come on Mel, let's get some breakfast before my dad eats it all.” MJ said, grabbing my hand and pulling me along with her.

“Mel?”

“Yes, it is your new nickname.” MJ said and kept dragging me downstairs.

  

  

Downstairs things weren't much better. As soon as I arrived at the table, the dads' mouths looked like they were going to fall off and their eyes bugged out.

“M..Mark? Is that you?” My dad asked, not believing his eyes.

“H...hi dad.” I said blushing.

“Melody, you can sit at the same spot you did last night.” MJ said.

“Melody?” My dad asked and looked at mom that was just arriving.

“Yes, hon. Melody. That's the name we agreed on if she was born a girl, remember?”

“But changing his name already?”

“Why not, our daughter is having her first period so I thought I was appropriate for her to have a girls name.”

Hearing that, my father's face went green, probably more about the word period than the fact I was now named Melody.”

“P...period? Does it mean the changes...”

“Are complete? I think so.” My mom said interrupting dad.

“That was too fast. Thankfully we are already going to see a doctor right after breakfast.” MJ's dad said.

“I thought I was going to have my powers tested?” I asked him.

“That and a complete medical checkup. Don't worry, my friend has everything he needs in his private clinic.”

  

  

I don't think I need to tell you how much I ate, right? Let's just say that I have no idea how that much can fit inside my stomach as it looks physically impossible, but then again I could ask the same thing about MJ's or her father's. I think that my parent's and my sister looked a little sick seeing us eating like we did.

After breakfast MJ and Lisa went to school while my parents and MJ's dad went with me to the doctor.

Arriving at his clinic, it didn't look like anything special. We parked and went inside. The receptionist looked at us and then at MJ's dad recognizing him and said. “Good morning, the doctor is waiting for you.”

“Thanks Elaine.” He said and we went to meet the doctor.

Entering his office, a middle aged man greeted us. He had a full head of hair that was starting to go gray on the temples giving a distinguished look, he was also very fit and didn't look much like a doctor, he looked like he should be in Hollywood making movies.

“Good morning, so this is the young... lady you told me last night?” The doctor asked.

“Yes, this is her Dr. Paine.” MJ's dad said.

“Doctor Pain?” I asked wondering why would he have such a name, was he a super-villain or something?

“No, P A I N E with and e at the end.”

“Oh, sorry. For a moment I thought that was some sort of super-villain name or something.”

“Actually my old super-villain name was Dr. Pain.” He said proudly.

“You mean you are a super-villain?” I asked and glared at MJ's dad. How could he take me to a super-villain. I was worried I would be tortured now. I looked around and saw the same worried expressions from my parents.

“I'm retired. I got tired of having the law after me and frankly I make more money legally than I was able to when I was a super-villain. I just couldn't live up to my name. I found out that I hate to make people suffer.”

“Oh, okay.” I said with a sigh of relief.

“At least when I'm not dricking out.” He finished.

“Dricking out?”

“I am a Devisor and unfortunately I suffer from Diedrick's Syndrome, that's a fairly common syndrome among devisors but can be controlled using medication.

“Diedrick's Syndrome? What is that?” I asked.

“Think about the classic super-villain attitude, the megalomania, the paranoia, the delusions of grandeur and irrationality among other things. Those are classical symptoms of it. When I was a super-villain I wasn't on medication so I was constantly dricking out.”

“Oh, I see. So most master-minds are suffering from it?”

“Some yes, others just are like that. But enough about me, we are here to talk about you and your mutation.” With that, everyone but my mom and I left the room.

“I was told that you started to change yesterday and you were are a boy, right?”

“Right.”

“You seem to be changing very fast, faster than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

“I...I don't think she is changing anymore, Dr.” My mom said.

“You mean the changes are complete? How do you know that?”

“She started her period sometime during the night.” She said and I tried to hide my face behind my hands ashamed.

“Incredible. What other things happened to you during that time?”

I told him everything that happened and he just kept nodding his head. After I finished he asked. “When you picked up that toothbrush, did you have control over the hand?”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you control it or it just did that on its own?”

“I think it did on its own. I was just watching what was happening, as surprised as my sister was.”

“And what about when you blasted that kid?”

“I just wanted him to leave me alone. I never thought about blasting him or anything.”

“That's strange. Most of what you told me sounded like the Typical TK superman stuff with external use of telekinesis with a good degree with dexterity but that requires a high level of control, something you don't seem to have yet. Do you hear any voices inside or head, see images or have strange feelings?”

“Voices no, pictures no, feelings? Every time I move I feel strange feelings but other than that no. Why do you ask?”

“I was wondering if you might be an avatar. Not that the fact you didn't experience those things yet means you are not one.”

“An avatar?”

“Mutants that host a spirit in a symbiotic relationship. Avatars maintain and feed spirits the energy they need while the spirits give avatars some or all of their powers.”

“What kind of spirit would give me pink powers? Or pink hair, or make me a girl?”

“I have no idea. Whether you are an avatar or not, it doesn't mean the pink aspect is part of that, it might be just part of your mutation. The only clue we have about it so far is that your external TK seem to be somewhat independent of you, just reacting to what you want and doing it independently. We will explore that more later, first we should go and have the physical exam.”

With that he directed me to the examination room and gave me a pink hospital gown for me to change into. (Yeah, I know. Couldn't he give me a blue one?)

So I changed, was measured (It seems I am still 5”10'), weighted (no I'm not going to tell you my weight) and made me lay down in a table that had something metal protruding from it at where my legs are supposed to rest and it was so humiliating, even more than when my mother explained to me how to use the tampons. I was completely exposed to a stranger and WHY DOES WHATEVER HE USED, HAVE TO BE SO COLD? (and yes, my mom was with me the whole time.)

Finishing up what I learned was a pelvic exam, he called a nurse and she took some blood without problems and the doctor seemed surprised at that.

The nurse was leaving the exam room with my blood when I heard a few pops and the nurse yelled.

“What happened?” The doctor asked.

“I.. I don't know. One moment the blood was in the vials and then it seemed to vanish and the vials just imploded.” She said nervously.

“Fascinating.” Was all Dr. Paine said.

He turned to me with a syringe and took some more blood, noticing that when the needle left my arm the wound appeared to heal very fast, not letting a single drop of blood escape. He looked at the syringe and waited for a few seconds when suddenly the blood inside seemed to just vanish and the syringe sort of broke inwards like it was imploding.

“Simply fascinating and very disturbing too. It seems we won't be able to do a blood exam after all.”

“Disturbing? Why?” I asked him.

Because it seems that when any of your blood leaves your body it simply ceases to exist after a few moments.”

“I don't understand.” I told him.

“I don't either, but I will figure it out.”

  

---

  
To be continued….
  

Please comment, give your opinion and suggestions. Your ideas might just end up influencing the path the story takes. If you have read to this point, you KNOW that Andrea writes REALLY well. Please leave a comment so she can see how well you write. (H.E.R.)

  

  

Disclaimer:
 

"This is fan fiction for the Whateley Academy series. It may or may not match the timeline, characters, and continuity, but since it's fan fiction, who cares?
  

---

 
 

We then left the office and he led us to an elevator. We got inside and the elevator started to go down and kept going down for quite a while.

"We are going to the powers testing area now. It is deep underground mostly because the structure was already here. This used to be one of my laboratories and holdouts during my super-villain days and I converted it to it's current purposes."

"Are you saying that this used to be a super-villain base? How deep are we going?"

"Yes, that's pretty much what it was and we are going down about a mile underground."

"Why is it so deep?"

"Well... The thing is that I was extremely paranoid when I was dricking and I built it during my dricking episodes. You can't imagine how many traps against intruders I placed."

"But it is safe now, right?" I asked starting to feel worried.

"Yes it is completely safe. I removed all the traps.... I think."

Oh shit.

  

  

When the elevator finally stopped, the door opened and what I saw surprised me. I wasn't sure what to expect but I wasn't expecting this. The place looked completely normal. It looked like a waiting room like the one you would see anywhere other than the lack of windows.

I followed him into an area that looked like a gym, he grabbed something that looked like a very small black leotard and told me to put it on.

“What is this?” I asked

“It is an elastic catsuit that has several tiny sensors embedded that I designed and built.” The doctor said proudly.

“It's too small.”

“Don't worry about it. The material is extremely elastic and will fit perfectly.”

“Are you sure?" I asked looking at the offending garment that looked like it wouldn't fit a 10 year old.

" Yes I'm sure. I it's one size fits all. "

“And don't forget to disrobe completely before putting on the catsuit.”

“You mean I need to put this on naked? Why?”

“So that the sensors can pick up all the necessary information, any clothing would just interfere with them.”

"You don't expect me to change here, do you?"

"Oh, sorry. The door on the right is a changing room, you can change there."

What could I do? I went to the locker room next to the gym area, disrobed and put on the darned thing, at least it wasn't pink. It was completely black. The suit covered from my feet up till my neck, it had even gloves. Yes, it covered every inch of skin bellow my chin, what made me feel relieved to not be showing much skin as I wasn't ready for that just yet. Of course that as soon as I looked at the mirror all the relief I felt was washed away and replaced by a sense of dread. The suit did cover everything but at the same time it hugged every curve I had and made the twin mounds on my chest look bigger than they are (no, I’m not ready to call them by their proper name yet), making me look hot, too hot, in a catwoman hot way, and the worst thing is that it was so comfortable that it almost felt like I was naked. so yeah, I was not a happy camper. 'Now I see why the doctor was proud of having designed this, he is a pervert.'

  

  

I was about to leave the room when I decided to take one last look at the mirror.

'Damn, this thing makes me feel more naked than naked.'

'Too bad it is so black, if it had some pink and some gold details it would look cute.'

'Did I just think that?'

'Hummm... Hello?' Can you hear me?

'No, no, no, no, no! I'm not hearing voices. I refuse to hear voices saying something would look cute on me with pink in it.'

'You can hear me? Oh my gosh! Finally! (I could swear I felt a mental girly jumping up and down.)

“W..who are you? Where are you?”

'You can call me Mary Sue and I am inside you, silly. I am a spirit I think.'

“Mary Sue? Are you kidding me? What kind of name is that for a spirit?”

'It is my name and I like it, okay? I think it is very cute. I wouldn't change it just because I died, okay?'

'God I’m going insane here. Now I’m hearing a cute voice inside my head.'

'You are not going insane. I've been trying to talk to you since yesterday morning.'

“Yesterday morning was when my changes started, are you responsible for them?”

'Maybe? Not all of them. I noticed you yesterday morning at school and you sort of glowed to me and I decided to take a closer look. You know how being dead is, you get bored most of the time so anything unusual brings up my attention. So, you looked like you were glowing to me and I decided to get a closer look at you. The first thing I notice were your eyes as they were turning a nice pink color and I HAD to look closer. I so love pink it is such a cute color, don't you think? Anyway when I got really close to you I suddenly ended up being sucked into you somehow and here I am.'

“So, the pink isn't your doing?”

'I don't think so.'

“And the girl thing?”

'How am I supposed to know. ? I remember thinking that I thought your eyes were such a nice shade of pink but too bad it was on a boy, it would look sooooooo cute in a girl, but I don't think that is enough to make you into a girl. Maybe you already had a girl bit or maybe because I got sucked into you maybe our BITs merged and you ended up with a girl BIT?'

“You mean that if you didn't got close to me and got sucked in I would still be a boy?”

'Maybe? But a boy with pink eyes. It would be such a waste, and would look sooo gay.'

What could I say to that? She was right. Still I didn't want to be a girl, but now it was too late. What could I do? Freak out again?

“So, were you a mutant?”

'I guess so. I was never tested when I was alive. One day things suddenly started to move around me within me even touching them and some people saw it. The next thing I knew I was being beat up and then everything went black. I guess I died then,'

“Oh God! I'm so sorry.”

'It was a long time ago. I'm over its now.'

“When was it?”

'July 1st, 1969. I was 15 years old.'

“So you've been a ghost for almost 40 years?”

'Yes. Can you imagine how boring that is? How depressing is to see so many cute clothes being created and not be able to try a single thing? And what about the shoes? I love shoes. I wanted to try them so badly. Also I couldn't talk to anyone. I'm so happy that I can talk to you now. You look very cute by the way. I can't wait until we go shopping, we will have sooooo much fun trying all sorts of cute outfits.'

“No, no, no, no, NO! No cute outfits for me. I don't even like pink.”

'Awww, come on. Don't be such a party pooper. It's will be fun, trust me. I bet your girlfriend will love to see you try some cute outfits.'

“Hey! That's a low blow.” MJ does like things a little too much on the cute side of things. 'I'm so doomed.' I swear I could hear Mary Sue giggling at me.

“Anyway I should go back out or the doctor will wonder why I’m taking so long in here, but and please, please try to stay quiet during the tests, and okay? ”

'Awww, do I have to?'

'Yes you do. I need to concentrate during the tests and we have a lot of time to talk later if we are stuck with each other, and okay? '

' Ok. ' she said in a whiny mental voice. I hope I don't end up insane because of her, and or worse, I converted to the pink side of life. (shudder)

  

  

I left the locker room and the doctor was waiting for me pacing back and forth impatiently. He noticed me leaving the room and said: “Finally. What took you so long?”

“Do you remember the question about hearing voices? I started to hear one now.”

“Really? Did you talk to it? What kind of spirit is it? An ancient one? An elemental spirit? Maybe the spirit of an ancient God or maybe even something even more exotic? ” He asked excitedly.

“I talked to her and she isn't an ancient spirit or anything like that. She was just a mutant girl that was killed in 1969 probably just after manifesting. ”

“Oh, Never mind then. It is still interesting but not as interesting as an ancient god or an elemental spirit. At least we know now that you are an avatar. Are you ready for the tests?”

“As ready as I'll ever be I guess.”

The first test was running on a treadmill. It seems I can sprint about 35mph and keep a steady pace of around 20 mph. I was really impressed by that because I was never very good at running, actually I wasn't very good at any kind of physical exercise.

I think I was running for a little over 30 minutes when I felt something hit me being my head l, I lost my equilibrium and couldn't keep up because I was in the middle of a sprint and was practically thrown off the treadmill and fell down on a... I pink pillow?

"That was unexpected." I heard the doctor say as I was getting up and as soon I got up the pink pillow simply vanished.

"What the heck happened?" I asked angrily.

"I throwed a baseball at you." He told me calmly.

"Why did you do that?"

"Basically it's was to determine if you possess some sort of danger sense, and that could be an indication of an psi trait and/or precognitive powers."

"But did you have to throw in so hard?"

" I'm sorry but it had to be at least a little dangerous for it to work. Although the pink pillow was unexpected."

"What does that mean?"

"I'm not sure yet, but after we finish the tests and go through the data collected by the suit I will."

  

  

The next test was weight lifting. The machine would automatically increase the weight until I couldn't do it anymore. At the beginning it was very easy and it started to get harder and harder until I thought I couldn't lift anymore, at that moment the pink glow returned, this time only around my arms and hands and the weights suddenly felt lighter, so I kept going until I couldn't do it anymore.

"Hmmmm.... Fascinating." The doctor said with a curious expression.

After that came a test where he said it was supposed to test my reflexes, of course I think it was just something for him to exercise his sadistic nature as I was led into a room where there were some holes on the walls and the doctor left me alone in there. All I can say is that the holes were for the cannons and I was submitted to the dodge ball game from hell. I was supposed to dodge the balls and at first it was easy., and the problem was that the balls start to come faster and faster and I was having problems dodging them and I got hit once and then the pink force field came up again and the balls couldn't get to me anymore.

The next test thankfully wasn't a physical but an IQ one. Fortunetly the doctor had an alternative test because I did one before and I could remember all the answers for the standard one as it seems I have a photographically memory now along with a considerable boost in my IQ.

After that we stopped for a bit so we could eat something and, if boy I was famished. I ate a lot but the doctor didn't seem impressed, I guess my appetite wasn't uncommon. I tried to ask him about the results so far but he said it was a bit soon to say anything because at the moment other than the avatar thing the rest would be especulation.

  
Next time..... More powers testing and hopefully some answers.
  
Please comment, give your opinion and suggestions. Your ideas might just end up influencing the path the story takes.