A young New Yorker finds himself in over his head after finding a symbiote that changes him in unexpected ways.

Update 1 added cover and story description.

Logan's first day at Westridge Academy thrusts him into a world of unwanted attention and carefully choreographed social hierarchies. As he searches for small cracks in the system that controls him, an unexpected incident during practice threatens to push him even deeper into a role he never wanted.

The alarm woke me up with this annoying sound l despised so much. Last night’s sleep didn’t feel restful. I had to think about my big sis right away which made me sad. This sadness did not last very long because I knew I had to fight my own battles. I remembered the musical meeting which made me feel excited. I actually was looking forward to seeing Madison again. I wanted to get to know her more. I remembered that she mentioned she was going through some stuff. Maybe I could help her by being a good listener.

Chapter 19: Whispers in the Halls

As Logan's transformation into "Elle" continues, a complete beauty makeover at an elite salon pushes his physical metamorphosis to startling new levels. Beyond his dramatically altered appearance, Logan discovers disturbing evidence that his behaviors and emotional responses are being systematically altered, blurring the lines between his authentic self and his manufactured feminine identity.

As the effects of the mysterious GIRLI protocol continue to reshape Logan's entire physical presence at an alarming rate, an outing with three senior cheerleading captains takes an unexpected turn. What begins as an uncomfortable shopping trip to establish "Elle's" new fashion identity suddenly becomes much more precarious. A chance encounter with someone from Logan's past threatens to expose everything, forcing a desperate decision about how far he'll go to protect his unwanted new identity.

Elizabeth’s Quarters:
Elizabeth wakes up and feels herself being held. She could feel something soft being pressed against her back. It took her mind a few seconds to realize who was in bed with her. Her mouth had a weird taste, a taste she had never tasted before.

She was wet between her legs and hoped she wasn’t going back to how she was when she came to the vineyard. She manages to turn around in the arms to face who is holding her. A smile forms on her face as she realizes it is Carol.

When star wide receiver Logan Turner suffers a devastating back injury that ends his football career and costs him his scholarship, desperation leads him to a mysterious facility promising athletic "repurposing" and a second chance. Under the care of the enigmatic Dr. Gupta, Logan begins a process he doesn't fully understand. As strange occurrences mount at the facility, he faces a transformation far more profound than he ever anticipated--unaware that the path ahead is nothing like he could have imagined.

The Pageant: Then and Now
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

Part 1 – Before the Pageant

“Is that really your hair? I can’t believe it,” said Mac, at last working the mouth that had just gaped for a full minute.

“Color highlights, curlers, backcombing and hair spray and shit. You would not believe what I have been through.” said Brad. “Like I just said, I wish I had never got Mom involved.”

“You will win the prize, Man,” said Mac. “You just have to, looking like that.

Author's note: Numerous people pointed out to me that I forgot to post this. Thank you for letting me know. I tried to keep track of which chapters I needed to post, but I messed up. Sorry for the confusion, and I hope this helps to make chapter 6 flow better.

Chapter 5: Sleepover

The blue glow of David's computer monitor illuminated his face as he stared at the Skype window, waiting for Morgan to accept his call. David had spent the last hour trying to focus on his physics homework, but his mind kept wandering to the town meeting tomorrow, the bizarre energy that he and Tony had witnessed in the park, and now Morgan's increasingly frantic messages about Melissa.

Bigger Than I Expected

I could barely catch my breath as I stood before the mirror, my heart racing in my chest—not from physical pain, though there was certainly plenty of that—but from sheer, overwhelming disbelief at my reflection.

Let me take a step back for a moment.

A group of people wake up in video game world and are forced to work together to survive and find out how to escape.

Chapter 48 The End.

A group of people wake up in video game world and are forced to work together to survive and find out how to escape.

Chapter 47 The Nexus.

Chapter One.

I suppose my story started a few years ago. Let me take you back to the beginning.

A group of people wake up in video game world and are forced to work together to survive and find out how to escape.

Chapter 46 Into The Void.

The deep pain flared like shrapnel from an old battle, hard and sharp and deadly. The hot words straight from padre’s mouth — “I have no daughter!” And the cold ones, a year later, by his hand. “It is my specific desire and intent to disinherit . . . .”