The rest of the morning passed pretty quietly at the Gerards'. Jason sat on the couch, watching cartoons and playing games, trying not to think about his situation, and his mother sat reading a book. Neither said much of anything; both were saving all their discussion for the visit to the Connely's house later on.
Jason, as much as he was trying to ignore it, was feeling confused and scared, his mind a tangle of questions. Why had this happened to him? Was it because of something he did? Was it because he had mistreated Becky? Or was it just random chance? He knew the note was magic, but who had written it? More importantly, what was going to happen to him? If they couldn't find a way for him to change back, was he really going to develop into a girl, like Becky had? How could he live like that? He knew his mom wouldn't make him act all girly, but...what if he started to anyway? That was what girls did, right? What if Jason started wanting to wear dresses? Or makeup? What if he started liking boys? Or...what if he wanted to have kids!? He couldn't bear to think about it, and focused on the game with renewed effort.
Rachel worried about her son. If it was true that he was stuck like this, that he was going to go through puberty as a girl, he would probably take it pretty hard, but exactly how hard? She would have to watch him carefully, but if his possible depression were bad enough, she might have to take him to the doctor, and their cover would be well and truly blown. But how could they keep it a secret anyway, if Jason were to go back to school? As the Connelys had realized, one locker-room shower and it was all over. But what wad the alternative? Could she manage home-schooling him? The Connellys would know, she told herself. They could help her figure this out.
As much as Becky hated to admit it, the nightgown was very comfy. She'd been lounging around in it all morning; none of the girls had quite managed to get around to getting dressed. She hadn't bothered to remove the makeup yet, either; she'd just make sure to do it before she left. Left, left...oh! That was right, she had to call her house and let her parents know about lunch with the Gerards!
She tried, but the phone was still off the hook. Well, she needed to get going, anyway; it was almost eleven. She got dressed and said her goodbyes to the other girls, and Mrs. Carlisle drove her home. Along the way, she felt something in her pants pocket and pulled it out. It was a scrap of paper, with a message written on it:
Dear Becky,
We have to admit, you make a pretty decent girl! We're glad you're one of us; come by again some time! See you at school!
Your friends,
Ellen and Laura
