Chapter One
"Yeah doc, I think I've come down with the flu or something." Jerome sat on the table in the doctor's office, looking miserable.
"Well you certainly don't look good," replied Dr. Morbus, a smirk on his face. The doctor was an old family friend of the Clarke's. He and Jerome could always coax a laugh out of each other. "So, what are some of your symptoms?"
"There's this awful pain in my stomach and, do I look bloated to you?" Jerome lifted up his shirt and struck a pose. Now it was Dr. Morbus's turn to laugh.
Taking on a more serious tone, he said, "Actually, yes, you do look a little bloated. And you said stomach pain? Has there been any vomiting?"
"A few times."
"And when did these symptoms first appear?"
"It started a few weeks ago as what I thought was indigestion. It's been getting worse ever since."
"Any changes in behavior, eating, or sleeping habits recently?"
Flashback- A few months before
It was a Saturday night so the house was nearly empty. Other than Victor and Trudy, the only beings not out partying were Alfie and Jerome. They told the others that they had to finish their project for Mrs. Andrew's class. Little did the other housemates know the two had already finished their project. But, since they usually wait until the last minute for everything, this made for a good, believable excuse.
Jerome and Alfie really just wanted to have more time alone together. They didn't want anyone to know about this alone time for fear of criticism. So they locked themselves in their room, away from the outside world.
They started by watching a movie while curled up next to each other. Even though it was a violent, action movie, they were still able to find some semi- romantic parts during which they found themselves moving closer to each other and holding hands. When the movie was over, the two boys shared their first kiss. It shocked them both. Neither of them was thinking about what they were doing. It just happened.
After the reality of their actions sunk in, Jerome and Alfie couldn't stop themselves from kissing again and again and again and, eventually, it turned into more than just kissing.
End of Flashback
"But it only happened once," Jerome said as he finished telling Dr. Morbus the story, "And it was a long time ago."
"How is your, um, partner doing? Are they showing any of the same symptoms?" asked the doctor.
"I'm not sure. Things have been kind of awkward between us since… well, you know. But he's out in the waiting room. He had to come with because we're supposed to be at the library working on another project."
"Would you mind bringing him in here? I'd like to check him out too."
"Um, sure." Jerome left the room briefly and returned a few minutes later followed by Alfie.
"Hello Dr. Morbus," said Alfie, "I'm Alfie."
"Uh-huh," said Dr. Morbus, looking him up and down. "You're a dude."
"Uh, thanks?" said Alfie.
The doctor turned towards Jerome. "He's a dude."
"Yeah, I've noticed." Jerome was kind of irritated. "Haven't you been paying attention?"
"Eh, sort of," replied the doctor. "So Alfie, how have you been feeling lately? Any stomach pain or anything?"
"A little bit of stomach pain actually," replied Alfie.
"Can I take a look?" Dr. Morbus motioned for Alfie to lift up his shirt. When the boy obeyed, the doctor examined his slightly puffy midsection. "Are you bloated too?"
Jerome couldn't help but giggle at this. Alfie, on the other hand, was extremely confused. "Bloated?" he asked. Then he noticed his friend's laughter and added, "Did I miss something?"
Disregarding that last question, Dr. Morbus said, "It's just that you two seem to be exhibiting nearly the same symptoms." Turning back to Jerome, "You said this happened after you-"
"Yes," interrupted Jerome.
"Interesting. Would you mind if I felt you stomachs?"
Neither of the boys objected. They lifted up their shirts revealing that they had the exact same little bump. "Any ideas about what could be causing this?" Jerome asked the doctor.
"I think," said Alfie, "we've both been infected with some kind of alien parasite and now it's growing inside of us."
"As crazy as that seems," explains the doctor, "You might actually be on the right track." Noticing the confused expressions on both Jerome and Alfie's faces he continued. "You see, there might actually be something growing inside you. It could be a parasite or a tumor. Given the fact both of you seem to have it; it's more likely that it's a parasite. It could've started in one of you and gotten passed to the other when you-"
"Okay, we get it," said Jerome, irritated. "Now would you please stop mentioning that?"
"Sorry, but it could be an important piece of information when it comes to treating you."
"So how are you going to figure out what it is?" asked Jerome.
"Well, I'd like to do an MRI on both of you. I'd like to do it soon just in case it is something serious. Can you guys be here tomorrow at four o'clock?"
"Sure," said both boys in unison. Then they left, curious about what the next day would bring.
After school the next day, Jerome and Alfie headed straight for the doctor. This time they used the excuse that they had detention and had to stay after school.
Once they arrived, Dr. Morbus took them to a back room for the MRIs. Alfie volunteered to go first while Jerome waited in the hall. Just a few minutes later, the doctor stuck his head out the door and said, "Jerome, I'd like you to see this." Jerome followed him into a room with a computer screen. When he saw what was on the screen, Jerome exclaimed, "Oh my gosh! That's what's inside Alfie? What is that?"
"It's your son."