The Fallout

"Are you sure about this?"

Seth cringed as he held the scissors to Jasmine's hair.

"Yes."

"I can't do it."

He handed Riyle the responsibility.

"What makes you think I can?"

He took the scissors, but handed them back to Jasmine quickly.

"Please? This is important. She begged. They had spent the best part of an hour riffling through all their wardrobes looking for clothes she could borrow. She'd unearthed the bandages she had stolen from her mum's medicine cabinet and with their help (albeit embarrassedly) they had bound her chest tightly, so her figure was less obviously female, but this was the final step. If I don't like it, it will grow back."

"She has a point."

Seth conceded.

"Are you 100% sure about this?"

"Yes."

Riyle closed his eyes and chopped. Seth also covered his unable to watch.

"So what do you think?"

They opened their eyes and Jasmine was sat before them, her previously shoulder length blonde hair now just below her ears.

"It actually works."

Seth commented in surprise.

"So is that it then?"

Riyle wasn't sure his heart could take any more.

"Actually there is one more step."

"What's that?"

She delved in her desk draw and handed Riyle a bottle of hair dye.

"That's adventurous."

"I think it will suit you."

Seth gave his approval.

"You don't think it is too dark?"

Riyle wasn't sure, but in reality that was because he was still seeing Jasmine's old self.

"No it will be fine."

Seth assured him.

Half an hour later when the colour had dried, they selected a blue and white checked shirt and a pair of jeans for Jason to try on.

"So what do you think?"

"I think you look great."

Seth hugged his twin tightly.

"Thanks. Riyle?"

"I like it, but I'm not so sure about the shirt."

"Oi, that's mine."

Seth whined playfully.

"Yeah, well I think it is all perfect. Thanks guys."

"Are you ready to show mum and dad?"

Riyle asked.

"As I'll ever be. Then I have to go and see Bart."

"Both in one day? I am impressed."

Riyle wanted Jason to know how proud he was of him, but like most guys he found it difficult to express his feelings.

"Bart will be nothing compared to mum and dad."

Seth teased as Jason rolled his eyes at his lack of subtlety.

"You'll be fine. We are here for you."

"Better get this over with. Walking into the front room Jason's first thought was 'you could hear a pin drop'. Mum? Dad?"

They turned slowly to face him and the look of utter disgust was one he knew he would never forget.

"Out."

"What?"

Seth and Riyle spoke in unison. Jason had been rendered mute.

"Get THAT out of my house."

"Jason is your son."

Riyle screamed.

"THAT THING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME."

Carl spat venomously with every word unable to look Jason in the face.

"Dad?"

"Out!"

"Fine. If he goes then we go."

"Mum, please?"

Jason pleaded as his world seemed to be crashing around him.

"Just do as your dad says."

"Mum, tell him. Riyle stared at his dad menacingly. He wanted to shake him, to smack some sense into him. He is your son. You should be ashamed of yourself."

"Forget it Riyle. I'll go."

"No. We'll go. Pack a bag. You too Seth."

"Don't do this Riyle. I'll be okay."

"No way. He treats you like this we all leave."

"Go and you'll miss that reporter tomorrow."

Carl sneered smugly.

"I don't care. He looked his dad right in the eye. Family is more important than football."