Later that afternoon, the Headmaster's quarters

Gentle reader, it's been said that the hardest thing for any strong person to do is say "I'm sorry." And when one is dealing with family drama, the grudges from the past are never the easiest to forgive and forget. It's easier to hold on to the grudges and to never let the people who wronged us get us down.

But when it comes to an unexpected event, for better or worse; sometimes one has to swallow their pride and finally humble down in order to find peace and clarity.

Such is the case for Ja'Marco as he, after a long day of classes and a redacted afternoon tea with the adults, was soon alone with Melinda with the teen getting ready for the first swimming and diving meet of the school year at Glenview Valley Academy for Boys. After his surprise visit from the Westons and Felicia (who were soon out of the city, according to Frederich), he knew that he was due to get some answers to what was going on. But first, he had to say the words that he thought he would never have to say.

"Mom, I'm sorry," Ja'Marco breathed as he was in the guest bedroom changing into the trademark gold-and-green speedo that would accentuate and hug his groin perfectly. "I know that the past few weeks have been chaotic and you and the others were only trying to get me to open up to the community and the Quitmans. I admit that I still have my suspicions on all of this, but I wasn't making things easier by remaining stubborn. You only want the best for me."

He heard his mother hum as he finished tying the strings of the triangular swimsuit and tucking them inside. "And I take it that this is from the visit you had with Felicia and the Westons?" she asked from the living room. "Your uncle said that you needed a bit of familiarity."

"Well, the visit did help me with saying goodbye to all the things that...well, held me back, to say the least," Ja'Marco replied as he frowned slightly at his reflection in the mirror. "I mean, I was hoping to just get through high school without anyone nagging at me. That, and I was just uncertain if this move was going to be good for me."

I really look like a sex god in this speedo, Ja'Marco thought to himself. If the girls saw me like this, they'd be freaking out like crazy with Gianna insisting that I try out for porn.

Shaking his head, Ja'Marco reached for his tracksuit that matched his swimsuit, sliding on the pants before putting on some socks and shoes. Deciding to throw his mother another bone, Ja'Marco continued with, "I guess you can say that I was just insecure about myself and what all this could mean since I'm turning 17 in October. I stil have my doubts, but I gotta shake them off and learn to embrace the present- to live in the now. And if it means being a part of this school and adapting to the changes, so be it.

And if it means playing my own game of "I Spy" to start digging into the truth around here, then all the more reason to see what kind of game you're really playing before I make my grand escape, Ja'Marco said to himself as he slid on the form-fitting gold T-shirt that had a green trident as the team's logo.

Just then, the bedroom door swung open to reveal a smiling Melinda as she pulled him into a hug. "It's so good to know that you're finally understanding how things should be for you," she hummed into her ear. "I've been acting mysterious on you, I know, but all will be told in due time. Just know that you owe yourself and this family to accept your true destiny and to start living it up with boys who can help you come out of your shell. All I ask is that you let me and the others work with you while putting those other kids in the rearview mirror. All will be made clear soon enough, Ja'Marco."

The two broke away from the hug as Ja'Marco coughed briefly. "Sorry," he said, surprised that his already-deep voice as starting to get more melodic. "Had a tickle in my throat."

"All part of growing up," his mother said gently just as Bradenton and Broderick came in with their father behind them, all of them dressed in similar track suits. "We were just finally making up."

Frederich smiled widely, nodding. "Good to hear," he praised. To Ja'Marco, "Good to see you finally manning up and owning up to your mistakes, son. I knew that you were going to do the right thing. Now, all eyes will be on you as you're to be with Reichen for the synchronized diving trials while also doing the freestyle. Ferguson and the boys are counting on to bring home your first win."

Ja'Marco nodded twice as he grabbed his swim bag. "Then I guess we should get to the natatorium and join the others," he said, still surprised how his voice was changing.

"We shall," Broderick purred, his eyes glowing in power.

And as Ja'Marco followed the others out of the house, he couldn't help but notice that his body was indeed tensing and relaxing, his bloodstream being full of immense power and sensuality as he felt his certain member between his legs stiffen with excitement. Taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart, Ja'Marco shook off the thoughts and  kept his mind clear.

****************

At the natatorium, two hours later...

"Great job, Hedare," Lachlan cheered happily as he, Martin, and Joseph led Ja'Marco into the spacious locker room where the other teammates were celebrating after winning their first swim/dive meet against St. Mark's Academy, North Bentley High School, and Ferndale Charter High School. "You showed us that you did the damn thing as a diver and winning your first race."

"And you're finally on the winning team with us," Joseph piped up just as a grinning Ferguson and his sons came into the room. "I knew that you're going to fit right in with us."

"Thanks," Ja'Marco said as the chatter died down and all eyes were on the head coach.

"Today's meet was just the beginning, lads," Ferguson said in a booming voice. "All of you showed the pride of the Triton Nexus that flows within you and that you were what the Triton Mystique stands for: brotherhood, masculinity, drive, and passion. And with my nephew taking the lead with Bundchen for the synchronized diving trials, this proves that the new era is close at hand!"

The boys whooped and cheered as more congratulations were thrown towards Ja'Marco with happiness.

"Ja'Marco, step forward," Ferguson said.

The teen in question did so, feeling a bit self-conscious at the endless sea of sea-green eyes that followed him to the front of the room.

Ivan and Isaac came to their father's side. "Ja'Marco Hedare, today proves that you are a true Triton athlete with your victories," the former began as his twin brother presented him a small mesh bag. "Inside contains your official swimsuit for leisure."

Accepting the bag, Ja'Marco tentatively opened the drawstring opening and reached inside to extract a form-fitting pair of the same green speedos that had a small golden triton at the front. "Thanks," he said, unsure of what this meant.

"Try it on," Reichen urged. "Let us see the REAL triton within you!"

"Come on, bro!" Felipe said as he and his twin stepped forward, naked save for the towels that wrapped around their waists. "Try it on."

Ja'Marco knew that he wasn't going to get out of the locker room unless he did what he was told. Fighting back a sigh, he stripped out of the speedo that he wore while ignoring the wolf whistles and sexual innuendos before sliding on the speedos that were gifted to him. Much to his surprise, the swimsuit covered his assets perfectly and made him feel more and more masculine.

"Nice," he heard one of the guys say seductively. "Damn, Hedare..."

But Ja'Marco was lost in his own world as his body started to tense and relax with his body getting more athletic once again. With every inhale, he was transforming into a primal elite athlete.

"Getting...bigger...and...hotter," he slurred before the darkness swallowed him completely.

*************

Meanwhile...

"It's coming into place," Melinda intoned to her best friend, she and Dominique enjoying themselves bottled water from the concession stands. "Ja'Marco is going to be the perfect specimen, and all before his birthday."

"Aren't you worried about what might happen once he finally learns the truth?" the other woman asked.

Melinda shook her head. "When he learns of his so-called 'friend's' true intentions, he'll have no other choice but to side with us," she replied sharply. "Those Adamsons and their family members as well as the Freemans think that they know what's best, but they're all no better than I am."

"And what if he learns of your real intentions?"

Melinda gave Dominique a pointed stare. "I promise you that he won't learn the REAL story of why I wanted him here other than the one that his father wants for him. He owes this family a lot after being a wallflower, Dominique Nassau. You know it as does my family."

Dominique nodded slowly. "Then it might be best for us to keep a close watch on Ja'Marco so he won't find out about the truth," she commented after a brief silence. "There's no telling what might happen after tonight."

"True," Melinda agreed. "Jay will be out of commission for tomorrow, giving you perfect opportunity to..."

Dominique understood the assignment. "I'll talk to Francis first thing in the morning," was all she said before she left.

It's all coming together, Melinda thought to herself as she finished her bottle of water. Now that Ja'Marco is falling in line with the games, it's not going to be long until my husband, his family, my stepdaughter, my niece, and I will get what we rightfully deserve. As for Adamson and Company, we're not taking any more chances with them.

Don't even think about going anywhere, folks, as the next chapter features Ja'Marco's new look, Dominique's transformative swim, and so much more! Stay tuned!

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