As Andrew heard Mariah's Porsche speed out of the driveway, Andrew let out a tired sigh and slumped on the couch. How did it end up like this? he asked himself. Mariah's been known to be on a religious kick with her parents being strong Baptists and all, but she's twice as bad as they are.

That was more than the truth, gentle readers, as Andrew knew that Mariah was as old-fashioned when it came down to specific topics. She was known to quote Bible verses, bashed gays and lesbians, believed that the transgender and nonbinary communities were pedophiles were corrupting children, and had a certain distaste for DeSean, Marcus, and Tiana since her parents were rumored to be part of the Ku Klux Klan. And when it came down to sex and relationships? Well, she had made it clear that neither she nor Andrew were to lose their virginities until their wedding day and they would have it only to conceive children (preferably a son and a daughter). Hence the reason that they would sleep in separate bedrooms.

But when it came down to Gianna and his friendship with her? Andrew knew that Mariah had a jealous streak as long as I-10 and I-20 combined. She viewed any relationship that Andy had with a female other than his female relationship as competition, demanding that he would only have eyes for her and wanted him to spend time with her as often as possible.

If she saw him working with a female client, she'd nag his bosses to only work and close deals with male clients.

If she thought that a distant female cousin was getting too close with him, she'd cry and whine until he caved in and gave her every diamond bracelet and necklace and treat her to date nights.

And when it came down to Gianna in general? "I don't like her," she would rant. "She's too fox-faced and sultry for you, Andy. I don't want you getting too close with her. If you say that you love me, then ditch the witch and make me your wife!"

Clearly, Mariah was one clingy woman when it came down to the wire. And up until now, Andrew put up with her antics. And after the ultimatum she issued him, he wondered if it was worth the trouble dating someone who only viewed him as only a trophy husband or a shiny toy. If I say no to this deal, I'd be at the end of my rope dealing with her parents and sisters, he mused to himself. She'll never stop until I'm only waking up and sleeping next to Mariah by her side and her on my mind. Not only that, Gianna will be left with nothing even if Tyler was going to support her. But if I go through with this project...shit. I'll be facing down the wrath of Mr. Stelley, a man who can break anybody's neck if he wanted to or force me into hiding. I just can't win.

"I need a beer," he mumbled as he toddled to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of Heineken just as his phone rang.
"Hello?"

"Hey, Andy," came the voice of Gianna. "Listen, I was calling to see how things were going with you and Mariah. I assume that she knows everything about-"

"She knows all right, Gia, and she's pissed the fuck off right now," Andrew cut her off as he uncapped the beer bottle and took a swig of the cool beverage before heading back to the living room. "She accused you of chasing after me again and even insisted that this was all planned or something?"

"Did she?"

Andrew thought for a moment. "Well, she didn't really believe that it was all planned, per se. But she did accuse me of thinking about you or harboring any feelings for you," he admitted. "But right now, my mind's on the Adam/Eve Project and how things might change for us if we go through with this or not. I don't know if I can handle being a woman and all, but maybe it might be for the best."

"I know. I just told Tyler the same thing about my fears," Gianna commented. And for the next thirty minutes, both of them talked about how they might face a lot of opposition, the fears of anything going wrong, the wedding planning, and how their parents were only greedy for money. Andrew was surprised to learn that Gianna was going through with it and how Tyler was going to support her transition. "He's really cool with it, even if it means witnessing the transformations," Gianna finished. "And Dad seemed cool with him helping me out with the fitness and nutrition."

"I dunno how Mariah would take it," Andrew remarked. "I mean, she wants me to say no and marry her. But after that comment she made, maybe it's just best to cut my losses."

A pause, then, "Don't just do it to spite Mariah, Andy," Gianna said. "Think about what you want and what your intentions are."

Andrew closed his eyes, remembering his great-aunt's words. Teddy and I believe that you two will make the right choice, Evangeline's voice emanated in his head. You can help leave a legacy like none other. He remembered the good times he had when he would be invited to spend a weekend at the summer home in Houston with Gianna and their friends joining them. He remembered the science experiments that got him passing grades during middle and high school and how he helped taking care of Evangeline and Theodore while attending TCU. He remembered the tears he silently shed the night that the two old friends passed in their sleep.

He loved Evangeline and Theodore with a passion. And he knew that their final wish could not go unheeded. With that in mind, he made his choice. "I'll do it," he said firmly. "I'm calling my parents tonight and let them know of my choice. Did you tell your parents?

"I already did with Mom and Dad," Gianna said.  "Dad was thrilled."

"I bet my parents will be. Well, I guess I better start packing and be out of Mariah's place. I might as well leave a note behind to let her know of my choice."

"All the best, Andy. See you."

"See you."

They disconnected.

Downing the last of his beer, Andrew got up from the couch and headed for his bedroom to pack up his things. "Sorry for this, Mariah, but this has to be for me," he murmured to himself as he packed up the few business suits, clothes, and underclothes that he had in his luggage before packing his grooming kits.

One hour later, he had written his final letter to Mariah before placing it and his key on the counter as he left his now-former girlfriend's home with his parents' home in Rivercrest Estates in his mind as his destination. With his mind now set on his journey to womanhood, he knew that nothing would ever be the same.

And you already know, folks! You can check out Andrew's farewell letter to Mariah and her reaction on my Patreon page (link in bio) as it's set to go live tomorrow afternoon (local EST).

Coming up next, it's the gathering of friends and siblings (and Tyler) as Andrew and Gianna tell them of their decision before they begin their initial transformation with name changes and the first of five injections of liquid nanites. The transformations are about to begin, folks, so don't miss out!

Media: "Change the Paradigm" by Austra. Dedicating this out to BrianMullin0.

Vote.
Comment.
Share.
Follow.
Add.
FAN!