Robert's fate

Chapter 14 opens one of two ways to change Pauline back to Paul. But of course, she can decide that she doesn't want to exchange places with Robert. Here are three passages as a preview of the upcoming chapter:

***

You noticed Robert. He was sitting on the bench in front of the school's entrance. He was goggling at the girls with a blank gaze and a creepy smile on his face. The day was warm, and it was May, so many girls wore quite revealing clothes. Robert looked at those tops and skirts with apparent interest and jealousy.

"Where did you buy it?" you heard him asking one freshman girl. She ran away quickly, but then she turned around with some friends and giggled.

Well, the gossip was spreading. And Robert obviously didn't care about discretion anymore.

He noticed you and got up. His eyes were wandering on your body.

"Damn, Paul, you're so lucky..." he whispered.

You frowned and winced with disgust.

"I hope I'll look at least as good as you. You know, as a girl..."

The way he emphasized the word "girl" made you sick.

"I thought you liked bigger tits," you said, reminding you of Bimbo-Pauline's appearance.

"Yeah, big breasts don't hurt a girl..."

"Stop," you interrupted him. "I don't really want to hear that."

You wanted to leave, but he stopped you.

"Damn, Paul, wait! Have you... Have you thought about my..."
...offer?

***

You rose your eyebrow.

"Offer?" you repeated. Robert licked his lips.

"Don't play stupid!" he snarled. Then he bit his lips. "Sorry, Paul... I-I know you're busy, and... B-but you had to think about that! Your ticket out! We can exchange. You can change back to you again. Isn't it something you wanted so much?!"

He was so uncertain. He was waiting for your one word.

"How would it look like, again?" you asked. "I think we have enough of... entertainment after last night."

He nodded.

"It's nothing drastic," he said quickly. "We just need to do the same thing Olivia did. No whoring around, no... not those... creatures."

The sudden terror appeared on his face. Yeah, you were sure that his experience with the Neighbours was deeper than he ever wished.

He then smiled. It was a forced and fake grin, really creepy.

"So, what do you think, Paul? Two weeks and you can be yourself again!"

You hesitated.
You wouldn't do it. You were happy as you were.

***

You looked at Robert directly. You had your and his fate in your hand. You felt that.

In your feminine, delicate hands. You looked at them. You felt hair that was stroking your neck. You smelled the smell of the perfumes you used. You took a deep breath, feeling the weight of your breasts.

You were so small and so delicate next to this madman that was almost drooling just thinking about being in your situation. Yet you had power here.

"You know what, Robert?" you asked. "You're right. I'm lucky. And I'm perfectly fine with that.

He needed a moment to catch up. But when he did his face turned white.

"B-but..."

You winced. You turned around, but he grabbed your arm.

"Hands off! you shouted. Some students stopped. Robert blushed helplessly. He took his hand away. He looked so pathetically. You noticed the tears in his eyes. Was he really the same person who was so threatening not so long ago?

"I... I don't get it... I forced you... and now I'm offering you... a way out... You didn't want to be a girl!"

"How do you know? Have you asked me about that?"

You shrugged.

"You didn't want to be a girl as well. But what's important: I'm not going to help you. Now leave me alone."

He nodded slowly. The despair on his face looked grotesque.

"B-but... What about me?"

You clenched your teeth.

"Why the fuck should I care?" you hissed. Then you left.

You had a life to live.