It had been several days since David's last appointment with Dr Maddox, and the rest of the week had gone by rather uneventful. In fact, David couldn't believe how quickly the week had gone by, but he knew that it was most likely due to his anxiety about his upcoming appointments with a psychologist and a gynaecologist.

What David had noticed though was how his physical changes had appeared to slow down somewhat. The only changes that David had noticed over the last few days were ones that he was expecting. His breasts were continuing to develop, getting slightly bigger from one day to the next, yet nowhere near the rate at which they had initially begun to grow. The remnants of his penis still appeared to be hanging on in there, no matter how lifeless and rather outright useless it now appeared to be. It didn’t even function when passing urine anymore, which David ultimately discovered the hard way, luckily he was home at the time, but he had to learn to sit down to pee. This was a strange and uncomfortable experience for him, but something he was slowly getting used to. It was a strange and awkward experience, but one that he slowly got used to. In fact, it was during one of these trips to the bathroom that he first ventured close to his new genitalia. He had to learn how to dry himself off, something that he had never given much thought to before.

 And the last time David got an erection already seemed a lifetime ago. He could barely even remember what it felt like. It was as if his body was shutting down that part of him, making it clear that it was no longer needed, rendering it obsolete, at least for the next 11 and a half months.

The only other major change he had noticed, was his hair had continued to grow, at a rate that could only be described as an accelerated rate. It was now at a stage where when he brushed it forward, it now came down to the sides of his chin. Due to this, he had often sought help from Hannah and Stephanie, who were now trying to teach David to be able to tie it back. A technique that he was slowly beginning to get the hang of.

As it was now Friday, David had arranged to visit his mother, along with his sister, Alicia that evening. However, David knew deep down that the visit was ultimately arranged by Alicia and her curiosity and also their mother simply wanting to check up on David’s well-being, with her having called him the last few evenings relentlessly. During her phone calls, his mother was constantly asking how he was coping with the changes to his body, even if she was doing it in a fairly indirect manner. David could tell that she was worried about him, yet also that she was still rather angry at him for signing up for the drug trial in the first place and what it was going to do to his body. In her words, he was always her “baby boy” and “her only son.” A point that she appeared to make a habit of trying to force home and reiterate, ever since David began the drug trial. However just like her indirectness when it came to questions about his changes, she never outright expressed her disapproval of his decision either.

David left work on Friday evening, saying his goodbyes to his friends, Hannah and Stephanie, with Hannah telling David that she would call him over the weekend as she had the previous weekend. David climbed into his car, put on his seatbelt and took a deep breath, preparing himself to see his mother and his sister, anticipating their reaction to seeing him. Especially now, considering his outward appearance was now almost entirely female, with the only remaining masculine traits being his Adam's apple and the way he dressed.

David gripped the steering wheel tight as he battled his nerves. He watched his friends drive away, waving to him as they passed by.

“Maybe I should just go home,” he thought, “Maybe…invite Alicia over…get her used to seeing me like this…no…it’s now or never.”

Without another thought crossing his mind, David started up the car and began to make his way to his mother’s house.

David pulled onto the street where he and Alicia had grown up. However, as he cast his eyes upon his family home, panic set in. He pulled the car over, parking a few houses down from his mother’s house and turned off the ignition. The words from his mother’s outburst during his previous visit, now played in a loop, over and over in his mind. How she had told him that she thought he had been reckless and how none of this would have happened if their father had still been alive. Would this choice have disappointed his father, as much as it seemed to disappoint her?

David continued to sit in the car for what felt like an eternity, staring at the house from afar. As it was already dark, the light on the front porch was switched on already. David knew that his mother only switched that on when she knew she was expecting visitors. As he was climbing out of the car, David felt his cell phone vibrate, notifying him that he had received a text message. He took one last deep breath and climbed out of the car, anxiously scanning the street, expecting to see curtains twitching on the neighbour's houses, and yet, nothing. David lit up a cigarette as he stood beside his car, his hands still trembling.

“Am I procrastinating…or simply trying to steady my nerves,” he asked himself as he reached into his jacket to retrieve his cell phone.

He had indeed, received a message from his sister, Alicia,

“Where are you, David? Is everything alright? You are still coming right?” read the message.

David took a moment to compose himself before replying,

“Yes, everything is fine, I’m on my way. Just needed a minute to gather my thoughts.” He typed before hitting send.

“Where are you?” Alicia replied instantly.

“I’m actually outside,” he wrote in response, his hands now shaking so much he almost dropped his phone. David took a few deep breaths before hitting send. He closed his eyes as he anticipated the response.

However, to David’s surprise, his phone didn’t vibrate, instead he watched as the door to his mother’s home opened and Alicia came out into the street, closing the door behind her. He watched as his sister looked around to find him, she looked directly at him before he noticed she pulled out her phone and began to type. But then, she seemed to pause, raising her head from her cell phone, her head turning quickly to where David was standing. It was as if she couldn't believe her eyes. She quickly began to approach him with a look of disbelief,

“David?” she muttered, as she got to within a few feet of her brother.

David nodded, taking a drag of his cigarette before tossing it to the ground.

“Oh my God…David, you look so…so different, you look incredible,” stated Alicia, throwing her arms around her brother and embracing him tightly.“But why didn’t you just come inside?” she asked as she broke the embrace.

David shrugged his shoulders,

“If I’m honest…Alicia…it’s because I look…this different…I was nervous about what Mum would think or say,” he explained.

Alicia's face softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“David…everything will be fine, I’m here with you, you know that,” said Alicia with a smile, “come on,” she added, taking David by the hand and leading him towards their mother’s house. “It’s far too cold to be hanging around out here.”

They ventured up the familiar path, towards the house that they grew up in together. As they reached the front door, Alicia opened the door and stepped inside, whilst David momentarily froze. He took one last deep breath before he stepped inside.

“Mum, David’s here,” Alicia called as they made their way through to the kitchen. David could feel his heart racing, it was like it was trying to escape the confines of his newly developed chest and break free, as he heard the footsteps of his mother upstairs.

“I’m coming sweetheart,” Linda replied as she began to descend the stairs.

Alicia took a seat at the kitchen table, facing the doorway. David meanwhile, stood to the side of Alicia, in a position where he would have only been noticeable by Linda, once she had entered the kitchen.

David continued to tremble as he awaited his mother. Alicia, noticing David’s nerves, reached out and gave his hand a gentle, yet reassuring squeeze.

As Linda entered the kitchen doorway, her mouth fell wide open,

“Oh my,” she gasped, seeing her son.

“H…h…hi…Mum,” David mumbled, all the while feeling as though something was lodged in his throat.

Linda eyed her son up and down, David could see tears begin to form in her eyes.

“Doesn’t she…I mean he look amazing?” asked Alicia, her words filled with a rather excited tone.

Linda stood silently, her eyes flicking back and forth between her two children.

“You know…David, now that I look at you in better lighting…I can sort of see the resemblance between the two of us, more than ever before,” said Alicia in her excitement, “Although…I’m still the prettier one,” she teased, as she giggled playfully.

David couldn't help but smile at his sister, grateful for her attempt to ease the tension. But their mother was unmoved by their humour. In fact, it appeared to anger her somewhat.

“You think this is funny…do you?” she scorned, turning her back to her children and leaving the room.

David’s heart sank. He had hoped for a more positive reaction from his mother. But Alicia was quick to reassure him.

“I…I think I should be going,” said David, his voice giving a clear indication of the disappointment he was feeling.

“Don’t worry about her, David. She just needs some time to process everything,” she Alicia. “I’ll go talk to her, just please…stay here,” she added, giving him another reassuring squeeze before getting out of her seat and following their mother out of the kitchen, closing the door behind her.

David stood alone in the kitchen, alone with his thoughts, as he removed his suit jacket, draping it on the back of one of the wooden chairs as he sat down.

“What did I expect,” he pondered, “Mother made her feelings rather crystal clear last week…I never should have come.”

David could hear raised voices from within the other room, although he couldn’t quite make out what was being said.  But after a few brief moments, one thing was clear. What started as two raised voices, was now only one, with Alicia’s voice being the only one to be heard, along with the sound of crying. People always said it was nearly impossible to win an argument with Alicia, but David always found that out the hard way, growing up. Alicia was known to be the sweetest, most caring individual one could ever meet. She had a heart of gold and would do anything for her loved ones. However, she was also one of the most stubborn, passionate, and strong-willed people David had ever known. She had a quick, sharp tongue and was not afraid to speak her mind, a trait that she had inherited from their mother.

After a few short moments of silence, the kitchen door slowly opened and Linda returned, looking rather sheepish, her eyes looking rather bloodshot. She walked over to the sink and filled up a glass of water, taking a few sips before sitting to face David.

“I’m sorry, David,” she said, her voice soft and apologetic as she took his hand in hers. “I…I do love you…regardless…this is just…it’s a huge shock to the system…as you can probably appreciate,” she explained as she held back tears. “Please forgive me?” she added, her voice breaking as she brushed his hand softly.

David was taken aback by his mother's sudden change of tone. He had never seen her like this before. Her usually strong and confident demeanour was replaced by vulnerability and sadness.

Linda took a deep breath and continued,

“I know I can be difficult at times, but I hope you know that everything I do, I do it out of love for you and Alicia. I want the best for both of you and sometimes I may not express it in the right way.”

“Mum…of course I forgive you,” said David, fighting back tears of his own, “And I love you too…you know that,” he added as a tear gently rolled down his cheek. “I’m still the same person I’ve always been and always will be. I am still David.”

Linda looked her son in the eyes,

“You just…you don’t look much like my son anymore,” said Linda, “Looking at you…it honestly feels right now, like I lost my son and yet I know, deep down…you’re right in front of me,” she explained.

David smiled reassuringly at his mother,

“This…it’s only for a year…mum,” stated David, “This time next year, I’ll look like myself again.”

Linda nodded, forcing herself to smile, before getting up from her seat. Linda then walked around to the other side of the table to hug her son tightly.

“I love you, Mum,” said David as he embraced his mother tightly.

“I love you too, David,” replied Linda.

As David looked up, he could see Alicia peeking through the kitchen door, a smile on her face. David mouthed a silent “thank you” to her, grateful for her unwavering support. Alicia then entered the kitchen, a wide smile on her face as she sat down at the kitchen table, beside David.

Linda then sat back down where she previously was, opposite her children.

“So…little brother…” said Alicia before pausing, a hint of playfulness in her voice. “God it feels weird calling you that…yet seeing you like this,” she added with a smile, “Can I just call you little sister yet?”

David appeared to pause for a moment before gently nudging his sister,

“No,” he replied with a scowl on his face.

Alicia laughed, loving how easily she could wind David up,

 “How are the appointments going?” she asked when she finally managed to compose herself.

“They’re going well, actually” David replied, “The doctors are pleased with my progress, in fact, they told me that I’m developing quicker than they anticipated,” he explained.

“Oh wow, that’s incredible,” replied Alicia, “Isn’t it mum?” she added, looking to try to include their mother in the conversation.

Linda simply nodded, a small smile forming on her lips.

David then explained that he had an appointment with a psychologist the following week, as well as a doctor. However, he chose to omit, exactly WHAT, type of doctor he had an appointment with.

Hearing that David was also seeing a psychologist appeared to put Linda’s mind at ease slightly. It confirmed to her that they were taking all necessary steps to look after him thoroughly and address not just his physical health, but also his mental well-being.

As the conversation continued, Alicia got up and made a cup of coffee for each of them. As she returned to the table, she looked at her mother with a rather inquisitive look on her face.

“Mum… Can I ask you something?” Alicia said, her voice filled with curiosity. 

Linda gave her a nod, wondering what her daughter could possibly want to ask.

“You know how you and Dad always told me that you had a boy's name picked out for me…in case I had been a boy…” started Alicia.

Linda nodded,

“That’s right, we were going to name you Andrew if you had been a boy,” replied Linda with a smile.

“Well… what if David had been a girl?” Alicia asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Linda’s smile widened as she remembered the conversation she and her late husband had had all those years ago.

“Dani,” Linda replied, “Well, Daniella,” she added with a smile.

Alicia turned to her brother, a mischievous glint in her eye. David tried his best to avoid eye contact with his sister, but he could feel his cheeks getting hotter and hotter as he began to blush.

“Hey Dani,” taunted Alicia.

David point blank ignored Alicia as she continued to stare at him, instead, he focused on drinking his coffee.

“All joking aside, the way you look right now, Daniella does suit you…it’s pretty, just like you,” said Alicia.

Hearing Alicia’s words made David almost spit out his coffee,

“Daniella Sanders…has a nice ring to it,” Alicia continued, “Why not use that name, just for this year?” she asked.

Hearing his sister call him Daniella sent a shiver down David’s spine. His heart raced and a knot formed in his stomach. But why? It was just a name, right?. As he pondered his physical reaction, David gazed off into the distance, pretending not to hear his sister’s question.

“Hello…Earth to David, can you hear us?” said Alicia, waving her hand mere inches in front of her brother’s face.

“Hmm…what?” asked David, pretending to snap out of his deep thoughts.

“I was just saying David, why not try the name Daniella…just for this year, while you look like that?” repeated Alicia, “It suits you,” she added, “You look more like a Daniella than a David right now anyway.”

“Fuck no,” David responded rather defensively, shaking his head, “As I explained, I’m still David…I’m still a guy,” he added as he stood up out of his seat. He could feel his face beginning to feel flushed once more as he took his empty cup over to the sink, keeping his back to his mother and his sister.

“Stupid Alicia, thinking I should try going by a girl's name for now,” thought David as he rinsed out his cup. Yet, he couldn’t help but wonder why he’d come over all weird, hearing her refer to him as Daniella. Had Alicia's words hit a nerve with David? Deep down he knew that the name David didn’t suit him under the current circumstances and it did raise eyebrows when he introduced himself as David, yet looking the way he currently did. Had Alicia stirred something within him, as she referred to him as Daniella? David shook his head, dismissing the intrusive thoughts that he was having. He didn’t want to entertain the idea of changing his name, even for a year.

As David composed himself, he returned to the table. Though he didn’t look at her directly, however, he could feel his mother’s eyes looking him up and down.

“Hey Dani,” said Alicia one last time with a smile before she was quickly cut off by her mother.

“Alicia, stop that,” she snapped, “Leave David alone,” she added.

“Thank god, someone’s on my side,” thought David as he looked across at his mother, who he knew hadn’t stopped watching his every move as he had gone back to his seat.

“If David says he wants to keep his name the way it is, you shouldn’t try and force him to change it,” explained Linda.

“Thanks, mum,” replied David, giving a rather smug smirk in his sister’s direction.

Linda smiled and nodded in response to her son,

“However, you may not like what I have to say next, sweetheart” she added.

David swallowed hard, his heart beating a little faster in anticipation.

Linda continued to look at her son rather curiously.

“I can’t believe what I am about to suggest either,” she said with a small chuckle, “But…it needs to be said,” she added, with her children looking on, anticipating what she was going to suggest. “David…I know you have said that you might currently look like a woman but you have no desire to dress that way…but…please…at least for modesty’s sake, you need to wear a bra at least.”

David's eyes widened in shock. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Wear a bra? That was the last thing he wanted to do. He started shaking his head profusely,

“Absolutely not…no, no and no,” he replied defiantly.

“You need to, David,” answered Linda, her tone gentle but firm.

'But why, mum?' asked David, feeling a bit defensive.

But Linda didn't back down. In a patient and understanding tone, she explained to David why he needed to wear a bra. As his body was changing, he needed to provide support for his breasts to ensure his physical well-being. Plus, she added, it was also about modesty and not drawing unwanted attention to himself.

“In fact…I have an idea,” said Linda, “Come with me,” she ordered as she got up from her seat.

“What? Where are we going?” asked David, reluctantly getting up from his chair, yet he got no response.

David reluctantly got up from his chair, still unsure about where this was going. Alicia also got up from her seat and took David by the hand, pulling him along behind their mother.

David couldn’t help but feel as if he was a lamb being led to the slaughterhouse as the three of them made their way upstairs.

As they entered Alicia’s old room, Linda explained her plan. She noticed that David and Alicia were around the same size and suggested that they look for a bra in Alicia’s old things.

As they rummaged through Alicia's old clothes, David couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. He knew what was coming and it brought back memories of the only two occasions that he had ever worn a bra. Both times were when Alicia had coerced him into allowing her to apply makeup and dress him up, all for her and her friends' entertainment, with him ultimately lip-syncing to whatever songs they requested. The first time occurred when he was 10 years old, with his second performance coming aged 12. David distinctly remembered how annoyed his mother had been with Alicia, and yet she did find it rather amusing.

And yet here he was, once more, standing in the middle of the bedroom that was still painted baby pink, the walls adorned with posters of pop stars, watching his mother and sister hunt for a bra for him to wear. And yet this time, the circumstances were entirely different.

“Here, try this one on,” said Alicia, a smile on her face as she pulled out a bright pink bra with lace detailing.

“Pink…seriously,” replied David, looking at the item in his sister’s hand with contempt.

But Linda quickly stepped in,                             

“David, it's just a colour. What matters is that it fits and provides the necessary support,” she explained, “Now come on, try it on, we need to see if it fits.”

David looked at his mother and sister who were still in the room. He couldn’t help but feel self-conscious. He held the bra up to his chest,

“Yes it fits I guess,” he said as he began to blush.

Alicia couldn’t help but giggle as Linda looked at him with a stern look.

“That is not how we try on bras David,” she stated, “Now come on, take off your shirt.”

“But…but…” David stammered in response.

“Nothing to be nervous about…we’re all girls here,” said Alicia as she continued to rummage through her old clothes.

David knew that his sister meant well and that she was just trying to make him feel more comfortable. He also knew that in some weird twist of fate, at this moment in time, her words were actually true. He reluctantly took off his shirt and put on the bra and was surprised to find that it actually felt comfortable. His mother helped him adjust the straps and make sure everything was in place. He couldn't deny that he felt a sense of relief and support.

“See, it's not so bad, is it?” said Linda, smiling at her son, leading him by the hand to the mirror.

“I…I guess…” mumbled David, looking at the reflection looking back at him. All he could see was a woman in her mid-twenties, her dark hair tied back as she stood wearing no top, just her bright pink bra.

“Dani…” David found himself thinking, yet he shook his head, quickly dismissing the notions he had.

“If I have to do this…I just wish it wasn’t so…pink,” said David.

“I got you, sis,” said Alicia with a wink and a smile, as she held up two more bras she had found. One in white and one in black, all the same size as the pink one.

“Stop calling me that,” snapped David, however, placing his hands on his hips in the manner he did as he spoke, didn’t do much to help his cause.

Alicia giggled as she handed David the two other bras,

“See…the white one is the one you will need most, probably,” she explained, “That’s the one you’ll wear under your work shirt…if that’s what you are gonna continue wearing...you can wear the others…but they will be noticeable.”

“Well of course I am,” snapped David,

“Okay…okay,” replied Alicia.

Alicia helped David change from the pink bra to the white one before he put his shirt back on. The white bra seemed to be more padded than the pink one. David couldn’t deny that not only did it support his breasts, but it also gave them a bit of a lift, making them look slightly bigger.

David couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious about the bra he was wearing. He kept adjusting it, trying to make it feel more comfortable, but it was just not something he was used to.

“You'll get used to it,” said Linda, noticing David's discomfort,  “I know this may seem overwhelming and uncomfortable right now, but trust me, it will get easier,” said Linda, placing a comforting hand on David's shoulder.

“I don't think I’ll be this way long enough to get used to it,” joked David.

 “Are you sure you don’t wanna try any of my old clothes too?” asked Alicia trying to be helpful.

“Fuck no,” replied David, “The bras are bad enough...thank you,” he added adjusting his breasts in his bra.

“Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find them,” said Alicia with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

“You do need clothes that fit you better, David,” said Linda, “Your current clothes don’t look right…and I don’t mean because they’re men's clothes…I mean, because they just look far too big for you.”

David looked at his reflection in the mirror once more, his image confirming what had been said to him. Not only had Stephanie and Hannah passed comments regarding his clothes and how they fit, but now his mother and sister too. He let out a sigh, acknowledging that he would have to go shopping for new clothes that would fit his new body.

Hearing this, Alicia let out a squeal of joy,                 

“I have an idea,” squeaked Alicia, “David…can you get the full day off on Tuesday?” she eagerly asked.

“I…erm…I’m not sure…why?” replied David, almost instantly coming to regret the words that passed his lips.

“Because we're going shopping!” exclaimed Alicia, dashing to her brother and embracing him tightly. “My plan is, I can go with you, to your appointment and then how better than to spend the rest of the day with your big sister and a little retail therapy.”

David was not convinced, but Alicia's enthusiasm was contagious, and he couldn't help but smile at her excitement.

However, David had already made plans with his friend, Hannah, to accompany him to his appointment. He tried to use this as an excuse to postpone his sister's plans, but Alicia was determined and instead, it had the opposite effect.

“Okay…how about moving our shopping trip to tomorrow then?” asked Alicia her eyes shining with hope.

David hesitated for a few moments, weighing his options. He knew that Alicia wasn’t going to take no for an answer, but the idea of clothes shopping, especially now he had a female body was something that filled him with dread.

Alicia noticed her brother's hesitation and could sense his discomfort. Being the supportive sister she was, she tried to reassure him,

“Don't worry, I'll help you find the perfect outfit,” she said, a huge grin on her face.

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” thought David.

“Bring your friend too…if it will make you feel any better,” continued Alicia, sensing that David needed some extra reassurance.

David still appeared unconvinced, whilst he would love spending time with Hannah outside of work, having to contend with both Alicia and Hannah, trying to convince him what to wear, was still rather daunting.

“I’m sure it will be good for you both…especially you David,” said Linda as she picked up the two other bras that Alicia had given David. “ You never know, you might even have fun,” she added with a smile as she left the room.

David looked at his sister once more, the look on her face said it all, even growing up she always had a way of convincing David and that was partly what worried him about the whole trip.

“Fine,” said David, “I’ll text Hannah, and see if she’s up for it. If not, it’ll just be the two of us,” he added with a smile.

Alicia threw her arms around her brother once more, squeezing him tightly,

“I can’t wait,” she squealed, “we’re gonna have so much fun,” she added, with a huge smile on her face.

David sent a text to Hannah, asking her if she was interested in a shopping trip with him and Alicia, to which he almost instantly got a response.

“OF COURSE!!! I Love shopping xx” replied Hannah, “Shall I see if Steph fancies it too? xx”

David’s face dropped as he read the response, but before he knew it, he had already responded with a yes. He couldn't back out now, and he knew that Hannah and Alicia would be disappointed if he did.