"I mean, we won, great, and I was still able to play, which was great, but all the other guys are going to get scholarships and go to good college programs, and I'm just not. They were trying to be nice and include me in the celebration, but they weren't relaxed the way they were with each other. I mean, they know it's not contagious, but they sort of acted like they didn't want to get too close." Levar was holding back tears. "That's the last time I'll ever play."
"I'm so sorry, Levar" said Dr. Burton, who had been through the Second Puberty herself and now ran a counseling practice to help others. "I think you'll be able to find other things in your life though." A silence fell over the group.
Dr. Burton turned to Carol. "How was your week, Carol?"
"Not great. Ryan and I broke up. He said he loved me but he's not gay and doesn't want to be with a man. I guess I can't blame him, but the whole thing just sucks so much." Carol was trying to be tough. The traces of stubble were already coming in on her face.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not now. Maybe later."
"How about you, Sean?"
"It's 'Suzy' now" said the perky girl, almost all the way through Second Puberty. "I got my official name change and new ID! I look really cute! And I went clothes shopping with Mom today and we just had the best time!"
Dr. Burton knew that some people welcomed Second Puberty. It was time to ease Suzy out of the group--she didn't need it anymore and it was starting to have a bad effect on the others.