Women undergoing second puberty have the benefit of an advance warning. Before any external or internal changes can start happening, a missed period can be the first sign of the Event happening. A medical test can confirm this, and the Changer can start making preparations for her body's transformation.
When Christina Douglas missed her period, she didn't think much of it. The thought of second puberty was as far away from her as her school years, as she was in her first year of college. She was an honors student with a loving boyfriend, a wide circle of friends, and a bright future ahead of her.
In fact, her presence at the doctor's was purely coincidental - a routine checkup. A followup, in fact. She sat idly on the examination chair, twirling her long brown hair as she thought about Samuel, who was probably cooking something nice back home. She didn't understand why she needed the additional blood and urine tests, but there probably were reasons.
"Christina?" Dr. Lake's voice broke the silence. The stocky, middle-aged woman walked in, looking over some printouts.
"Yes! Are we done?" said Christina, jumping to her feet.
"Not quite. You may want to sit back down for this".
Christina's heart caught in her chest. "I-is there something wrong?"
"There's no easy way for me to tell you this. You missed your period this month-"
"I'm not pregnant am I? We've been using protection!"
"No, you're not pregnant. But the tests have shown a high level of testosterone in your blood, and it's increasing fast. You're undergoing second puberty".
Christina blinked, her mouth opening wordlessly. Then she found her voice again. "N-no, that's not possible... I can't be changing... I've got a boyfriend and a life and..."
Dr. Lake sighed and hugged her as she continued stammering. "It's okay, there's no need to be alarmed. The vast majority of Changers settle into their new lives with no issues. The process is natural but varies from individual to individual. I can prescribe painkillers and direct you to a support group, and we have information pamphlets in the clinic...'
Christina could only listen dumbly as Dr. Lake explained. The rest of what she said was a blur.
I can't Change. Sammy won't love me as a man. My parents won't like me that way. April and Maryam and Debbie will have nothing to do with me. I can't do this. This can't happen to me. I want to graduate and get married and have children.
As she walked out of the clinic, she stared at the pamphlets Dr. Lake had given her. They had titles like "Second Puberty, Dos and Donts", "What to Expect When You're Changing", "A Future Man's Guide to Second Puberty", and "I Have a Penis Now, What Next?".
The cartoon characters on the pamphlets didn't bring a smile to her face.
She felt like her life had broken to pieces.