Getting his foot on the pedal, adjusting his mirrors, going out from the driveway, and turning onto the street -- all of it went by in a flash for Alan as if he had done it hundreds of times before. He even began humming a little tune as he made a turn, not needing any direction to know where her daughter's middle school was. Moving along a straightaway, she had time to reflect on what she had to do today. Let's see...after dropping Steve off, Alan would have to go get groceries. They needed milk, bread, oh, and those chocolate pancakes Megan loved! Oh, she had to check if Jasmine was still working there. Part of her hoped that cashier Jasmine wasn't -- not because Alan disliked her, quite the opposite! She knew that young college girl was far too bright to be working in such a position, having so much more to offer. She had told her the last time...hadn't she?
Alan's eyes widened. He shook his head, snapping himself out of such thoughts. What was he thinking? He didn't know any girls named Jasmine! He continued to reflect, not just on what happened but on everything abnormal he had done recently. Enjoying when Janet spooned him while in bed together...making coffee and breakfast for the family on autopilot...so easily picking out and putting on his mother's clothes...calling his dad 'dear' and 'young lady'...not dreading running errands like he expected and remembering that Jasmine chick...hell, even driving when just yesterday he still needed his license! He wanted to ease his mind by chalking it up to practice for how he was supposed to act for the foreseeable future. Alas, he couldn't. It was too obvious to make any excuse. His mind was changing to his mother's. Fast.
He grimaced as he stopped at a red light, unknowingly tapping his fingers on the wheel in irritation -- a quirk his mother had. He knew Steve was onto something when pointing out how comfortable everyone was becoming about this. He knew he should have fought harder to convince everyone to stay home to solve this ASAP. The consequences of getting lectured about missing class for a few days were a lot worse than living as an adult woman and finding it normal! How far would it go? Would he find video games boring? Would she enjoy shopping for cute clothes and receiving refreshing makeovers? Would she find men, like her hot husband Janet, attractive instead of Megan's girlfriend? Wait...ugh, even now he was being affected! Thinking he was married to Janet, that Janet was a guy, and that Sarah was Megan's girlfriend instead of his!
"Uh, Al-...Mom, the light's green," Steve stated.
Alan looked ahead. It *was* green. He let out a small sigh, grateful that no one was behind right now to honk. He already had enough to deal with.
"Um...right. Sorry, dear...Dad..." he muttered while placing his foot on the pedal, focusing back on the road. He had to keep his focus from now on. One small slip-up could lead him to spiraling back into his perceived role, and he didn't know when he'd be able to break back out of it. If at all. He shuddered at that notion. He wouldn't let that happen...would he?
All of this running through Alan's head was interrupted when he realized they had reached the middle school. It felt like it took an hour to get there. He looked at the clock hanging at the front of the entrance. It had only been 5 minutes since they left.
Steve collected his things and opened the door, stepping out with awkward apprehension. "Well, um...see you later then, I guess..." Only now was Alan able to recognize that Steve had a noticeable lisp, a byproduct of gaining braces like Megan's from the book, making things even more awkward.
The former son wanted to say so much in response. Reminding 'her' baby girl not to get in trouble. Making sure Steve was prepared for that math quiz 'she' worried so about. Even just giving 'her' a kiss goodbye. Each one Alan had to force aside in fear of his mom's persona taking hold again. Thus, he said nothing as Steve walked out and shut the door. He couldn't help but notice how his dad was jogging as if he had legs just as short as Megan, and as feminine by lifting them up to his butt with each step.
Alan leaned back in his seat, exhausted. There was still a whole day ahead of him...