New TF story, Pt. 1

     Jake frowned, staring at his reflection in the mirror. He had just stepped out of the shower, and pulled up his pants when he’d noticed something slightly alarming. On each side of his body, about five inches under each armpit, was a spot that looked a little red and irritated, sort of like a rash. It didn’t itch at all though. He ran a finger over the one on his left side. It was a little sore too, when he put some pressure on it, but nothing bad.

     “Hey Mom?!” He yelled.

     “Yeah?” Came the responsive yell from downstairs. It wasn’t uncommon for his family members to shout at each other, instead of going to the person they wanted to speak to.

     “Can you c’mere for a second?”

     “Sure honey, just give me a second!”

     Jake returned to his reflection in the mirror. He’d been forcing himself to get to the gym at least three times a week lately. Summer was in a couple weeks, and he didn’t want to be embarrassed when the scorching hot month of August rolled in, and there he was, Mr. Skinny loser dork. He flexed, and was pleased to see a tiny bit of progress all over. A sudden rap on the door knocked him from his thoughts.

     “May I come in?” His mother, Lauren, asked.

     “I called for you, of course.” Jake said. The exasperation wasn’t shown in his voice, but his face, which was quickly wiped when his mom,  entered the room. For all the times she exasperated him though, he still loved her. And she had been a nurse before, she definitely knew what she was doing.

     “What is it?”

     “Well I’ve got this… rash-like thing on both of my sides.” Jake said, showing his mother the sore spots.

     “Do they itch?” his mother asked, getting closer in order to examine better.

     “No, it’s just a little sore when I put pressure on those spots. Like more pressure than just leaving my arms at my side though.”
     
     “Well, it could just be an allergic reaction.” Lauren mused. “I can give you some painkiller if the pain gets any worse, but for now I’d just get to bed and see if it’s any better in the morning. If it gets any worse, we’ll go see the doctor, but for now, sleep will probably be the best.  It’s a school night, and you know you’ve got your last finals of the year coming up.”

     “Don’t remind me.” Jake muttered darkly, pulling his nighttime tank top over his head.

     “Didn’t your 10th grade year just go by so fast? You’ll be an upper classmen next year already…” His mom sighed.

     “Mmm…” Jake said, walking past her out the door.

     “Did you brush your teeth?” His mom asked.

     “Yes, and I flossed, and washed my face, I did the entire routine.” He replied without looking back.

     “Okay, good night honey I love you.”

     “Love you too.” Jake said, climbing into bed. He winced a bit when his side hit the bed, but he rolled over onto his stomach and the pain faded quickly. Hopefully tomorrow it would be gone permanently.