The ABO Serum

(Part 9 extra) Hello Young Lovers

GenLife finally began releasing omegas one at a time when their heats became predictable and they had enough data for the customized birth control. They would have to isolate again during their heats, but pheromone suppressant trials were beginning, so there was hope that wouldn't be the case forever. Of course, mated omegas were freed as they paired, but the rest, the ones who still suffered, were finally able to resume their lives.

Those employed by GenLife returned to their jobs and the company promised 'heat leave' which was unpaid, but they could use their flextime or their generous allotment of sick/vacation days. The company kept most of their employees busy, and thus employed, within their respective isolation facilities for the duration, and helped the rest apply for disability. They were in a gray area for workers' compensation insurance. A few were taking on the fight and Daryl was willing to help them, but the insurance company lawyers and the GenLife lawyers were both against it.

Those omegas who were not employed by GenLife had a difficult time returning to society. Both school and work were subject to regular interruptions for their heat cycles. The justice department was considering whether this condition could qualify for protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act, but since a person could intentionally get it there were arguments against. Presently, they were not issuing guidance for employers so it fell to individuals whether they were willing to accommodate the needs of omega employees. In a town so heavily impacted, many were trying to do so, but not all, and those that were found it difficult.

A committee at the college was trying to work out appropriate accommodations and finding it challenging as well. When students were out of commission three to six days per month, and not even in a state where they could study at home...this was going to be a problem.

One of the college committee members brought their concerns to the high school principal suggesting the high school prepare before the first generation of children born with ABO reached them. Who knew at what age their heats would begin? The principal forwarded their concerns to the superintendent who made an appointment with Daryl to discuss it.

Daryl watched Carey's growing belly with increasing apprehension about the world his child would be born into. It seemed like every decision he made during this season mattered a million times more.

The local college granted the entire high school graduating class admission, should they want it, for the fall semester so they could at least start on their general education requirements in case the town didn't open for them to go to their other choices in time. It did open, with little time to spare. But Trevor opted to stay so he could remain close to Braedon. Braedon was forced by omega quarantine to take a gap year.

When Braedon was finally released and they had their first date, it was magical. He was in love with all his heart. They hadn't talked about it, but Trevor had to know the only future he could have with Braedon included getting the ABO disease himself and transitioning. They couldn't know for sure to what. The longer they didn't talk about it, the harder it became for Braedon to bring it up. He'd talked to Steve and Gary and felt a little better about it, but he couldn't say anything to Trevor.

When Christmas came and Trevor got down on one knee to propose, Braedon's anxiety about the matter peaked. He was grateful the moment was private, out under the stars with the moonlight reflecting on the snow and casting the world in a surreal glow.

"Are you sure?" Braedon asked.

"I'm on one knee in the snow," Trevor answered with a nervous laugh.

Braedon dropped to his knees beside Trevor and said, "I want to say yes with all my heart, but we haven't talked about what this means for you. You'd transition and there's no guarantee what to."