A momentary interruption

James found himself standing outside the Girls’ locker room, the neon lights flickering above the door casting a soft glow into the deserted corridor. He took a deep breath, his hand hovering over the cool metal handle, his mind racing with the possibilities. The locker room was a sanctuary, a place where no man was allowed to tread. But today, with his newfound power, that rule was about to be obliterated. He can enter the room and no one, inside or out, would have a problem with it. He could do anything he wanted. He had absolute power. The anticipation was like a coil tightening in his stomach, a mix of excitement and anxiety.

“Hey James,” he heard a male voice from his side. It was his friend Justin. Justin was a nice kid but like James a bit of a loser who never got the girl.

James’ heart sank for a moment. He hadn’t anticipated this. “What’s up?” he asked casually, hoping Justin would just keep walking.

“Just passing by, man. What are you doing here?” Justin eyed the locker room door curiously.

James decided to tell him. Since he bended reality so that it is completely normal for him to enter the Girl’s locker room, Justin shouldn’t find it to be a big deal. It would be completely normal to him for James to be allowed in the room.

“Just deciding whether I should change in the Girls’ locker room today. Nothing major.” He replied nonchalantly trying to pretend it was an understandable choice to be considering.

Justin looked at James, then at the door, then back at James. A slow smile spread across his face. “Wow, dude, I wish I had your problems. I’d kill to go in there. But I’d be the one killed if I did. Everyone knows you are the only guy allowed in there.”

James felt the weight of the moment press down on him. He had done it. His power was real, and it was more potent than he could have ever imagined. He nodded at Justin, playing along with the new reality he had created. “Yeah, it’s pretty sweet.” He laughed. “But anyway man,” he said patting Justin on his back, “I’ve got things to do. Why don’t you head down to the Boys’ locker room and get ready for gym. Otherwise you’ll be late.”

“Oh shit!” Justin said looking at his watch. “You’re right, I’m going to be late. Maybe we can catch up later at the cafeteria?”

“Definitely,” James said, his heart racing. This was it. He was going to see if his power really did work. He watched as Justin jogged down the hallway before turning his attention back to the locker room door. He took a deep breath and pushed it open, his heart thudding in his chest like a drum.

“You are running late Mr. Harris,” James heard from behind him before he could enter the room. He turned around to see the beautiful face of the Girls’ Recreational Director, Melissa Conklin.

“Oh No!” He thought to himself. He wondered if his power had failed him. Was Miss Conklin about to stop him from entering the Girls’ locker room and send him on the same path as Justin down to the Boys’?

But as she walked closer, she gave him a knowing smile and said, “The girls are waiting for you. You know you’re the only man allowed in there. No need to be shy James. And if you are late, I’m going to have to write you up.”

James felt his cheeks warm up with a mix of surprise and excitement. It worked. She had no problem with him entering the female domain. He took a deep breath and stepped into the locker room, Miss Conklin following him close behind.

James’ eyes adjusted to the steamy air filled with the faint scent of shampoo and body wash. The sight that greeted him was like a dream come true. Girls of all shapes and sizes were chatting away, some in towels, others half-dressed, all of them completely unfazed by his presence.

He spotted one of the school’s cheerleaders, Lisa, and her best friend, Dre, at the far end of the locker room, giggling as they pulled on their gym clothes. His heart skipped a beat. He had to remind himself to play it cool, not to reveal the thrill coursing through him.

Miss Conklin was still standing behind him. Noticing his stare she gestured in Lisa’s and Dre’s direction. “Go ahead.”

James took a tentative step forward, the tension in his body slowly dissipating as he realized his power was indeed real. The girls didn’t even look up as he approached. They talked about their classes, their weekends, and who had scored the best grade on the last exam. It was like they had been waiting for him, like this was an everyday occurrence.