Rules of the game

You stare, perplexed, at your mother's smug visage, and you hardly recognize the person who is grinding, at their please, her familiar features.

-What?-.

Your 'sisters' are no less surprised than you, and this is kinda baffling you even more: in fact, aren't they all on the same line? Or is this just a pretense? Besides, what does she mean by "find you a girlfriend"? That is, you thought that, uhm, well, after all that happened, you could consider yourself 'engaged' with them in a sense; after all, this is basically what they were suggesting all the time, isn't it?

-Yes, I see that this may be confusing- She resumes, perfectly interpreting your thoughts: -but how many times have we wished to have a girlfriend? Think about it: sure, our social reputation is already good, but it can improve: no more 'Tom, the nice virgin guy of the next door', but 'Tom, the Chad boy who can really satisfy a woman'.-.

You are completely taken aback by her reasoning, shocked by hearing your own mother, the woman who raised you teaching you respect for other people and the sacrality of true love, essentially suggesting that you should find yourself a girl to shag, like she was just an object or a property. Yet, you can recognize her touch on your shoulders, her fingers tenderly brushing their stiffened edges.

-That's not a stupid consideration.-.

It was Kim the one who talked. Her mind, more accustomed to similar businesses, is already in motion. You feel her eyes scanning you from head to toe, much to your embarrassment.

-...You are not that bad, in general terms. I might even manage to get you to afford a good-looking girl.-.

-But!- Tina comes to her senses, an alarmed tone exiting her mouth: -But I thought that from now on we would be together!-.

-Oh, yeah, let everyone knows that Tom is...- Being still in the mall, though aside from the crowd, Kim lowers her voice: -banging his family. I'm sure they will be completely cool with that.-.

-W-Wait, hold on!- You detach yourself from your mom's hands with a rush that makes her startling.

-I haven't said I want a girl right now!-. Kim gives you a 'who do you think you're kidding?'-look to which you answer by quickly rephrasing your last sentence: -I mean, I'm happy with what I got... I guess...-.

A joyful smile sparkles on Tina's face, while Kim sighs deeply.

-And this way you will remain for everyone the guy who never had a girlfriend. Mom is right, you need to be officially engaged with someone, it's for your own good. And mine, since you're my brother.-.

-But, but, I mean...- You turn your head between your sisters and your mother, literally speechless by their ongoing. After all, you're not even sure how you feel about it: ok, yes, a girlfriend usually would be great, but what would that imply now? Another girl with your personality? And shouldn't, you don't know, shouldn't they show some more jealousy toward you? They've fucked you, for God's sake! How can they talk so calmly to share you with someone else? Besides, if you found a fiancee so suddenly, from one day to another, everyone would be skeptical! Or maybe just envious? Wait, is this the point?

-Swe... Tom, listen.- Your mother says, putting her hands once again on your shoulders. Only at this moment you do realize how much agitated you are, to the point of quivering on the spot, and you feel quickly turning calm under the softness and warmth of her palms. Mom tenderly smiles at you, and this time you recognize that smile of hers, the one stretched on one side of her mouth that she always shows when something bitter is afflicting her but she nevertheless wants to show that she's there for you, that, together, you can solve everything.

She is needing of your help, and yet she's offering hers too, like she always does.

But this is not her, right?

-Tom, the truth is that I just wanted you to see the endless possibilities that we have now. This is the reason why we've come here: to make you see how... how it may go from now on, if you'll want it. And maybe, maybe you could benefit from someone external to the family that you can rely on. This is what I would have thought if I was in your place.-.

She then narrowly lowers her gaze in serious contemplation.

-But, in the end, I am not. Not anymore. We are not. So it's up to you, really.-.

...

Wow. You weren't expecting this kind of open-heart confession. And she seems... conflicted. Upset. Not the planner you were suspecting of earlier, far from it. And it's so strange to see your mom like this.

Your sisters have gloomed too in tacit agreement. Your eyes shift between them.

"This is incredible." You think, a somehow ironic poignancy swooping in your mind.

"Parents should be overprotective of their children, mothers should be embarrassed by the mere idea of their sons having a girlfriend. And sisters... 'ugh, gross', they should retract in disgust.".

"But this is not a normal family anymore, isn't it?".

After all, your mother has just blown you in the stall.

-...ok, no harm in trying, I guess.- You eventually concede. Mom and Kim, who was quick to patronize the idea, smirk in satisfaction. Only Tina seems still unsure.

-But I have no idea where to start with, I mean...-.

-That's why I thought of this game. You see- Your mother sways her index in the air: -you won't have to do anything, actually: each of us is going to find a candidate for you, and then you will decide the winner!-.

You bat your eyelids a few times. So this is what she meant before! Though the idea of choosing a girlfriend like this, like any other item in this mall, well, it's a bit unsettling, right?

But, deep down, it's also exciting. Having the power of choosing a person, even a smoke-hot girl out of your league, like a dress from the closet, it's so forbidden and perverted as to be tremendously alluring. You can have anyone, anyone, and no one will ever suspect a thing.

-Uh, yeah, ok.-.

You furrow at your own lack of enthusiasm. Strange, you also feel frustration inside of you, and your mother notices this.

-What's up?-.

-I don't know. Isn't it a bit... demeaning? Uh, it's not that I appreciate your effort! But it's like saying that I'm not able to find a girl by myself, like any other.-.

-Oh. Yes, perhaps. B-But in the end, it's still you choosing; well, not you-you, but still... us-you. Yes.-.

For the first time since everything has begun, she seems honestly in discomfort. After all, it still regards her, being her another version of you, so she may be now confused by the consideration that she has shown to retain about you. Yet, it's both weird and painful to see your normally serene mom being dishearted like this, and you soon feel guilty since she was trying to help you.

Maybe you've been a jerk, albeit unintentionally.

-Yeah, uhm, listen bro.- Intervenes Kim: -Right now, we are the expert in girls, while you... well, let's just say that we perfectly know both what you want and what you need. Yeah, you would find someone eventually, but us? Hm! It would be really stupid, like, stupid even for you, not to let us handle this as we say.-.

-Hey, I'm not stupid!- Tina protests, breaking her silence. Kim curls an eyebrow at her.

-I mean, he isn't stupid! I mean... I mean what I was meaning, uff!-.

Damn, it's still tremendously confounding. But Kim was right, in her way.

"Besides, it still will be up to me. I can undo this at any moment." You remember to yourself. This was the term, and it's still standing.

-All right Mom, you convinced me.-.

-Splendid!- She lights up, a quickness in changing moods that is a bit suspicious.

-See you in the parking lot in two hours, then! And may the best woman wins!- This said, she spins on her heels and leaves you, directed to the center of the structure.

-Mh! Yeah, like there are any doubts!- Kim goes too, her tight ass swaying sensually as she walks away. Even is she's quite a bitch, you find yourself considering, she's really sexy.

-Uhm, Tom...- You turn to your other sister, who is poking the tips of her indices with a hesitating look on her face. Whatever is worrying her, she seems so cute and innocent right now, like a poor little fawn, her eyes being lowered and her glossy lips pouted.

-If... If we find you a girl... this won't change what's between us, will it?-.

This question strikes you hard. That's exactly the point of the entire conversation, the real elephant in the room. Rationally, if we can still talk about rationality, it will consist of simply adding another girl to your harem. But in the past, while you were fantasizing about your sisters, you asked yourself several times whether your incestual infatuations originated from the lack of a normal girl in your life; and 'Tina', being your clone under her gorgeous skin, knows it too. If that were the case, does it mean that yesterday morning was just a crazy parenthesis, destined never to be repeated? Yes, you can already see it: an older version of yourself thinking back to that crazy day, wondering if it has really happened or if you've dreamed of it. As much as you can see another possibility: a possible tomorrow that you can't even imagine, made of sex, women, and situations on the border of science fiction.

What will become of her, of them, of you?

-I don't know.- You admit. She sadly lowers her ears, and your next words come out by themselves as if to be a panacea.

-But I promise you that you'll always be my little sister, no matter what!-.

You feel your chest burning, crossed by an emotional tickling. Tina gasps, and then her face cheers up in a smile.

-Thank you, big bro.- She kisses you on the cheek, and then runs away.

You're therefore left alone, feeling somehow stoned, in a state like drunken where you're uncertain if you have just dreamed until now or not.

It was all so surreal; no, everything is so surreal! And, like this morning, you can't say where the truth stopped and the lie began. Were they just playing with you, with their reactions? Were they taking advantage of having your family members' appearance, and you fell for it? Or they have been sincere instead, and they really wanted to make you see something that you still don't see?

Oh gosh. The big question is another.

Are you really about to get a girlfriend?

---

-Mmm...-.

You look around, scanning the people flowing in and out of the stores, your hair flushing in the air as you move your pretty head. No one escapes your sight, especially thanks to the clones you've sparsed around the place during the last minutes; luckily, there is enough chaos to prevent anyone from noticing the presence of some extremely similar girls (and, even if there is, you could surely handle them). Actually, you've set half of your copies to scroll through social media pages, searching for passable targets who have posted something from here. But damn, it's more difficult than you expected...

-Sis! Sis, wait!-.

You roll your pupils in exasperation as a frantic breath reaches your shoulders.

-Anf, anf... you ran away!-.

-Well, this is a competition, sister dearest.- You answer drily, turning around to face your jammer. Tina chuckles nervously, scratching her nape in a confessing discomfort.

-Come on, if we work together we can surely beat Mom! It's for our loving brother!-.

You sigh in resignation.

-Listen, Tina, I'm sure that deep down you have plenty of qualities. You're my little sister and I'll always love you for this; but, let's be honest, you know of some things less than you know of shoes.-.

Noticing her dope face, you proceed to explain like you would do to a child: -Ok, look, tell me who you would choose.-.

Tina looks around for a bit and then: -That one!-.

You follow her indication.

Sough

-Why her?-.

-Because she has big tits!- She pipes out in excitement. Oh God, you don't know whether to feel discouraged or moved; you simply shake your head, and decide to just walk away.

-Hey! Hey hey, time out Kim, what did I say?-.

"Ignore her. Just ignore her." You repeat to yourself. It's a bit like flies, after a while they get bored by themselves and leave you alone.

-Kim! Come on Kim! I helped you earlier!-.

You stop; actually, all of you stop for a moment, and with a multitude of eyes you scan Tina's face from various angles. If that was supposed to be a threat, her mimicry didn't confirm it.

-Are you trying to **** me, huh?- You ask anyway, squinting your eyes mistrustfully.

-What? No! I just... please? Big sis?- She begs, making goo-goo eyes.

You sigh.

-Fine, I'll help you...-.

-Yatzee!-.

-...for one hour.-.

-Oh. Well, fine by me!-.

"And they say I'm the evil one." You think, rolling your eyes.

-Listen to me then, first you have to... Tina?-. Here, you've distracted a moment, and she got out of your sight. Well, of all of your sights. Did she do it on purpose?

No, there she is, pointing at a girl obliviously minding her own business.

-Her! Look at her puppies!-.

This is going to be a long hour.

---

Your heels clap expeditiously on the floor as you move with determination between the crowd. If one of them looked at your face, they could see a subtle smirk curling the corner of your lips; though no one is doing so, since your bouncing bosom and your boggling ass are quite more catchy.

You omitted a detail before, or rather a not-indifferent advantage of yours: that is that, contrarily to your daughters who are now searching for some decent candidate, you already found yours while browsing in the last shop, and you managed to insert a piece of goo inside her purse when you "casually" bumped in her. The goo is still inside of it, waiting for your order to strike while she's being unknowingly strolled around, and at the moment you are moving toward it like attracted by a compass. You can even estimate the distance.

30 meters.

25 meters.

The goo crawls outside the zipper, resting on the back of a young, feminine hand.

20 meters.

15 meters.

Its owner slows down, lifting her hand as she feels something slimy on it. When your 360° vision is set on a pair of fluffy lips, you take a jump and slither down her throat.

10 meters.

5 meters.

You turn the angle right when your new body stops squirming and a second pair of eyes is added to your vision. You grin, noticing your mother doing the same to you on the side of the walkway.

-Hello there.-.

---

-Uff! Kim is such a meanie sometimes!- You snort in protest. At the precise end of the hour, she ditched you and ran away, and you couldn't even do anything about it!

"I also listened to everything she said! For example, the first thing was... was... uhm... ah, yes! She said:".

"Tina, the first thing to consider in a girl is THE SIZE OF HER HUMONGOUS GIGANTIC BOOBIES- no wait, it was something much more boring.".

"You know what? I don't really need her! I'm more than capable to choose the best girlfriend for myself! For my brother, that is, or whatever! Yes, I'm going to do it with my own strength!!!".

With this resolution, you stand up and flush the toilet. While looking at the water whirling, your grin slowly fades away.

"...that is, except that almost another hour has passed and I don't even know where to start!!!" You panic.

"Urgh! What a fool I've been, it's not that the perfect girl can just show up by pure coincidence and I touch her back to make her turn around so I can kiss her on the mouth!" You despair while opening the door of the stall. In doing so you collide with another person, clearly waiting for it to be vacated.

-Hey, be careful!- She exclaims, moving to surpass you.

...

-Uh? What's-AUFGHH!!!-.

...

"Or maybe it is.".

---

Your back against the car door, you check the time on your phone. They should be here in moments. You feel nervous, to be reductive, having had two hours to rationalize what was happening but ending up more flustered than before. A girl, you, your mother, your sisters... argh!

And here they are, coming from different directions, Kim with her arms crossed onto her chest, Mom sensually swinging her hips (though back in her previous clothes) and Tina humming happily. You suppose that their, erm, candidates are waiting behind the cars around you.

-So, how'd it go?- You ask, unsure what to say. You can't just come out with: "Have you possessed three unbeknownst girls and stripped them off of their lives to make one of them my girlfriend?", can you?

-Yeah yeah, skip pleasantries.- Your elder sister scoffs: -Look, you two can still back off and save us a lot of time.-.

-My my sweetie, you seem sure of your choice.- Your mother chants: -Perhaps you want to be the first one?-.

Kim wrinkles her nose: -Sure, why not! Come out gal!-.

From behind the same car Kim herself has piped out before now appears a new girl of about your age, which makes you gasp in amazement. Fluent, wavy brunette hair frames a smooth clean visage characterized by straight, slightly gull-wing eyebrows, warm hazelnut eyes, and a couple of dimples accompanying her smile. Her little body is well-proportioned, with modest but notable breasts and a sweet line of the hips. This model-like beauty is currently wearing a boat neckline, gray and floral t-shirt, and skinny jeans that are laced up and ripped at both the thighs and hems.

-Hello, Tom.- She greets you, her voice sounding like silk just spung. You cannot hide your awe, and gulp.

-Hi?-.

-Meet Alyssa Vaughn.- Kim introduces her, standing next to the girl: -Socialite, heiress of a pharmaceutical company, IQ over the average. With someone like her, your popularity is gonna boost to the stars. And she's attractive too, or so they say.-.

You observe mesmerized at the shy-posing girl whose eyes are fixed right on you. You can't believe that under that glorious form there is another you maneuvering it; even if you know it for sure, it seems impossible, out of reality! This is obviously not you, how could she?

-I'd be glad to become your girlfriend.- She sensually murmurs.

-Your sister has been... pretty persuasive with me.-.

-Ehm-ehm.- Your mom coughs blatantly, interrupting your enthrallment: -I believe is my turn, now. Sweetheart, please be patient a bit until we are over too.-.

-Of course Madame.-.

-Well then, June dear!-.

The second girl who arrives is no less surprising than the first one: chocolate mocha skin with various nuances among her body's angles, illuminated by the sun's rays, a snug minidress in red and pink that clearly highlights the curves of her slender form, and finally long, manicured nails. Her facial features reveal an afro lineage.

-Hi! My name is June, June Kelly.- She educatedly presents: -I'm currently studying out of town and working as a barista during weekends. But my dream is to become the greatest singer of all time!-.

-Yeah, really nice.- Kim comments acidly. Alyssa instead gives her a polite smile which is reciprocated, but in both cases it tastes fictitious. You doubt that normally they would get along, or even talk to each other.

Instead, they both want to be your gf. Because they're not themselves anymore, they're both possessed by you, and so they're gonna be for who knows how long.

-Maybe she's not of a remarkable social position.- Your mother resumes: -But thanks to her work, she can make many contacts with people, and she definitely knows her stuff.-.

-Now who is burning steps Mom?- Kim remarks.

-My turn! My turn!- Tina hops in the place. She's indeed the last one, and after these two hot chicks you don't even know what to expect; Kim, on the other side, seems pretty skeptical, and your mother's smile is condescending more than trustful.

A click of heels announces the arrival of the third competitor. You follow the sound... and you remain gaping at what you see. Kim slowly distends her arms and opens wide her eyes, while your mother backs up slightly, in a fascinated dangle. Even Alyssa and June can't hide their amazement.

-Guys, she's Melanie Stoore!- Says Tina.

-It's Stephanie Moore, actually.- The brunette woman corrects her. Tina blinks dazed for a few seconds, and in the meanwhile Stephanie looks straight at you.

She doesn't say anything. She's just smirking, knowingly, lovingly.

-Oh, come on! Are you kidding me? How old is she?- Kim blurts out.

-I'm 26.-.

-Yeah, more 36! Plus... come on, this one is not valid!-.

Stephanie lifts one of her eyebrows, moving a curl of her hair behind her ear.

-Why, I don't remember your mom saying any restraint. Do you, Tom?-.

-I... uh...- You're still too flabbergasted to answer. Mom? Saying? Goddamn, June and Alyssa are two hotties, but she, she is a bombshell! A young businesswoman in her working attire, some hips that could slay giants and a pair of mammels which has little to envy to that of your mother. And she is all for you? Is this for real?

-M-Mom, say something!- Kim continues her complaint: -Tina had to choose a girl of his age, not some dumb secretary with silicone boobs!-.

-Uhm, honey, technically Ms. Moore is right.- Your mother replies. She's staring at Stephanie too, and her look is... oh God, are you assisting at your mother getting aroused?

-Actually, they're noy, and I'm not a secretary. I'm an accountant at the prestigious office in the neighborhood back here. Second in lead, to be precise.-.

-And she has big titties too! She's wonderful, right?- Tina throws more fuel on the fire.

The office in the neighborhood... isn't the one Kim always dreamed of working at?

"Oh no.".

Your sister Kim is boiling, red in the face and trembling like a leaf.

-You... you really want me to believe that... that you choose her only for...- She growls through clenched teeth.

-Calm down Kim, calm down.- Mom reassures her, though her glance continuously runs to Stephanie.

-Remember that is our Tom the one who will decide, and I'm sure he will take into account every aspect.-.

Suddenly, it's Alyssa who intervenes. She is still in contention, after all, and she wants to play all her cards before giving up.

-Oh, yeah. For example, keep in mind that with me you'll have access to the most exclusive cliques of the city. So many parties, so many monies... and so many pussies...-. Her purr is paired with a glow in her eyes.

"P-Pussies? S-She can't be serious, she wants to be my-my girlfriend!" You think in shock. But you don't have time to consider the mole of the possibilities opening that also June goes to the offensive.

-I can't promise you something like that.- She admits, yet far from being rueful: -But I promise I'll always be there for you, luv. We will go to the cinema together, we will cuddle on the sofa while eating popcorn, and we will visit new places during the holidays. Yes. I'll be your loving, friendly girlfriend. A healthy, normal relationship... this is what everyone dreams about, in the end. And I'm gonna give that to you.-.

You disclose your mouth. She's offering normality? How, with all the surreality that surrounds you? Yet... could she be right? Hasn't Mom said something similar at the beginning?

Your eyes wander to Stephanie, waiting for her response. But, again, she's silent: she's just stating at you, deeply, intensely. She doesn't need words, no, it's the lack of words that she's offering to you: nothing and everything at the same time, endless scenarios left to your own imagination. A stacked senior businesswoman, come on, you don't even know where to begin with, and she knows it perfectly!

-I... I...-.

Suddenly, they all seem to be hanging over you, and anxiety clogs your throat. In their eyes the common desire to know, the need for you to decide, now, and forever.

-Well, what do you say ho...Tom?-.

-Yeah, little brother, what is your decision??-.

-Hurry up, this tension is killing me bro!!!-.

-Choose me, Tom.-.

-No, choose me!-.

-Choose me!-.

-Me!-.

-Me!-.

-Me.-.

Words leave your mouth in almost a cry.

-I...!!!-.