INCOMPATIBLE.
The test results were presented in a few paragraphs, but Ben’s eyes immediately fixated on the bleak, operative word. INCOMPATIBLE. That one, fucking word is the only one that mattered. He didn’t even bother to read the rest. Not that he needed to. Ben got the result he’d expected, and he’d have been totally shocked if the report said anything different. Nonetheless, it still stung a little. His eyes glanced the word again.
INCOMPATIBLE.
A long silence settled in the room. Both Heather and Ben knew what that meant. Out of the corner of his eye, Ben saw Heather’s shoulders droop in defeat. She let out a deep sigh.
“I’m sorry love,” Ben said, weakly.
Heather paused, but quickly collected herself. “It’s fine, really it’s okay.” She smiled warmly, putting her left hand on Ben’s. “We both knew it was a long-shot.” She was trying her best to be calm and supportive, but Ben knew her dream was partially crushed. Only partially, however. The two of them might not both become giants, but she still could.
“Hey! Open yours!” Ben pleaded, now fully clasping her left hand. “C’mon, let’s see it!”
She leaned across Ben’s desk and inserted her envelope into his paper shredder.
“What the- Hey!” Ben gasped, watching the document disappear into the shredder.
“I’m not looking. I don’t want to know. Even if I am compatible, this was always going to be us or nothing,” Heather said, resolutely. “What’s the point in being big if I can’t have my big man with me?”
Ben stared blankly at her, uncertain what to say next. They both just wanted the other to be happy, but in these types of standoffs Heather always won. He glanced again at his report. INCOMPA- hang on. There’s a note scribbled on the bottom of the page.
Ben - please call me ASAP. Much to discuss. AJ
The note was signed by Doctor Alexandra Jacobs, who had been reviewing all the applications for enlargement. What could there possibly be to talk about? Ben speculated, before suddenly realizing that Heather was peaking at the same note.
“You gonna call her?” Heather prodded.
Ben picked up the phone and dialed AJ’s extension.
“AJ-” “Oh.. Uh huh.” “Yeah I can-” “Sure I’ll be right there.” “Yeah, uh huh. You too.”
Ben hung up the phone, glancing up at Heather’s stunning green eyes.
“Wrong number.”
“Oh fuck off!” Heather said with a tired smile, “What’s she really want?!”
“She wants me to come down to her office immediately. Something about the test. Nothing to worry about, just that it was exciting news.”
“Well get on down there!” Heather was practically pushing Ben out of his chair, “Get! C’mon go already!”
Moments later the couple arrived at Dr. Jacobs’ office. AJ, as she preferred to be called, was a tall, raven-haired woman in her late 30’s, with a wry smile and a penchant for wearing tight skirts and boots with high heels. She was extremely fit; clearly a regular at the local gym. AJ was 10 years older than Ben, and nearly six inches taller than him. Ten, counting the heels. Heather wasn’t a fan. But every guy in the office was.
“Ben! And.. Megan, right?” AJ rose from her desk to welcome the couple.
I’ve been here for five years and she can’t even remember my fucking name. “Heather,” she said, flashing a plastic, fuck-you smile. Ben gently scratched her back with his right hand. He was always good with subtle comforting touches.
“AJ, what’s going on? Is this about our results?” Ben asked, anxiously.
“Have a seat, both of you,” AJ responded, walking around her desk and sitting on the edge. “You two are such exceptional candidates. I can’t believe how fortunate we are to find you.”
Heather’s heart skipped a beat. “So you mean... I’m compatible?”
“You didn’t read the report yet?” AJ’s hazel eyes opened widely in disbelief. “Out of all our applications, you’re our sole compatible subject!”
Heather’s heart almost jumped out of her chest. Ben’s almost hit the floor.
“Well, until we open applications for round two, that is,” AJ added. “We’ll have to find another subject somehow... We’re thinking about testing interns, security guards.. Maybe subcontractors if we have to. But for now, you’re it.”
Heather’s head was swimming. Ben rested a comforting hand on her back but she was too stunned to notice.
“But what about my results?” Ben started, daring to hope. “You said we were both exceptional candidates... But the report said-”
“Oh forget the report. Have you seen the guys who write those things?” AJ beamed. “It’s true, you’re not compatible with enlargement. But you are a perfect subject for another program we’ve been developing.”
Heather lifted her head in interest, suddenly rejoining the conversation. “What program?”
“Ben is one in a million. Maybe one in a billion! We really had no expectation to ever find a human subject,” AJ continued, tapping her pen against the corner of her teeth. “We’ve been fielding applicants for human size reduction.”
Oh God. Ben had a bad feeling about this.
“It’s a four month trial, just like the enlargement. But if it’s successful, you’ll be making history, Ben.” AJ smiled. “Oh, and there’s a $100,000 bonus if you participate.”
Heather saw dollar signs dancing in the air. That could put their kids through college someday. “Ben, think of what we could do with that...”
“Right.. Right. If I do this - IF - then how does this all... work?” Ben asked AJ.
“We shrink you. Slowly. It takes time. You’ll probably bottom out at an inch tall.” AJ answered.
“Jesus! Sounds super dangerous,” Ben gasped.
“No! That’s the best part. We harden your body as you get smaller. You’ll be near impervious to harm, you won’t have to eat or drink hardly at all. It’s really tough to do Ben, but with you we can actually solve these problems. You’re truly unique, my friend,” AJ responded, comfortingly.
“And where will he be during the test?” Heather asked.
“He’ll spend four months under my care in my lab,” AJ said.
“Out of the question!” Heather protested. “I want him home, with me!”
AJ pondered this momentarily. “That can be arranged,” she finally said. "I'd need periodic access to the subject for routine monitoring, of course."
"Of course!" Heather was getting way too into this.
“Isn’t anyone going to ask what I think?” Ben weakly asked.