She's always the same

 

"She's always the same. When we watch a horror movie, she's always so tense and involved..."

 I'm happy to see that Alice has retained almost all of her personality despite the major change she's experienced. That we've both experienced.

Two months ago, a mysterious event occurred across the world: in an instant, the bodies of many people swapped, without warning or explanation. Alice and I were on vacation in Asia at the time, and we found ourselves in the bodies of two local passersby near us on the street. Luckily, a boy and a girl of similar age to ours. But unfortunately, we also found ourselves with bodies of the opposite gender! I went from being a 28-year-old boy to a 29-year-old girl, Alice from a 27-year-old girl to a boy of the same age. After the first few days of global chaos, we managed to prove our identities and return home. Obviously, the world is still in shock, but things are slowly returning to normal. 

It's hard to accept how much our lives have changed. Honestly, I don't like being a girl; I don't feel comfortable in this body. Alice and I are trying to help each other, but we still have a long way to go. For example, today she gave me a makeup lesson because "a beautiful girl like me needs to know some basics to enhance her face." It was incredibly boring and annoying... Overall, she's adjusting a little better, but she obviously has her problems too. We'll have to decide on new names within the next month, according to the government's decision. It will be an important symbolic step. We'll probably both choose names similar to our current ones: I'm thinking of switching from Josh to Josie, Alice will probably choose Allen. Incredible, I'll be engaged to an "Allen". Will I have to call him my boyfriend? Will I have to call myself his girlfriend? Will I be "Josie, Allen's girlfriend"? My head spins just thinking about it... too many things have changed and are changing. But amidst this chaos, seeing Alice be herself even in a different body makes me happy and relaxes me. It reminds me that my soulmate is still here beside me, ready to face every challenge with me.

But thinking about all this I'm missing the movie. Usually when Alice gets nervous during a horror movie, I hold her in my arms here on the couch to relax her. Should I do it again, like I always have? I'd show her that I'm still myself, and I think that would please her, too. But part of me would like it to be her doing the hugging, with those strong arms... Uh-oh, maybe as the days go by in this body I'm changing a little after all. I hope that doesn't happen to her too, or at least I think so... Well, let's say I hope she stays 90% the same Alice, but maybe I could accept a 10% of Allen every now and then...

Aunt's perfect plan

-"Paul, look at me. Don't cry. You'll see that everything will work out. And I will always be there for you, you will never be alone."

 -"How will this all work out if we have no idea what happened? We woke up like this 2 days ago and have no idea what to do to get back to our bodies. I just want to be myself again!"

 -"Of course, I understand you. It was a shock for me too and I would like to go back to myself. I already have a romantic date planned next week! But I am confident that as long as we are together we will be able to withstand any challenge, and probably sooner or later everything will be resolved! "

 -"If you say so, aunt..." *sigh*

This beautiful woman you see crying next to me is actually... me. And even though I may seem like a 19-year-old boy now, until two days ago I was a 33-year-old woman. Not that I felt like one. I always felt that my body wasn't right for me, and for some time I was convinced that I should have been born a man. A month ago, during my trip to the Middle East, I accidentally (or by fate...) found in a small shop a potion capable of exchanging the bodies of two blood relatives, if drunk by both. I bought it, even though there were some problems. I didn't know if it would work, but there was no risk in trying after all. But to become a man I would have to steal the body of a male relative of mine. It certainly wouldn't have been good for my karma... And I didn't have many choices anyway. My father is 70 years old. No, thank you. My older brother is 40 years old. Acceptable, but he has a wife and 2 daughters... I wouldn't want to hurt an entire family. And finally there was my nephew, Paul, 19 years old, son of my older sister, 38 years old.

A young, tall, cute guy who was about to start his freshman year of college. Perfect for having a new beginning. We've also always had a great relationship, so I know him well and would have been able to take over his life without too many problems. A few days ago I finally made up my mind: I was going to become Paul, and he was going to become me, Maggie. So during a family dinner I put a few drops of potion in his food and that was it. We woke up in each other's bodies, I pretended not to know anything about it, and of course he believed me. A perfect plan.

Well, not quite "perfect", maybe... My nephew lost 14 years of his life... And his life, his gender... Well, if you think about it, he has always been a shy, kind and gentle boy. He would never have fully exploited his manhood as I will. Instead, I'm sure he'll be fine as a woman! He has the perfect personality for it! He spent the last two days crying, just like a woman... Yes, I'm sure it's better that way for him too. Under my guidance I will teach him to be "me", to be a perfect 33 year old woman. After all, we will have to "impersonate each other as best we can so as not to ruin each other's lives until we find a solution". "Solution" that we will never find, obviously. But if he follows my directions I will guide him towards a perfect life for him. I have already identified a man who will be able to take care of a sensitive and shy person like my nephew. I have arranged the first date for next week. If everything goes as it should, in a few months the new Maggie will be a beautiful bride. She will be a happy wife and will take care of her new family, while I will be able to start my life again as a man, as I deserve. Everyone will be happy, everyone will win. It really is a perfect plan!

Twins Switch (part 7)

Nine months after the body swap.

"Emily": "I shouldn't be so sad. Nothing strange happened after all. Dad and Dylan go on a fishing trip together every year these days. I'm just not Dylan this year anymore, so it's normal that I stayed home with my mother. Who is also very sweet, and who, seeing me sad, told me that tomorrow we will have a mother-daughter day. I am happy to be with her, and I like these "women's days" more and more, even if sometimes they still feel a little strange. But I miss the relationship with my father. I miss many things I could do as a boy, and I don't know if I will ever do them again. Dylan is a fantastic and very protective brother to me, particularly during my period, knowing how hard it is on his old body. Even though we are twins, I definitely feel like the little sister. By the way, I don't think I'll ever get used to my period. I've had 9 of them so far, and I've found them all terribly annoying and painful. I'll just have to accept them, I guess. Among the pros there is certainly Tom, who is a fantastic boyfriend. He makes me feel special, like I've never felt before. He's the one thing I would really miss if I ever go back to being Dylan one day. I'm sorry that I will probably never be with Tiffany, who is a very sweet and very beautiful girl, but at least now we are very good friends. Tom, Dylan, Tiffany and I have already done a couple of foursome outings, getting along very well together. Now Dylan no longer has to advise me on makeup or clothes. I'm a completely independent girl! Sigh. Even temperamentally I am now completely a girl. I feel too sensitive, but I appreciate the greater connection with my emotions, at least most of the time. Well, overall I'm not complaining, I'm healthy, I have an amazing family and people who love me. If one day I become a man again, I will be happy, but I will try to live my life to the best of my ability anyway. Now I'd better go. Tonight Tom takes me out to dinner, and a girl needs time to prepare for her man. Yep, things were definitely easier before. But I'll be fine, I'm sure of it."

The ethereal being who switched bodies and destinies of Dylan and Emily was still observing the twins from time to time. He was pleased with the new Emily's progress as a person, but he still hadn't forgiven her. When it had fulfilled her wish 9 months earlier, it wanted the young man to live in his sister's body for a couple of weeks to better understand girls and improve his life. But the boy immediately used his opportunity to spy on girls and prove himself to be immature and insensitive. To punish him, the entity decided to extend the exchange indefinitely. By becoming a woman at heart, she would no longer be able to spy on girls in a disturbing way, nor take advantage of the secrets learned from poor girls to manipulate them into a relationship. And she would remain a girl, at least as long as the anger of the entity remained. And the ethereal entity in question was very, very slow to forgive, especially by human standards. But maybe one day it will forgive the new Emily, especially if she continues on the right path, and offer her the opportunity to change her destiny again. But until then it will continue to watch in silence as the new Dylan and Emily shape their new lives and precious relationships.

[The End]

Twins Switch (part 6)

Six months after the body swap.

 -"Eww."

 -""Eww" what?"

 -"You said you're going to the park to play football with your friends, but it's raining. It'll be all muddy, and you'll get all dirty. Eww."

 -"This will be even more fun. And if I remember correctly, you liked it too."

 -"You're right, but now it makes me sick just to think about it. I already don't like sweating to do sports, but I find doing it in the mud disgusting."

 -"You've really become a real lady, huh?"

 -"..." *sad*

 -"Hey, just kidding."

 -"No, you're right. I know I've changed a lot, but I can't do anything about it. Every day that passes I become more of a girl inside. Do you know how I'll spend the afternoon while you play football in the mud? Sarah invited me to get a manicure with her. That's right, I'll get my nails done with a girl I originally wanted to spy on in her underwear. I wanted to find out her secrets so I could conquer her once I became male again, and I ended up being her "best friend forever". I'm pathetic."

 -"You are not pathetic, and it's nice that you have a close female friend to spend time with. You are more mature than before, and you no longer have ulterior motives. You are a better person than before, and if we return to our bodies you will be a better man."

 -"Thank you, sister." *wipes away a tear*

 -"But tell me... When you're with Sarah, or when you see Tiffany, who was your biggest crush, do you feel anything anymore? I no longer feel anything looking at handsome boys. Absolute zero. While I really like beautiful girls... although obviously I am absolutely loyal to Tiffany, and would never betray her."

 -"I... I feel something looking at beautiful girls, but not what I would like..."

 -"What do you mean?"

 -"As much as I would like it, I no longer feel any attraction. I am now a heterosexual girl, and I only like men, to my embarrassment. But looking at beautiful girls... I feel envious. I look at Sarah and don't desire her, but I wish I were taller and long-legged like her. I look at Tiffany and think she's lucky to have bigger breasts than me. And I wouldn't even want to have breasts! It doesn't make sense! Better hair, more attractive curves, smoother skin, every time I look at a beautiful girl on the street I think of these things. I compare them to myself and I feel envious and insecure!" *sobs*

 -"Don't worry, it's normal. Many girls feel this way. I also felt very insecure about my body before all this. And you often made fun of me, not helping me..."

 -"I'm sorry, now I understand how it feels. If I go back to being your brother I'll be better, I promise."

 -"I'm sure of it. However, I would like to talk to you about something else."

 -"About what?"

 -"We have been in these bodies for 6 months now, we have tried many things but without being able to return to ourselves. I don't know if we will ever go back, honestly. I hope so, more for you than for me, but I don't know if it will be possible. I believe the time has come to get used to this idea."

 -"And what do you propose? I already live like a girl and you like a boy."

 -"I think symbolically we should start addressing each other with our new names and roles. I think it would help you accept things faster, as long as they stay that way. So I'd like you to call me Dylan, and I'll call you Emily. I'll be your brother and you my sister. We will use the right male and female pronouns for our bodies even among ourselves. Do you agree?"

 -"I... it seems strange to hear you call me by that name. You were the only one who still called me Dylan, and I liked it. But if you really believe it will help me accept things better, I trust you.. . Brother. *starts crying*

 -"Everything will be fine, little sister." *hugs his "sister"*

Twins Switch (part 5)

Three months after the body swap.

 -"Emily, don't you think it's a little too "pink"?"

 -"Well, that sweater is very pink, yes. But it looks good on you. Where did you get it, by the way? I don't think I had it in my closet."

 -"Since we still haven't returned to our bodies, I thought I had to try harder, and I asked mum for help. Obviously I didn't tell her the truth, but only that I decided to be more feminine and that I needed help to go shopping. She was very happy about it."

 -"Wow, a real mother-daughter outing! I'm proud of you! And I have to say that even though I'm doing well as a boy, I miss that kind of relationship with mom. I'm sure you've made her very happy."

 -"Too much, too. She insisted on getting me numerous ultra-feminine dresses. And then she was so enthusiastic that she wanted to take me to a spa at all costs. We spent the afternoon with massages and mud treatments."

 -"Didn't you like it one bit?"

 -"The serious thing is that I liked it. Three months ago it would have made me sick, and now I liked it. I keep changing and it scares me. Oh, and then they also waxed us, and that was just bad. Totally."

 -"Ahahah Yes, that's an aspect of femininity that I certainly don't miss. But still, it's good that you feel like you're changing. Probably soon you'll fully understand the female perspective and we can get our bodies back."

 -"I hope it happens soon. I feel so strange. And last month I was hoping for the same thing when I let you convince me to dye my hair in this very feminine way, and yet it was useless." *pout*

 -"Don't start complaining about your hair again, I already told you it's adorable! And everything still seems strange to me too. But I have to be honest, I would miss this life if I woke up in my body tomorrow. I always liked being a girl, but after this experience I realize how much more "complicated" it was. Of course I understand that it would be right to go back to normal, and I hope you can return to being a boy as you wish, but... Well, in any case I wouldn't be sad. I've been a girl all my life and I've enjoyed it, I'll just have to get used to it again."

 -"I understand what you mean by saying that being a girl is more "complicated". I will no longer take the simple life of a boy for granted, if I can have it again. No make-up in the morning, simpler and more comfortable clothes, quick showers, no waxing, being able eat as much as you want, NO PERIODS!"

 -"Well, don't just think about the negative sides. There are also things you like and have discovered, right?"

 -"Yes, I guess so..."

 -"And speaking of things you like... How's things going between you and Tom? You've been hanging out a lot lately."

 -"Everything's fine. He's a really good guy, and he's very gallant and protective enough. I feel good with him and I have fun. And I have to say... I find him cuter with each passing day."

 -Wow, what an admission, little brother. And what do you feel on the female front? Do you still like girls too?”

 -"I'm not sure. Sometimes in the changing rooms or at some friend's house I still have the instinct to look at girls, but... I "perceive" little as an internal response. When I look at Tom or other handsome boys I feel much more attracted ... I'm very ashamed of it, but maybe you are the only person who can understand me..." *blushes*

 -"Aww, come here, little brother. Of course I understand you. It's the same for me, but in reverse." *hugs Dylan*

 -"But you're dealing with it much better than me. I should be the stronger and more confident one of the two. I'm your brother."

 -"Well, lately I feel more and more confident. Clearly our new bodies are changing us, even temperamentally. Even just the different hormones for all these months can change a person a lot. You're not exactly the "brother" between us twins anymore. And also I'm very happy with Tiffany, so it doesn't worry me this "orientation change" going on. She really is a gorgeous girl. You had great taste."

 -"Yeah, happy to have shown you the perfect girl for you. *rolls eyes*

 -"Oh come on, you're happy with Tom too. If you relaxed, as you advised me months ago, you would be able to enjoy a wonderful relationship."

 -"I'll try. Although I still hope to go back to being a simple male friend of Tom's soon."

Twins Switch (part 4)

Forty days after the body swap.

 -Voiceover: "So, Emily, I was thinking...Would you like to go to the movies with me this Friday?"

 -"I... with pleasure, Tom." *smiling*

 -"Great! I'll pick you up on Friday at seven!"

 -"Eheheh See you Friday!" *embarrassed*

Dylan's thoughts: "How did I get into this situation? And why am I smiling? Why am I happy that he invited me? This is just a horrible "task" to get back into my body! After a whole month has passed since our body swap, my sister and I talked about what we could do. We thought that maybe, like in the movies, we should learn some particular lesson from being in each other's bodies, and that maybe we should act more like each other. We decided that Emily would work on becoming more masculine and me on acting more like a girl, and having the experiences that go with it. Emily and Tiffany seem very close. The date was a success, and there have been others. Every time I've seen them together it seems like Tiffany is very much in love. Excellent, I hope to be able to benefit from it soon... Emily has also started going to the gym. Soon my body will be in great shape! Emily insisted that I spend time with some guy and try to get him to ask me out on a date. She is sure that it is a fundamental experience for understanding the female world. I reluctantly chose Tom, a friend of mine who I know is a nice guy. Definitely nicer than me. I chatted with him a few times at school in the last few days, and now he has finally decided to invite me out. All according to plan. Yet I feel something is wrong. Why am I so happy to go to the cinema with him? When we went to the movies as friends, when I was a boy, I never felt this way. And why do I keep thinking he's very nice looking? In the last few days I don't even think that about my female classmates anymore... Uh-oh. Something is wrong with me!"

Twins Switch (part 3)

Twenty days after the body swap.

 -"So, sister, do you have something to tell me?"

 -"What do you mean, Dylan."

 -"I heard some things through the grapevine. I heard you asked Tiffany out on a date this Saturday."

 -"Even if it were? It doesn't concern you."

 -"It doesn't concern me?! You asked out the girl I like! Without asking my permission! What if she said no?! You would have humiliated me!"

 -"But she didn't say no. She said yes. And you should be grateful to me. If things go well, when we return to our bodies you will have the girl of your dreams."

 -"Well, it's true..."

 -"And in any case why would I ask your permission? You haven't asked me permission to violate the privacy of my best friends several times these days."

 -"Ok, sorry, I fell into temptation a few times..."

 -"And wasn't it you who told me that I had to relax and have new experiences? For a couple of days you have been particularly tense, agitated and irritable- Oh. Ah. I wasn't thinking about it. I haven't looked at the calendar much lately. I imagine for ME these are THOSE days."

 -"Shut up." *blushes*

 -"You don't have to be ashamed, LITTLE SISTER. It's perfectly normal for every girl."

 -"I said SHUT UP!"

 -"Ok, ok, sorry. It's funny but I'll try not to make fun of you. Why didn't you tell me right away? I could have helped you."

 -"I was ashamed and afraid that you would make fun of me. And rightly so, I would say. I found the products to use in the bathroom, and I searched on the internet how to use them and what to do."

 -"And how do you feel?"

 -"Honestly? Horribly. I didn't think periods were so painful."

 -"Yes, unfortunately I have always had them particularly acute. But at least it will be a unique experience on the female world that will teach you something for when you become a boy again. I am sure that you will be much more sensitive to these experiences for your girlfriends and your wife ."

 -"Definitely. And I hope this will all end soon, and I'll wake up in my body within a few days."

 -"Won't you miss the chance to enter the women's changing rooms? In the first few days you joked about it a lot."

 -"Well, yes, but... To tell the truth, in the last few days I find it less interesting than before. Looking at a girl in underwear is always nice, but less than before. I guess I'm used to it by now."

 -"Really? The same is happening to me. I still like boys, but less than before. I guess spending 3 weeks in a boy's body takes some of the "mystery" away from the opposite sex."

 -"Wow. And does this have to do with the fact that you asked out Tiffany? I thought you did it just to annoy me and get revenge on your friends."

 -"Well, to tell the truth, I wanted to experiment with dating a girl while I'm in a boy's body. And I noticed that I was also a little... interested in her. I still like boys, as I have said, but I think I'm starting to be a little attracted to girls too. It's something I've never felt before. I was curious and decided to "experiment" as you recommended."

 -"Wow, that's a lot to process. At least try not to ruin my chances with Tiffany. Behave!"

 -"Don't be afraid little brother. I know female psychology quite well." ;)

Twins Switch (part 2)

Four days after the body swap.

 -"Tonight is going to be a great night" *grin*

 -"What do you mean?"

 -Have you forgotten? Tonight I am invited to Sarah's pajama party! It will be really fun eheheh!"

 -"What?! I remember ordering you to warn Sarah that I couldn't go!"

 -"And in fact YOU won't go. I will go. And I will spend an evening and night locked in a room with 5 beautiful girls, discovering their secrets and what they like!"

 -"You... pervert! How dare you! Do you want to violate the privacy of my best friends?! It's a girls' night!"

 -"And I AM a girl. At least for the moment. Eheheh"

 -"You're disgusting."

 -"Oh, come on little sister! It's a unique opportunity! Probably in a few days we will be happily back in our bodies. I want to take advantage of this unpleasant experience to get at least a good memory or two."

 -"And to do this you have to take advantage of the good faith of 5 innocent girls, who will be spied on by a boy and who will reveal secrets to who they believe is their friend, but he isn't?"

 -"Well... I guess so. It's a unique opportunity, sorry. *grin*

 -"As soon as we return to our bodies I will make you pay."

 -"You're always so hysterical, little sister... Relax and have some new and unique experiences while you can. And let me have some fun!"

 -"I'd have mom and dad ground you... but we can't tell them the truth. They would think we are crazy, or they would worry themselves sick. But I'm sure that Karma will punish you!"

-"Oh, sure, little sister. You're really annoying."

The ethereal being watched them. And in judging Dylan it felt angry.

Twins Switch (part 1)

 -"Wait, Emily? Is that you? Is that you in my body?"

 -"Dylan? What's happening?!"

 -"I have no idea, I just woke up in your room... and in your body!"

 -"I just woke up too, hearing a female scream. It was you, right?"

 -"Of course it was me! I looked in the mirror and saw the image of my twin sister!"

 -"Do you have any idea what could have caused this tragedy? Or how we can get back to our bodies?"

 -No, I don't know- wait, maybe... Last night before going to sleep I was thinking about my difficulties in getting close to Tiffany and getting her to notice me. I looked at the sky outside the window and wished I could understand girls better. Do you think it could have something to do with it? I certainly didn't want to find myself in my sister's body so I could understand girls!"

 -"I have no idea... maybe. We don't have any options that make more sense than this. It's like those body-swap comedies."

 -"And in those comedies after a few days everything goes back to how it was before!"

 -"Yes, we can only hope that this is the case. In the meantime, let's try not to ruin our lives."

 -"How could I ruin your life? I'm not that bad."

 -"For example acting like YOU while you are ME. I'm not ultra feminine, but I act 100% like a girl. I don't want people to suddenly see me acting like a boy. You have to be careful how you talk, how you move , how you walk. Don't embarrass me and don't do anything that makes me feel ashamed!"

 -"Same goes for you, little sister. I don't want people to suddenly see me acting like a sissy. Act like I usually do."

 -"Eww."

 -"What?"

 -"Being in your body and acting like you. It makes me sick just thinking about it."

 -"The same goes for me, trust me. Let's hope that in a few days it will all be just a bad memory."

Invisible to the eyes of the two 18-year-old twins, the ethereal being who had listened to Dylan's wish and caused the body swap was watching them. Judging them.

No carbs

 -Friend: "If you keep looking at me like that I won't be able to eat. I already asked you, do you want some pizza?"

 -"No, no, I can't. Just tell me how it tastes. Please."

 -"Oh, come on, you're almost drooling. A slice of pizza won't hurt you."

 -"No, Akiko and her mother were clear. As long as I'm in her body, no carbs."

 -"And why do you follow all their orders? The bodyswap happened for mysterious reasons 3 months ago. You have the right to decide about your life."

 -"Don't say that. You make this situation seem "final". I prefer to follow their instructions, because then I still feel like "Jack", simply "guest in Akiko's body". If I start deciding how to live, I would feel more "owner of this body." And that's something I don't want."

 -"Ok, but you can't cancel yourself. To continue feeling like "Jack" you need to recover some of your habits. Like eating pizza with friends every now and then. Akiko will understand if you talk to her openly."

 -"Akiko maybe. Also because she is doing what she wants in my body. But her mother... Her mother is a dictator. She repeats to me every morning "A young lady doesn't eat sweets and carbohydrates". And she checks my weight every evening to make sure I'm not making her daughter fat! And food isn't the worst thing. When it comes to college grades she's much worse. She demands I get an A on every test, or she yells at me for hours. And you know I hate being scolded... Last week she made me cry.  Isn't it enough that I woke up in the body of an Asian girl with glasses? Does her mother have to treat me so badly?"

 -"Oh, man, I'm so sorry. I hope you figure out how to get back into your bodies soon."

 -"Oh bro, don't tell me about it..."

 -"Anyway, in the meantime... please stop staring at me with those eyes while I eat pizza! I'll lose my appetite and there will be two of us who won't be able to eat it!"

 -"Ok, sorry. But describe it to me later, please! Three months without pizza is agony!"

Be optimistic

"Be optimist. 

Look at the bright side. 

It's true, that girl stole my life by swapping our bodies. 

It's true, I was a 25-year-old boy who just graduated from law school, and now I'm a 25-year-old girl who dropped out of school at 18. 

It's true, I had a bright future, while now I'm a girl who has to work in a fast food restaurant because she dropped out of school in her last year of high school. 

It's true, I've lost my family and my girlfriend, and in return I've received periods and uncomfortable clothes (and I don't have the money to buy new ones). 

It's true, in the last 2 months my life has been hell, but as always I have to look on the bright side. 

And being forced to work at this fast food restaurant for a living, at least I can eat my favorite burger whenever I want. 

So I have to be optimistic. 

I have to stay optimistic. 

I have to... *sob* be... *sob* optimistic... [crying sounds]"

At least this one

"I don't know why I'm crying. I'm happy and I'm crying. Stupid hormones! But I'm really happy. I didn't think I'd get this back from my old life. This was one of my closest possessions, and it's mine again."

Three months ago I never thought I'd cry with joy to receive an object that was already mine as a gift, but many things have changed since then. My whole life has changed. 

April, a girl who goes to the same college as me, somehow managed to switch our bodies! And some witchcraft or magic keeps me from telling anyone who I really am. Apparently April had been jealous of me since day one of college, even though we barely knew each other. She wanted to be a Caucasian boy who was athletic and popular with girls. But my life wasn't perfect: I suffered enormously from my mother's death a year ago, and I'm still trying to recover from grief. But April didn't mind that, of course. Overnight she stole everything from me: my body, my family, my home, my gender, my race, and… everything that reminded me of my mother. I begged April several times to give me back some of my mother's things, but she always refused "to avoid looking weird". Monster. In order not to risk having problems stealing my life, she took away every physical memory of my mother! 

Until today, on my "new" birthday. Today she put a gift package in front of the door of her old (my new) house containing my mother's favorite carillon. I remember my mum used to put me to sleep with its melody. I'm delighted at the thought of having a part of her back with me! At least this one wasn't stolen from me. At least this one.

To move on

  

- "But we'll try again, right?" 

- "..." 

- "Emma... why don't you answer me?" 

- "Because I don't think I want to try again. I don't want to waste time and money anymore. Especially for something that I honestly don't think I want. To be honest, I'm starting to like being a guy." 

- "Emma..." 

- "Let's be clear: I'm not going to keep your body by force. If you find a way to replicate the swap, I'll accept it. But I don't want to spend a part of this new life of mine looking for a way to go back to my old life. Not now that I am finally finding happiness. I want to move on, and I advise you to do the same. In six months we have not discovered anything concrete, we have only been the victim of 3-4 scammers and we have lost countless hours in research without results. Think about your new life, don't throw it away for something that will probably never happen. You are my friend and I would like to see you smile again. " 

- "Smile again? How?! While I'm trapped in your body?!" 

- "What do you think is the use of continuing to fight? I think we should accept our new reality. Are you a girl now? Billions of human beings are. You can be happy in that body too." 

- "Never. I can't accept it. If you don't want to help me, I'll do it myself. I'll find a way to be myself again." 

- "Tyler..." 

- "See you soon, Emma. I thought you were a better friend." 

Over the next few months, Tyler continued to invest nearly all of his time in his research, but discovered nothing. The two former "loser" friends have taken two different paths in life. Emma joined the gym and expanded her friendships, becoming quite popular. She feels good about being a boy now, and she even has a girlfriend. Tyler, on the other hand, is even more of an outcast than Emma was in that body. He has practically no friends, he has no passions. He hates the looks he gets from boys, so he doesn't leave the house very often. He can't accept the new himself, or "herself". He doesn't want to accept it. Emma is truly sorry for him, and always tries to invite him to her new circles of friends. Unsuccessfully for now, but maybe she's starting to see some doubt in her friend's eyes in the last few weeks. Will she be able to convince him to move on?

Don't strain yourself

*Voiceover*: "Don't strain yourself. You won't be able to talk or move for at least another hour, thanks to the herbs I gave you. Well, my work here is done. I think I'll go back to MY home. My big, beautiful home. Take it easy in this little studio apartment of yours. Within two to three hours you should be moving normally, with no side effects. I was quick, I finished well in advance. I thought I needed more time to steal every single part of your body. While we're at it, I'd like to ask you something: did you really think I liked you? Such a shy and insecure man? I'm sorry, but I've been dating you these three months just to get information and be able to steal your life without any problems. But look on the bright side: your personality made you a pathetic man, but a shy and insecure cute girl is lovely! You will have much more success with the opposite sex eheheheh! Oh, are those tears? Are you crying? You were never really a man, were you? I definitely did you a favor! Well, I really have to go now. Just remember that the magic I used prevents you from revealing your true identity, so avoid making a fool of yourself by muttering incomprehensible lines. Ah, by the way, our relationship is over, baby. You are not the right girl for me. Goodbye!"

Bad conscience

*First person POV inner voice*: "She's smiling! She's finally smiling! I've been waiting for this moment for months!" 

You know, five months ago that girl was my brother, and I was that girl... 

Although we were twins, we were and are very different: he was an athletic boy, I was a chubby girl. But five months ago I found a scroll with a one-shot spell at a flea market. A spell to swap bodies between blood relatives. I thought about it for a couple of days, but in the end I did: I used the spell on my brother, without telling anyone, pretending to be as shocked as he was. I know I did a horrible thing, but try to understand me... I always hated being a girl, being chubby and shortsighted, being pathetic at every sport. And I also had another reason. Both my brother and I, being eighteen, dreamed of going to college next year to study law, but our family can't afford it... Well, he, or rather "his body", got a scholarship for his merits in football! I couldn't bear to be "left behind" by my twin, while he could fulfill my dream of studying law! So yes, I stole his body and his life. And I lied to him and our parents about it. We decided to keep it a secret, "hoping to find a way to get back to normal soon". 

I was hoping my brother would adjust to his new life as my sister, and that we could both happily continue our new paths. But he, or rather "she", didn't. She fell into a terrible depression. She didn't leave home for 4 months (the latter part of our senior year and most of the summer), cried most nights, gained weight (becoming even chubbier), stopped talking to almost anyone. She didn't even leave her room for our 19th birthday, two months ago! She hated having to wear glasses even more than I did. She couldn't accept her out of shape, shorter and weaker body. She especially hated her period: she passed out the first time!

I felt terribly guilty. I was hoping that after a couple of difficult and weird weeks she would start moving on, but she didn't. Then finally a month ago she started going out of the house again, every now and then, wearing men's clothes. It was already a big step! She started seeing a couple of our best friends again. She started to live again, little by little. 

Looking at her around other people it is clear that she is a bit confused about boys and her feelings. Now I like girls, so I guess she likes boys. And for the past ten days, I've noticed that a friend of ours, Jake, is showing her particular attention. And I think she likes it. I don't think anything has happened between the two, I think my "sister" isn't even ready for a kiss yet, but I think texting Jake makes her happy.  She has even started wearing a bit of makeup for a couple of days! Someone wants to look pretty to impress a cute boy eheheh...

Seeing her smile while looking at the phone is a wonderful going-away present. That's right, I'm leaving for college tomorrow! I am so excited! Parties, girls, interesting lessons, it will be great! And seeing that my sister is on the road to recovery is a breath of fresh air for my conscience. I'm sure when I get home in a few months, she and Jake will be a couple. And my conscience will be even lighter. And then, in a few years, maybe when she has a couple of beloved children, I might as well finally tell her the truth, hoping for her forgiveness. But for now, a smile is more than enough.

No useful data yet

- Day 126. No useful data yet. I've been keeping a close watch on the bitch who stole my body for over 4 months now, but I haven't found anything useful. She's just enjoying my life, spending my money, dating a new girl every night. I haven't seen anything that looks magical or sci-fi during my surveillance. But how the hell did she swap our bodies?! From Monday I will be able to monitor her for much less time. Unfortunately, I have no money left, so I had to take a waitress job in a diner. Unbelievable... I'll have to spend half of my time getting unwanted pats from yokels looking at me in a creepy way and the other half spying on my body thief who lives happily and carefree. But one day she will take a misstep, and I will find out how to get my money, my home, my gender, my ethnicity, my body and my life back. I'll get it all back.

- Day 364. Tips at the diner have improved since the owner forced us to wear the new uniforms. The extra money partially pays for the humiliation of that little skirt. Oh yeah... No useful data. Yet.

No real damage

 

- "I don't think it's broken, thankfully. But you'll have to put ice on it." 

- "What did I tell you? No real damage." 

- "But you have to stop looking for trouble. You seem to like finding excuses to fight." 

- "Well, it's very satisfying actually. All my life I've been small and weak, and I couldn't gain muscle in any way. Now I finally have a body that makes me feel strong and confident." 

- "Too bad that body is mine! And I would appreciate it if you don't destroy it in the time it takes to figure out what happened to us and get back into our respective bodies." 

- "Destroy it? As I said before, "no real damage". And in fact, I'm improving it. In this month I have made it more athletic than before. In five or six months I will have an incredible body!" 

- "In five or six months I hope we will be ourselves again! What's wrong with you?!" 

- "Sorry, sorry, of course we will continue to look for a solution for our swap. But try to understand me... You know I've always been a tomboy, so for me it's a... unique experience. I can finally see the world with a man's eyes. A tall, strong man. Nobody looks at me as if I'm inferior, or adorable, or in need of help. And to be honest it's nice to have no more problems due to my skin color... " 

- "Yeah, there are really bad people out there... I noticed that this month."

 - "I'm sorry I had to pass this "problem" over to you... 

- "It's not your fault. But you can do something for me if you want to cheer me up." 

- "I could never say no to such a pretty girl." 

- "Ha ha ha. I'm serious." 

- "Ok, ok..." 

- "No more fights." 

- "Mmm..." 

- "Come on, you owe me! That's my body!" 

- "Ok, but on one condition." 

- "That is?" 

- "A date. This Saturday. You, me, a restaurant and a movie of your choice." 

- "I... but... what... You... Are you attracted to me?" 

- "Long before our swap. But now I feel pretty confident enough to ask you for a date. I know it's weird to ask my body for a date... but I'm attracted to who is inside it. You." 

- "I... I have to think about it... I would never have imagined..." 

- "I understand. But until that date or until we get back into our bodies, no "no fights" guarantee. Only "no real damage" guarantee." ;)

Uncomfortable bed, uncomfortable life

 

"Argh! Come on! There must be a more comfortable position! Even her bed is uncomfortable! Is there anything about my neighbor's life that doesn't get on my nerves?" 

Ever since my neighbor and I mysteriously swapped bodies, my life has been tremendously annoying. We are both 18 years old and in our last year of high school. But I was a popular football player, and she was a geek nerd. It is also for this reason that we have never become friends even though we have been neighbors for years. 

We are so different! Her bedroom is too childish, her clothes too feminine and out of fashion (I feel ridiculous wearing them!), her few friends are very boring, her mother is demanding in everything, her athletic skills are below zero... and even her bed is very uncomfortable! What the hell is that mattress?!

For the good of the kingdom

 

- "I don't understand. Why can't we let anyone know?" 

* voiceover *: "Because the kingdom cannot stand any more instability. The situation is already worrying after your father's death. We cannot tell the people that the sorcerer who killed their king has also cast a spell on the prince and the princess, before he is killed. We cannot let neighboring kingdoms know that the heir to the throne is in the body of a frail damsel. We would be vulnerable to their attacks. We must make them believe that the kingdom has stability despite the death of your father."  

- "But how long will we have to keep this secret, mother? How soon will I be able to return to my body?" 

- We don't know how long it will take. Some trusted soldiers are undercover searching for wizards who can help us. But it could take a long time. In the meantime, you and your sister will have to assume the roles of your bodies. This means your sister will be crowned king in three days. 

- "What?! But mother, the crown is MY destiny..." 

- "That's enough. I explained our predicament to you. We need a king in charge, and you can't be right now. Your younger sister will be the king until we find out how to reverse the spell. 

-"But..." 

- "You, in the meantime, will have to quickly learn how to behave like a princess. You will be required to maintain a feminine and graceful demeanor, appropriate to your role. In a month there will be the ball for your sister's (now yours...) 20th birthday, and there will be many princes from neighboring kingdoms. It will be necessary to marry one of them to strengthen our alliances, so you must be ready to strike them with your grace, "princess". 

- "Mother, you can't be serious..." 

- "I am very serious. And you will obey, for the good of the kingdom. Do I make myself clear?" 

- "..." 

- "It is polite to answer when your mother talks to you." 

- "For the good of the kingdom..." 

- "Exactly. Now it will be better to start your training. You will have to start getting used to move gracefully in uncomfortable women's formal dresses."

Gossip magazine

- "What's up? Why are you looking at me like that?"  

* voiceover 1: "Well, we've never seen you reading a gossip magazine, Mark..." 

* voiceover 2: "Yeah, you usually read science journals or historical novels. Are you sure you're feeling good?" 

- "Sure! I'm not particularly interested in this gossip magazine, but I feel relaxed reading it. First I tried to read one of my scientific journals, but I understood very little of that and I got a headache. Reading this one seems more... "natural". 

1: "Mmm, apparently that machine didn't just swap bodies between you and Kate, but other elements as well. The situation gets even more complicated." 

2: "We have to find a way to repair it and exchange you as soon as possible! If it has also exchanged your intellects and parts of your personalities, the situation is even more serious!" 

- "Like, sure! We have to hurry up and fix it. But I don't think I can help you much by now. All those codes and those circuits confuse me... Even thinking about them gives me a headache." 

1: "Without your help it will be even more difficult, but we will do our best..." 

2: "Don't worry Mark, we won't give up until we get your body and intellect back. And we could ask Sarah for help. She probably has your intellect and could make our job a lot easier." 

- "Well... I don't think she has much time to devote to repairing that machine... There is a rumor on campus that she is spending a lot of time with Sally, her best friend. The one who has always had a crush on me." 

1: "Oh. Oh... This situation keeps getting more and more complicated."