You entered into the foyer of Shawn's mansion-like house. This was a moment you hadn't prepared for. For the first time, you felt rather insecure about your appearance in front of the friends you grew up with in high school.
"Heya Jon. Is that you in there? You sure have changed a lot since high school!" Shawn laughed, reaching out to shake hands. Not noticing how crushing his grip was in your petite hand, he continued, "Please, my house is your house. Make yourself comfortable and take a seat. I've got the grill on full blast with some steaks and burgers, and Kelly is preparing the rest." Before you could respond, your other three friends appeared and welcomed you into the house. And although you could sense their eyes wandering over your newfound figure, you dismissed it as something you would do if the situation was reversed.
However, two of the other three friends seemed... different. "Um, excuse me for asking but who are you guys?" You asked.
The tall man with a beard and wearing a bowler hat, plaid shirt, and jeans responded, "I'm Paul. Yeah, I used the bodyport earlier today and ended up as this guy. Not bad. He's a little on the fat side, but there's some good muscle tone to go with it."
The other man (or perhaps boy) looked to be about 12 years old and wore a Transformers t-shirt with khaki shorts and sneakers. "And I'm Matt. Nice to see you again Jon. Shoot, at least you ended up with an adult body. Unless we do it in private, there's no way I can legally drink. Or drive, or smoke..."
"You don't smoke anyways, Matt." Shawn mentioned.
"What if I wanted to start? This body isn't mine, who cares what happens to it after I switch back?" Matt retorted.
"I'm pretty sure you can't do that. Didn't you read the bodyport policy agreement? No committing your partner's life to destructive habits or activities." Warned Paul.
"The policy? You actually read that boring crap? I just signed it, gave it back to the attendant, and went on my merry way." Chortled Matt, as he blew a raspberry with the kid's lips.
"You know what Shawn? I think Matt's new body suits his personality better than his old body." Paul smirked. You all laughed at him while he grumbled and disappeared into the living room. You resumed going along to each of your friends and shaking hands or pound hugging them. Each time reminded you of how much smaller and weaker your form was in comparison to your previous stocky, 6-foot-4 frame.
Noticing that Zach was still his old self, you questioned why. He informed you that he preferred to avoid the bodyport and simply use his own car to travel to this meetup. It was a 14-hour drive on highways that are no longer being maintained by the government, but according to Zach it was worth keeping his own identity. He made reservations for one of the few remaining hotels in operation in the town. As it turned out, the rental car and hotel industries were not completely wiped out as predicted with the advent of bodyports. Some people, such as Zach, preferred the old way of transportation despite the additional cost and time spent travelling. Even though bodyports were popularized in society just 5 years ago, most people found them to be a convenient, fast, cost-effective, and safe alternative compared to airports or highways. And, thanks to an effective marketing campaign by government and private industry, people had no fears about making the switch (no pun intended).
You breathed a sigh of relief. Your friends were just like you remembered them, and they were accommodating to the circumstance surrounding your transfer. They might have teased you at times, but it was expected of friends who hadn't seen each other for over 3 years.
Shawn returned to the grill, Kelly (Shawn's wife) was in the kitchen preparing dinner, and you, Paul, Matt, and Zach sat on the leather sofa watching a (American) football game.
"So Jonathan," began Paul, glancing down at your legs, "Do you know anything about her? What I mean is: Have you had a chance to learn more about the life you'll be living for the next two weeks?"
"Of course. Her name is Violetta Marinaccio, she's 34 and lives about 10 minutes away from this house. She's married and has a daughter, but I didn't get the chance yet to meet them. I'm guessing that they came from Italy or something, since I couldn't understand half of the things in their home. It's possible that she doesn't even speak English." You explained, sharing attention between Paul and the football game on TV.
"It's possible, you say? Haven't you spoken with her over the phone yet?" He asked incredulously.
You shifted in your seat and frowned. "Well, not yet. But I plan to. Today has just been a busy day, and I wanted to give her space as she gets used to living my life. She hasn't called me either."
"Okay," relented your friend, turning his focus back to the TV. "Thought it might be a good idea, considering your situation. Anyway, the reason I asked is because I talked to my partner earlier today while you weren't here. You know, this guy I swapped with. His name is Edward Cunningham, works at the local university as a tenured professor. Thankfully he's on sabbatical right now so I don't have to fake my way through the next two weeks. He said he wanted to go on vacation and become someone else for a little while. He said he thought of it as 'spinning the roulette wheel' of life. A real nutter, this one. We shared information about each other, some of which I repeated here for you, and agreed to keep in contact at least once a day." Paul took a sip of beer and wiped his mouth. "This is my sixth time using the bodyport, so I'm pretty familiar with the whole process. Personally, I think it's amazing that you ended up as a woman on your first time. You can experience things that no man will ever experience. It can broaden your horizons, you know, give yourself a better understanding of the female species."
"You seem more positive about it than me." You interjected.
Paul laughed. "Yup! That's because I'm not the one wearing panties and getting a period. Don't sweat it, Jonathan. It's just for two weeks. Over before you know it."
"Hey, can you two stop flirting and get a room? The Packers just scored another touchdown." Matt interrupted. He took a swig of beer but sprayed it out in disgust. "Yuck! This kid's taste buds aren't used to alcohol. This sucks."
"So did you get a chance to talk to your swapping partner, Matt?" Zach asked to change the subject.
"Of course I did." Matt responded indignantly. His pre-pubescent voice seemed at odds with his mature mood and mannerisms. "Do you honestly think I'd let a kid run wild in my body? I told him to keep my pants zipped. If he does something stupid, I'm protected with a comprehensive insurance plan. The premium costs a crapton, but for these two weeks it's worth it." He set his beer on a coaster on the table. "The boy was going to see his grandparents for two weeks during the summer. With any luck, I'm gonna switch back with a mouth full of cavities, a totaled vehicle, and an arrest warrant."
You returned to the game. The time passed slowly as you nursed a light beer while waiting for dinner. It became apparent that your new body didn't like the rough, carbonated texture of beer. Oh well.
Then you felt a tap on the shoulder. It was Kelly Wilson, Shawn Wilson's 23-year-old wife. You attended their wedding as a groomsman (usher). Zach was the best man, but it didn't matter much after one hell of a bachelor party. Though it had been a few months removed, you found Kelly just as sexy and alluring now as then.
"Hellooo Jonathan!" She beamed, leaning forward in a way that showed off the impressive cleavage in her low-cut top. "I heard you arrive here earlier, but I was so busy making you guys dinner! Just slaving away in the kitchen. You'll love what Shawn and I are making tonight." She sighed, as she motioned for you to give her a hug. You got up and awkwardly embraced Shawn's wife, both of your breasts pressing together. It was weird and hot at the same time. While you had towered over her at the wedding, as Violetta you met her only at eye level.
"Uh. Thanks. The trip went fine. Do you need any help?" You said out of formality.
"Actually, I could use some help in the kitchen." Kelly answered, clasping your manicured hand tightly. "Come on Jonathan, if you're going to experience womanhood you'll need expert guidance. Let's leave the 'boys' to watch their silly football game. Plus, you need to keep me totally informed about this woman's life and family!"
You glanced back at your friends for help. They were chuckling with each other, of course. Matt said, "You should listen to Kelly. Proper women don't bother themselves with football games. Aside from the buff physiques and spandex tights, right Jonathan?"
"Just because I'm a woman doesn't make me gay!" You raged, as the others burst out laughing. Nevertheless, you allowed Kelly to escort you away from the living room. She appeared enthusiastic about showing you the ropes; after all, you were playing for 'the other team' now!
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