Another morning I wake up to find myself in another person's room. Every time before I open my eyes, I secretly hope that it was all a dream. Maybe I shouldn't set myself up for disappointment like that. The only spark of relief is that it's Friday, meaning a break from acting. I feel like an old man who needs his weekend break - I guess technically I should be feeling like an old woman. Sarah flashes across my mind.
"Good morning, sweetheart," Allison's mom shines.
"Good morning, mom," I reply. It takes me a second to realise I called her mom without thinking.
"Allison, Chad just called and he and I are going to the movies this weekend. You'll be here alone with Liam, is that ok?" she asks.
"Yeah, that's fine." Nice, an evening I can just relax without having to put on an act.
"Good. It's nice that you've grown up and are so responsible now, able to keep an eye on your brother for me," she randomly remarks. I get a strange yet comforting feeling in my stomach.
I finish my breakfast and head upstairs to get dressed and stuff. As I'm changing out of Allison's pyjamas and into her school uniform, I suddenly hear the door open.
"Hello sis!" a high-pitched voice cheers. I look at the doorway, confused, only to see a little boy, around eight years old, waving at me, holding a dirty rabbit stuffed animal.
"H-Hi," I faintly smile back, before I tend to my clothes again and realise I'm only in underwear.
"Aaah! Get out, get out, get out!"
I sprint over to the door, gently push him aside and close it, locking it as well. Why did I freak out so much? I assure myself I would've reacted similarly if I were in my own body; yeah, nobody likes being seen half naked.
"Why did you do that, sis?" he asks innocently.
"B-Because I was changing, s-so you can't be in my room right now," I explain to him.
"Do you hate me?"
Why are kids like this!?
"N-No, I don't hate you, I just need to be alone real quick."
For a few moments he doesn't say anything.
"But," he continues, "But you've been alone for a long time."
"It's not that long. I just need to get dressed, it'll only take a few seconds."
"No, but yesterday you also were in your room. And yester-erday you were also in your room. And..." for some reason he goes quiet. I'm about to say something when he abruptly resumes, "And you haven't played with me for a long time."
Are you kidding me, I have to do that as well?
"Well, I'm busy with school, so I don't have time to play with you."
"For how long?"
"For very long."
Another long pause.
"But... But I don't want to wait a very long time to play with you."
Something tells me he's on the verge of getting emotional. Urgh, now I'm starting to feel bad.
"Okay-okay, how about this: tomorrow, mom and Chad are going to the movies, so we'll be home alone. Then I'll have... some time to play with you..." I have to force that last sentence out manually. Good thing kids don't pick up on that.
"Really?" If I could see his eyes right now, they'd be sparkling with stars, I just know it.
"Y-Yes, really, but you'll have to leave me alone for right now, okay?"
YOU ARE READING
The Swap
Novela Juvenil"Where am I? This isn't my room. Wait, this isn't my voice, either! This isn't my body!" Allison Par is a timid girl. She just moved to a new town and her mom started dating a new man. Allison just wants him gone, but she's too terrified to speak up...
