Swap with me cuz

The agreement

Isa sat at the kitchen table, surrounded by textbooks and notes. Her mom, sipping coffee, watched her with a mixture of concern and pride.

"Isa, are you sure you're ready for this?" her mom asked, nodding toward the stacks of schoolwork.

Isa nodded confidently. "I've got this, Mom. I've been studying hard."

Her dad, entering the kitchen, chimed in, "We're proud of you, kiddo. You're going to do great things."

Isa smiled, feeling grateful for her supportive family.

Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

"Flynn's texting me again," she said, showing her mom the screen.

Her mom chuckled. "What's he getting himself into this time?"

Isa laughed. "Who knows? But I'm sure I'll find out soon enough."

Isa's phone buzzed again, and she sighed, expecting another silly text from Flynn. But instead, her cousin's message was surprisingly serious.

"Hey, cuz. Need a huge favor. Can we talk?"

Isa's curiosity was piqued. She quickly typed out a response.

"Sure, what's up?"

Flynn's reply came quickly.

"Meet me at the park at 5. It's about school."

Isa's mind began to wander. What could Flynn possibly need her help with?

At 5 o'clock, Isa arrived at the park, spotting Flynn sitting on a bench, looking anxious.

"Hey, cuz," Flynn said, as Isa sat down beside him. "I'm in a bit of a bind."

Isa raised an eyebrow. "What kind of bind?"

Flynn took a deep breath. "I need you to pretend to be me for a year."

Isa's eyes widened in shock. "What? Why?"

Flynn explained his situation, and Isa listened, her mind racing with the implications.

When Flynn finished, Isa hesitated, weighing the pros and cons.

Finally, she nodded. "Okay, cuz. I'll do it."

Flynn's face lit up with relief. "Thanks, Isa. I owe you one."

Isa smiled wryly. "You owe me big time."

Isa and Flynn sat in the living room, facing Isa's parents. Flynn, trying to appear as responsible as possible, began his pitch.

"Mom, Dad, I know I haven't been the best student, but I really want to pass my finals this year. And I know Isa's been doing really well in school... I was wondering if she could come live with me for a bit and help me study?"

Isa's mom raised an eyebrow. "Live with you? That's a big ask, Flynn."

Isa jumped in, trying to sound convincing. "It would really help me too, Mom. I could use the experience of studying with someone who needs help, and it would look great on my college apps."

Isa's dad nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose it couldn't hurt. But Flynn, you need to promise us you'll take this seriously and not distract Isa from her own studies."

Flynn held up his hands in mock innocence. "I promise, I promise! I'll be a model student, I swear."

Isa's mom smiled wryly. "We'll hold you to that, Flynn. Alright, it's settled then. Isa can go live with you and help you study for your finals."

Isa and Flynn exchanged a look, both of them trying to contain their excitement. They had pulled it off!