The Switch (Morganville Vampires)

Chapter 2

We went to the secret room in the Glass House to discuss what the hell we were going to do.

"Well, until the idiot Myrnin sorts out the machine we will just have to live each others lives." Amelie in my body said, sitting down on the couch. "Which sadly means you will have to go to the meeting and try your best to impersonate me."

"You're going to have to pretend to be me, too." I said. "And you can't be ladylike and everything because I don't do that. Oh and Shane might kiss you." I said, feeling more than a little down on that. Amelie glared at me. "Stop looking at me like that! I can't help he's my boyfriend."

"Well, it was your idea that I come along and assist in this experiment. So it is your fault." She said. "Anyway, I am not kissing Mr Collins or doing anything intimate. I might just tell them." She expecting my fingernails. "Also do you have a manicure kit? You're in serious need of one."

"We're getting off topic. You can't tell anyone. I'm pretty sure I can pull you off. I spend enough time around you, right?" I asked. Amelie shrugged slightly. "Also you can eat human food and drink water. So you get to be human until Myrnin fixes the machine." I said, knowing that Amelie didn't want to be a vampire and she could have a go at being human again.

"Probably. But you will have to drink blood and watch how tight you grab things or people. I am stronger than most vampires, so do be aware of my strength." Amelie said. I nodded. I looked at my hand which is pearly white and flawless. It still felt unreal and weird to believe that I am in the Founder's body. "Now there is twenty minutes to the meeting, so you had better get going." 

"Fine, but try to act like me. Also don't be ladylike or anything... " I said. 

Amelie cut me off. "I know. Now go." I  went down the stairs. Outside, Amelie had arranged for the car to pick me up and take me to Founder's Square. I just hope it all goes well.

Amelie's POV

Right. Pretending to be Claire can't be that hard. I have observed lots of children's behaviour in the University, so this shouldn't be too hard. I got up and went down the stairs and out the door. I easily found Claire's room and I went to her wardrobe and looked through her clothes.

"You really need to do some shopping, Claire." I said to myself.

"Hey Claire." I turned around. I am already missing my sensitive hearing. Anyone could sneak up on me. Claire hadn't deafened herself on loud music but it still took some getting used to.

"Hi, Shane." I said. "I'm just looking for something to wear."

"Cool. Well Michael's downstairs having a go at making tacos, so I thought we could do something." 

"Like what?" I asked.

"I don't know. I was hoping you would fill it in for me." I scanned the child's mind for whatever they did, but came up blank. Then I remembered what Claire had said about the mind transfer. Idiot Myrnin.

"I'm sorry, it's been a long day. I didn't get much sleep last night."

"Um... Well, I was suggesting we could spend some time together. I haven't seen you in a while." I knew what he was insinuating; spending time together could lead to him trying to kiss me. I shook my head.

"Why don't you play with your game?" I had seen it when I had gone up to the secret room.

"I got bored. Anyway I want to spend some time with you. Are you alright, Claire? You're not usually like this." 

"I am fine. I have to go and see Myrnin, then go to my classes." I said giving up on something to wear and going out. Downstairs, Michael is waiting for the food to cook.

"Hello Michael." I said.

"Hey CB." He said. Is that what they call her?

"May I have something to eat?" I asked. Michael glanced up at me from his phone.

"Umm yeah sure." He said. I went to the fridge and picked a yoghurt. I got a spoon and went into the living room. Their last occupant Eve, is sitting watching the TV. I still don't forgive her for hitting me at their wedding but as I am not in my own body at the moment, I must hold off any violent actions I had planned.

"Hey CB. OMG Oliver is being such a dick lately." She said. I sighed. I do not like words like that. I took a spoonful of yoghurt. It tastes strange. I swallowed.

"Has he now?" I asked.

"Monica came in and she is being such a... Hey chill, Claire." She said, at the glare I sent her. I do not want to listen to her obscene language. "Anyway, she is being so annoying like more annoying than last time and Oliver does nothing about it even though he is basically giving her the death glare. Gosh, someone should stake him."

"Yes, I think so." I said. I had almost finished the yoghurt and I quite like the feeling of something in my stomach other than blood.. I took a sip of water out of a water bottle.

"Want to go shopping? I think I need some more clothes." I couldn't stay in a slightly oversized t-shirt and jeans any longer.

"Sure! I was wondering when you'd take my advice. You need a whole new wardrobe."

"Well I have been thinking and I would like some more clothes." I said. "I will just go and get money." I went into the kitchen and put the yoghurt pot in the bin, then went upstairs and looked around to see where Claire kept her money.

"Come on CB!" Eve called up.

"I am just looking." I called back down. I looked on top of her wardrobe and saw a blue tin. Using her desk chair, I took it down and took out $120. I would replace it once I got my body back.

Downstairs, I retrieved the coat and followed Eve outside. My skin doesn't burn or turn red. In fact it feels quite warm. I had forgotten what being human felt like after all these years.

We went to the clothes shop. We spent a lot of time in there and I spent $109. I had bought ten new outfits in all in the colours Claire liked to wear and all in her size.

We went home and I had my first meal with their house's occupants and felt full and enjoyed the water. I don't think I am ready to go back to my own body, if Myrnin is true to his word.

Please tell me what you think. Leave a review they are much appreciated. I'll give you a cookie :) Also I will be doing Claire's experience as The Founder at the meeting :)