Chapter 17 - It’s Only For The Weekend

Vicky

Monday morning, Nick came into my apartment bright and early as I was getting ready. I was wearing another pair of Lexi’s jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt she lent me. It’s been weeks since Nick had stopped by first-thing in the morning. Once he trusted my decisions on outfits and makeup, he let me do my own thing.

“Good morning, Vicky.” he said. 

“Good morning.” I replied. “Yo Nick, the RA is on the lookout for you. She keeps complaining to me you’re in here without an escort.”

“She can bite me. This is my dorm.”

“Well she doesn’t know that. I keep getting lectures from her.” I pretend to talk like her in her high nasally voice, “Now Nicole, I don’t want to judge your dating habits, but you know that both of your boyfriends can not be walking around the building by themselves. You’re going to have to tell Victor and Tyler to stay outside.”

Nick laughed. “That’s a good impression. I’ve had my share of run-ins with her too. Does she really think you’re dating both of us?”

“Well, I don’t correct her because I think it’s funny she thinks that.”

Nick smiled while shaking his head. “You’re awful Vicky.”

“So, What brings you here this morning?” I asked.

“Let’s talk about the internship.” he said, opening the refrigerator door and pulling out a yogurt. “May I?”

“Sure.” I said. “You saw the email. It starts on Monday the 22nd. Two weeks from today. You need to reply by Wednesday to confirm your acceptance.”

“Not me.” he said, grabbing a spoon. “You. You’re going. I can’t go. They’re offering this to a woman named Nicole, not a guy named Victor or Nick.” He took a spoonful of yogurt. “Hmm. This is a good flavor.”

“Whoa, Whoa. I can’t take this from you.” I said. “I know how much you wanted this and how much effort you put into it.”

“Which is why you’re going.” he said. “As much as I want to go, I can’t go like this. Don’t make all of my effort in vain.”

“But I don’t have time for this.” I said, exhausted. “With my painting, and homework and....”

“Dating my boyfriend.”

“That too.”

“You’ll be fine. Tyler will understand. This might be good for you. You get to meet new people.”

“This is too much too fast.” I said. “I had zero friends 2 months ago. Now I have 3 best friends and a boyfriend. I’m trying to balance it all.”

“Vicky, you’ll do fine. You’re actually a very outgoing person.”

I sighed. “OK” I said begrudgingly. “What do I need to do?”

“First, confirm your spot.” he said. “Second, we’ll pick a day to go clothes shopping. You’re going to need more professional clothes.”

Well, I have been itching to go clothes shopping. But what I want to buy and what Nick likely wants me to buy may differ. “Well, maybe we can go to multiple stores.” I said, trying to find the silver-lining. “I could use some more casual clothes as well.”

He nodded, finding my idea acceptable. I expected some push back on adding casual stuff to my wardrobe. Maybe this was a good time to ask him about the clothes at his parents house.

“So.” I said. “About your fall and winter clothes.”

“Yes.” he replied. “You’re going to have to go to my house to get that.”

“And how am I supposed to do that?” I asked.

“Call my parents and have them pick you up. Spend the weekend with them.”

“Oh, That sounds fun.” I said. “We can go together. You can introduce me to your family and friends, and show me around the town where you grew up.”

“Yeah um, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he responded.

“Why not?”

He thought about it for a moment. “If I was Nicole, and you were Victor, I’d consider it. But by bringing home a boy who isn’t Tyler, you will be making your weekend much more complicated than you’re ready to handle. Trust me on that.”

“Oh” I said, slightly disappointed. “Can I bring Tyler then? They know he’s my boyfriend.”

“Noooo!” he said. “Not unless you want to see Tyler and my father kill each other.”

“Geez” I replied. “I feel there’s a story here I should really know about.”

“Maybe later,” he said, tossing the empty yogurt in the trash and the spoon into the sink. “Or have Tyler tell it to you. I have to get to class.”

With that, Nick was out the door and gone. I kinda wish he stayed around a few more minutes so he could help me with this phone call I now have to make.

I scrolled through the contacts on my phone and found “Home”. This is likely Nick’s parents house. I dialed the number.

After two rings, I heard a woman voice answer. “Oh look, it’s my long lost daughter who never calls.”

Geez, what a greeting. “Hi Mom” I said, trying to not get baited into arguing with someone I’ve never met. I hope she goes by Mom.

“Do you need money? We haven’t heard from you in months and you haven’t returned any of our calls”

Yikes. She isn’t my real mother and yet I couldn’t help but feel a huge pang of guilt. She’s right, though. I haven’t returned her calls. I felt a little guilty about it. But Nick said it wasn’t a huge deal, and he rarely returned her calls when he was in this body.

“I was thinking I could come home this weekend.” I said, sheepishly. “I was hoping to exchange my summer clothes for my winter clothes.”

“OK” she said. “I’m sure we can fit you in with our busy schedule.”

I need to remind myself to ask Nick if his mother is always this much of a bitch. “Thank you.” I said. 

“I suppose, It’ll be nice to have you home again. Do you want us to pick you up that Friday?”

“Yeah.” I said. 

“OK.” she said. “I’ll let your father know. Bye honey.”

She hung up. Wow. She didn’t ask how classes were going and just wanted me to get to the point, which considering my predicament I appreciated. I expected her to dig deeper into her daughter's life, but she didn’t. Maybe we’ll talk more about that in person. I wonder what Nick’s parents are like in person. Are they like Nick in any way?

I chuckled about how much Nick still runs my life. He was in my apartment for at most 5 minutes. He came in, ate my yogurt, told me to accept an internship, then told me to call his parents. What’s Nick doing for me?

Speaking of which. I opened up my laptop and decided to accept the internship. I feel bad that Nick can’t go to this and I’m going instead of him. I need to make this up to him somehow. I had an idea, but I have no idea how to pull it off. I pulled up the email.

As I was about to do that I got a text. It was from Tyler. “Good morning sunshine!” with a bunch of heart emoji.

I smiled and replied. “Good Morning.” with a bunch of sleeping and bed emojis.

A few seconds later the phone rang, it was him. 

“Hey babe” I greeted him.

“So did you want to go to the big game this week?” he asked.

“Crap. I can’t this weekend. I’m going to my parents to get warmer clothes” I replied “Can I take a raincheck?”

“Absolutely.” he said. “The one in two weeks is versus State. It’ll be a bigger one.”

“Let's do that.” I said. “Oh - you wouldn’t happen to want to come with me to my parents would you?”

He was silent for a moment. “I’m not quite ready to see your parents again.” he finally responded.

“I get it.” I said. That’s a lie. I didn’t actually get it, but Nick warned me they didn’t get along. “Another time.”

“So.” he said. “I’ll get tickets for next saturday.”

“Great.” I said. “I’d love to go.”

“Awesome!” he said. “So this weekend - Are you going to be gone all weekend?”

“I’m not sure.” I replied. “I think so. I guess without a car I’m at the whim of… my parents.”

“Bummer.” he said. “I was hoping to spend time with you this weekend.”

I chuckled. “Ty, we see each other every day.”

“I’m going to miss you” he said, trying to be cute.

I laughed. “I’m going to miss you too. It’s only for the weekend.”

“I mean, I was hoping that one of us can spend the night at the others place this weekend. There’s also some things I wanted to talk to you about - not over the phone.”

“Oh” I replied. I hadn’t gotten to that point in this relationship to spend the night. I’m not sure if I can make enough excuses to put off sex if that happens. “Well not this weekend.” I said. I figured I'd play around with him a little more. “You can spend the night at my parents with me if you like.”

He laughed. “I’m sure that’ll go over well with your father. Anyway, I’ll let you get back to your morning. I love you!”

“You too!” I replied and hung up. Sweet. Tyler’s taking me to a game in 2 weeks. I’m going to have to find something to wear. My old jerseys likely don’t fit me. Maybe Nick has something cute at home.

My phone buzzed with another text. Tyler, quit it with the emoji’s. Oh wait, it’s Lexi in a group chat with me and Madison. 

“They just announced the big Halloween dance this year is a Masquerade Ball theme. So excited!” the message read.

Halloween? WIth all that’s happened in the past 2 months I forgot about halloween. Hell, I haven’t dressed up in costume since I was a kid trick or treating around town with my sister. I wonder what I should go as. This might actually be exciting.

* * *

Nick

I was sitting in my theater class as my professor was giving out this week’s assignment. We’ve been talking about masks in the theater or something like that. I saw my phone buzz and saw I had an email. I checked it.

It was a response from one of the internet forums I posted to. The message read. “I once saw magic when I was at your university 10 years ago. Would you like to hear about it?”

All they gave was some obscure username. This is likely someone playing a trick on me after I posted about it. I got a lot of those. 

I started replying. “Is this real or are you just trying to-”

“Nick?” I heard my professor say, interrupting my typing.

I quickly put my phone away and looked up at her as she was handing me a stack of papers to pass down my row. “Sorry” I said, turning red with embarrassment, as I took a paper and passed the stack to my neighbor.

The professor didn’t say anything and returned talking about the assignment. “This will be a chance for all of you to be creative.” she said. “You’ll be constructing your own mask. You are to make them, decorate them, and tell the class who your character is.”

I looked down at the paper which essentially said the same things the professor just said, except provided several examples as a starting point.

“This project is due a week from today.” she said to the class.

I silently cringed. I have to do an art craft and do public speaking all in the same project? I’ll just add this homework assignment on top of everything else going on in my life.

* * *

Tyler

It was Thursday night. Nicole had come over to play video games. I was sitting on the couch, and her head was nestled in my lap as she was focused on the game.

Unlike Nicole, my mind was not focused on the game. I was thinking about what I promised Madison. I promised her I would tell Nicole the truth about me. How would I say it?  How would she respond? I kept putting it off. Is now a good time?

“I wanted to tell you something.” I said, nervously

“Anything.” she said.

“I...” I started. I was having a hard time with the words. I was afraid of what she’d say. How she’d judge me. Would she dump me? After how our relationship has improved this semester? “I...” I couldn’t get the words out.  Just say it.

Nicole paused the game and looked up at me. “What’s up, Ty?”

Oh my God, I can’t do it.  I didn’t want today to be the day she dumped me. “It’s Nothing” I said. “I was just thinking about trying a new game out.”

“Oh.” she said. “Sure. I’ll play something new. Is that what you wanted to tell me?”

“Yeah.” I said. “I thought you only liked this game.”

“This game IS cool, but I think I really just enjoy playing with you.” she said. She unpaused the game.

I chickened out. I’m going to have to tell her eventually. I can try again tomorrow. Wait, she’s going away this weekend. Maybe next week.

* * *

Vicky

On Friday morning, Nick came over. I asked him to come here this morning mostly to see me off, but he offered to help me pack up my summer clothes so I can exchange them at his parents’ house. We emptied my closet of summer dresses into a storage bin which, not surprisingly, was labeled in marker in Nick's handwriting, “Nicole’s Summer Clothes.” I kept two of my favorite light summer dresses just in case we have a heatwave. As Nick folded up some dresses, he laughed to himself. He then commented that he remembers unpacking this bin right before our swap and never wore a single thing in it. 

I went to lift the bin, but I couldn’t. It was too heavy. Nick smiled and lifted it easily.

I smiled at him. I then noticed the flexed muscles just under his sleeve. I don’t remember having those. “Nick, have you been working out?”

“Yeah.” he said, smirking. “I was wondering when you were gonna notice.”

“Well, you look good.” I said. 

I saw a prideful smile form on his face. Maybe he’s getting the hang of this. 

“You look good too” he said “I like that you’ve found your own style and haven't just copied mine.”

I blushed. A compliment from Nick? Wow. “Thank you.”

“No, really.” he said. “I’ve been impressed by some of the outfits you’ve put together. Also your makeup. It looks really good.”

“It means a lot to hear you say that.”

“Hey - with you gone for the weekend, can I borrow some of your art supplies? Or maybe just come over to use them?”

“You? Borrow my art supplies?” I was shocked.

“I have a homework assignment where I need to decorate a mask. It’s due Tuesday.”

“Sure.” I said. I handed him the apartment key. “Try not to get caught by the RA.”

“Thanks.” he said.

I texted Lexi that I was going “home” for the weekend. I locked up the apartment as Nick carried the bin. We went outside and sat on the curb in front of my apartment waiting for his parents to show up. I originally asked him here because I never met his parents and I wanted to make sure I got into the right car. But having him here put me at ease.

“OK. What do I need to know before meeting your parents?” I asked him.

“They’re simple folk, but they mean well.” he said. “Don’t talk politics. That will set Dad off on tirade.” 

“No politics.” I echoed. “Got it.”

“Don’t talk about Tyler. “ he added. “They don’t like him. If you do talk about him, be prepared for them to complain about him for the next hour.”

“Siblings?” I asked.

“Nope.”

Just then a car pulled up in front of us.

“That’s my dad’s car.” Nick said.

I stood up holding my purse and overnight bag. It turned back to Nick. I suddenly got nervous. “Nick, I don’t think I can do this.”

“It’s only for the weekend.” he told me. 

I took a deep breath.

“You can do this.” he added. “I’m still alive- and I lived with my parents for 18 years of my life. And holidays. And semester breaks.”

An overweight man in his 50’s got out of the car and opened the trunk of his car. He walked over to me with arms open. “Hi Sweet Pea.” he said.

Sweet Pea? I stopped short and tensed up, realizing a strange man is about to hug me. As he hugged me, I awkwardly hugged him back while still holding onto my bags. “Hi... Dad.” I said timidly.

He took my overnight bag and put it into the trunk. I held onto my purse. Nick carried the storage bin and placed it in the trunk next to my bag. He made his way back to the curb.

I looked back at Nick who was giving me a supportive nod. I really wish one of my friends were going with me. I’m going to be left alone with complete strangers.

Nick’s dad turned to me. “Who's your friend?” he asked. “Boyfriend?”

“No, dad.” I said. “That’s my friend… Victor.”

Nick’s dad walked up to Nick and reached his hand out. “Hi.” he said. “I’m Jim Rosch.”

Nick shook his father’s hand. “Victor.” he replied. Nick had a very stoic look on his face. I’d love to know what’s going on in Nick’s head standing there in front of his father.

“Wow.” Jim said. “You have some grip, son.” They let go of their hands and Jim turned back to me. “Let’s go, Nicole.”

I took a deep breath and got into the passenger side of Jim’s car. I turned back to Nick and waved at him. He waved back, and we pulled away.

* * *

Nick

I watched Vicky get into my dad’s car and ride away. I was raging with a whole range of emotion. Seeing Dad treat Vicky like his daughter felt weird. Then he looked at me. I’ve known my dad long enough to see the look of judgement on his face. He judged me right on the spot. He used to judge me as his progressive daughter. Now he judged me as a potential daughter’s boyfriend. Maybe even a rival. I didn’t like it. He may have liked what he saw, but I felt years of him judging me coming to the surface. When we shook hands, the years of being his weak daughter pushed back as I squeezed his hand hard. I was surprised when he gave me a nod of respect. He never did that. Was I proud that I finally earned an ounce of respect? Or was I disgusted that it took being magically placed into a man’s body for me to earn it?

Despite all of that, I was jealous Vicky was getting to go to my home and spend time with my parents. Despite their flaws, I always feel safe at home. And I’m lonely. I should probably go to the gym and work these emotions out before I let them overwhelm me.

I turned to walk back to my apartment when my phone rang. Is it Vicky already? No, it was Steph.

“Hello” I answered.

“Hey Victor.” she said. “What are we doing tonight?”

I rolled my eyes. OK, I’m not that lonely. Hanging out with Steph is exhausting. I feel like I have to pretend to be a more masculine version of myself the entire time. It also takes a lot of effort to avoid breaking my personal abstinence policy.

“I can’t tonight,” I said. I thought about Vicky at my parents’ house. “I’m going home for dinner at my parents house” I said.

“Oh” she said. “Well I’ll be at Daves tonight if you change your mind.”

“I’ll be there if my dinner plans fall through.” I said.

“Have fun.” she said. “Bye”

“Bye” I said, hanging up.

Did I feel bad for lying to her? Sure. Well, now that I think about it, it doesn’t have to be a lie. I scrolled through my recent incoming calls. There it is. Vicky’s mom called last Sunday. 

I redialed her number.

“Hi honey” she answered.

“Hi, Mom.” I said. “Can I, maybe, perhaps, come home for dinner tonight?”

“Absolutely,” she said suddenly excitedly. “Your father will be so excited to hear you’re coming over. I’ll text him at work once I'm off the phone with you.”

“What time should I come?” I asked.

“Anytime” she replied. “Dad gets home around 5.”

“OK.” I said, smiling as if I was talking to her in person. “I’m going to finish up a few things here and come later in the afternoon.”

“OK. See you later - so exciting! Love you” She hung up.

I now have a plan for today. I’m going to hit the gym, finish up some homework I have, and go visit Vicky’s parents house for a free meal. Maybe I can find something in her past that would lead her to magically body swap with me.