Chapter 40 - Induction

Taylor

That night I dreamed of Victor. Our date went very well. We laughed, we joked, and we reminisced about the past 3 months. We played a round of mini-golf. He won. He walked me home. We made out in front of my apartment for what seemed like an hour.

Despite that, I could tell we were still a little unsure about our new situation. Reversing our gender roles felt a little clumsy and awkward. He didn’t say it, but there were a few hesitations here and there that I was hyper aware of. I hesitated too. While we were making out, I could feel our bulges pressing up against each other. It took me out of the moment for a second. It wasn’t unwelcome, but it was just different. I felt him shift slightly as well. It all may be nothing. It may just be us being self-conscious about our changes.

I didn’t invite him in. I could tell we both weren’t ready. He didn’t fight it. We smiled and promised to see each other tomorrow. We kissed once more, squeezed each other’s hands and he left. I needed to tell my mind not to overthink it. Victor loves me. I love him.

I went to bed topless and in men’s boxers I didn’t have any women’s nightwear yet. Up until now, being Taylor was mostly a hobby and I got by with a few full cute outfits. Being Taylor full time was going to require lots of clothes. Maybe I could convince one of the girls to take me shopping.

In the middle of the night I started tossing and turning. I felt uncomfortable. I felt cold. When my alarm went off and I woke up, something was different.

I sat up. Something felt off. I felt an additional weight on my chest. I looked down and right there on my chest were perky breasts.

I immediately brought my hands up to them. They were real! How was this possible? 

I reached down into my boxers. It was gone.

Am I dreaming?

I pinched myself. Nope, not dreaming.

I stood up. The room looked bigger. Was I shorter? I ran out of my bedroom and to the bathroom mirror.

Staring back at me was a topless girl in cute boy-shorts. She had my hair and my eyes. But her face was softer and rounder. She was shorter.

“Josh!” I yelled, surprising myself with my new voice.

I ran to his room and stopped at his open door. His room was empty. 

“Josh?” I said again running out to the living room.

His stuff was gone. The coffee table, the end table, his various wall art. All gone.

There was a knock at the door. I was about to open it, the cold air of my apartment and my newly sensitive nipples reminded me I was still topless. 

I ran back to my room and opened my closet to grab a t-shirt. Inside the closet, a whole bunch of dresses and tops were hanging up. Where were my men’s clothes? I grabbed the first casual dress I found and pulled it over my head. The sundress hugged my new curves and elicited emotions I really didn't have time to explore.

I returned to the door and answered it.

Standing outside was another girl.

“Oh good morning, Taylor.” she said. “I’m sorry if I woke you.”

I stared at her, confused.

“I’m Sam.” she said. “We’ve been talking over email. I’m your roommate next semester. You said I could stop by in the morning before class.”

“Right.” I said. I didn’t know Josh was moving out, so this came as a surprise. 

She must’ve noticed the confusion on my face. “Can I come in?” she asked.

“Sure, sure” I said, standing aside.

She came in and put her purse down. “Thank you so much for letting me room with you next semester. I know you had the place all to yourself and I bet it sucks to have to fill the vacant room.”

“It’s no problem,” I said. I was starting to worry about Josh. Where is he? Did someone make 3 wishes? Did he disappear back into his lamp?

Sam dug into her purse and pulled out a tape measure and started walking towards the bedrooms.

I followed her curiously into Josh’s old room. 

She measured the size of the room. “I have some furniture for the common area we could use if you want.”

“Um, that’d be great,” I said.

“How did you end up living in a double room by yourself anyway?” she said. “Oh yeah. That’s right, you mentioned it was a computer glitch.”

“Damn those glitches” I chuckled nervously. I wasn’t alone all semester. What happened to Josh? Has reality completely changed around me? Did the past change too? Talking to Sam just confused me more on what just happened.

“Taylor, that’s a cute dress.” she said. “Where did you get it?”

I looked down at the floral sundress I haphazardly put on. “I’m not entirely sure.” I replied.

The dress, while cute, was starting to rub my sensitive nipples. I crossed my arms to try to make that sensation stop.

“Are you going away for the holidays?” she asked. “I was thinking of moving in my stuff right after my finals.”

“I hadn’t thought that far in advance” I replied.

“I got what I need.” she said, closing up her tape measure. “Thank you, thank you so much, Taylor. Until you offered up your vacant room I was out of luck. My current living arrangement is awful and I was worried I would have to drop my spring classes if I didn't find a place for next semester.”

I offered the room up? What else changed in this new reality?

“If I don't see you before then, good luck on your finals and happy holidays.”

“Same to you” I said.

I escorted her out of my apartment.

“Bye!” she smiled as she closed the door behind her.

I stood there confused. “What the fuck?” I said to the empty apartment.

I looked around. Aside from all of Josh’s missing stuff, everything was the same. My video game system and TV were still in the corner of the room. Except the TV was on a new TV stand I didn’t recognize. I guess without a roommate I caved and bought one.

I went back to my bedroom. Everything was still the same. Except the clothing. The clothing was different. I went to the bathroom. All of my male hygiene products were replaced by feminine versions. I now had a drawer with makeup, hair accessories and feminine hygiene products. This was amazing!

I searched my apartment for my phone.

I found it in my bedroom next to the bed. But it had a different case in it. The black case was replaced by a yellow case with a cute anime girl on it. I scrolled through the contacts and found Josh. “Thank God” I said. 

I dialed it. 

“Taylor, honey” he said. “Good morning.”

“Josh, thank God” I said. “I thought you vanished.”

“I didn't vanish,” he said. “I can explain. Are you decent?”

“Decent?” 

“Yeah. I know you sleep naked.”

“I threw something on.”

“OK, be right there,” he said.

Just then there were knocks at my door. I ran back to the door and Josh was standing there.

“What happened?” I asked. “Why aren’t you my roommate anymore?”

“Well the university doesn’t allow cohabitation. I’m a guy. You're a girl. That’s a no-no for the school’s administration. Apparently they think straight people are rabbits and gay people don’t exist...”

I said nothing and just blinked at him. It’s way too early for his snark.

“I’m still your neighbor though.” he said, sensing I was getting frustrated.

I shook my head. “OK fine, why am I a girl? I mean why am I a real girl? Did someone make a wish?”

“Lexi wished for you to have been born a girl.”

“Lexi did this? But damn, I thought I could trust her to not make a wish. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. She said you earned it. I agreed with her.”

“How did I earn this?”

“Your friendship the past 3 years. Your selfless last wish.”

“What about all of the memories you just changed?” I said.

“Lexi is quite thorough. We talked and discussed it for hours, and decided that your closest friends will not have their memories changed. Strangers and acquaintances will only remember Taylor. But all of your friends will remember Tyler. Hey - I even left your physical and digital memories alone. If you scroll through your phone, you’ll still have pictures of Tyler and Vicky. It’s just that outside of your close group, Tyler never existed.”

“What kinda crazy shit will that change? I just had a strange girl come in here claiming to be next semester’s roommate measuring your old room.”

“While there are a lot of people that have at least one memory of Tyler, changing those memories to have Taylor in them does very little to alter their lives.”

“How much of this new world is going to be foreign to me?”

“Don’t worry about it. One small detail like a normal person’s gender changing doesn’t change the course of history as much as every human thinks it does.”

“What about Victor and Nicole?”

“They don't know yet. They think nothing has happened since last night. Lexi told me to relay this message… and I quote “Tell the Truth!””

“OK” I said. “What about my family? How am I going to explain…” I motioned at my chest. “...this… to them.”

“I knew you wouldn’t want your family’s memories altered. And I knew your family was already accepting of your gender identity. So I implanted a subliminal idea in their head that would make them accept that magic exists.”

“Accepting of magic?”

“Yes. So, assuming you tell the truth about you and Victor, they’ll simply accept the truth that you have transitioned through magic, and Victor and Nicole were swapped that weekend.”

“This is a lot,” I said.

“I know.” Josh said. “Lexi should be a lawyer. We went through several drafts to make sure no words of hers were misinterpreted.”

“What now?” I asked.

“What do you mean ‘what now?’” Josh said. “You’re finally a woman. Go enjoy it. But first, you have class. Your class schedule did not change with your gender.”

“Right.” I said.

“Have a good day… Taylor.”

Josh left our - I mean - my apartment. I found myself alone.

I thought for a moment. I cupped my breasts again. I can’t believe they’re real. Then I smiled. I ran back to my bedroom and started checking out this new wardrobe that has magically appeared in my closet and dresser. I started pulling out clothes to wear. 

I found clothes that would never have fit my previous body. I held different items up to my new body. I squealed in excitement.

Today was a new day!

* * *

Nicole

I woke up to Madison caressing one of my breasts. I looked at her and she grinned a devilish smile. I decided the other one was being neglected so I started caressing that one too. 

“It feels so great to have my body back” I said. “It took losing it for me to realize how much I am quite fond of it. I didn’t think I’d miss having breasts until they were gone.”

Madison propped herself on her free arm and listened while she continued rubbing her fingers over my skin. “Is there anything else you missed?”

I could feel her fingers leave my chest and slowly make their way down my body.

When her fingers reached my clit, I groaned. “We have class soon.”

“We have another hour before we have to be there.” she said. “A quickie?” I could feel her finger pressing my button and I let out a moan.

I thought about it and smiled back. “OK. But just a quickie.”

Ten minutes later Lexi was knocking on the wall. “Knock it off you two!”

* * *

After a quick shower, I joined Lexi in the kitchen for breakfast. “Good Morning.” I said.

She laughed and shook her head. “And I thought Vicky was a screamer.”

I turned red as she had an evil smile on her face. “What?” I said. “I… I wasn't that loud.”

Lexi simply chuckled. 

I got a yogurt from the fridge and sat down at the counter and browsed the day's news on my phone.

I got an email. It was from Courtney. It was dated only a few minutes ago.

“Did you guys do this?” she wrote.

That’s weird. I wrote back. “Do what?”

Her reply was quick. “The governor resigning. Turn on the local news.”

I grabbed the TV remote and pointed it to the TV to turn on. The local news was on with an anchor talking.

“This morning the Governor resigned,” the anchor said, “admitting to criminal conduct in office, including bribery, conspiracy and sexual assault…”

“Holy shit” I said.

“What?” Lexi asked

“That guy. The governor. He’s a TK alumni. I remember seeing his portrait in their frat house.”

“Hmm.” Lexi said, raising an eyebrow.

I then got a phone call from Victor. 

I answered it. “Vic what’s up?”

“Good morning,” he said. “I got a call from my Dad who got a call from his lawyers. Apparently they’re transferring Brandon to a psych ward.”

“A psych ward?” I repeated. “Why?” I turned to Lexi. “Brandon’s been transferred to a psych ward.” I turned on the speaker phone. “Vic I have you on speaker, Lexi’s here.”

“Well, they said he snapped.” Victor continued. “He was sitting in the corner of his cell in a fetal position admitting to everything. Stuff he did to me. Stuff he did to you. Stuff about strangers. Stuff about genies. Granted that last part no one believes. Everyone thinks he’s just snapped.”

“Serves that asshole right,” Lexi said.

“Vic this is crazy. Did you see the governor just resigned? He was TK too.”

“Did we do this?” Victor asked. “I mean, did Taylor make that wish on our behalf?”

“I’ll ask her.” I said.

“Hey Nicole, before I hang up,” Victor said. “My dad also wanted to see both of us this afternoon. At his office.”

“Both of us?” I said. “At his office?”

“Yeah.”

“I suppose I can head over there after the other internship.”

“OK, I’ll let him know”

Lexi made a face at me as if I was forgetting something. Oh, right.

“Vic” I said. “Malbec Monday tonight. Come over at 6.”

“Great,” he said. “Need me to pick up anything?”

“Nope, Madison and Lexi’s got it.”

I hung up with Victor and dialed the number for Tyler. I’ll have to change the contact name later. 

“Nicole” I heard a feminine voice on the other end.

“Taylor,” I said. “You’ve been working on your voice.”

“Umm, yeah” she said. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

“Sure,” I said. “But first, did you happen to make that wish to punish TK?”

“I did.” she said.

“Well it worked. Brandon’s in a psych ward. The governor just resigned.”

“So did a few other people.” Lexi said, scrolling through her phone. “The university president. A number of CEOs from major companies. Lots of politicians.”

“Oh my god” I said. “Do you think they are going to make a connection back to us?”

“I don’t know,” Taylor said. “I should ask the genie”

“OK.” I said. “Before we hang up. Malbec Monday tonight. Come over at 6.”

“I look forward to it.” she said.

“Oh wait, you said you needed to talk to me about something?” I asked.

“You know what, maybe I'll save it for you in-person since I’ll see you tonight” she said.

“Sounds good,” I said.

We hung up. Wow, her voice was great.

I reopened my email and responded to Courtney. “A friend took care of it.”

She was quick to respond again. “Thank you. The governor. He was my rapist and the one who murdered my original body.”

I put my phone down. I was almost in tears.

“What?” Lexi asked when she noticed my facial expression. She came around to me, glanced at my phone then put her arm around me. “It’s OK, Nicole. It’s over. These people would still be in power if it weren’t for you, Victor and Taylor.”

* * *

I walked into Mr. Machado’s office. Place of my former internship. I hadn’t been here since my presentation with Aunt Shirley over a week ago. I signed in as a visitor and was escorted to my old office.

I peered into my former office where Victor and Jennifer were seated. There were balloons and welcome back cards all over Victor’s desk.

I knocked on the door jam. “I’m here.” I said to Victor.

They turned around. Naturally Jennifer didn’t recognize me, and resumed what she was doing.

“My dad said we can meet in the conference room when we’re ready,” Victor said.

We both walked down the hall to the conference room.

“I have no idea what I’m doing here,” he said. “We’ve spent all this time studying for class, we’re going to have to fill each other in on our internship stuff. And Jennifer isn’t helpful.”

“I agree.” I said. “It took me a whole day to realize you were building a marketing campaign around those logos you made.”

“We made”

“You made,” I said. “Don’t sell yourself short, Vic.”

When we both entered the conference room, both Mr. Machado and Aunt Shirley were seated there discussing something over some paperwork.

Why is Aunt Shirley here?

Aunt Shirley saw me, then stood up and smiled. “Nicole.” She opened up her arms to me

“Aunt Shirley.” I said walking forward to receive her hug, I wanted to do this 2 weeks ago. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.” she replied. “Look at you. You’re grown into such a beautiful young woman.”

I looked around. “I don’t understand, what’s going on?”

“Well,” Mr. Machado. “Ms. Marlon here explained to me the project she was working on with Victor. She explained how Victor may have been doing this for his friend Nicole. When you came over for Thanksgiving, I put two and two together and realized you were the same person.”

“I just can't believe this.” I said. “It’s been so long.”

“How about we give you two some time together,” Mr. Machado said. “Victor, let’s give them some space.” Mr. Machado and Victor left the conference room.

“It’s been at least 4 years,” Aunt Shirley said.

“It has,” I said. “I um… had a falling out with my parents at Thanksgiving.”

“I kinda heard.” she said. “Bits and pieces from Mr. Machado and from your mother who was not too happy about it.”

“What did she tell you?”

“She blamed me for having a negative influence on you.” she chuckled.

“She said they cut me off from college tuition.”

“Don’t worry about that.” she said. “I’ve got you covered.”

“Thank you,” I said. “For everything. What about Mom and Dad?”

“They’re angry and don’t see that it was all their fault from the beginning. They lobbed threats at me, but then I reminded them you’re 21 and an adult and you can do whatever you want.”

I nodded.

“Maybe one day they’ll come around. So how are you? I haven't seen you in so long.”

“I’m doing great. I’m going to graduate in the spring. I’m doing an internship.”

“Those are great, but how are you doing?”

“It’s been rough,” I said. “I didn’t realize how much my parents screwed me up. But I’m doing better with the help from my friends. I umm... have a girlfriend now. She has been one of my best friends since freshman year.”

“I see you’ve made some good friends,” she said. “Victor seems nice.”

“He is. And so is his family. The Machados took me in on Thanksgiving. No questions asked. Victor and Hanna are like the siblings I never had. I thought at that moment I no longer had a family.”

“You have me Nicole.” she said. “I’m sorry your parents kept us apart.”

I got up and hugged her again. This was real. I helped make this happen. 

I eventually let go and sat back down. “Tell me about you.” I asked. “We used to tell each other everything.”

“Well after the divorce” she said, “I decided I wanted to start doing things your uncle was never interested in, so I started seeing the world…” 

* * *

Aunt Shirley and I talked for an hour. It was getting late and everyone else at the office had gone home. Aunt Shirley and I exchanged contact info and a promise to see each other at some point during the holidays. Victor stuck around, waiting for me and drove me home. 

As I was walking up the stairs my phone rang. It was Taylor.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Nikki, I was going to do this in person, but I got frustrated and I need your help” Taylor said. 

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m a girl.”

I laughed. “I know that, silly. You came out to us yesterday. Your voice is amazing by the way.”

“No. I mean I’m a real girl now.”

I paused. “Um... what? Dammit Tyler, what did you do? You didn’t swap with someone did you?”

“Nothing I swear,” she said. “I didn’t swap. I’m still me. I mean. I’m a girl, but apparently this is my body. As if I was born like this. I woke up like this, this morning. But this is a good thing. This is what I want. But I’m worried about what Victor is going to say. I kinda want to surprise him and wow him at the same time. Can you help? 

“How can I help?”

“I have this whole wardrobe that magically appeared and I have no idea what I’m doing. I figured since you taught Victor…”

I chuckled and shook my head out of disbelief. “Sure Tay. OK. 5PM. Don’t be late. We have a lot of work to do.”

* * *

Taylor

I stood outside Nicole and Lexi’s apartment holding a bagful of clothes I couldn’t decide on. I texted Nicole that I was outside. Nicole’s RA saw me from inside the door. 

She stopped and smiled at me. “Hey Taylor,” she said. “Come on in, it’s cold out there.”

I smiled back at her. She’s never been this friendly to me.

“Tell Nicole and Lexi I said hi” she said walking the other direction. Wait, wasn’t she going to escort me?

On my way up the steps I ran into Nicole. She didn’t notice me at first. “Hey” I said.

She stopped and looked at me. She did a double take. “Tyler?” she said. “I mean Taylor. Oh my god. You weren't kidding!”

We continued walking and she let me into her room. Madison and Lexi were there. I saw Madison’s eyes nearly jump out of her head.

“Hey everyone,” Nicole said behind me. “Let me introduce you to the new Taylor.”

“Wow” Lexi said. “That turned out better than I imagined.”

“F’ing magic,” Madison said, shaking her head. “I’m going to have to break into the wine a little early.”

I smiled at them. It was a little strange standing here with my ex-girlfriend and my ex-girlfriend’s best friends. Lexi had seen me yesterday as trans Taylor. This is the first time Madison has seen me as a woman, period.

“Where would you like to start?” Nicole asked.

“I’m not sure.” I said. “I have no clue what I’m doing.” I opened my bag and started pulling out dresses, tops and skirts.

Lexi laughed. “I guess no one told her Malbec Monday was a pajama party.”

I looked up with embarrassment. “Oh my God I didn’t know.”

“It’s OK,” Nicole said, putting her hand on my shoulder. She then shot evil eyes at Lexi. “We’ll make an exception for your first night as a girl.”

“What?” Lexi said laughing. “You said to treat Taylor no differently than Tyler. I enjoyed pushing Tyler’s buttons.”

We settled on a purple party dress. It was similar to what Vicky wore on our first date.

They sat me down on a barstool in front of the mirror. Lexi went behind me and started styling my hair. Nicole pulled up another stool and started doing my makeup.

“I’m so nervous,” I said.

“You’re in good hands” Lexi said. 

“It was only 3 months ago.” Nicole said. “In this same spot in this apartment I was doing this for Vicky for her date with you. OK, we’re going to start with foundation, then concealer.”

“My Aunt Kira is trans and showed me some of this already.”

“Your face is no longer masculine so we’re going to do a few things differently” she said. “And you have amazing skin.” She started applying makeup on me. She would call out what she was doing every step of the way. “Vicky actually showed me this trick with eye shadow.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lexi plug a curling iron in. “Victor liked your hair before, but he is going to love this.” 

I tried to take mental notes.

When they were done, they stood me up for everyone to see the finished product.

“Damn Tay,” Nicole said, looking me up and down. “Everything came together nicely. You look so amazing.”

I hadn’t seen her check me out like that in a long time. “Better than Tyler?”

“I didn’t want to say that,” she said. “Tyler was certainly handsome in his own right.”

“Watch out TayTay,” Madison said. “I think Nicole might want to get back together with you.”

Nicole turned red with embarrassment. “No, I’m with you now. And besides she has Victor.”

Madison laughed at making Nicole flustered. She ran a finger over my shoulder “You know if this Victor thing doesn’t work out, I’m open to polycules.”

Nicole looked at her with a shocked expression and pushed her shoulder. ‘But I’m not.”

“Never mind Taylor,” Madison said. “My girlfriend apparently isn’t the sharing type.”

“I’m just not used to this kind of attention,” I said, nervously.

“You better get used to it, girl” Madison said. “Victor is going to have to fight them all back.”

I blushed. “Do you think he’s going to like it?”

“Definitely” Lexi said.

“Lexi,” I said, “can I speak with you in private?”

“Sure, Tay,” she said.

We both walked out of the apartment.

“So what do you think?” she said.

“This new body is amazing,” I said. “But I thought we agreed on no wishes.”

“We agreed to make sure I didn’t use all three. When you left Josh said so many good things about you. He was kinda regretful he didn’t get a chance to really give you what you wanted. He tried, and you reversed that wish. Then you unselfishly used your last wish to help us.”

“What exactly did you wish for?”

“I have a whole sheet of paper in my room double sided with the wish and the rules behind it, if you’re really interested.”

“Maybe I’ll just let myself be surprised. What are you going to do with the lamp?”

“Well, I’m not going to use my second wish. We’re still keeping this a secret right? So I think I’m going to find a hiding place. Maybe try to take the temptation away.”

“OK.” I said. “I just want Josh to be able to live the life he wants.”

“Let’s go back in.” she said. “We have lots of reasons to celebrate tonight.”

As we walked back into the apartment, Nicole’s phone buzzed. Nicole looked at it. “OK everyone, he’s here!”

* * *

Victor

It was a little cold. I had my coat over a t-shirt and a pair of pajama bottoms I found. I don’t really sleep in pajamas so I was lucky I found a single pair stuffed in the back of a drawer. I reached the door of my former dorm. I could try to sneak in, but I didn’t want to receive the wrath of the RA. I texted Nicole that I was here.

Nicole appeared at the door and let me in. “You’re late.”

“Sorry” I said. “Someone made me stay late at my internship. Plus I had schoolwork I needed done before tomorrow.” I replied.

“I’m just giving you a hard time, Vic.” Nicole said.

We reached the door and she stopped me. “Wait one second,” she poked her head into her apartment. “Are we ready?” She turned back to me. “OK, close your eyes.”

“Why?” I said, closing them anyway.

“You’ll see.” she said. I felt her hands cover my eyes. “Let me know if this is too tight, I don't want to hurt your bad eye.”

“It’s fine. But is this really necessary?”

She didn’t respond and instead led me inside the apartment. We stopped moving. “Listen, Victor.” she said. “Something happened to Taylor.”

“Oh my god what?” I said, concerned.

I felt a pair of hands grab mine. “It’s OK Victor, I’m here” Taylor said. Her voice sounded a little different.

“Your voice sounds different.” I said.

“There was another wish.” Taylor said.

“I said you shouldn’t-”

“I didn’t make it.” Taylor replied. “Open your eyes.”

Nicole took her hands off my eyes. I opened my eyes. Standing in front of me was… that can’t be Taylor. She was shorter than Taylor. She had minimal makeup. She was in an elegant dress. She was clearly a cis woman. And she was gorgeous. She smiled at me.

I looked around the apartment. Nicole was next to me. Lexi and Madison were in the living room watching us. Taylor was nowhere to be seen.

I looked back at the girl in front of me. “Taylor?”

“Hi.” she said, smiling then nervously biting her lip.

“But you’re -”

“A cis girl.” she said. “I woke up like this.”

“And you didn’t wish for it?”

“No.” she said. “My final wish was for TK to pay for the pain they caused. Maybe this was just… the genie’s parting gift or something.”

“Wow” I said. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want Taylor to make any changes to herself for me. But I couldn’t deny this was amazing.

“Victor, tell me you’re OK with this.” she said.

“Yeah - I mean. You’re gorgeous. I mean you were always gorgeous, it's just… I didn’t want you to change for me...”

“I know you didn’t,” she said. “I wanted to change for me. I was worried you’d hate this.”

“I don’t” I said. “If this is the real Taylor, then I’m happy you get to be yourself.”

“Why haven’t you kissed her yet?” Madison said from the living room.

Taylor and I both chuckled. I moved forward, put my hand around her waist. She closed her eyes and we kissed. And we continued to kiss. Taylor put her arms around me and embraced me tightly. Like she used to do when she was Tyler and I was Vicky.

“Damn Vic and Tay,” I heard Lexi say with a laugh. “Get a room.”

I heard Nicole clearing her throat. “We have things to do.”

Taylor and I broke off our kiss. We didn’t take our eyes off each other.

“So.” Lexi said. She handed me and Taylor each a candle.

“What’s this for?” I asked.

“The pledge should stop talking,” Madison said in a demanding tone.

“Pledge?”

“Our sisterhood was founded when we rejected the other sororities.” Lexi said. “We decided we were going to make an informal one based on mutual respect and love for each other.”

I looked around and Nicole, Lexi and Mads each had a candle as they lit each others’.

“Tonight we are inducting you into our sisterhood.” Lexi said.

I turned to look at Taylor who was beaming at being called a sister.

“We are proud induct our first transgender sister.” Lexi said to Taylor. “Even if only we know the truth.” She then looked at me. “And our first genderfluid sister.”

“But I’m not-”

“Silence pledge” Nicole said. She then smiled and winked at me.

Nicole turned off the apartment lights and the room was dimly lit by the 3 girls’ candles. 

Lexi stood in front of me. “Victoria Machado aka Victor, do you vow to love and protect this sisterhood?”

Ugh. She called me Victoria.

She looked at me impatiently.

“Yes,” I said.

Lexi lit my candle.

Nicole stood in front of Taylor. “Taylor Matthews, do you vow to love and protect this sisterhood?”

“Yes.” Taylor said with a big smile on her face.

Nicole lit Taylor’s candle.

“Welcome to the club, ladies,” Lexi said. “You may blow out your candles.”

We blew out the candles and Nicole turned the lights back on.

Madison took our candles and handed us pre-poured wine glasses. “Let Malbec Monday commence!”

Nicole turned on some music and started dancing around with her wine glass. Mads and Taylor joined her.

“They started drinking earlier” Lexi chuckled.

“I bet,” I said. I took the opportunity to ask Lexi what she meant earlier. “Lexi, what did you mean by genderfluid? I’ve heard the term before.”

“This is a Mads question.” she said. “Mads!”

Madison came over to us still bopping to the music.

“Vic wants to know about genderfluid.” Lexi said.

“Ah yes.” she said. “Someone who doesn’t adhere to fixed gender norms.”

“And you think that’s me?”

“Vic, we invited you to a girls’ night.” Madison said. “You accepted without hesitation.” 

“You dove into being Vicky head first after only minimal resistance.” Lexi added.

“But I see myself as a guy.” I said.

“Vic, gender is a spectrum.” Madison said. “Genderfluid just means you can slide up and down that scale and you don't have to stay fixed. You can be Vicky tonight and do something traditionally feminine with us, then tomorrow be Victor and go do something traditionally masculine.”

“How does that make you feel?” Lexi asked.

“Fine I suppose.”

“How does being Vicky tonight sound?” Madison asked.

“Fine.”

“Are you excited about that prospect?”

“I’m more excited about hanging out with you all than being one way or another.”

“And that’s cool,” Lexi said. “We’re a no pressure kinda group. Do what you enjoy.”

“Vicky?” Madison asked.

“Yeah” I answered without thinking about it. 

“I’m glad you’re here.” she said.

“Me too,” Lexi said, hugging me.

“Vic,” Nicole said. “I’m going to paint Taylor’s nails. You want in on this color?”

I looked at Mads and Lexi. They were looking at me, waiting for my answer. I smiled. “Sure, what color do you have there?”

* * *

Taylor and I got matching red nail polish. Pictures were taken of our interlocking fingers. Everyone else thought it was adorable. I was just trying to contain my excitement being around Taylor.

I sat back down on the couch, and Taylor joined me. She tucked her legs up under her and leaned into me. We held hands.

“Wanna get a selfie?” Taylor asked. “I have to replace the previous one for my lock screen.”

“Sure,” I said. Taylor pulled out her phone and we leaned in together and she took our picture. She showed it to me. It was a cute picture indeed.

“That’s a good picture of you and your boyfriend.” I said.

“Oh, are we official?” she said.

I turned red. “I… I thought.”

She chuckled and kissed me. “If you’re asking, the answer is yes.”

I kissed her back. “Did we even technically break up?” I asked.

“Does it matter?”

“No it doesn't” I said, kissing her. “It’s been a long time since I had a girlfriend.”

Taylor got a big smile on her face. “I love hearing that word describe me. Do it again.”

“Taylor, you are my girlfriend.”

She squealed in excitement and kissed me again.

“It’s gossip time ladies,” Madison said.

Everyone else took up the remaining spots on the couch, chairs and the floor.

“Who wants to go first?” Nicole asked.

“How about the two love birds?” Lexi said, looking at me and Taylor. “Don't think we don’t see you cuddling.”

“Nah, let’s not put them on the spot yet.” Nicole said.

“Lexi, you go first,” Madison said. “What's up with you and the football player?”

“Dave?” Lexi said.

“Wait, you’re seeing Dave?” I said.

“We only went out a few times.” Lexi responded.

“Oh, this I need to hear,” Nicole said.

“We mostly just talk.” she said. “And not about football. He’s got interesting opinions about law, politics and current events. And he’s funny. After dating Brandon I could use a goofball in my life.”

“I would not have guessed that.” Madison said. “How did that even happen?”

“We ran into each other the day after the attack. He wanted to do something nice for Victor. I suggested we clean up the apartment. So then we spent a few hours cleaning up.”

“No it was ALL DAY.” Madison said. “And a random night before and after Thanksgiving.”

Lexi smiled, shrugged, and took a sip of wine. “Taylor,” she said. “How does it feel to be a woman?”

“It’s only been less than twenty four hours,” she said. We all looked at her. “But I feel so alive and free!”

“Victor,” Nicole said. “I have a question.” She had a slight playful smirk on her face.

“OK.” I said. I was afraid of what she was going to ask me.

“Now that the swap is out in the open and we’re not keeping secrets, have you told Taylor about the date you took me on?” she asked.

Taylor turned to me. “You went on a date with my ex-girlfriend?”

I turned red and everyone laughed including Taylor. This must be pick-on-Victor night.

“Apparently Vic is going on dates with everyone’s ex’s.” Madison said.

“It wasn’t a date,” I explained. “I was trying to cheer up Nicole and find a way to swap back at the same time.”

“He took me to a museum, out to lunch, to an arcade and we went dancing.” Nicole bragged.

“Oh, dancing?” Taylor said.

“Yes,” Nicole said. “Let’s show them.” She went up to the music and started looking for a song.

“Did you tell them how I got you to pee in the water fountain?” I said, trying to turn the attention away from me.

There were laughs as Nicole chuckled. 

“Hey I would’ve totally peed standing up if I was a guy too.” Lexi said.

Nicole found what she was looking for and changed the music to a salsa song. “Come on Vicky, let’s show them how we do it.”

I grinned as a smiling Taylor pulled me up and shoved me towards Nicole.

I started dancing with Nicole, trying my best to imitate actual salsa dancers. It looked like Nicole was enjoying herself too.

“That was an afternoon I will always cherish,” Nicole said while dancing.

“I feel like I actually danced better when I had actual hips to shake,” I laughed.

“You’re doing just fine,” she said.

Just then Taylor got up and started dancing with us. “I’m getting jealous,” she said.

Nicole eventually moved off to the side and Taylor started grinding up on me. Damn, she was turning me on. I can’t believe this hot girl was my girlfriend. Before I knew it the song was over.

I looked over at a smiling Lexi who was covering up her eyes. “I guess men’s pajama pants don't leave much to the imagination.”

I looked down and saw my pajama pants were tenting up. I embarrassingly covered the bulge with my hands.

“Don’t be embarrassed Vic.” Madison said. “I mean half of us have already seen it.”

“Wait, what?” I said out of confusion.

“Oh that’s right!” Lexi said. “Mads, you wanna dish on having sex with Victor’s body?”

“I didn’t know that!” I said. I turned to Nicole. “When did…”

“While you were busy getting proposed to.” Nicole smiled and winked at me. I’m glad she’s no longer angry at me. But I kinda wish I knew about that.

Lexi turned the music back to pop and started dancing with Taylor.

“You know, you both can use that to your advantage,” Mads said. “Vic, you can give me some pointers on some of Nicole’s erogenous zones, and Nicole can give Taylor some pointers too.”

“I am not giving my ex pointers.” Nicole said, laughing.

“Is this pick on Vic day?” I asked.

“No.” Nicole said. “We lovingly teased Taylor earlier. It’s your turn. We’re teasing you because we all love you.”

“But only one of you is my girlfriend.” I retorted.

“Did you hear that ladies?” Nicole said. “Vic just called Taylor his girlfriend.”

There was a chorus of “awws.”

“All of this gushy romance is turning me on,” Madison said walking up to Nicole. She put her wine glass down and started making out with her.

I left them and started dancing with Lexi and Taylor.

* * *

Taylor

I put the key into the door and we walked into my quiet, barely furnished apartment. Home sweet home. I held my boyfriend by the hand as we walked through the threshold. We were both a little tipsy after an evening of wine drinking.

“Wow,” Victor said. “Your place looks different.”

“Josh lives next door now.” I said. “I guess the new me isn’t really much of a decorator. I’m getting a new roommate in January, she said she’s going to decorate.”

“You’re getting a new roommate?” he asked.

“Yeah. Her name is Sam.”

“Well that’s a bummer.” he said.

“Not really.” she said. “You live alone now. So if we want privacy…”

Victor smiled at that and kissed me.

“Make yourself at home.” I said. “You’re alright in PJs, I’d like to get out of this dress. I’ll be right back.”

I saw Victor make his way to the couch and pick up the video game controllers. Meanwhile, I went back to my bedroom. I opened various drawers. I knew I had a whole new wardrobe, but I was curious how far Josh’s magic went.

When I opened my underwear drawer a smile formed across my face. This would do.

* * *

When I stepped back out into the living room, Victor was playing a quick one-person game. I saw his eyes see me from his periphery. Then he stopped. Paused the game and looked at me. His mouth opened and his eyes went wide.

I stood there in my sexy lingerie and tried to pose seductively. “Do you want to play that game - or something else?” 

“Are you sure you’re ready?” he said pensively.

“You got to be the sexy girlfriend for 3 months.” I replied. “It’s my turn.”

We both smiled.

Minutes later, smiles were the only thing we were wearing.