It's not her conscience

Helen had stumbled out of the college building and found herself wandering aimlessly through the centre of town.

The day had grown dark, the clouds hanging low over the city, the streets quiet. She didn't know where she was going, or even that she was going anywhere. She just kept walking, the voice in her head growing louder, the shame and guilt threatening to overwhelm her.

'Why did you do that? Why did you let him use me like that?'

Helen couldn't answer. She hadn't expected things to go so far. But now that they had, she couldn't take it back. She found herself sitting on a park bench, her head in her hands, her thoughts spiralling out of control and the voice in her head getting louder.

'Why did you let him do that? Why did you enjoy it?'

Helen had enjoyed it. There was no denying it. The thrill of being used, the taboo nature of the act, the rush of excitement. It was intoxicating, addictive. And yet, the guilt and shame was also powerful, overwhelming.

'Who even are you? Get the fuck out of my body!'

The voice was crystal clear, as if Maisie was sitting next to her, speaking directly into her ear.

'I'm sorry, Maisie,' Helen thought, hoping that the girl could hear her. 'I was supposed to be helping you. I... I don't know what happened.'

'What are you talking about? Why are you in my body? Who are you?'

Helen took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. How could she even begin to explain what was happening?

'Maisie, I'm Helen. You don't know me, but I'm in your body. I possessed you. I was trying to help you, but... but things went wrong. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.'

'Possessed me? What the fuck? Get the hell out of my body!'

Helen could feel Maisie's anger, her fear.

'Maisie, please. I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to hurt you. I'm trying to help you.

'Help me? How? By stealing my body and sucking my teacher's dick? That's fucking messed up!'

'I know. I'm sorry. It's all gone wrong. I'm going to get us both out of this, I promise. I'll find a way to fix everything.'

Maisie didn't respond, but Helen could feel the girl's anger and confusion. She decided to try something different.

'Maisie, can you look inside my mind, and see my memories? My thoughts? Can you see that I'm telling the truth, and that I really am trying to help you?'

Helen could feel Maisie probing her mind, searching for any hint of deception. After a moment, Maisie spoke.

'But I didn't ask for help! You've stolen my body, my life! Get out! Get the fuck out of my body!'

The words were sharp, stinging. Helen could feel Maisie delving deeper into her mind, searching for answers. It was like being under a microscope, every part of her laid bare.

'You stole my body as part of a game? Are you fucking insane? You let your boyfriend fuck you while you were in my body? What is wrong with you?'

The words were like a slap in the face. Helen could feel the shame and guilt rising up inside her, threatening to overwhelm her.

'I'm sorry, Maisie. It was wrong. I was selfish. But I swear, I want to help you improve your grades and have a better life. I want to make things right.'

Helen could feel a glimmer of hope from Maisie, but the anger and fear were still there.

'A better life? Great, so you see how shitty mine is, and decide to fuck it up even more. Thanks a lot.'

'Maisie, please. I'm so sorry. I want to make it up to you. I can help you become a better student. I can help you get better grades, and have a better life. You are doing sports coaching, aren't you?'

'Yeah, so what?'

'I can help you excel at it. I'm a manager at a leisure centre, I have connections. If you let me stay in your body, I can help you achieve your potential, I can help you get a job, a career. Please, let me help you.'

Helen could feel Maisie weighing her options, considering her words. The silence was deafening, and Helen felt like her soul was being judged.

'And what? I'm supposed to just trust you? After what you've done? Be a passenger in my own life? Why don't you let me have your life, your body? See how you like it?'

Helen felt a surge of panic. The girl had a point. If she was in Maisie's position, she wouldn't trust herself either. But the thought of letting Maisie have her body was terrifying. Especially after everything she had done with Maisie's. But then, maybe that would be fair.