Jackie arrives 2 days later.

The next couple days aren't too bad. You and your mother spend plenty of time on the beach and by the pool. The two of you do some hiking in the mountains as well. Your mom is an avid hiker and enjoys the benefits of having a younger body. You two maintain a slight pretense, showing affection in public. But the first night your mother moves to a separate room, saying "Jacqueline can stay with you when she arrives. I think it would be best for us to not sleep in the same bed."

Jackie gets to the hotel in the evening of the third day. You meet her in the lobby and help her to the room. You greet her with a hug and modest kiss, not wanting to raise two many questions from the staff and guests who already know you as a honeymooner. Jackie is dressed in your mom's capris and blouse. With her casual clothes and makeup, you'd think this was your mother. It's hard for you to think of her as your wife but you try to ignore what your senses tell you and see the person inside.

Once in the room she seems relieved to be alone with you. "Oh Gerry, I've missed you so much," she says. She embraces you, giving a passionate kiss. At first you hesitate, feeling very uncomfortable kissing your mother this way. But you hold to your pledge to try to make this work and return the kiss. After a few minutes she lets you go and moves to unpack. She calmly tells you about her last few days and you are suprised. You're not sure what you expected - a breakdown, maybe? - but she is fairly calm and collected. She notes your curiosity and tries to explain. "I think it's a couple different things. First, however the orb worked, I believe it helps us adjust to the transformation. I can't really explain it but I'm as comfortable in your mother's body as I was in my own. Second, I WAS upset. I cried all night after the wedding, knowing that it should be ME with you. But eventually I came to grips with the situation. I decided that if I'd been mangled in a wreck or somehow crippled, I'd still be okay as long as I had you. And in most ways this isn't nearly that bad. I'm still healthy and fairly attractive; I've just lost 25 years of life. While that's little depressing, it's not that bad - after all, there are no guarantees in life, so who knows how long I'd live. Heck, I could still outlive you - wom3n do have longer lifespans." She actually laughs a little at that and you give her a smile in return.

She continues "The hardest part is our marriage. I don't know how exactly we'll work things. The lying and secrecy will be tiresome. But as long as we're together, I'll be happy." She has a hopeful and pleading look in her eyes. You know that this is the moment of decision. You have pledged to do anything for Jacqueline, to spend the rest of your lives together. You steel yourself, lean in and give her a long, deep kiss. "I love you, Jaqueline Duncan, no matter what you look like. I promised to be with you, before the wedding ceremony. And I aim to hold to that. Somehow we'll make this work."

She sighs in relief and hugs you. You sit down beside her and just hold each other for awhile. Then Jackie starts kissing you again. Her breathing becomes rapid and her movements more frantic, as if she feels equal parts desire and desperation. She puts your hand on her breast and massages herself with it. You feel some arousal but are also uncomfortable, having trouble getting past the idea of feeling up your own mother.

Jackie notices your discomfort and stops. "This isn't working, is it?" she asks. You shake your head. She bites her lip. "I've got an idea."