Someone more than twice her age...

"What? That old?!" you gasped.

Dr. Saunders said "I know it's a shock but that was the only donor available. Moreover..."

You looked at him, wondering at his hesitation. "yes?" you prodded.

He looked somewhat ashamed. "Well, I'm afraid it's all a bit more complicated. Given the circumstances - the unusual nature of the surgery, etc. - we've all decided to keep things secret. Allison will need to assume the donor's identity."

"Huh?" was all the response you could muster. "What are you talking about?"

He grimaced. "Tim, the legality of transplanting someone's brain is rather questionable. There could be major lawsuits. And imagine the specatacle, the constant media attention. Allison would be a 'freak of science' to many people - she and her family could never have a normal life. So we decided it would be for the best to stick with appearances. Allison's parents have agreed already but I wanted to prepare you. This will be a major adjustment for Allison and I'm sure you'll want to help her, right?"

You paused a moment to process what he said. Finally it all sunk in. Allison would have alot to deal with - not only having a new body, but being of such a different age, and having to pretend to be someone else. It was overwhelming. You pushed aside the growing pressure you were feeling to focus on what the doctor was saying.

"So she can't be Allison anymore? She has to live as that person?" you asked, still disbelieving.

"Yes, Tim, as far as everyone else is concerned, Allison Lowry died on the operating table."

The doctor opened the door and wheeled you into the room. Inside you saw Allison's parents - Linda and Tony - waiting around the bed, talking softly to one another. They welcomed you, relieved at seeing you awake and moving.

"Tim!" her mom cried out, embracing you. "I'm so glad you're okay."

You hugged her back. "So, Allison...how is she?" you asked.

"Do you know..." Tony started to ask...

"Yes," you answered, nodding. You explained what the doctors told you. Tony and Linda filled in the gaps.

"We're so grateful that Allison is alive, no matter what. But this is all so unbelievable. I ... I don't know how she's going to take this - especially with this plan to assume that woman's identity. It's good you're here. I think that will help," Linda added.

"Uh, about that," you said as a thought occured to you. "Who all knows about this? I mean, what about my parents?"

Tony and Linda looked at one another as if communicating silently. Finally Tony spoke. "Right now, it's just a few doctors and us. The agreement we signed is very precise. - we can't tell anyone anything about this."

"But what about mom & dad? And why me?" you asked.

Linda added in a gentle tone "we wouldn't sign anything unless they agreed to tell you. We know how close you and Allison are - you deserve to know the truth. And she will need you to make it through this."

She paused and Tony broke in. "We haven't decided about your parents. We wanted to talk to you first. If you want them to know, then we'll push the hospital to amend the agreement - I think it's reasonable to inform them though I know the hospital lawyers won't like it. But I didn't want to make a big deal right now without knowing your feelings on it."

You thought for a few minutes. "Allison is still **** so maybe this is the best time to work this out." You turn to Dr. Saunders who had been standing back to give you a little privacy. "Doctor, what can we do? I really want my parents to know."

He steps forward to talk to you. "I'm sorry, I want to help, " he said sympathetically, "but I don't have the authority to amend the contract. I'll have to get someone up here from legal." He pulled out his phone to make a call and a lawyer was in the room within minutes.

After some tense discussion the hospital holds firm, threatening legal action if your parents find out the truth. You are frustrated and disappointed, but push aside those feelings to focus on Allison. You're not sure how you'll be able to keep up your relationship since you can't tell your parent's the truth now that Allison is in the body of...