Readying myself for Claire's arrival

After a short lunch break, my training with Aisha continued for the rest of the afternoon, and resumed on Sunday. Tyler came to encourage me, but I still got my ass kicked over and over by Aisha. The difference in skill between us was massive. I was pretty much a toy in her hands, and she loved it.

Every weekend, I returned to practice and hoped to improve, and I could see myself slowly adapting to her speed and fighting style. After only three weeks, I was finally managing to land a few hits and block some of hers.

I've been thinking of a new name to use for myself, as I couldn't just keep being called E forever, but so far, I couldn't really find anything satisfying, even with Minh, Ashley, Melissa, and Liam to help me.

During these three weeks, I also kept in touch with Claire, borrowing Yumi's flat to remove Amber's face in peace and call her. I always felt awful whenever I was back to myself, even partially, but I had to reassure Claire that I was alright. She told me she'd wished to visit me and possibly Mother in two weeks after asking for a week-long break at work. I agreed to it, but I was now kinda panicking about what to do, and found myself sitting at Kate's cozy cafe with Yumi, Tyler, and Mother, seeking their advice.

“I think telling her the truth is the best decision, E,” Yumi said first. “Aga, Ashley, and I will help smooth things over.”

Mother nodded. “I agree with Minh. I still wish for Claire to come back to us, and if she does, she'll have to learn what happened to you, and about the coven.”

I sighed, toying with my braided hair. “I know I can't keep it hidden forever, but I'm so anxious about it…”

Tyler took my hand in his, rubbing it gently. “It'll go well. I know Claire will accept you.”

“She will, she loves you more than anything or anyone else,” Mother added. “There's no way she'd reject you, especially after hearing what happened with that hunter and why you had to leave. You've been the main thing on her mind ever since you first left the city after the confrontation with Victor.”

“I hope so… But it means… removing Amber when she comes. I need to meet her as myself first. Then I'll decide on what to do.” I hated the idea of returning to my former, male self. I already felt dysphoric just thinking about it, my body shivering.

“What do you intend to do with Amber during that time?” Yumi asked.

I scratched my head. “I'm not sure…”

“I could, hmm, be her?” Tyler then suggested, surprising me. “Like, until your sister leaves or you tell her the truth.”

Imagining Tyler becoming Amber made me giggle and relax a bit. “That's a good idea, yeah.”

Mother clapped her hand. “Very well. The two of us will welcome Claire back, and she'll lodge in her old bedroom for the time of her stay. I'll have Victor prepare a decent bedroom for you as well, my child.”

Finishing my sweet iced coffee, I got up. “Thank you, Mother. Honestly, I'm still nervous, but I want to believe things will go well.”

I went to the counter to pay for my food, and Kate smiled at me. “I'm wishing you luck, E,” she said warmly. She knew about the situation as well, having been briefed by Mother and Minh earlier. “If I can do anything to help, do not hesitate to ask me.”

I smiled back at her. “Thanks, I'll keep it in mind. Have a nice day, Kate.”

Kate really was a sweet girl. I often visited her cafe after college for a quick break before or after the numerous activities Amber had throughout the week. I also liked to come after finishing my intense training sessions with Aisha, to relax and recover by enjoying Kate's delicious pastries and cookies.

My new routine continued until, finally, the day of Claire's visit arrived. Even if I was a nervous mess, now was the moment of truth. I was at Mother's mansion, readying myself for this admittedly long-awaited reunion. I had removed Amber's skin and given it alongside her soul to Ashley, and was now back to my old self. I felt so uncomfortable and hollow, my body felt wrong all over the place. I now hated this masculine appearance I used to live with for the past twenty-three years. But I had to bear it for the time being.

Amber returned shortly after, fully dressed in the clothes I had been wearing just a few minutes ago. She sat next to me and gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek, using the same lips I used to kiss Tyler time and time again. I already started to consider Amber's appearance and life as mine, so seeing Ashley as her was so uncanny, a powerful feeling of jealousy and longing forming within me. But it also served as a reminder that I indeed was just a temporary passenger in Amber's life. I wasn't her, I was just a skin-stealing parasite pretending to be her. And while a small part of me still found this fact horrifying, I mostly came to terms with this life.

“Are you alright, E?” Amber asked, noticing my discomfort.

I let out a rueful chuckle, clutching my manly hands. “Not really no, dysphoria really is a bitch. But I'll bear it for Claire.”

She gave me a warm hug, making me smell the sweet lavender perfume I put on this morning. “It's just for today. You'll be back as Amber soon.”

“Yeah, I know. And you, you're good?” I asked Amber back.

She blushed while rubbing her hot bare thighs together. “Y-yeah. Amber is a really great skin. And well… Tyler does also like it a lot more than I thought…”

“Tyler?” I knew she was still wearing him underneath, but I didn't understand what she meant.

“Becoming Amber, I mean. It, hmm, makes his soul feel really fuzzy? Like, he'd be feeling… euphoria?”

“Oh.” I realised what she meant. “You mean Tyler is trans?”

“I don't think he's a trans woman per say, but he might be more fluid than he believed,” Amber explained.

“I certainly wasn't expecting that,” I giggled, finding this situation weirdly amusing. But my phone's alarm ringing brought me back to the more pressing matters.

Mother got up first, grabbing her car keys. “We should leave. Claire will land soon. Are you accompanying us, Ashley?”

Amber shook her head. “I think it's better if it's only you three for now, I'm sure you have a lot to talk about. I'll meet up with E later.” Ashley had already fully sunk into Amber's persona, ready to play her role for the day.

“Alright. See you later, Ash,” I said with a warm smile before following Mother to her car.

As we sat inside, Mother spoke. “Keep calm, alright? Everything will go well. Believe in Claire the way she's always believed in you.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “I know. I'm ready.”

We didn't speak more during the drive to the airport. I felt too awkward to say anything and was trying my best to relax before this strange family reunion. We waited in front of the gates, observing the crowds of people leaving the airport, some reuniting with their own loved ones, hugging and exchanging kisses. And after a while, I finally noticed her, wearing her comfy denim overalls and white sneakers. She only had a backpack and a small briefcase to carry her belongings.

When she saw me, she sped up her pace, and quickly rushed against me, hugging me. “Ed… I missed you so much…”

I found myself relaxing in her embrace, hugging her back and smiling. “I missed you too, Claire.”

After letting go, Claire then noticed Mother standing next to me, and she instantly appeared more awkward. “And, hmm, hi, Mother.”

Instead of saying anything, Mother pulled Claire into a warm hug, surprising her. “I'm glad to see you again, Claire. Welcome home.”

Claire wasn't sure what to do, visibly not expecting Mother's more affectionate demeanor. But after a few seconds, she shyly returned the hug. “T-thank you.”

“I know Ed told you about the situation already, but I wish to apologise directly for the way I've been acting before. I missed you, my child.”

Claire glanced at me, probably wondering what happened for Mother to change like this, but I simply smiled.

“Let's return home, alright? And don't worry, Victor won't bother you anymore,” Mother reassured Claire as she took her briefcase.

As Mother took the lead, Claire approached me, holding my arm the way she used to do when we were younger. “Ed, are you okay?” She whispered low enough for a human to not hear, but Mother definitely did, even if she kept acting oblivious.

I nodded. “Yeah, I am. But a lot happened.”

“How was the flight, Claire? Not too tired?” Mother asked while giving Claire another warm smile.

“I-it was fine. It's just… weird to be back here,” Claire answered quietly.

Mother sighed discreetly. “I understand. If you need anything to make you more comfortable, just ask.”

“Thank you,” Claire said before looking at Mother. “And thank you for helping Ed.”

Mother stayed silent for a few seconds before speaking. “I'm only doing what I've tried to avoid for years. I apologise for the way I used to be. I love both of you, but I simply was… afraid.”

Claire tilted her head. “Afraid?”

“I will tell you everything later, alright? Ed and I have a lot to explain,” Mother replied.

“Okay,” Claire nodded, still confused.

She didn't let go of my arm until we reached Mother's car. It was like she was afraid I would vanish again, and seeing her like this hurt me so much. Claire and I both sat at the back.

“What kind of work are you doing here?” Claire wondered.

“Oh, I, hmm, do volunteer work at a soup kitchen,” I awkwardly replied. “I also tutor a middle school kid.” It technically wasn't a lie, even if I was doing that as Amber, and not as Edward.

Claire smiled slightly. “I see. I'm not surprised you've been helping people.”

“What about you? How's work going?” I asked her back, not wanting to keep the focus on myself.

“It's okay. Kinda boring. Lots of paperwork and traffic stops.”

Mother chuckled. “Better boring than dangerous.”

“I guess so…” Claire acknowledged.