Why give it up so soon?

On the windows, I caught sight of my reflection, of these deep hazel eyes and this attractive face I currently had. Glancing down at my curvy body, I couldn't help but smile, my cheeks reddening. Despite the depressing circumstances leading me to her, there was no way for me to deny how much I've loved being Carmen this past week. She was such a beautiful, kind, and hardworking woman. Living her life as a hot and smart Latina girl truly helped me cope with my situation better. Why should I give up her wonderful skin and life so soon? I had all the time in the world to decide what to do, I could wait a few more weeks... or months...

"You know," I started, looking back at Dahlia. "I think I'll stay like this a while longer. I admit I've been enjoying Carmen's life a lot more than I expected... I... kinda grew attached..." I then admitted more shyly.

Dahlia smiled. "She does seem to have a comfortable life, so it's understandable. As long as you're safe, I'll support you."

I went back to sit next to her on the couch, letting out a soft sigh. "Yeah, and even dating Bruno, it doesn't feel so bad anymore..."

She raised an eyebrow."Oh? Did you sleep with him?"

I blushed again. "Y-yeah... We did it last night. It wasn't as bad as I imagined..."

She giggled. "It's good you enjoyed it."

"It's so weird... Just how much did this curse change me? I've never been interested in men, before... I never imagined ever sleeping with another man, and liking it..."

"I don't think you necessarily changed much, Ed. The curse does make us a lot more... adaptable, I'd say. We tend to keep our own preferences, but we are more flexible when it comes to our gender or sexuality." Dahlia explained. "For some, they might discover aspects of themselves they weren't aware of before."

"I still love women more, that I'm sure of. Last night, before falling asleep, I did wonder how it'd feel to do it with a lesbian..." I admitted while rubbing my thighs together, ashamed. "But I'll have to wait longer before finding out."

Had it been someone else, there was no way I'd ever admit wanting to try being a lesbian. But with Dahlia, I knew I could be honest. She was my only confidant and she was a skinwalker herself, she wouldn't judge me for having these kinds of thoughts. After our last few meetings, I grew to trust her a lot more. She was much **** than I first imagined her to be.

"If you're so curious, I could show you~?" Dahlia offered, a teasing grin on her face.

My face reddened even more, taken aback. I didn't expect her to say that. I wasn't even sure if she was serious. Dahlia was a beautiful woman, there was no denying it. She was so cute with her long fiery hair and freckles, and her shining emerald eyes were mesmerising...

It was really tempting to accept... but I couldn't... Carmen's love for Bruno was so strong, I couldn't betray her feelings like this and make her cheat on him, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself.

"It's a tantalising offer, I won't lie... But it wouldn't be right for Carmen and Bruno." I finally said.

Dahlia was surprised for a brief instant, but then smiled warmly. "I see. I'm glad you respect her life so much."

I sighed. "I'm borrowing her life, it's only fair I keep it in order. I assume it's not common for skinwalkers?"

She snickered, tensing slightly. "Obviously. Most of our kind have no sympathy or care for humans. For them, they are simply toys to have fun with."

"I take the one who cursed you was like this?" I asked, curious.

Dahlia grit her teeth, clenching her fists. "Indeed. He was a selfish bastard. A pompous and arrogant British noble who never took anything seriously and treated humans like trash."

I could hear the hatred she had for him in her voice, but also some hesitation and fear.

"You don't have to talk about it if it pains you, Dahlia." I said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

She shook her head. "It's fine... I should be more open with you. When I was still human, my genitor... He wore me briefly... He knew about some of my repressed desires, and decided to curse me afterwards... for 'fun'. He disappeared right after, leaving me to fend for myself and learn about the curse on my own... I wouldn't wish that on anyone, not even my worst enemy..."

I saw a tear running down her cheek as she started to shiver, it was clearly a painful memory for her.

I pulled her closer, hugging her. "It's okay, it's over now. I'm here."

She let out a dejected sigh. "Sorry about that, Ed... My past... is an unpleasant topic for me. But it's why I didn't want you to go through this alone. I wanted to take responsibility for burdening you with this curse."

"I'm grateful for that, trust me. I don't know what I'd do without your support. I wasn't lying when I said I considered you a friend, Dahlia. I might not know much about you yet, but I could see your honesty and your willingness to help me, even when I was being an ass to you."

She took a deep breath, her posture relaxing, and then chuckled weakly. "I deserved it, in all honesty... I was too excited and didn't even take your own feelings into consideration when I decided to act all theatrical. I'm sorry for that..." We kept hugging each other a while longer until Dahlia somewhat calmed down. "Despite the circumstances of our first meeting, crossing paths with you has been the best thing to happen to me in a long while, Ed."

"I can say the same... It's still hard for me to not be with Claire anymore, and almost getting killed was terryfing, not gonna lie." I started, before looking down at my hot and soft legs. "But... I cannot deny how much I've loved my time as Sarah and Carmen. I don't remember the last time I had such an exciting and enjoyable week... I am still glad to have met you."

She stayed silent for a moment, before speaking slowly. "It's hard to talk about my past, but I do wish to share more about myself with you. I need to be more honest..."

"Take the time you need, I'm not gonna pressure you. Although, I've been told multiple times that I am a good listener." I replied, smiling at her. "Anyway, I should get back and study a bit. I have some exams coming soon, and the last thing I want is to cause Carmen troubles during my stay."

"Yeah, I should get to it as well. It was hard to focus on my studies these last few weeks." Dahlia said, laughing quietly.

"Sorry for making you worry. But hey, we can see each other more from now on, even if we don't share the same major."

She seemed happy, her smile widening slightly. "True. Hopefully your friends won't mind sharing you."

"They won't, trust me." I pulled her into another, shorter hug. "Thanks again, Dahlia. See you tomorrow."

"See you, Carmen."

After spending some time with Dahlia, I felt a lot better. My mind and my skinwalker side were at peace now that I decided to keep Carmen's identity for longer. It just felt so good to be her. Even the lustful glances I received from some men on the streets were somewhat enjoyable. Knowing I had this effect on men was fun.

When I returned home, I saw Rowana in the living room, watching her favourite TV show and eating some chips.

"Welcome back," she said. "What were you doing today?"

"I was hanging out with a new friend I made." I replied, sitting next to her and plunging my hand into her open bag, stealing a handful of chips.

"Oh? Someone from college?" She asked, unperturbed by the act I so often did with her.

I nodded. "Yeah. Her name is Dahlia. I met her at the library, and we hit it off."

Rowana giggled. "I see, you have to introduce her to me next time."

"I will."

The two of us stayed in front of the TV for a while, enjoying the show together and joking around. Being with Rowana was so natural, it truly felt like she was my best friend, and fooling her so effortlessly brought me thrills from the inhuman side of me.

Well, I am her best friend, I thought, grinning while Rowana wasn't looking. I am Carmen, after all, and nobody could say otherwise~