You let 'Jessica' become Michelle

The room feels heavier as you stand there, the weight of Michelle’s memories slipping away like sand through your fingers. It leaves behind a hollow ache, a strange sense of vulnerability that goes beyond the physical. You glance down at your own body, now bare and exposed, and for a moment, you feel naked in ways that have nothing to do with skin. Being David again should feel like coming home, but instead, it feels like stepping into a too-small suit. Michelle’s presence within you was intoxicating: her confidence, her poise, her allure. It’s hard to let go of that, even as the last traces of her fade from your mind.

You shake your head, trying to clear the fog. There’s no time for this. Jessica is still reeling, her emotions raw and tangled. The betrayal of her mother, the surreal creation of her clone, the sheer absurdity of it all, it’s too much for her to process alone. She looks at the deflated skin in your arms, her expression a mix of sadness and confusion. You want to comfort her, to say something that will ease the pain, but words feel hollow. Instead, you focus on what needs to be done.

-Here.- You say ruefully, handing Michelle’s skin to Jessica-2.

She takes it carefully, her movements deliberate but uncertain. She glances at you briefly before turning to the real Jessica, who stands silently, her lips pressed into a thin line. For a long moment, neither speaks. Then, without hesitation, Jessica-2 slips into the suit. The transformation is swift, the fabric molding to her form until she stands tall as Michelle Hunt once more, though looking more uncomfortable than her usual self, and naked, of course. As she wears back the clothes you’d chosen for her, you zap her with the brown pen, and her demeanor shifts.

The new Mrs. Hunt straightens her posture, smoothing her hands over the crisp gray lambswool suit; she adjusts the black pantyhose, steps into the elegant heels, and runs a hand through her restored brown hair. Her movements are precise, practiced, though there’s still a flicker of unease in her eyes. When she turns to Jessica, her expression softens, filled with something that almost resembles genuine warmth.

-I promise I’ll do my best.- She says quietly, her voice steady despite the weight of the situation: -I know I’m not really Mom and that it’s not going to be easy, but I’ll try to be the best version of her I can be… until we figure out how to fix this.-.

Jessica nods faintly, tears glistening in her eyes: -Thank you.- she whispers, her voice barely audible.

As the two women share a tense, awkward embrace, you step back, giving them space. But now that Jessica’s pain has eased slightly, your thoughts drift elsewhere. You glance down at the pens clutched in your hand. They’re small, unassuming objects, yet they hold power beyond anything you’ve ever known. Jessica clearly doesn’t want them near her anymore; their mere existence brings back too many painful memories. That makes it easy to justify keeping them for yourself. After all, if anyone understands their potential—and their dangers—it’s you.

Once the emotional exchange between the two Jessicas subsides, you speak up: -Listen, Jess, I think it’d be better if I held onto these.- you say, holding up the pens for emphasis: -You’ve been through enough already. Let me handle this.-.

She hesitates, her eyes flickering to the devices with a mix of fear and distrust. If her mom’s life weren’t still at stake, she’d probably insist on destroying them. But surprisingly, it’s the new Mrs. Hunt who backs you up.

-I agree with David, swee-erm, Jessica.- She says, her voice calm but firm: -As your copy, I’m compelled to obey you… but I can feel Mom’s temptation too. It’s better if we don’t take any risks.-.

Jessica is mortified, her gentle soul still leads her to blame herself for what is happening and for the burden she believes she is giving you, but she finally nods: -Fine. Just… please, promise me you won’t use them, okay?-.

-Of course.- You assure her, though part of you already knows it’s a lie. But Jessica doesn’t need to know that, nor does she deserve the sorrow it would bring. You silently promise yourself to be careful, to ensure she’s never hurt by what she wouldn’t comprehend. Maybe her clone would understand the urge to use pens again, but they both have their own problems to solve.

You spend a little more time with Jessica while her temporary mother settles into her role. Then, after a farewell hug, you excuse yourself and step outside into the cool evening air. The change of scenery does little to calm the storm inside you. Michelle’s memories may be fading, but the desire to explore other identities burns brighter than ever. And you know exactly what you’re looking for: a woman again, and not any woman, but someone mature, alluring, and utterly captivating. Two names come to mind almost immediately: Denise Hunt and Vanessa Wilson.

Denise is Jessica’s father’s new wife; you know little of her, but Michelle’s memories have given you a clearer picture. Where Michelle is reserved and polished, Denise exudes confidence and charisma; a successful real estate agent in her early forties, she has a knack for making people feel important, whether she’s closing a deal or hosting a dinner party. Her laughter is infectious, her smile dazzling. She carries herself with an effortless grace that commands attention wherever she goes. Her auburn hair and striking features had clearly captivated George Hunt, and though Michelle never held a grudge, you can feel the echoes of her rivalry stirring within you. The idea of stepping into Denise’s skin, of embodying her confidence and charm, is undeniably tempting.

Then there’s Vanessa, Jimmy’s mom. Unlike Denise, Vanessa leads a quieter life, though it’s not entirely peaceful. In her mid-forties, she’s a bit curvier, with a soft, earthy beauty that’s often overshadowed by the weariness in her eyes. Her blonde hair is usually flowing, and her clothes are simple and practical. She works as a florist at a small shop downtown, a job that lets her gentle spirit bloom amidst the chaos of her home life. Surrounded by vibrant flowers and the soothing scent of fresh petals, she finds moments of peace—something she desperately needs after dealing with her son’s antics. At home, Jimmy’s constant pranks have worn her down over the years. She loves Jimmy, of course, but her patience is frayed, her voice often rising in sharp tones as she scolds him for yet another mess he’s made or another neighbor he’s upset. Her warmth is still there, buried beneath layers of frustration, but it’s harder to see these days.

Both women offer distinct paths, each appealing in its own way. Denise promises excitement, adventure, and a taste of forbidden luxury. Vanessa embodies resilience, quiet strength, and a gentle spirit that’s been dulled but not extinguished. Two opposites, with Michelle somewhere in the middle; and after having become Jessica’s mother, turning into Jimmy’s one or George’s wife doesn’t feel that strange.

As you text your family to let them know you’re staying at Jessica’s tonight, you weigh the options, your mind racing with possibilities. Finally, you make your decision.