CARA

“Just give me the paper, I’ll sign it and I’ll get the hell out of here. What else can you do? I’m discharging myself against medical advice. I will not hold it against you.” I looked at the nurse without batting an eye. I knew the procedure and I knew how to get the hell out of there.

For almost a minute, she finally conceded with a sigh. “I’ll talk to the doctors. I can get you some orders you can take home. Just make sure you’ll be careful.”

I nodded and thanked her, not looking at Lorraine who was standing with her arms across her chest at the far end of the room. She was leaning against the window, looking at me pointedly. She was not pleased that I wanted to get out of the hospital but somehow, she couldn’t stand up against me. Maybe she had this kind of relationship with Bridgette. She was afraid of her sister and I couldn’t blame her for that. It was no surprise if people wouldn’t feel threatened by Bridgette whose body I now possessed.

I tried not to think about my situation because if I did, I would only go crazy.

After an hour, the nurse came back with the news that I could finally go home once the hospital cleared me. I thanked her once more and I started to fix myself when it suddenly dawned on me that I didn’t know where to go after I got out of the hospital.

I took the phone beside the table the moment Lorraine went out of the room to get a cup of coffee. I asked to be connected to Cara Leonard’s room. I almost cried when I heard my father’s voice answer. I wanted to tell him that it was me, his real daughter he was talking to.

“Can I speak to Bri—I mean, Cara?” I asked when I managed to find my voice.

“For a while,” my father answered and I heard some rustling sound and Bridgette’s voice came in.

“Hello?”

“It’s me, Cara,” I said without any proper greeting.

“What?”

“I don’t know where to go after my discharge. I want to know if you have a plan.”

“Just…go with Lorraine. Ask her to drive you home.” Her voice was hushed. Obviously, unlike me, she was not alone.

“How about keys? How do I know which one I should use?”

“It’s the one with a kitten keychain. I have to go now because dad wants to talk to me.”

I didn’t know how to answer that. She was calling my dad her dad?

BRIDGETTE

The old man wouldn’t leave me alone. He came out of the hospital as early as any birds catching the earliest worms and came back wearing a fresh set of clothes. Still checkered, still slacks. And still with that warm smile that would melt anyone’s heart.

But I didn’t need that. What I needed was my original body and it was laying in bed just a few doors down. I told the nurse that I wanted to go home before the old man came in and he was surprised that I was about ready to leave when he came in. I was still wearing my c-collar but the doctor said that it can be removed after two to three days.

And while he was having a talk with me about how staying in the hospital would help me a lot, Cara called to ask me where to go after she went out of the hospital.

“I am a nurse,” I said with confidence, crossing my fingers that he wouldn’t ask me any medical questions or reasons why I was ready to go home because I couldn’t very well give him a great answer other than what would be the best time for a summer wedding. “I know how I feel so please, don’t worry.” That was the best I could come up with.

He seemed to understand but he was still pacing around the room, trying to figure out what was happening to his daughter. Well, I didn’t know either. I just wanted him to go home and leave me alone.

“Can you take me home? Then you can go home and get some rest. I know you’re tired.” I tried to sound like Cara would.

The old man paused and looked at me. He nodded and then turned around and started pacing around the room again. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked me after five minutes. I answered yes and that he should sit down because he was making me dizzy.

Dr. Pohl came by after I signed the waiver. He was disappointed because he wanted me to stay for a few more days.

“You’re a nurse and you should know that your accident may have caused trauma in your brain. Having the strength to stand up and walk doesn’t indicate that you are well inside.”

“Doctor, I understand your concern but I am perfectly fine. Don’t worry, I will get back as soon as I notice anything out of the ordinary.” Like when I wake up into someone else’s body, I added inside my head.

He looked at me sternly. “It seems that you and your friend had a talk. She just left a few minutes ago against medical advice.”

“She did?” I feigned innocence.

“Yes and we were hoping you would stay. But since you insist, I cannot hold you here against your will. You are of sound mind and all I can do for now is to prescribe you with some medications for the pain and the swelling. Just remember to go to the ER when you think something is up.”

“I will.”

“If you are thinking of going back to work, you have to talk to your doctor about that. I say you can go back in a week given that you don’t experience anything bad. It’s a good thing that car was able to make a turn and no major injuries were sustained.”

“Yeah,” was all I could say. I didn’t even know the car did not totally hit us.

Cara’s phone started ringing inside her bag. It was brought in the day before by the nurse.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” Cara’s dad asked.

“If you excuse me, I have to go. Cara, just remember what I said,” Dr. Pohl said.

I just nodded, distracted by the ringing of the phone. Cara’s dad walked to the table, opened Cara’s bag and took out her phone. He handed it to me. “It’s Danica. She’s been calling the hospital but I told her you needed some rest. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, I don’t.” I answered. If I did, I would have thrown him a look. But I didn’t know this Danica. Cara’s dad was still holding out the phone for me so I took it. What else could I do? I was almost ready to get out of the hospital and pretending to be too sick to take calls would only give the old man more reasons that I should have stayed. “Hello?” I answered the phone.

“Oh my God! You’re alive! Oh my God, oh my God… It’s all my fault! I should have been there. If I didn’t go late, none of this would have happened.”

My eyes formed to slits. So this was the woman Cara was waiting for in the restaurant. And she was late. And because she was, I had the opportunity to talk to Cara and everything else followed. If it weren’t for this woman, none of this would have happened.

“Cara, please forgive me. I’ll do anything you want just forgive me. It won’t happen again.”

“Forget it,” I said, then dropped the phone. I was too angry. I wanted to wring that woman’s neck.

“What was that for?” Cara’s dad frowned at me.

“Nothing. It’s all her fault all of this happened.”

“It’s no one’s fault. Accidents happen anytime and unexpectedly. That’s why they are called accidents.” He looked at me but I didn’t meet his gaze. He had that look that would make you want to regret what you did. “Danica has been your friend for years. She has been there when your mother died. She was there when I was in the hospital and you were too emotional to take care of me. She’s your friend and you shouldn’t think that she meant anything of that to happen.”

“Please, just leave me alone!” I slumped back in bed. I didn’t want to hear any of his words. I desperately wanted to be alone like I had always been, never minding what the world thought of me. I pretended to be sleeping and I heard the old man walking around the room once again. He was bothered about something. If only he knew the real problem, he would need a much larger place for pacing.

CARA

“Thank you for doing this,” I told Lorraine while in the car. She was driving me to Bridgette’s place.

She looked at me with that skeptical face again. “It’s okay.” She made another turn, not saying anything. “But I really think you should have stayed in the hospital. I will be more at ease if you were there.”

“I’m feeling great.”

She just threw me a look then her gaze went back to the road. I did not dare say another word in fear of starting a conversation I wouldn’t even understand. But it seemed that Bridgette and Lorraine’s relationship did not involve a lot of communication because her little sister was comfortable without out.

When we reached Bridgette’s place, I was alarmed. She lived in a condominium complex. I let Lorraine climb out of the car first and followed. She took my bag and led the way much to my relief. From the parking lot, we went to the elevator. I watched her push the button numbered 15. I mentally memorized the floor.

Not one word was spoken during the ride and I was getting used to it. When the elevator doors opened, Lorraine stepped out and turned to the right. The corridor was long but she turned another right after three doors and stopped at the farthest door to the left. So this was Bridgette’s lair. Neat.

Lorraine was looking at me expectantly and I almost did not understand. I was too busy admiring the soft navy blue carpet. And then it dawned on me that Bridgette’s sister did not have a key to her place. I dug my hand into my pockets. I prepared the keys earlier in the hospital.

This time, Lorraine stepped back, giving me the space to work on the lock. I struggled for a few seconds before the room finally revealed itself and I almost dropped my jaws. Bridgette was living a great life and her home was boasting that. Windows from ceiling to floor gave the room the light it needed. Dark and modern furniture filled the place. It was neat—too neat—and somehow it was bare. No pictures, no happy memorabilia—nothing that showed Bridgette had a family, friends or a life.

“You should get this to your room,” Lorraine handed me the bag. “I’ll make you some coffee.”

“Thanks,” I uttered and turned to the right where the corridor was.

“Where are you going?” She asked when I went for the first door to the right.

I was already opening the door which I thought was the bedroom. When I had a good look at it, I leaned back to look at Lorraine and said, “I need to empty my bladder first.”

She just nodded and went to the kitchen located across the corridor.

I closed the bathroom door and leaned against it. That was close. Since I was already there, I found the switch and turned to the sink and splashed cold water on my face. I almost screamed when I looked up and saw Bridgette’s face on the mirror. Every time I had to face a mirror, I had a sudden heart attack. We really needed to find a solution for this problem and we had to do it fast.

BRIDGETTE

The old man insisted that he drove me home. I did not object. He led the way and I found myself looking at an old apartment building. It was not bad, but it was decent and close to the hospital. It must have been the reason Cara chose the place.

Cara’s dad led the way. One, because he was a gentleman. Two, because I let him. Three, because I didn’t know the way. When we reached the fifth floor, an old woman with crooked teeth was coming towards us, me specifically. She was wearing a floral red dress and she was carrying a basket full of fruits.

“Cara, dear, I am glad you are okay. Your friend, Danica was here the other day. She told me what happened. I was just about to drop this at your door.” She said, lifting the basket higher.

I forced a smile on my face. “Thanks,” I managed.

“That’s very kind, Mrs. Fowler.” It was Cara’s dad.

“It’s a good thing you were gone a few days, dear. Ms. Danes had a bad night two days ago.” She leaned forward and whispered, “She had a fight with one of her beaus…”

I just nodded with a smile. I really wanted to get away. Cara’s dad must have felt the same way because he kindly took the basket from the lady and explained that I needed to rest some more.

“See you around, dear,” Mrs. Fowler beamed and waved her hand.

“Yeah,” I answered. I had to make sure I didn’t have to meet her again.

Mr. Leonard had a key to his daughter’s apartment. He opened the doors for me and when I entered, it was not such a big task to know where I had to go. The bathroom was connected to the only bedroom in the place. The kitchen and the living room merged into one. There was a big window opposite the door and it had a nice view of the street below. Cara was able to clean the place before she left.

When I found her bed, I was almost ready to dive in and sleep so I did. Mr. Leonard came to the door, saw me spread out on the bed and he smiled. “You must be tired. Why don’t I just camp in your couch?”

“You should get proper rest. Go home. I can take care of myself.” I realized that I hurt him with my words so I added, “I’ll call you, I promise. I just need to be alone.”

After a long moment, he nodded, walked towards me and leaned down to plant a kiss on my forehead. I stopped myself from flinching away. I was not used to that kind of emotional exchange. I never had that before from my father. I smiled faintly so that he would not hesitate to leave and when he did, I sat up on bed and thought of what to do next.

CARA

Lorraine left when I insisted. She did not appear surprised that I wanted to be alone so she left after making sure I would call her if anything happened. I said yes, thanked her and said goodbye.

I immediately went to Bridgette’s closet and was awed once again. The array of clothing was just too much for my eyesight. Shirts, dresses, pants, shoes and everything else were properly hanged, folded and placed in their respective places. A full-length mirror was seen at the far end. I shook my head, remembering how I used to visit Bridgette in her house more than ten years ago and we would play dress-ups inside her closet. Those were times when I thought I had a friend who really didn’t care she was spending time with someone who was a ‘nobody’.

Choosing the right outfit was easy. I grabbed a dark pair of pants, a green shirt and a pair of black sandals. I had to be comfortable for the following activities. Bridgette called earlier, saying we should meet at my place.

“Why not here at your place?” I had asked.

“Your place is near the accident,” she explained.

I called for a taxi to drive me to my place. Good thing Bridgette kept enough cash in her purse. I walked to up the apartment and met Mrs. Fowler along the corridor. The woman never failed to take a look at anyone who had a new face. For her, there was always a story to tell whenever a new face appeared. I did not dare look at her. Looking at her meant giving her a chance to strike a conversation. She just looked at me as I passed. I should have done the same thing years ago when I first met her.

I knocked on my door and just a few seconds later, I saw myself.

“Come in, quick.”

“Thanks. Such a great welcome.” I went straight to my kitchen and started making coffee.

“I only drink coffee once a day,” Bridgette said, looking at me. “How much have you had since this morning?”

“I can’t remember.” I continued with my task.

“I don’t drink more than one cup of coffee,” she repeated.

“Well, I do and I need it.”

“You only think you need it. My body doesn’t.”

“This is my first cup of coffee,” I lied without batting an eye. “Satisfied?”

She looked at me and nodded. “Don’t make it too strong.”

I rolled my eyes and poured myself my third cup for the day. “So, what’s your plan?”

“We should go back to the place of the accident.”

I frowned. “I thought we agreed to do the things we did before the accident happened?”

“I am pretty sure it was the accident.”

“What? You suggest we let ourselves get into another accident?”

“Well…”

“Oh my God, you’re thinking it! Are you crazy?!”

“Well we didn’t die, did we?” Bridgette asked.

“No, I’m not going to do it. Visiting the place was the only thing in my mind.”

“Fine, let’s do that.”

BRIDGETTE

Since none of us had our cars in our possessions yet, we had to get a taxi.

“You don’t have a great wardrobe, you know that?” I told Cara after a few moments inside the taxi.

“I don’t go out much.”

“Yeah, I realized that. This shirt is from three years ago.”

“It’s okay for me,” she answered, looking out the window.

“I think we’re here,” I announced, seeing the restaurant. “Oh-oh…”

“What?” Cara asked, leaning over to look out my side of the window and when she saw the reason for my reaction, she said, “Oh my God.”

“An accident happened here last week. A car literally drove right through those doors. It’s a good thing nobody was hurt.” The driver explained when we sat there gaping at the restaurant.

It was obviously closed. Workers were busily walking in and out carrying tools and new glass panels to fix the place. “This is our place,” I told the driver and paid.

Cara climbed out the other door and walked to the sidewalk. I followed and we both stood there, looking across the street. We both turned our head to the spot where we had our cat fight. It was currently occupied by a black SUV. The traffic was heavy and there was obviously no way we could do something.

“What do we do now?” It was Cara with my voice beside me. I did not look at her. It was still weird looking at your own image. It was literally talking to yourself.

“This is bad…this is really bad.”

“Now that we’re here I am losing more hope. I don’t think the answer is here. Just look at the traffic. The accident happened during night time.”

“Then we do it later tonight.”

“And there was the rain.”

“That’s a problem.”

“Why don’t we ask for help? I’m sure some voodoo stuff believes in soul swapping.”

I fell silent. Cara was right. Now that we were there, our initial idea of recreating the events prior to the accident was impossible. Maybe we really needed some help. “Okay, I agree.”

“So what do you suggest we do?”

“We—” I stopped when I heard my ring tone playing inside my purse which was being carried by Cara. “My phone is ringing.”

I took the purse from her and took out my phone. It was Natalie Higgins. “It’s my client.” I handed Cara the phone and said, “Answer it.”

“Why me?!”

“Because you have my voice!”

“What do I tell her?”

“Just put her on speaker.”

Cara took the phone and answered, “Hello?”

I looked at her. That was not how I would answer a call from a client. “Hi, Bridgette! I was just wondering if we can reschedule our lunch meeting to three this afternoon? Quinn’s having a busy day and he can’t get out of work until after twelve.”

Cara frowned. I nudged her and nodded. “Yes?” she answered and I nudged her once more. “Yes! Of course. No problem.” She repeated and I gave her a nod. What are you doing? She mouthed the words.

This is important! I mouthed back.

“Thank you so much! See you later! Bye!”

“Bye…” Cara answered and pushed the phone back in my hands. “What the hell are you doing? You’re going to go to a meeting?”

“Not me, you…” I started typing words on my phone to send to my secretary.

“Are you kidding me? Have you realized that we are still trapped in each other’s body?”

“Yes, of course. But if I don’t do this, I will lose a lot of money. This is a big project so don’t blow it. I already have a plan on how you can survive the meeting.”

“How?”

“Just listen to them. They’re my clients. For the first few meetings, they will pour out their ideas. You will nod and collect information and tell them that you will have a presentation on your next meeting. It’s that simple. You do the meeting and talking, I do the real work.”

“Quinn…” Cara muttered. “You don’t mean—”

“Yes, I mean Quinn Carter.”

At the mention of Quinn’s name, Cara’s—my face—paled.