"Every Christmas you celebrate, is that less special. No, listen it is a fact because it becomes less special. You've seen it before, not to mention, adults really don't get presents, nor should they that's a kids thing and I don't want to take that away. Each Christmas is less family to, first your siblings have their own family so they don't come back. Then your elderly relatives well.... Time is the winner " Rob ducked a pillow thrown at him.

" my God dude, I just asked if your putting up a tree and, now I need a drink " his Liz said as she threw the pillow at him.

" sorry I do ramble " Rob shrugged.

" that's not true " I third voice said. It was their friend Herron.

the three had been friends since high school. None of them were married although Herron did have a boyfriend. He'd met him over the summer. "you could say having new memories to cherish and hold makes each that much more special. That's why we put up trees, lights or whatever. We know how good it can be when you feel like you're going to burst with happiness." Herron smiled.

Rob turned around. " I'll go get us something to drink " he said then headed out.

Herron turned to Liz. " hey, lets go see what I brought back for all of us. "he winked.

Liz shook her head and laughed. She knew better than to argue with him. He'd probably end up making a mess in the kitchen.

They both looked at each other and grinned.

The rest of the night was spent talking about old times. They joked and played games. The trio was close, and as of yet it was just the three of them.

Herron was the largest, he was a bear of a man. With an athletic build and huge arms, he was intimidating. Yet, his mannerisms were very gentle. He was one of those people who would always help someone if they needed it. Bright red hair and a well groomed beard.

Liz was the shortest. She had long brown hair and bright green eyes. Her features were delicate but strong. A dancer by trade, she had a beautiful body. Her skin was smooth like cream, and her breasts were perfectly round.

Then there was Rob. He wasn't as big as Herron. But, he made up for it in charm and wit. His hair was black and curly. His eyes were blue, and he kept his facial hair neatly trimmed. Not like Herron who had no choice but to keep it neat. He was muscular and handsome.

Each had their strengths.

It was after midnight when they decided to call it quits.

"I'm heading out" Herron said.

"I'm too drunk can I sleep on your couch Rob?" Liz asked.

"sure" Rob said. He got up and followed Herron to the door.

As they walked down the hall Rob could hear them laughing.

He went into the guest room to find that Liz had already fallen asleep.

That was fine, he'd let her sleep. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve.

Rob grabbed a pillow and blanket and went out to the couch. He had to admit it was nice having someone there for the holiday even if it was just sleeping off some holiday cheer. He found a spot on the sofa and laid down.

His head hit the pillow, and he was out in an instant.

***

When he woke up, it felt like someone had smacked him with a sledgehammer.

The pain from his head was incredible. He heard a voice that was hard to recognize through the early morning fog. "Are you crazy? Why are you sleeping out here?" It was Liz she sounded incredulous.

"Well you we" Rob stopped his voice sounded, "You were asleep, why do I sound so weird."

"You sound like you always do, but come on you know you need your rest" Liz said

Rob tried to sit up, everything felt heavy, there was a weight on his chest and he seemed to struggle to sit up.

"Wife" He said again the same high soft voice was what he heard. Silky hair fell about his face. Liz ran over

"Easy there babe" she said, helping him to a seated position.

"Babe? thanks I don't know why I can't sit u----" He looked down, pushing out from his chest were two round orbs. He had on a long grey t-shirt with Scarlet Witch on it. He grabbed them, to see if they were real, yeah they were he had boobs. That didn't prepare him for the round stomach underneath. He touched it. It was real, he woke up as a pregnant woman.

"Oh god! What the hell happened?"

"I don't know, but you need to lay down and rest" Liz was insistent.

She helped him up to the bed. He noticed his friend now easily the taller of the two. How much had he shrunk. She helped him to a seated position on the bed. "Julie, you have to be more careful, you need the bed more than me, Plus your pint sized, you could have easily snuggled in without waking me" Liz said kissing him on the forehead. "My girls take priority" She leaned down and kissed him on the belly as well. "I love you so much!"

Rob couldn't believe this. He was a pregnant woman, and he had no idea how he got there.

Liz walked to the bathroom, she came back with a glass of water and some pills. She handed him the pill bottle. "your doctor said these will help" She said.

Liz sat next to him. "Now I'm gonna stay here till you wake up, okay" she said stroking his face.

"Okay" he said taking the pills. They started to dissolve in his mouth. He was trying to figure out why Liz was being so nice to him, but before he could think about

He closed his eyes and was soon fast asleep.

***

He woke up again. This time, he was fully alert.

There was a little light coming in through the window. He moved to it to see a beautiful sunrise.

"What day is it?" He asked his mind still a bit fuzzy.

"December 24th" Liz said, entering the room.

"Wow, I slept so long, I didn't realize it was Christmas Eve."

"yeah, you did" Liz said smiling.

She was wearing a Santa suit. She had a hat, red pants and a white shirt.

"How am I supposed to respond that question?" Rob asked.

"Don't worry babe, you look gorgeous" She laughed. Liz stroke her cheek.

It all came back Rob remembered, he had turned into a pregnant woman. "no,nononono" He said, looking at the mirror Rob saw reflected back a strange reflection. It was a young woman, she was very short maybe only five foot two. Her hair was long and black, with green and purple streaks. Her cheeks were rosy and her lips full. she was very thin with the exception of her pertruding belly from her pregnancy.

"who's that?" Rob asked pointing to the reflection.

"That's you, my lovely mama" Liz said.

"Mama?"

"yes, and don't forget it" Liz said, kissing him on the cheek.

Rob sighed, "But that isn't who I was when I fell asleep, please you have to remember"

Liz looked concerned, "Julie, we've been friends since kindergarten, we dated all through high school and college, I know you. We were married 2 years ago. Who else would you be?" she asked.

"I was Rob, a man" Rob said, his mind still trying to process all the information. "not this" motioning to his very female body.

Liz wrapped her arms around him. "babe, I know you love your DnD and telling stories, but this isn't funny" she said, kissing him on the neck.

"I know, but it's true" Rob said. "Please believe me, I woke up like this and I'm scared, I don't understand it" Tears started coming out of Rob's eyes and he began to cry.

Liz held him tight. "it's okay, We've been through a lot together and we've known each other our whole lives. I trust you, and I believe you. So no matter what happens, I promise I won't leave you alone."

Rob took a deep breath. "I just don't understand"

"Hey, it's okay, we'll figure it out, but right now you need to eat and get dressed because we have a party to go to" Liz said sitting him up.

"Party?" Rob asked.

"Herron's party he and his husband are having their usual Christmas eve party."

Liz helped him to his feet. She bent down to pick up his clothes, which were scattered on the floor. "Here, I'll help you" she said wrapping her arms around his waist. "It is a good thing Julie picked out her dress for this party, cause I don't think a guy would know what to wear"

She may have been playing it off as a joke, but Liz believing her helped. "yeah"

"Listen, how about we try role-playing tonight OK? You pretend your Julie, and I'll do the same, that way our friends don't think we're nuts"

Rob nodded and wiped away his tears.

"okay, 'Julie', would you like your wife to help you with your makeup then" Liz asked

Rob nodded he knew Liz was a professional makeup artist so she would do amazing work. "Thanks.....babe" Rob said

Liz got to work, first she put eye shadow on his eyelids. Then she applied foundation and blush to his face. She used lipstick and fingernail polish to complete the look. When she finished she stepped back to admire her handiwork. Rob was stunned. "wow"

Liz gave him a kiss on the lips. "and you look hot" she teased.

"OK, I'm ready for the big reveal?" Rob asked nervously.

"Sure"

She turned Rob to face the mirror Rob couldn't believe it, his face some how looked even cuter, he looked at his nails, they were red and green glitter. "So much Christmas...."

"Julie you love Christmas more than anyone I know."

"Really?" Rob asked

"Babe you have a tree up before thanksgiving, the only reason we don't have 400 dozens of Christmas cookies is I would let you overwork yourself in your state."

"you make me sound like a mess" Rob said.

"well you are a mess, but your my mess, and together we make a beautiful mess" Liz said.

Rob smiled. "so, I guess I'm going to Herron's party?"

"Yes, you wouldn't want to miss our best friends party, that wouldn't be like us at all."

"When did he get married?" Rob asked

Liz stumbled a bit "What?"

"He wasn't married last night"

Liz looked at Rob and realized he wasn't kidding. "4 Years ago, we were in the wedding.....you really don't remember who you are do you? " she said.

"No, I don't" Rob replied. Rob pulled on the clothing, it was black leggings and red Christmas sweater dress, it was cut to make his pregnant belly look like a Christmas ornament. He had a belt to cinch it in place. His shoes were black flats.

She put on the Santa hat, it matched the one Liz had on. "Let's go, I can keep pretending"

They walked out of the house, Liz was carrying her purse and holding her coat.

Rob had been so focused on the transformation that he hadn't noticed what was happening outside.

It was snowing heavily. The flakes fell thick and fast. It looked like it was snowing straight out of a Hallmark movie.

"I think I might like this weather after all" Liz said, taking her umbrella. Herron lived 2 buildings over so it was a short walk thankfully.

The party was already in full swing. There were people everywhere, drinking and laughing.

Liz and Rob found a spot to stand by the punch bowl, and they exchanged pleasantries with friends and acquaintances.

Rob was getting a little nervous, he felt like he was on display. He kept fidgeting with his sweater, trying to cover up his belly.

"Relax babe, everyone knows you're in your third trimester, and besides, you look great." Liz said.

"thanks, you don't look too bad yourself" Rob said. Liz looked stunning in her outfit.

"You know how I know you're insecure? All you do is check to see if I'm checking you out" Liz said playfully.

"I'm not insecure, I just...I'm just, I don't know" Rob stopped talking.

"it's OK, if you don't want to talk about it, we don't have to" Liz said. She wrapped an arm around him.

"okay, I just....I just feel exposed"

"I understand" Liz said. She led him to a quiet corner of the room. "here, let's go somewhere more private" she said.

She led Rob to the couch and sat him down. Short;y Herron came by "JuJu you look stunning tonight, you let Liz do your makeup didn't you. " He asked Rob.

Rob nodded.

"And how's my little girl doing? Sorry I know it is yours and Liz's but I still was honored to donate." Herron said.

Rob nodded, well that was one question answered.

Herron sat down next to them. "Are you OK? Jules you look absolutely spent, are you sure this party isn't too much?"

Rob shook his head "I'll be fine, I think I'll sit here though if that's OK?"

"Of course it is, if you need anything just let me or Jason know, but I'm going to steal your wife for some drinking games, if that's OK"

Rob nodded again.

Herron stood up and left.

Liz was still watching Rob intently. "babe, are you feeling alright?" she asked.

"I'm fine" Rob said.

"What's wrong?" Liz asked.

Rob took a deep breath, "well, um, my boobs are huge, so, I feel kinda self-conscious, is it weird?"

Liz laughed "not at all, and I think you look adorable, especially in that hat." Liz kissed his cheek, "Wish me luck" she said.

"I will" Rob said. He watched as she made her way towards the drinking games set up across the room. He would love a drink but no one was going to give a pregnant lady a drink and that made sense.

Liz got a couple of drinks from the bartender and then joined the rest of the guests over at the table.

Rob went back to drinking punch. He was beginning to feel very uncomfortable, he felt like a freak.

He could tell Liz was having fun, she was laughing and joking with everyone. He was jealous, he wanted to be there with her, but he didn't want to be a burden.

He tried to find something to do, but he couldn't focus. He was distracted by the loud music being played. He was thinking that maybe he should go home, but he didn't want to leave Liz alone.

Finally, he decided he needed a break. Maybe he could use the bathroom and get some air.

He stood up and took a step, then another. His legs felt wobbly, he sat back down.

"are you OK?"

Rob nodded. "My legs are shaking" he admitted.

"Well, come on, we'll go to the bathroom and then I can help you walk back to your seat" Liz said. She grabbed Rob's hand and helped him up.

They went to the bathroom. Liz helped Rob undress, she carefully removed his panties and bra. She was very gentle.

"I don't want you to hurt yourself" she said.

"I'm fine" Rob insisted.

Liz helped Rob into the bathroom. Rob started sobbing, "please, let me go home, I don't want to be here anymore"

"Shhh" Liz said. "Take a deep breath" she said.

Rob did as she told him. "Okay, now take another breath" she instructed.

Rob took a deep breath, then another.

"Good" Liz said. She helped him stand up.

"I'm sorry" Rob said "I don't know what's gotten into me"

"It's OK, I --"

"oh no" Rob felt liquid going down his leg and put his hand on his stomach "OH NO!!" Rob screamed.

There was a commotion in the bathroom. People were asking what happened.

Liz's eyes went wide "oh shit.....really babe? it is happening?"

Rob could only nod.

He was going into labor.

"I need to get to the hospital, I'm in labor" Rob said.

"Oh my god, oh my god!" Liz cried.

"I can't wait, please, I need to go NOW!" Rob yelled.

Everyone in the bathroom started helping Liz. They helped Rob put his clothes back on.

"Hurry! Hurry!" Rob said.

Liz rushed him to the door. "can you walk?" she asked him.

"yes, yes I can" Rob said.

"okay, follow me" Liz said. She opened the door and pushed him out onto the hallway. "go" she said.

Rob followed her down the hall. He was terrified. They were only a few doors down, so soon they would be at the elevator.

He could hear the party going on, people were still drunk and having a good time, "God, I don't want to die" Rob thought.

The elevator arrived and the doors opened, Liz grabbed Rob's hand and helped him inside.

The elevator began to move. Rob wanted to scream, but he held it in.

"I'm scared" he whispered.

"I know babe, but we're almost there, just hang in there" Liz said.

"I want to go home" Rob said.

"We can't go home yet, I need to get you to the hospital, so we're almost there" Liz said.

"Please don't make me go through with this" Rob begged.

"I'm sorry babe, I know you're scared but we can't turn around, we have to go through with it" Liz said. Rob just nodded.

Liz held his hand tightly until the elevator reached the ground floor. Then she helped Rob walk out.

"you've got this, just keep walking" Liz said. Rob nodded.

They were in front of the main entrance.

A woman approached them "is everything OK?" she asked.

"Yes, but my wife is in labor and needs to get to the hospital right away," Liz said.

"Is she OK?" she asked.

Liz nodded "she's OK, she's in labor, we're almost there, but she needs to go now"

"okay, please let me help" she said.

"thank you" Liz said.

The woman opened the door and helped Liz lead Rob out and to the car.

"I don't want to do this, I don't want to be here" Rob said.

"It's going to be OK, you're almost there" Liz reassured him.

"I don't want to be a girl" Rob said, he was crying again.

"It's going to be okay, sweetie" Liz said.

They pulled up to the emergency entrance.

"Just stay calm, and we'll get you taken care of" Liz said.

Rob took a deep breath. "okay, I guess I have no choice" he said.

They walked into the ER.

"Good evening" the nurse behind the desk greeted them.

"Hi, I'm sorry to bother you, my wife is in labor and she needs to get seen right away" Liz explained.

"okay, what is her name?" the nurse asked.

"Julia, Julia Florence " Liz said. Rob realized it meant he took Liz's last name.

"OK, I'll page Dr. Grant and she'll be with you shortly" the nurse said. "the waiting room is over there" she said pointing to a door next to the desk.

"Thank you" Liz said. They both walked over to the waiting room.

"Everything OK?" Liz asked.

"It's not bad, but my legs are shaky and I'm really cold" Rob replied.

"Here" Liz said, handing him a blanket. "I'll be right back" she said.

Rob wrapped the blanket around himself. He tried to focus on his breathing.

Liz returned with Dr. Grant. "Hello Mrs. Florence, Julia, I'm Dr. Grant" she said.

"Dr. Grant" Liz said.

"I'm going to examine you and get you ready for delivery" she said. "let's get you a room,OK" she said.

Liz helped Rob undress. She helped him lie down on the bed.

Dr. Grant examined Rob. "you're dilated about 8 cm already" she said.

Liz gasped "she's coming soon!"

"it won't be long" Dr. Grant assured her.

"I don't want to do this" Rob said.

"You don't have a choice" Liz said.

"I don't want to be a girl" Rob moaned.

"It's OK, I'll hold your hand, I promise" Liz said.

"I need a shot" Rob said.

Liz helped Rob sit up so he could receive his epidural.

"That's it, it's done" Liz said.

Dr. Grant checked Rob's cervix again. "we're almost there" she said.

"We'll have her soon" Liz said.

"Good job, baby" Liz praised.

Rob was having trouble focusing. He was feeling light headed. He felt the epidural kick. It was all so weird they were working on organs he hadn't had 24 hours ago. He looked at Liz, his head caked with sweat and hair sticking to his face. He felt a contraction, he just knew that's what it was.

"I can't do this" Rob said.

"It's OK hunny" Liz said.

"No, I hate it, it hurts too much" Rob cried.

"It's almost over" Liz said.

Rob started sobbing.

He was scared.

he felt like he needed to push.

"Liz, I think I need to push" he said.

Liz called Dr. Grant.

"what?" she asked.

"She says he needs to push" Liz explained.

Dr. Grant rushed over.

"I can see the head" she said."here, lay back, when you feel the need to push Julia, go ahead and push"

He felt it.

He felt the pressure. He pushed. It hurt.

He pushed again.

"that's good " Dr. Grant said. "One more time, Julia, one more time" she instructed.

Rob pushed. The pain was excruciating.

He pushed three times.

He heard a cry.

Rob sobbed.

Dr. Grant cut the cord.

Liz handed their daughter to her.

"I can't believe it" Rob said.

"It's OK, you did great, sweetie" Liz said.

Rob smiled "I have a daughter?"

"Yes honey, we have a beautiful little girl" Liz said.

Rob watched as the nurses cleaned up his child and moved her to the bassinet.

Liz was crying.

His wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

Rob was crying.

Liz picked up their daughter.

She held her close to Rob.

"I love you" she said.

Rob kissed her forehead.

"I love you too" he said.

Rob couldn't stop crying. He loved Liz, and he was sure of it maybe this was the life he wanted. No the life She wanted she was Julia a wife, a friend, and now a mom. Rob had been wrong Christmas didn't have to be worse each year. You just need a little change in perspective. Rob realized he was happy.

She never thought she could be this happy.

But if this was happiness, she'd take it.