Eric nodded and Carrie put her forehead against his and hugged him tight. They kissed before Carrie got up and out of bed, scooting away and picking her panty wedgie out of her cheeks. “Her flight leaves at 3 so I figure I’ll take her to the airport by 1”

“I’m going to head into the office and finish up a few things for next week but I’ll be home by 2” Eric said as he headed for the shower. He dropped his boxers and walked over to the faucet. As he waited for the water to heat up, Carrie caught herself looking.

Nicole woke alone in bed in the guest room of her house. It took a moment to realize that last night had not been a dream and that she actually was in her best friend’s body.

She pushed her blonde hair away from her face as she rubbed her eyes and stretched her legs. She swung them off the bed and enjoyed that her feet hit the ground instead of dangled above it like usual. She raised her heels up and brought them together as her toes stayed firmly in the carpet and she giggled and bounced her head back and forth.

She bounced up and headed for the guest bathroom to get ready. She brushed her teeth and slipped off her clothes to get into the shower. She took in her fully naked body in the mirror and with her own eyes. She enjoyed lathering up and rinsing off, although she did have to stoop down to rinse out her hair.

Nicole finished up and put on a t-shirt and some shorts and padded out to the living room. “Oh…hey Eric” she said as she entered the room.

He looked up and smiled; he was tying his shoes and about to head out. “I’m going into work for a few hours and I guess you’ll be gone by the time I get back”

“Oh” Nicole said succinctly.

“Let me just say that it has been a pleasure having you stay with us. I really liked getting to talk to you in person and getting to know you a little better” Eric said.

“If you only knew…” Nicole thought. “Yeah…me too, I’ll have to come home more often” she said with a weak smile. It hit her that she wouldn’t see her husband again now for four months.

“Take care of yourself Carrie” he said as he headed out the door.

“Bye” was all she managed in return.

She stood by the door as she heard his car back out and pull away.

“Oh…hey Nicole” Carrie said as she came into the room. “I’m surprised you’re up”

“So how was last night” Nicole asked a bit too abruptly.

Carrie smiled reassuringly “It was fine…nothing happened but a good night kiss”

Nicole shook her head. “Sorry…I know what I signed up for…it’s just hitting me what I’m about to embark on and what I’m leaving behind here temporarily”

“That’s the key word right there…it’s only temporary. Have fun with it…live it up some” Carrie said as she settled into a chair, her short legs lifting up as she scooted back. She giggled a bit “Still cool to have short legs” she mumbled to herself.

“I know, I know” Nicole said. “It’s just weird is all”

“Damn right it’s weird” Carrie agreed. “I’m going to be here for the next four months”

They spent the rest of the morning talking and promising each other to check in constantly whenever there would be a question. They also both quizzed the other on names and addresses that they would have to know. But before either of them knew it, afternoon was approaching and the trip to the airport loomed near.

“Uh…I guess it’s time for me to go” Nicole said looking at the clock. She put her hands on her knees and stood up.

Tears formed in Carrie’s eyes as they headed to the guest room to pack her bags. They never stopped talking though the whole time.

Nicole fanned herself and tried to hold back any tears of anxiety or fear as she wheeled the luggage across the room. “Bye house…I’ll see you again soon” she said as she went out the door.

Carrie got behind the wheel of the car and laughed nervously “Be nice; I haven’t driven a car in years” It came back to her fast but she was a bit hesitant while driving again.
After a tearful and hug filled good bye, Nicole entered the airport as Carrie stood by the curb watching.

As she went further in, Carrie got behind the wheel again and drove off. Her stomach fluttered in anticipation of spending the rest of the day with Eric, or as she now thought of him…her husband.

Nicole made her way through TSA and she went to her gate. She had plenty of time and it wasn’t a direct flight anyway, she had a layover in Chicago. She was wearing black tights and a long light blue shirt as she lounged across two chairs at the terminal gate. Her sadness was passing and being replaced by a feeling of excitement and anticipation. Now she couldn’t wait to get on the plane to leave.

By the time Carrie got back to the house, she saw Eric’s car was already there. She pulled in and parked next to his car. She hopped out and dropped to the ground. Her sandaled feet bounced off the ground and she was nearly running into the house. “Hey honey!” she called out as she went through the door.

“Oh hey” Eric said from the couch. He was watching a Tigers game with his feet propped up on the table.

Carrie took her shoes off and came in to join him. She sat down next to him “Hi” she said.
Eric lifted his arm and Carrie snuggled in next to him, curling her legs up on the couch and resting her head against his chest. She closed her eyes contentedly and brought her hands up to his chest as well. He leaned his head back and sighed. “Well I got my project done”

“That’s good” Carrie replied without opening her eyes.

“Did Carrie get off okay?”

“Her plane probably hasn’t even left yet; I haven’t gotten a text though that it was cancelled or anything” Carrie replied with a yawn.

“Tired?” Eric asked.

“Not that tired” she replied as her hand began to slide down his chest. She lifted her head up a bit, opened her eyes narrowly and smiled slyly. “I told you this morning I wanted that” she whispered as her hand went to his crotch.

He smiled “Now…you really are ready aren’t you?”

Carrie nodded slowly and bit her lower lip seductively. “I want you” she whispered in his ear as she gave it a quick nibble.

As she backed up, she put her head back and found Eric’s mouth at her neck beginning to kiss her. A tingle ran up her spine and her arms wrapped around him and her hands worked up his back. Carrie was pulling his shirt up and off as his hand gripped her inner thigh.

“Say my name” Carrie said as Eric’s hand eased higher up her thigh, squeezing slightly up and down.

“Nicole” Eric said breathing hard already.

Carrie smiled and dove in for a full on kiss. Their tongues flittered in and out as Eric ran his hands through her hair. Carrie loved the feelings of lust and passion that were flowing through her and she arched her back and threw her head back as Eric’s fingers probed past her panties.

“Oh Nicole…I love you” Eric said.

“I love you too and I want you right now” Carrie said with a sly grin on her lips. She pulled away and stood up, in a few deft movements; she stripped off her clothes and stood naked before him. She dipped her chin demurely to the right and caught his attention while looking from the corners of her eyes.

Carrie took a step backward and crooked her index finger in a follow me gesture that he instantly got. Eric followed her down the hall to their bedroom as he too disrobed. Carrie was almost jogging in her bouncing steps as she neared the door. With a hearty laugh, she jumped on the bed as he quickly followed her up. His hands were all over her and she writhed in pleasure as he took her.

Nicole sat at her gate in the tiny Grand Rapids airport. There wasn’t enough going on to occupy her mind so she ran through the names that she would need to know for the 387th time and wondered if Eric was home from work yet.

Carrie sat up in bed as Eric slid down to lay on his back. She ran her fingers through his hair and gave him a quick kiss as she got up and went to the bathroom. She sat down and slumped forward, her hair dangled down before her eyes. For some reason, there seemed to be something nagging at the back of her mind but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

As she stood at the sink and washed her hands, she saw the small package of pills in the corner: Nicole’s birth control pills. “I’m sure it’s fine” she thought and made a note to take one tonight before bed as she went back and crawled under the sheets with Eric. She snuggled up next to him and closed her eyes. She felt the breeze from the ceiling fan on her exposed arms and she could hear birds calling and singing outside the window: Carrie was perfectly happy.

Nicole’s flights were typical and uneventful. She was slightly irritated at how much less leg room she now had in Carrie’s body.

Getting off the plane at JFK, she headed for the taxi stands with Carrie’s address in mind. After trying to act as naturally as she could, Nicole rode to her apartment in Manhattan for the first time.

She took the elevator up to the third floor and went to her door, dragging her heavy luggage behind her. Once inside, she stopped and took a look around. It was small, but nice. The windows actually had a view of a section of Broadway. She let the luggage lay by the door as she flopped down on the couch, exhausted.

Nicole ran her fingers through her long blonde hair. She cricked her neck and tried to get the muscles working; she just felt tight from her flights. She had also forgotten to take her phone off of Airplane Mode on the ride across town. Once she flipped it off, a new text message popped up.

‘Bryant’ “Hey, if you’re back in town we’ll be at Murphy’s…”

She remembered Carrie mentioning a Bryant as someone who she had just met a few weeks ago. He worked for a brokerage house and they had a joint assignment together that she would be working on.

After a quick Google search for Murphy’s, she realized it was just down the block. She changed into a pair of tight jeans, a loose white blouse and a pair of black heels. She texted the number back ‘Hope you’re still there…I’m on my way’

As she entered a bit nervous, she scanned the crowd until she saw a group of people waving her over. From the descriptions provided to her, she had a good guess of all of them. Nicole smiled wide and waved back as she made her way to the group.

“Hey…how was Michigan?” she was asked.

“Good but I’m glad to be back here” she replied and she ordered a drink.

“Glad you could make it Carrie” a tall man said from behind her. Nicole spun around and knew that it must be Bryant. He had to be at least 6’4” because he was taller than her even in her 3 inch heels.

“Oh Yeah…luckily I wasn’t delayed or anything”

“I was hoping to get a chance to talk with you outside of the office” Bryant said.

Nicole couldn’t help but blush. She had been with Eric for so long that it was odd and a bit frightening for her to be flirted with and even more awkward for her to do it herself. She took a moment to gather herself and remind herself that for intents and purposes she was Carrie now, she was allowed to have some fun and that it wasn’t really cheating on her husband,

Nicole smiled a flirty smile and cocked her head slightly “Oh yeah” she said smiling. “I wondered if we would get the chance myself”

Bryant smiled in return “We could get a table since everyone is here now”

There were four other people that were included, but Nicole made sure she sat next to Bryant so they could talk.

Nicole found herself enthralled and engaged by their conversation. He seemed to be a genuinely nice and interesting guy, not to mention, he was good looking. The night passed too quickly for her but by the end, she had gotten several promises from him that he would be in touch.

She watched him get into a cab and she gave him a little wave as her heart jumped a bit. She once again told herself that it wasn’t wrong or cheating and that it was good to be excited.

By the time she walked back to her apartment, her feet were hurting and she wound up taking her shoes off in the elevator. She hit the door and headed straight for bed, peeling off her clothes as she went. Even though she was exhausted, it took her a while to fall asleep. She couldn’t stop smiling and thinking about Bryant.

By Monday morning, both women were a bit nervous and anxious to get into the groove that they would need to be in for the few months.

Carrie went through Nicole’s closet and found a nice conservative look for her first day at the local bank. Sensible black heels, black pants, royal blue blouse and a black jacket made for the look she was going for. She did her hair and make-up and headed out for a day of small loan processing and earnings reports. She found herself enjoying the routine and relished the slower pace and more laid back mood of Nicole’s office: She just hoped that Nicole wouldn’t be overwhelmed.

Nicole couldn’t wait for her first day in Carrie’s job. She put on a tan skirt, nude heels and a white blouse for her day. Riding the subway provided its own entertainment and she found herself quite adept at Carrie’s job: She loved the fast pace and higher stakes she got to deal with now daily.

Nicole was also happy with how things were going with Bryant. They met for lunch twice that week as well as worked on their project, but it was the plans they made for Saturday night that excited her the most.

It started out as drinks, then moved on to dinner, and then finally more drinks. They talked for hours effortlessly; Nicole was totally swept up by Bryant. It wasn’t until after he had kissed her as she got into her taxi that Eric jumped to the forefront of her mind.

“What are you doing? You’re supposed to just be having some fun in the city, not totally falling for some guy who isn’t your husband and won’t be in your life after we switch back in a few months” she scolded herself.

Nicole beat herself up the whole evening as she felt guilty about Eric, yet she was still so conflicted because she also did like Bryant. She could look at it like she was just doing Carrie a favor by getting her established with a great guy while she was Carrie, but deep down, she had to confess that she really did like Bryant on her own.

The texts and calls flew back and forth between Nicole and Carrie over the first month.
There was an almost constant flow of information between the two. Both were relieved when Carrie had her period after she admitted that she had sex with Eric before taking her first birth control pill and Carrie was quite intrigued with how things were setting up with Bryant.

Carrie had her own secret though too; she had fallen in love with Eric over the course of the last month. She too spent her nights scolding herself for developing such strong feelings for him. It was hard not to: Being a wife was something she had never experienced and wasn’t quite prepared for how deep the connection could and should be.

Making that connection was not a problem but sometimes reminding herself that it really wasn’t her husband or her life was. Carrie really liked being Nicole.

By the second month, they had settled into more of a comfort level and the texts and calls started to scale back some. It was more of a once or twice a day instead of once or twice an hour.

Carrie had found that her sex and married life as Nicole was very satisfying as was her job at the local bank. She really didn’t miss the city at all and all of this was beginning to cause her a bit of stress. She was beginning to think that she might not want to switch back after all.

Nicole had also found her life as Carrie to be a perfect fit for her. She loved New York and now dreaded the thought of going back to her small town. And while she loved Eric dearly, she also had fallen in love with Bryant. She was a mixture of conflicted feelings all rolled up in one 5’10” package.

As the time approached for their rendezvous, it was decided that Carrie would travel to New York along with the spell book. Both women spoke excitedly of how much fun they had while the other but both were lying when it came to saying that they were looking forward to changing back.

The morning of December 14th broke bright and sunny and bitterly cold in Michigan. Carrie lay in bed and watched the sunrise from her bed. She was snuggled up behind Eric and she kept burying her head against his back, dreading getting up and going to New York. She couldn’t say anything but she was carrying her own secret with her along with the book.

Nicole slowly opened her eyes and let out a long sigh. She rolled over in bed and put her leg up on Bryant as she moved closer to him. Her long blonde hair cascaded over his bare chest and she ran her fingers up and down over him.

The previous night, Nicole had been all over him like a caged animal. She couldn’t get enough of him. She had taken the day off but he would need to get up soon to go to work. She didn’t want to let go as the alarm went off and Bryant began to stir. He kissed her as he got up and out of bed.

Nicole sprawled her long legs out across the bed. The morning was cloudy and cold but nothing awful. She didn’t even want to think it could be her last day as Carrie.

She dressed in a pair of black tights and an oversized cream colored sweater; white socks and black boots would eventually join them to complete her outfit as she pulled her hair up into a loose bun on top of her head. She had arranged for a car from her company to pick Carrie up when she arrived at the airport and bring her to the apartment. It would still be a few hours before Carrie would get there and it gave Nicole time to think.

The car rolled up to her old apartment building and Carrie got out. She sighed and adjusted her coat down. She was wearing a dark blue coat over a green top with jeans and brown boots that came up to her knees. Her long thick brown hair was tucked under a blue hat and she kept nervously tucking her hair behind her ears as she drove through familiar streets in Manhattan.

Nicole was waiting in the lobby as she watched her old friend and her old body climb out of the back seat. Even with all her worries and concerns, she was genuinely happy to see Carrie in person. She rushed over and with huge smiles, the two of them embraced.

Nicole being the taller one leaned down and put her chin on Carrie’s shoulder. “Come on inside…we have a lot to talk about” she said as they both grabbed a bag from the driver.
Carrie glanced over her shoulder, tossing her brown hair over at the noisy street behind her. Everything here seemed too big, too loud, too fast for her now. It didn’t feel right to her anymore.

They got on the elevator and went up to the apartment as Nicole chatted away nervously the whole ride. “It’s so good to see you again” was how she finished as the door opened.

“Place still looks the same…” Carrie said as she stepped inside her old apartment.

“I didn’t even think about doing any redecorating, even though I did find this really cute rug this one time” Nicole said as she bent down to unzip her black boots.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Nicole asked.

“Just some tea maybe” Carrie responded.

“That sounds good on a cold day like today” Nicole replied in turn as she put on some water.

Carrie stood in the middle of the apartment and turned around slowly taking in the sights. She made her way to the window and took in the view.

Nicole came back in and smiled as she watched Carrie. She went to the sofa and sat down crossed legged on it, letting her large sweater settle over her knees.

Carrie realized Nicole was back in the room. She turned and smiled and walked back over to join her. She curled her legs up beneath her in a chair and she absent mindedly picked at the seam of her sock.

“So…” Nicole began.

“Yeah” Carrie raised her shoulders and smiled shyly “Um…so how’s it really been living my life in the city?”

Nicole smiled and said “It’s been awesome”

“That’s great to hear” Carrie said.

Nicole looked off in the distance and nodded.

Carrie looked closely at her friend and noticed a very subtle hint of a quiver in her bottom lip as she smiled. She saw it for it really was; a fake smile. “What’s wrong?” she asked tilting her head.

Nicole snapped back “Nothing; nothing’s wrong…why would you think something is…”

Carrie simply raised her eyebrow.

Nicole dropped her hands to her lap.

“We’ve known each other all of our lives and this is not how we act around each other” Carrie said simply “We need to drop the bullshit that everything is perfect and really talk to each other”

“You’re right” Nicole said “You’re right”

Carrie let out a huge sigh and said “Well at least I know it’s not just me”

“I could tell you were nervous too. You are totally right about cutting through the shit and just letting each other know what we’re thinking. I mean, we’ve just lived the others life for the last four months and I know it’s been very intense for me and I’m sure for you too” Nicole said “I guess you’re just mopey while I’m acting high strung to compensate”

Carrie smiled again.

“Which one of us should start?” Nicole asked as she let down her blonde hair from its bun.

“I will I guess” Carrie said and took a deep breath. She looked over into the blue eyes that should be hers but were being used by her best friend and admitted the truth “To put it simply; I don’t want to change back”

Nicole swallowed and her eyes widened but she didn’t say anything yet.

Carrie looked down at her hands and she picked at her nails as she continued “Please don’t be mad at me and I know that we will switch back anyway but I have to say this…I have to. I love your life and I honestly don’t want to give it up”

A few tears began to escape her big brown eyes. “I will admit to thinking in the beginning that it would be so easy to slip into your small town life; but now I don’t want to know anything else”

Nicole let her continue on.

“Eric is such a great guy; the best really. You were so lucky to find him. I…I…” Carrie choked up “I love him alright” she said and finally looked up but she dropped her chin quickly to avoid any further eye contact.

“I love him. It’s that simple but it’s also more than that. I love your life…and…and your job and everything else about being Nicole. I don’t want to be called Carrie anymore. I don’t feel even feel like I’m Carrie anymore. I feel like I am and should be Nicole”

She looked up and with tears streaming down her face and her shoulders shuddering and her breath hitching and catching she continued “Please don’t be mad at me but New York seems just too big and scary to me now. I don’t want to change back”

Nicole got up and Carrie stood up and they hugged and with a simple whisper from Nicole into Carrie’s ear, everything changed. “You don’t have to change back”

“Wh…what?” Carrie said as she pushed herself back.

“Don’t fuck with me about something like this…don’t say something like that if you can’t back it up, not now, not ever. This got to be so much more intense than I ever thought it could be” Carrie said, wiping away tears.

“I’m not joking and I’m not messing with you” Nicole said succinctly. “There’s something I need to tell you. It’s big; like life changing and altering big”

“What is it?” Carrie asked eyes wide in anticipation of what was coming.

“Well, let me just say that I’m glad that you came here and told me that you didn’t want to switch back. I was so nervous about what I had to tell you that I had played out so many scenarios in my mind, that…I don’t know…” Nicole said wiping away her own tears now.
“What is it Nicole; you know you could tell me anything” Carrie said.

Nicole looked across from her and into the big brown eyes that had previously been hers and said “I’m pregnant”

Carrie’s mouth simply fell open.

“We couldn’t change back even if both of us wanted to” Nicole explained. “Being pregnant nullifies the spell. We can never change back”

“But how…” Carrie started.

“Well duh…” Nicole tried to joke and Carrie did laugh.

“I mean…Bryant?” Carrie asked.

Nicole nodded “He’s awesome and I love him. I really fell in love with him. I still love Eric and I always will, but…It wouldn’t feel right to be with him after this time with Bryant. We belong together and obviously you belong with Eric. I know you’ll take good care of him…I know he’s in good hands”

Carrie sat back and put her hand to her forehead; it was all too much for her at that moment. Her brain was reeling: She had been paranoid about slipping up and getting pregnant as Nicole and Nicole had gone and gotten her old body pregnant. Carrie started to laugh; low at first, but it slowly built up louder and stronger.

“What are you laughing about?” Nicole asked.

“Everything” Carrie responded. “You…you’re pregnant. Are you happy about it?”

Nicole smiled and instinctively put her hand on her stomach. “Yeah…Yes I am”

“And I get to stay as Nicole” Carrie said. “I was so worried that I was coming here and I would have to switch back to my old life and I didn’t want that life anymore. You want my life and I want yours. Why shouldn’t I be laughing? We’re both getting exactly what we want, aren’t we?”

Nicole smiled wider “Yeah, I guess we are…I didn’t want to swap back either and that was before I got pregnant” she admitted. “I knew I wanted to be Carrie after just a few days in”

“Oh God yeah I know…it was like immediate comfort in this body” Carrie concurred.

“It just felt like it was supposed to be this way” Nicole said.

“And now I get to go home to Michigan and stop taking the pill” Carrie said while she did a little happy clap.

“Are you?! Are you going to try to get pregnant too?” Nicole asked.

Carrie nodded and smiled “Eric and I have been talking about it but I told him the first of the year at the earliest just to hold him over, but now…yea”

“So have you two been, you know, busy…” Nicole asked.

“Oh God yeah…like every night busy” Carrie admitted. “So does Bryant know about…” she said pointing to Nicole’s abdomen.

Nicole nodded “We’re about eight weeks…I told him about 10 days ago”

“And…” Carrie dragged out.

“And he is so excited and happy and already making plans for our future together”

“That is so awesome” Carrie said.

“I was saving the most awesome part. We’ve both put in for transfers to our branches in Chicago” Nicole said.

“What” Carrie exclaimed.

“We both think that New York is too cramped for living with a baby but we both still want that big city feel. So both of our offices have outlets in Chicago; that way we can have a little more room”

“And you would be only about a 3 hour drive away” Carrie said as she got up and they hugged again.

After they broke off their embrace, Carrie asked “So when do I get to meet Bryant?”

“Tonight at dinner; he’s looking forward to meeting my best friend Nicole” Nicole said.

“So about that” Carrie said “Could you call me Nicole from now on?”

“I would love to Nicole” Nicole said “But only if you only call me Carrie from now on”

“Deal Carrie” Nicole said.

Two years later…Chicago IL…

“I can’t believe how big Kayleigh is getting” Nicole said fusing over Carrie’s eighteen month old daughter as she toddled around the living room.

“And I can’t believe how much Alexa has grown too” Carrie said holding Nicole’s nine month old daughter in her arms as she napped.

“I hope these two are as close as their Mommies are when they grow up…”