It's been a couple of days since Rani has taken on her new, more masculine form. To George's disappointment, she didn't really need much tutoring in the ways of manliness, as all of that seemed to come with the body, buried in the mind. Also, she didn't trust any of you to teach her how to shave.
"Not one of you guys has shaved since you got here," she said after George had brought the topic up. "The only razor in any of the bathrooms is the one I used on my legs. George, you change bodies too much to have to shave, and Colby just trims his beard. The other one just let his grow out. If I need advice on shaving, I'll take care of it myself."
In the meantime, you've picked up some clothes appropriate for her new body. Today she's wearing a graphic tee, cargo shorts, and sandals.
It's one of the rare occasions when it's just the two of you hanging out. George is puttering around in the kitchen, possibly eating everything in the pantry, and Colby is out and about wherever he usually goes. You're sipping a beer while Rani, still male, is tapping away on her laptop.
"So..." you start, "writing more of your story?"
She shakes her head and scratches at her short beard. "No. Taking notes."
"About what? Being a guy?"
She shrugs. "Something like that. It's weird being another person. I mean, I'm still me, Rani, but it's like parts of my mind have by opened while others are closed. I noticed that, in this body, I find myself being less organized and caring about things such as clothes and personal hygiene less than I used to. I also find myself sketching a lot."
She pulls a spiral notebook out of her bag and hands it to you. Inside, drawn in pencil and pen amidst the blue lines are detailed sketches of a myriad of objects, landscapes, and people. You even spot a candid sketch of Colby.
You nod appreciatively at her work. "Very nice."
She shrugs as she takes her notebook back. "Thanks, but I can't take all the credit. You've seen my paintings. They're awful. But, I think some of the original owner's natural talent and three years' worth of art courses have rubbed off on me. I'm sure when I change back it'll all be gone. My point is, I can look at the world from an entirely new perspective, and it's fascinating!"
"Well, at least that part of you didn't change."
She shrugs. "Yeah. Still, it's kind of liberating being able to parade around with bare, hairy legs." She lifts up her right foot, the dark hairs on display against the tan skin.
You chuckle. "Boy, that's nothing. Try spending time with this body of mine, then get back to me on body hair."
She gives a disgusted grimace. "I think I'll pass, thanks."
Later, the four of you are at the dinner table. There are several pizza boxes on the table, the contents of which are currently being devoured.
"Thanks for dinner, George," Rani utters through a mouthful of cheese and sausage.
George grins, his messy beard surprisingly pizza-free. "You're welcome. I brought down this roving pack of pizzas myself. Like men, we must live off what the land provides for us."
"That's another thing," said Rani, swallowing her mouthful. "I noticed that I'm not as concerned with my intake like before. I don't know if that's a guy thing, or if it's this guy in particular. At least I know where the previous owner got his jelly belly from."
You glance up at Colby, who's been oddly quiet ever since Rani put the socks on. He's poking at his pizza, stealing glances at Rani. He seems to either be sad or angry. He catches you watching him and excuses himself from the table. Rani watches him leave, a concerned expression on her face.