Aaron decided to give the thing to Lauren. He didn't really like jewelry, and he thought he might earn some brownie points by giving it to her. He hadn't ever seen her wear any jewelry, but he hoped she appreciated the thought.
"Um, thanks, " said Lauren, as she examined the ring. It was obvious she did not like it. He had met her after soccer practice at her house. She was still wearing her soccer uniform, and the smell of sweat hung in the air.
"Well, go on. Try it on," said Aaron. He hoped she would like it better when she was wearing it.
Lauren slipped it on. The diamond glowed softly. "It looks ... nice, " said Lauren.
Aaron was disappointed. "Sorry you don't like. I'll get you something else, " said Aaron.
"No, it's not that the ring is fine, " said Lauren. She sighed. "It's just that I had a bad time at practice today. Cassie was really on my case today. I am so much better than her, but just because she is a little bit taller she thinks she can push me around. I wish that I had just a little bit of your height."
The ring began to glow slightly brighter.
"And I wish I could give you some, " said Aaron. The ring glowed even brighter. "But I think you are perfect, no matter how tall you are."
"Aw, you are so sweet. How did I get so lucky?" said Lauren, as she leaned in to kiss him.
As they kissed Lauren felt her whole body get warmer. It was like she was filling with energy. Her loose uniform felt a little tighter. They stopped kissing, and the feeling faded.
"Whoa, " she said. "When did you learn to kiss like that? Have you been holding out on me?"
"I was going to ask you the same thing, " said Aaron. "You left me a little weak in the knees."
"Not me, I feel great!" said Lauren, as she jumped up and ran around the room. She stopped in the mirror to examine herself.
"Aaron, I think I actually grew!" said Lauren with excitement.
"What? Don't be silly?" said Aaron.
"No it's true! I measure my height in the mirror every day, and I am clearly two inches taller! It must be the ring. I wished to be taller, and now I am. Here, look! I wish I was taller!" said Lauren.
She watched herself in the mirror, and nothing happened.
Aaron chuckled. "Sorry, dear. It looks like it was just your imagination, " said Aaron, as he walked up behind her.
"Then why are you shorter? " said Lauren, pointing to the measuring tape attached to her mirror. Aaron was now 5'10".
It must be a mistake, he thought. Her ruler isn't set up right.
But looking down at Lauren, she did seem taller to him. The top of her head used to be below his chin. Now it reached his mouth.
"We must have switched a little when we kissed. C'mon, let's try it again, " said Lauren.
"Oh, no. I don't want to get any shorter, " said Aaron, as he backed away from her.
"What's the matter? I thought you said it was all in my imagination, " said Lauren. "I just need a few more inches, then I can put that bitch Cassie in her place tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? If that thing actually works I want to switch back right now, " said Aaron angrily.
"Please, " begged Lauren seductively. "It is just for a little while. Then I promise to switch back, as soon as practice is over. Then I will give you a big reward. Something you will really, really like."
Aaron was tempted. Lauren's 'rewards' were always very nice. And they could always use the ring again later.
"Pleaasse ..." whined Lauren. "Don't you trust me? Don't you love me?"
Aaron sighed. "Okay. But just until tomorrow. Then we switch right back."
"Okay, " said Lauren happily. "I promise. Now pucker up."