As she placed the paper on the table, Mom looked at me with a look of sadness; clearly showing who I'd be switching lives with. I was in denial as I read the name on the paper...Amelia.
Before I could say anything, Amelia jumped in and said, "You've got to be kidding me! There's no way I'm spending the rest of my life as a nerd."
Glancing at her, I said, "I'm not too happy about this either, Amelia."
Looking at the two of us, Mom said, "I'm sorry; but both of you were chosen."
In an attempt to plead for mercy, Amelia turned to Dad and said, "You have to call this off; I can't be a guy!"
"I'm sorry, Amelia; but I can't do that." Sighing, Dad said, "We could use the money, and a change of perspective may be good for you."
Still in shock, I finally said, "I need to be alone for a while."
Before anyone could say anything, I left the table and went upstairs without finishing dinner. Normally I would've loved mom's spaghetti; but I lost my appetite when I learned I'd spend the rest of my life as my bitchy 14 year old sister.
Walking into my room, I collapsed onto the bed. Expecting myself to cry, I simply stared at the ceiling. After a few minutes, I heard the door creak open; followed by Cassandra walking into the room. "Are you okay, bro?"
Looking at her, I said, "What do you want?"
"Hey, this is my room too." Looking at me, Cassandra said, "I'm allowed to come in to check on my brother."
Sitting up in bed, I looked at Cassie and said, "Of all the people in the family; why'd it have to be her?"
"It's the luck of the draw." Sitting next to me, Cassie said, "Sometimes it doesn't work in our favor."
"But I don't want to be Amelia." Sighing, I said, "What would that do to our relationship?"
"I don't know; it may be rocky for a little while." Pausing, Cassie said, "We'll adjust; we always do."
After talking for a while, Cassie and I decided to play a video game. As we played, I realized that she was right about one important thing. If I was going to be Amelia for the rest of my life, I might as well enjoy what time I had left as me.