The media couldn’t stop talking about the results. Skyler’s father, Howard Godwin, was all over the news.
Skyler was allowed one last night with his own body before the swapping tomorrow. He went to visit his father in his private study. He desperately needed to talk to someone.
“Dad.. I’”-
“Not another word.” Howard interrupted. “You have no idea what you’ve done do you? I’m a joke! The 1 million lost to those border hoppers is nothing, your 5 year expense freeze will cover that but the mere thought of my own flesh and blood son’s body given to that..urchin!” Howard clawed at his armchair.
“I can’t be seen with a Hispanic son, not after the things I’ve said about their kind in countless interviews. Oh the media are eating this up! I’m socially ruined!”
“You?! What about me! I’m the one who’s losing his body!” Skyler yelled.
“Listen here you little ingrate.” Howard stood up from behind his desk. “YOU are merely an extension of ME! Don’t you DARE forget that.”
Howard picked up on the genuine fear in his son’s eyes. The boy was feigning an angry expression but was clearly holding back tears.
Howard let out a deep sigh and approached his son. He then knelt down and wiped away a tear that was beginning to form in Skyler’s eye.
“You even have my deep blue eyes.. such a shame. I’m positive your cherubic face would’ve blossomed into something quite handsome.”
He stood up and turned his back to Skyler.
“I would normally punish you for that little outburst but the court has that covered. Go off and entertain yourself while I think of some damage control.”
Skyler bolted out of the room and slammed the door to his father’s study. He couldn’t look away from his bedroom mirror, he was absolutely transfixed on his face. He didn’t want to give it all up. His refined taste palette would most certainly change. His classmates would surely ridicule him.
Skyler’s heart sank at a sudden realization, he would never get to experience what sex would be like in his proper body. Even his offspring would look like strangers to him! He adamantly stayed up all night and took as many photos of himself as he could. He wouldn’t forget this..
*********
Tony wasn’t nearly as distraught as Skyler but was still conflicted. His family celebrated the victory, the lawyer told him doors that were once closed to him had suddenly burst open.
Yet he wasn’t entirely comfortable. He took pride in his culture, race, and body. Skyler’s body was certainly great but Tony was rather attached to his own.
“Is there a problem Mr. Martinez?”
Tony turned to see his lawyer, Mr. Romo. Tony’s family insisted he be apart of the festivities.
“It’s nothing Señor Romo.” Tony replied.
“You seem troubled, penny for your thoughts?” Romo chuckled. “Although you won’t be needing to pinch pennies anymore.”
Tony decided to skip pleasantries and just flat out asked. “Is there any way I can just, keep my body?”
“Getting cold feet, huh? That’s perfectly normal. You’re in for a permanent swap, it’s a big deal but trust me, it’s for the best. You smart and determined to succeed. You don’t deserve to be held back by how you look like. If I could promise you that people wouldn’t subconsciously discriminate against you, I would. This white boy’s body has squandered potential just waiting for you to use it.
Tony took his words to heart and simply nodded in understanding.
“Although I have to admit, it’ll look pretty funny seeing your new gringo body eating quesadillas.” The two laughed.