He put on Ruben’s underwear again, then over that wore his oversized T-Shirt. He figured it would do with just him and his Dad. he then went downstairs to get dinner, he was starving. His dad had some leftover pizza out and told him to help himself. His Dad looked at him concerned. “Is that the only thing you can find?”
“Yes, all the pants and shorts are too big and the belts don’t go small enough to fit me now.”
“But what about Monday? I thought you were going to swap at school?” his father asked.
“Yeah I think we may need to buy an outfit for Ruben, don’t worry though I’ll pay for it. I have enough for some pants and a shirt.”
Noah’s father was happy with that answer, he would go out tomorrow and get something. What he was wearing now was fine for tonight.
“You shouldn’t have lied to me, if you were upfront about things this morning you wouldn’t have gotten so embarrassed. I want you to apologise to Ruben’s family when they get back, I’m sure they are furious that you tricked their youngest out of his body.”
Noah looked at his body, “I’m pretty sure Ruben got the better end of the deal”.
"Yeah you're probably right."
The sun had set and they were watching the news, apparently a huge snowstorm was settling in around them.
“Damn looks like it’s really coming down!” Noah said.
“Sure is”
All of a sudden all the lights turned off around them.
“Crap, looks like the storm took out the power”
“It will come back though, it shouldn’t be a big deal.”
“Yeah but if it doesn’t it’s going to be a cold night.”
Noah gulped, without any pajamas or clothes he would be freezing.
As time ticked by Noah was curled up next to his dad, clearly shivering.
“You okay son?”
“It’s this tiny body, I can’t seem to get warm”
“Well why don’t you go to bed?”
“I’m waiting for the power to come back up”
“Well buddy I don’t think it’s coming up anytime soon, you might as well get ready now.”
“I don’t have any other clothes, I was planning on sleeping in this”
Noah’s dad just shone the light over to the discarded bear costume from earlier.
“Oh no! Not again! I’m not getting stuck in that thing for another night” Noah was adamant he was worried he wouldn’t be able to get out again.
“I don’t really see any other options, you’re freezing and you said it kept you warm and comfy yesterday so it makes sense.”
Noah didn’t know what to say he finally agreed because of how cold he was and honestly just wanted to be warm again.
Noah got ready for bed, went to the washroom and brushed his teeth and then came back out. His dad had already gotten everything ready.
“I found a safety pin to keep the zipper attached to the suit so you won't lose it.”
“Thanks Dad”
Noah took off his shirt and stepped into the bear, he already felt a few degrees warmer. He ducked his head forward and his Dad pulled up the rest of the outfit. He adjusted the head so Noah could see and his Dad noticed Noah stopped shivering.
“There doesn’t that feel better?”
“A little I guess” Noah had to admit he hates being cold and the suit isn’t as embarrassing in the dark with just his Dad.
“You look exactly like a teddy bear in this thing, you just need something to cover your mouth and eyes.
“Yeah I have to say Ruben’s Mom did a great job. Even if it is the weirdest costume ever.” Noah was really blushing now, the worst part of the outfit was feeling helpless and like a toy rather than a person.
Noah’s dad picked him up and carried him to bed.