Eric continued to search the internet. She found plenty of references to 'Game of Change' but most related to various movies. None appeared to refer to the same game he had found in her cupboard. She did wonder how the game was going outside but at the same time was grateful that they were leaving her alone. She knew she had been rude to her mother but really what was Mum thinking? She knew Eric didn't want to play yet had trapped her into another game.
At least she assumed she was in a game. They must be getting close to the stage of the game when changes would begin to happen. Eric was curious but she wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of giving in and joining in. Maybe she wasn't actually in this game? No doubt she would find out soon enough. She started a new search looking up 'Magical games'
Meanwhile in the other room Amy tossed the dice for her own turn. A 2 and a 4 moved her to a black square. She didn't bother reading aloud the card that flipped over, just immediately tossing again. She was disappointed that she did not throw a double for herself. What did throwing a large number as she had, 11 total, actually mean?
She looked at herself and couldn't see anything different. "Can anyone see any changes?" immediately she knew what had changed. "I've got Jen's voice again! Just like last night!" Amy couldn't help but giggle.
Jen took the dice and tossed. 2 & 5. "Damn! I've missed out again!" she called as her token moved to the second last green square. She read the card "We have created a beauty but more we need. Your turn to provide, your height is decreed" ......."Um it isn't actually asking me anything. I think it means my height. I would have liked to be tall again"
"Yeah I think right. How tall are you Jen?" asked Maureen
"5'1"
"Hmm. Well whoever gets to be the winner might be quite petite" Maureen tried to put a positive spin on the situation. She was enjoying being taller.
Belinda/Ted commented "I'd love to be petite. I always feel so tall and gawky" Everyone stared at Belinda. It was certainly a strange comment.
There was an awkward silence. Only broken when Nicki said "My turn" she tossed 5 & 3. She landed on a black square. She read the card that flipped out even though it was exactly the same as every other black square card "Toss again and the number will result in a change requested by default. Do not worry it will fade when tomorrow’s sun casts some shade”.
She tossed again, a double 6. "Umm? Oh my voice as well!" She too had Jen's voice. "What else? I should get two changes"
"Maybe one of your own features. I can't see anything" said Amy
"No look!" pointed out Belinda/Ted. "Your handbag has changed!"
Everyone glanced at the collection of handbags on the benchtop. There were now two Prada handbags.
Nikki immediately went over and checked the contents. "Yes my stuff is in here! Is it a genuine Prada?"
"I certainly hope so" exclaimed Maureen. "Ted paid enough for it"
"Wow!" said Nicky. She took the bag back to her seat and examined it closely.
Meanwhile Belinda picked up the dice. She tossed and rolled. Double 3. Her piece moved to a black square. She tossed a second time after glancing at the flipped card. This time she threw a total of 7. "Look! I have new shoes!" she pointed to the blue heels that were now on her feet. "I love them but I'm not sure the colour is right for this top and skirt"
Maureen said "Belinda, I must say I've never noticed you concerned with colour coordination before. I'm impressed"
"Hmm well I'm going to put the kettle on. I need a cuppa" Belinda got off her seat and walked to the kitchen. She had no trouble striding in the 3 inch heels.
"My turn" said Maureen. She had not noticed Belinda's competence in her new shoes. Maureen tossed. Her total of 9 moved her to the penultimate square which was black. Her second toss came up with 2 and 5. However despite checking out everything she nor anyone else could detect any changes.
"Must have been one of your own features" suggested Belinda.
"Hmmff! said a disappointed Maureen. She did not know that like Ted she had got her own wish to 'behave like the young woman she was' "I'll toss for Emily" She tossed the total of 5 and 3. Eric's token moved to the same black square that Nikki was on. Maureen checked that the card was the same before tossing again, this time coming up with 6 & 5.
This time Eric noticed the change. She now knew she was indeed in the game. Long blonde wavy hair cascaded from her head. Up until now she had Eric's short haircut. She immediately recognised that she had Nikki's hair. She considered leaving the room and going to the bathroom to check out her reflection. But just as she had decided to do so there was a knock on the door. "Hi Emily. How's it going in there? Noticed any changes?"
The voice was that of either Eric's Mum or Dad. He was mad at his mother but felt sympathy for his father. "Yes I think I have Nikki's hair" she called.
"Are you going to show us?"