A Perfect Date

 I still can’t believe this is my life. Seven months pregnant, waddling around in a maternity dress, and about to walk into my high school reunion with my boyfriend—who, by the way, used to be my best friend when I was a guy. It’s insane to even think about, but here I am. Pregnant, in love, and on the verge of facing people who knew me *before* everything changed.

If someone had told me this would happen, I would’ve laughed—maybe cried, depending on the day. Just over seven months ago, I was living a completely different life. And not just because I didn’t have a baby on the way. No, back then, I wasn’t even a woman.

It started as a joke, really. I was dreading this stupid reunion, tired of feeling like the same awkward guy I was in high school. So when I stumbled upon that weird old spell book at a thrift store, I thought, why not? I made a wish—something silly about wanting a perfect date to bring with me, someone gorgeous who would turn heads. I figured, at best, I’d end up with a good date. At worst, nothing would happen.

I never expected the universe to take it so literally.

The next morning, I woke up in a body that wasn’t mine. Curves where there had never been curves, long hair instead of the short, scruffy mess I used to have. And when I looked in the mirror, I saw someone else staring back. A woman. I freaked out, naturally. Wouldn’t you? But I didn’t have long to process it before Ryan—my best friend, my *old* best friend—showed up.

I thought for sure he’d recognize me, that he’d look into my eyes and just *know* it was me. But he didn’t. He introduced himself like we were strangers. He saw me, or rather *her,* and not a single flicker of recognition passed over his face. That’s when it hit me: I was someone completely new to him.

What happened next, though? I never saw that coming. He asked me out. That same day. And I... said yes. I don’t even know why. Maybe it was the shock of the whole situation, maybe I was just curious. Or maybe there was something about being seen as this new person, this woman, that made me want to experience everything I could. And what I experienced that night changed everything.

When we got back to my apartment, there was this undeniable pull, this *need* I’d never felt before. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Every part of me was on fire with this strange, new desire. The way he looked at me, the way his hands brushed against my skin—it was intoxicating. I’d never felt so alive, so completely consumed by the moment.

I remember standing in my living room, heart racing, trying to figure out how we even got here. But when Ryan kissed me, that was it. All the confusion, the questions, everything melted away. I wanted him more than I’d ever wanted anything. It wasn’t just about the physical changes—it was the way my body responded to him, the heat, the intensity of it all. I could feel every inch of him, every touch igniting something deep inside me. And God, it was *good*.

We didn’t even make it to the bedroom right away. It was wild, almost desperate, like we couldn’t get enough of each other. His hands roamed over my body, exploring curves I was still getting used to myself, and with every touch, I felt more alive than I ever had before. My skin was buzzing, my breath coming out in ragged gasps as he pressed me against the wall, his lips tracing a path down my neck. I’d never felt pleasure like that. Not as a man, not even close.

I gave in completely, letting myself get lost in the sensations. His hands, his mouth—everything about the way he touched me made me feel *so* alive. There was a rush of emotions I couldn’t even begin to explain. Part of me wanted to stop, to question what the hell I was doing, but a much bigger part of me, the one craving him, wouldn’t let me. I wasn’t just enjoying it—I was *thriving* in it, every touch, every kiss making me realize that I didn’t want this to end.

As I felt him inside me, moving in ways I’d never experienced, the pleasure was overwhelming. My body responded in ways I’d never imagined, and I found myself thinking—right in the middle of it all—that maybe this wasn’t so bad. In fact, I thought to myself, *I wouldn’t mind staying like this.* I couldn’t believe I was thinking it, but I meant it. After what I was feeling, the way my body came alive in his arms, I realized that being a woman wasn’t the curse I’d thought it was. It was intense, powerful, *beautiful* in a way I’d never understood before. And I didn’t want it to stop.

When it was over, and we were lying there tangled together, I knew I’d crossed a line I could never uncross. The next morning, reality hit, and so did the consequences. Three weeks later, I missed my period. That’s when I knew for sure—something else had changed that night. I was pregnant. Ryan didn’t know the truth about who I used to be, and now I wasn’t just a woman—I was carrying his baby.

“You look amazing,” Ryan says, coming up behind me, resting his hands on my hips, pulling me back to the present. His voice is gentle, the same way it always is when I’m feeling unsure. I can see his reflection in the mirror, that easy smile, and suddenly I feel a little better. He has no idea that just seven months ago, I wasn’t even female. He doesn’t care. He’s proud to walk into that reunion with me, pregnant belly and all.

“Are you sure?” I ask, biting my lip. “I feel like I’m just... too much right now.”

Ryan shakes his head, turning me around to face him. He leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead, his hand resting on my belly. “You’re not too much. You’re perfect. And we’re going to walk in there, and everyone’s going to be jealous of how amazing you look. Trust me.”

I laugh softly, but there’s a knot in my stomach that isn’t entirely from the baby. High school feels like a lifetime ago, but those memories of who I used to be are still there, heavy. Will anyone recognize me? Will they even believe it’s me if I told them?

I take a deep breath, glancing at the door. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

Ryan grins and grabs my hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “Let’s go show them how good life turned out for you.”

The drive to the venue is a blur of small talk and music on low. My mind keeps wandering to what it’ll be like, walking into that room full of faces from the past. I wonder if any of them would recognize me—probably not. How could they? I’m a different person now, in more ways than one.

But with Ryan beside me, steady as ever, and this little life growing inside me, I feel like maybe, just maybe, I’m okay with all of it. Whatever’s on the other side of those doors, I’ll handle it. We’ll handle it. Together.

We walk in together, and just like that, the past and present collide in the most surreal way possible.