Roger Madison listened to the clicking of his heels as he descended the stairs of the mansion. He knew this place was palatial, but it was the first time he'd seen the inside. A number of family portraits hung on the wall. He noticed something strange about them out of the corner of his eye, but was powerless to stop and inspect them. The new life that was now controlling him passed those photos every day, and had no reason to stop and look.
Instead, he got to the bottom and turned the corner, where he was met with a familiar face. His boss, Ken Andrews, was standing in the foyer. He was stiff, nervous, and smiling a forced smile. Because the man was no longer his boss.
"Morning daddy!" Roger found himself compelled to say in a bright, chipper tone.
"G- g'morning, princess."
Clearly Mr. Andrews was shocked at the sight of one of his grown male employees now perfectly playing the role of his beloved teenage daughter. Roger could tell he knew what was going on, but of course The Rules meant he had to act like nothing was wrong.
"What's the matter, daddy?" He said, "You're looking at me funny."
"Oh um. No! Everything's fine. You're as beautiful as ever. You're just... growing up so fast!"
"Aww, daddy. You're so sweet! You know I'll always be your little girl, no matter what!" He could see tears welling up in Ken's eyes. The pain was apparent to Roger, but the personality in control mistook it for pride, and he leaned in and kissed the man on the cheek.
"I'm going shopping with Stace & Mere after school so don't wait for me at dinner. Byeee!" He waved and headed straight out the door. Descending the front steps, he thought he heard muffled sobs coming from behind him, but his attention was on the black Mercedes in the driveway.
He remembered daddy buying it for his 16th birthday. He was so lucky to be so spoiled, and today would be a great day to put the top down and let the wind blow through his hair. Wait. No! It wasn't his car! He had to keep things straight, hang on to something that was still him. Especially now that he was on his way to someplace he hadn't been in 20 years. High School.
