Jen brushed her hair, looking into the mirror as she did. She had woken up and auto-piloted through her morning routine. A routine that hadn't existed last week. Even for the weekend, things had been off. Sleeping later, not needing to get ready quite as quickly. This morning, though, she had woken up at 6 and started getting ready almost immediately. Shower, pick out clothes, apply make-up, do hair. It was so easy to fall into the flow and go with it, so easy to remember exactly what she needed to do.
And it felt easier after last night, after the dreams she had. Which was weird, because the dreams hadn't included anything related to her morning routine. She had remembered elementary school, hanging out with Sarah and Karyn. Assorted other scenes with the others, but it had been the three of them who had been closest since the beginning. Their parents closer, seeing each other regularly even from the earliest days of their lives. It had been so weird to wake up, those memories fresh, and knowing that they were fake.
Or, no... not fake. They had been real now. Created by Ms. Holloway, who existed or was empowered by the stone. Which was worrying in it's own way. Especially since-
"Jen, breakfast is ready," her mom said.
"Okay!" She could hear her mom move on, going to alert Zoe. She'd wake Mikey up next. He didn't need as much time to get ready as Zoe and herself did, and if he was woken up early he'd be grouchy and just end up slowing things down. Jen looked down at herself, newly expanded chest. When she tapped her new memories, her Jen memories, the larger breasts were there. Like the magic had been woven into her stupid wish that had created this whole situation. Her clothes had changed a bit too, she had noticed. Emphasizing her new curves more. The top she was wearing now showed off a fair amount of cleavage, and she had only really chosen it because most of her tops did that now. The color was nice, at least.
She finished up brushing and tied her hair back into a ponytail, then stood and left her room. She paused as she heard the door down the hall open as well, Zoe emerging from her own room. Jen had to force herself not to react when she saw her younger sister. Still goth, but in a more subdued way. Dark clothes, black dyed hair, darker make-up. Her clothes were nicer than what the old, original Zoe had worn. And her body had changed. Her own figure had been enhanced, clearly changed by Jen's wish. Not to the same degree, not yet. But it was definitely a family trait, now.
"Morning," Zoe said.
"Morning."
They made their way downstairs and joined Mikey at the table. He, at least, was the same. Just a young boy who had too much energy, even this early in the morning. About halfway through breakfast, Jen's phone started going off. She checked it and saw messages from Sarah in a group chat between them and Karyn. An offer to be picked up. It was normal in this new reality, part of their routine.
But they all knew that the routine had been created on Friday afternoon.
Memories from the night of dreams ran through Jen's mind as she considered,weighing whether she should shoot down the offer. Even though it felt wrong, like a betrayal. As though Sarah hadn't betrayed them all by going along with Ms. Holloway. With a sigh, Jen accepted the offer. Karyn followed suit a moment later. Had she been waiting to see how Jen would answer? Probably. And she likely had been struggling with the same questions Jen had been.
Jen finished breakfast and washed up her dishes, then finished getting her stuff together. She ducked out the front door just as Sarah was pulling up and climbed into the passenger seat. "Morning, Sarah."
"Morning," Sarah said. "Love your outfit."
"Thanks," Jen said. Part of her had expected a comment about her larger chest, but Sarah wouldn't have known. No one would, not even Karyn... "How was your dinner with Biff?"
"It was great. We went out to Alejandro's, hung out in the park for a while. It was really nice," Sarah said. "How was your night? Dinner with Chris?"
"It was... nice. Weird, but nice."
"Oh, right..." Sarah said. "I can imagine."
They lapsed into silence after that, Sarah driving along silently. After a few moments, Jen cleared her throat. "Yeah, but... it was fine. Uneventful after dinner."
"Cool, that's good," Sarah said. It caught Jen off guard. Sarah was always sure of herself. Both of her lives knew that. Jen had seen it more, of course, and closer up. They pulled up to Karyn's house and she emerged a moment later. She was wearing a dress, her hair intricately curled and hanging loose. It was so different than Karyn's usual style. Or, her old style. The old Karyn. Red hair, smaller breasts, more of a tomboy. all descriptors that didn't fit the new Karyn at all.
"Morning!" Karyn said, climbing into the back seat, just behind Jen. She touched her shoulder, squeezing, and then buckled up.
"Morning," Jen said. "Sean's here?"
"Yup! He decided to stop by for dinner, ended up staying the night. I meant to call you, Jen, last night but got wrapped up in things."
"Any problems?"
"Not quite, just was gonna check in," Karyn said. "We stopping for coffees?"
"Of course," Sarah said. The carried on, chatting while getting coffee and making their way to school.
Once they arrived and climbed out of the car, Karyn leaned in. "We should talk later. Alone, if possible."
"Figured, we'll figure it out."
Sarah climbed out of the car and smiled at them. "Ready?" she asked.
"Guess so," Jen said. She looked toward Karyn, who had a weird look on her face. When she noticed Jen looking, she forced the expression away and smiled, nodding. The three of them went toward the school, coffees in hand.
