---
Today is different for Edward. And the reason for this? No summer classes, no errands at the supermarket and no cleaning around the house.
Today, he's ... "staying over at my dad's for the weekend, so I can't come to Disneyland, Yusuf," Edward says, tossing clothes into a duffel bag.
"Damn. And these two Latina baddies really wanted to hang with us," Yusuf groans over the phone.
"No, not hang with us—hang with you. I don't even know them," Edward replies, rolling his eyes.
"You sure you won't ditch your dad and come? It's freakin' Disneyland, man."
"Dude, that's my dad. I'll talk to you later."
"Your loss, dude."
Click.
---
"Edward! Come downstairs now—I have to be at work early!"Jennifer shouts from the living room.
"Coming, Mom!" he yells back, lugging his bags and rushing down.
She pauses at the bottom of the stairs, eyes glistening.
"Whoa. You're really leaving for the weekend? Who's gonna watch my vintage movies with me now?"
Edward gives her a warm smile and pulls her into a hug. "Hey now, don't cry. It's just two days. I'll be back before you know it. And if I get bored, I'll sneak back. You know I can't stay away from you, Mom."
---
They drive off toward Mike's house—Edward's father.
Edward spots him standing outside. Mike walks up fast and hugs him tight.
"Kiddo! Look how big you've gotten.
"Mike."
"Jennifer."
The exes exchange a brief, civil handshake.
"Okay, Edward, I'm heading off. If you need anything—or if anything comes up—just call me, alright?" Jennifer says as she drives off.
"Come on, kiddo. Let's get these bags to your room," Mike says, grabbing one of them.
---
Edward drops onto the bed.
"So this is where I'm staying till Monday? Way smaller than my room at home."
He sighs and flips onto his side.
"And nobody to switch bodies with... damn."
---
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Who could that be?" Edward mumbles, dragging himself to the door.
He opens it and finds a stunning woman standing there—curvy, blonde hair shimmering like gold, and ocean-blue eyes.
"Hey! I'm Rebecca. I take it you're Edward?" she says, offering a handshake.
"Yeah... and you are?" Edward asks, confused and not shaking her hand.
"I'm your father's fiancée."
"WHATT?!!" Edward nearly falls backward.
"How is that possible?! How did Dad pull her? He's a total bum!"
Mike shows up, eyebrows raised.
"Oh, I see you two have met…" he says awkwardly.
"When were you going to tell me you were engaged?! Does Mom even know about this?!" Edward yells, before storming out of the house.
"What's his deal?" Rebecca asks.
"Not now, Vanessa… not now," Mike mutters, following Edward.
---
Edward sits by a pond, skipping rocks.
His voice is low and bitter.
"Why did I even get mad? Mom and Dad aren't married anymore. He has every right to be engaged. I just… I just wish he told me himself. Not through some stranger."
"Whoa, nice throw. You play baseball?" a voice calls out. A girl walks up with confident steps. She's around his age, stylish, calm.
"And you are?" Edward asks.
"I'm just a girl. A girl named Nina. And Nina wonders why a boy like you is all alone, skipping rocks at a pond. You don't look like a loner."
She sits next to him on the bench. Edward hesitates, then joins her.
"Family problem, huh?" Nina says, looking right at him.
"How did you know?".
"It's written all over your face, Edward." Edward freezes.
"Whoa. Whoa. Back up. How do you know my name? I never said it."
Nina smiles. "Nina also knows you've been switching bodies with people's husbands to sleep with their wives."
Edward, now terrified bolts upright.
"How do you know that?! Tell me!" ."You've been a very bad boy, Edward," she whispers, her smirk widening.
---