Miranda lay breathless on the sheets; her body was like putty. She doubted that she’d be able to stand let alone walk. She managed to roll on her side, her arm felt weightless as she moved it over to come to rest on Miguel’s cheek. His blue eyes looked deeply into hers, as if searching for her soul.

A shiver of delight ran up her spine as she smiled at him. He leaned forward and feathered her lips. Sending a shiver, the opposite direction. She took a deep breath to calm her heart. “We should think about getting back, before anyone notices that we are gone.”

Miguel sighed. “Yes. I guess we should.”

Neither of them moved. Miranda slowly caressed his cheek with her finger tips. His skin was so beautiful, and with those blue eyes? Oh my.

“Hey, sleeping beauty.” Miguel’s hands slid up and down her hip. “Wake up.”

Miranda’s eyes fluttered open. “Huh? Oh shit, did I fall asleep?”

Miguel nodded. “Only for a short time. We need to get going.”

Miranda sat up. He was already dressed. His eyes wandered down her body appraisingly. She should feel violated or even self-conscious, but instead she felt cherished. She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Go on down. I’ll be down as soon as I get dressed.”

Miguel smiled. “Less suspicious too. Your hair is a bit of a mess, be sure you brush it.”

Miranda nodded. She padded to the bathroom closing the door. At the last moment, she remembered to pull her hair over her shoulder before sitting on the toilet to pee. That was an amazing experience. Michael had never experience sex like that, never climaxed like that, or that often. “Holy crap, this girl thing has its benefits.” She muttered aloud to herself.

She changed her mind about that once she looked into the mirror. Her makeup wasn’t a total loss, but it did need some major rehab. Six minutes later and she had done as much as she could both technically and with the time she had. She found her dress in a pile near the bed. One shoe near the door, the other clear over by Peyton’s bed. She pulled the brush through her hair the best she could to take out snarls and to polish it. Took one last look in the mirror and gave herself a smile. “My name is Miranda.” She said with more confidence than she had since G.A.S.S. consumed her life.

Miranda made sure to grab the room key and headed back down to the wedding reception hoping no one noticed her and Miguel’s long absence.

Miranda sat next to the window on the plane. She was exhausted from the wedding and the non-stop activities. Her family definitely wondered where she had disappeared to, but she wasn’t the only one that was in the dog house. Peyton left the party early too and hadn’t returned to their room until early morning. Apparently, she wasn’t the only one to have found a Latin lover. The result was that both of them were grounded to the resort property and if they were in their room, they had to leave the connecting door into their parent’s room open.

Miguel was disappointed, but decided that laying by the pool and walking on the beach with her was most desirable. It seemed however that every he and she tried to sneak off, a parent was either watching or blowing up her phone.

She did get to admire Miguel in just his swim trunks and with her new chemistry and brain re-wiring, he didn’t disappoint. If she wasn’t touching his arms, she was stroking his near washboard abs.

The two were unable to find any seclusion to have sex again, but there was plenty of making out. Finally, around four thirty, her father made her say goodbye to Miguel. Peyton too was having to say good by to his tryst.

Miguel had her backed against the wall outside their rooms. One hand on her hips the other brushed hair behind her ear cupping her cheek as he leaned in for a kiss. Miranda wanted to cry but there was no way she was going to let him see her in such a mess in the last moments they would have together. His lips were so tender, his skin so warm and firm over muscle. His scent. The scent that started this whole situation filled her nose as she breathed in around his lips.

He pulled back, her body aching as if in withdrawals as he did so. “Not goodbye.” He said. “I’m sure I’ll visit your city when I visit your Aunt Shelby and Carlos. Or you can come visit here. Next time I’ll give you the city tour.”

Miranda’s hands shot around his neck and pulled him in for a much more urgent kiss, a much longer kiss before Peyton cleared his throat.

“We have to get ready for dinner.” He told them. To Miguel, he shook his hand and gave him a hug. “It was a great time that I won’t soon forget.” Peyton told him. “I know, Miranda will never forget.” He shared a knowing smile with the two of them.

Miguel turned to leave. Miranda’s hand caught his in hers. He stopped and looked back. She wasn’t going to cry. She could control it. He stepped towards her, and wiped a traitorous tear from her cheek and kissed that cheek. “I won’t soon forget you. You have my number. I expect to get a call from time to time.” With that he left.

“Come on, Princess.” Peyton took her hand and pulled her into their room, her eyes never leaving the back of Miguel until out of sight.

Dinner had been very silent. Her mother did most of the talking, going over all of the wedding details and how wonderful everything was. Miranda only nodded occasionally, her mind still reeling with the memory of Miguel’s lips. After dinner they packed most of their stuff so that the morning could be uneventful and it was. Until she saw Miguel standing by the airport shuttle. She ran to him throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him hard while giggling.

“Sorry, I couldn’t get you out of my mind.” He said when she drew back to breathe. “I had to see you one last time.”

She giggled again and crushed him with more kisses.

She smiled to herself and wiped a tear from her face as she watched the clouds slowly slide by under their airplane.

“Come on Miranda, we need to get going soon!” her mother called up to her.

“I’m coming.” Miranda shouted back. She leaned back from the mirror and critiqued her makeup application. It was good. Not her best, but defiantly better than it had been.

One of the reasons she was running behind was because she had asked her mother to braid her hair. Parted down the center she had a Dutch braid contoured around each ear. The braid was fastened off at the base of her neck allowing her tresses to fall free down to the small of her back. It was out of her face and out of her way and still very cute. She placed a large silver hoop through each ear and slipped into her sandals that were platform wedges. She had been practicing with them over the past few days and wanted to show them off.

“Feeling confident?” Peyton asked as she slid into the suburban opposite of him.

Miranda looked to him questioningly.

He lowered his voice so that their parents couldn’t hear. “Your showing a lot of skin.”

Miranda looked down at her cold-shoulder blouse and denim skirt. Her heart began to pound faster in her chest. “Too much?” She asked.

“No, you look fabulous.” Peyton smiled. “You just look like you’re starting to feel…… right.”

Miranda shrugged. She stared out the window as the suburbs slid by unconsciously tugging at her long hair that fell over her shoulder. Peyton was right. She hadn’t really thought too much about her past as Michael in the past few days, well since she had gotten back from the wedding. Every thing had been about being Miranda. Well, she was Miranda, but she was really starting to feel it now.

Once parked at church, Miranda got out and took a second or two to get used to being so much taller in these particular sandals.

“We are going to have to have a little talk when we get home.” Her mother hugged her from behind.

“Oh?” Miranda put a hand on her mother’s arm.

“Don’t get me wrong Miranda, you look very nice, but you are showing a bit too much for church. If you were going to the mall, or hanging out, it’d be fine. Church is a bit different.

“But it’s a hot day and I wanted to be cool.” Miranda whined.

Her mother took her hand and walked beside her. “I understand.” She smiled up at her daughter. “You have a beautiful new body and you want to enjoy it, but this is God’s house and you need to pay him a little more respect.”

“Should I have Peyton take me home?” She asked worried.

Her mother shook her head. “No, like I said, you’re fine, just maybe a longer skirt with that blouse, or a blouse with more coverage with that skirt next time.” They approached the courtyard, “Now go have fun with your friends before service.” She gave Miranda a tap on the bottom.

Sierra was sitting on a bench, just out of the sun watching the members of the church walk by. Miranda walked towards her when Sierra spotted her. Sierra’s mouth fell open as Miranda came a few steps away.

“Oh em gee, your hair.” She whispered harshly. “Did you do what I think you did?”

Miranda’s lips drew back in a grin as she flashed Sierra a knowing look and shook her head so that her long hair whipped around.

“You went through…..” Sierra looked around to make sure no one was close enough to pay attention. “You went through ‘heat’?”

Miranda nodded with a giggle.

“With who?” Sierra patted the bench next to her and leaned in. “Was it amazing?”

“A guy at the wedding…..” Miranda started.

“Holy crap! Is that your voice?” Sierra interrupted in shock.

Miranda had gotten used to her soprano and had forgotten that to others it would be new.

“You can blame that on going through ‘heat’ as well.” Miranda told her.

“Blame? It’s amazing.” Sierra gasped. “You get amazing hair and a gorgeous voice and all I got were nice tits.”

“The hair is probably going to go away today.” Miranda pulled on her strands. “This is just too much work and I have no idea what to do with it. I have to remember to pull it up so that it doesn’t go in the toilet when I pee.” She grimaced thinking of the first time that had happened. “And its always in my face or in the way.”

“But it is gorgeous. You can’t be serious?” Sierra complained.

Miranda shrugged.

“So, tell me everything before the others get here.” Sierra demanded.

Miranda told her what happened.

“Oh my God, the scent that they gave off.” Sierra said remembering. “Incredible, right?”

Miranda nodded.

“You can’t control it can you? Its as if you are being possessed. And the only way to get rid of the demon is to….”
“I felt so bad after,” Miranda nodded. “It was almost as if I had raped him, but he could have said no and I would have just had sex with the next guy that came by.”

“And your climax?” Sierra sighed.

“Mmm hmmm. “Miranda agreed. Her eyes darted to the approaching Grace, Rose and Stephanie. “Hi,” She called to them.

Rose looked at her curiously.

“Whoa.” Grace scanned Miranda. “Your hair.”

“My mom gave me extensions.” Miranda used the excuse her mother gave her.

“What’s wrong with your voice?” Stephanie asked.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Sierra put out there.

“It just changed?” Stephanie looked confused.

Miranda nodded. “Sudden changes can happen with people going through G.A.S.S.” Miranda explained.

“Hey, we’ll meet you in class.” Sierra dismissed giving them each a knowing stare.

Miranda smiled as the three left to go to the high school room.

“So how did it go with your…. Changes?” Sierra inquired.

“Good morning, girls.” Jacob greeted.

“Hi, Jacob.” They returned in unison.

“Jacob.” Sierra smiled up at their bible leader. “Miranda and I need to have a good talk about a certain issue….. We will be skipping class today.”

Jacob’s gaze went from Sierra to Miranda and back, then nodded. “Okay, but you’ll be in service, right?”

The two nodded.

The two sat and discussed exchanging experiences and notes for a bit.

Sierra pulled out her phone. “Gonna ask what the girls want from the coffee stand.” She explained. “Remember, you’re buying.”

Miranda held the tray of coffee as the high school group began filing into the sanctuary for service.

“There you are.” Brandon greeted.

“Got you a coffee.” Miranda smiled at her best friend.

Brandon looked at her, shock written all over his face.

“Oh yea, I keep forgetting.” She gave him a smile. “My voice has changed.”

Brandon took his coffee and just nodded. “What else has changed?” he asked.

Miranda tossed her head, swinging long locks of hair over her shoulder. “Extensions.” She explained. “But they may be coming out today.”

Brandon scanned her. She rolled her eyes. Would the scanning ever end?

“Thanks.” He held up the coffee.

“Why didn’t you come to bible study?” Rose asked as they approached.

“We had to discuss a few personal things.” Sierra told them. “We got you coffee.”

The worship group were jamming on stage when Miranda entered. She found her seats with the others and sipped at her coffee. It wasn’t long before they were asked to rise and voices sang out in joy.
Miranda took a breath and began to sing. The sound coming from her mouth sounded strange in her head. She cleared her throat and tried again, this time with a little more air behind it. The high soprano shocked her as much as it did those standing around her.

“Holy crap, girl, you can sing.” Sierra smiled at her.

Miranda’s eyes darted around unsure, but everyone nearby was smiling at her as she sang.

After service the worship leader greeted her on the steps. “You have an amazing voice.” He told her. “Are you new here?”

“Adam, Its me, Miranda, er…. I was Michael…….”

Adam’s eyes went wide. “You are Michael?” he asked incredulously.

“My name is Miranda.” She corrected.

“Um, er….. yes. Miranda.” Adam nodded. Miranda could see his mind shift gears. “holy smokes, do you have pipes.” He beamed at her. “Would you be interested in joining the worship group?

“I hadn’t really thought about it.” Miranda stated honestly. “I ….. You do know that I’m…… well, I’m a Betty, right?”

Adam continues smiling. “Well, I do now.” He shrugged.

“I …. How to say this.” Miranda thought. “I only acquired this voice very recently. I’m not sure its range or its strength.”

“What better place than as part of a choir/worship group.” Adam was insistent.

“I’ll need to think about it.” She said. “How much do you practice during the week?”

“Together, not much.” Adam told her. “We give out the music ahead of time and ask that you practice at home. It makes out short time together as a group more productive.”

“I’ll think about it.” She nodded.

“I’ll be looking forward to hearing your answer.” He turned away.

“What did Adam want?” her mother asked on their drive home.

“He wants me to join the choir and maybe the worship group?” Miranda told her.

“Really?” Her father perked up.

“Apparently this new voice is pretty good.” Miranda shrugged.

“That was you causing the commotion?” her father asked. “I heard people talking about hearing an angelic voice during service.”

“Yes.” She answered meekly.

“Are you going to do it?” her mother asked.

“I would like to think about it, first.” Miranda stated.

Miranda’s eyes followed the swing of the bat and heard the loud crack as the ball rebounded and sailed high into the air. She was on her feet in a second, her heart hoping, that it would be enough. She screamed with glee as the outfielder watched the ball sail into the outfield stands. Fire works burst forth from one end of the stadium and crackled, leaving a gray and white smoke as proof of the excitement.

She smiled down at her dad who was smiling back up at her. “Beautiful.” He commented on the homerun.

“Dad?” She plopped back down in her seat. “Thanks for bringing me. I haven’t been to a game since last summer.”

“I was afraid that you wouldn’t like them anymore.” Her father firmed his lips in thought and maybe a touch of fear.

“Just because this has changed.” Miranda looked down at her body, “Doesn’t mean that this,” She pointed to her head, “Or this…” She pointed to her heart “Has changed.”

“I should know by now.” Her father agreed. “Peyton still has no interest in anything but making himself desirable and shopping.”

Miranda smiled. “Well that part of me is kind of changing.” She looked a bit embarrassed at her dad. “Now that I’m Miranda, Shopping has become a bit more important.”

Her father groaned, “Not you too? I’ll have to get a second job to support all of the shoppers in this family.”

“One thing that won’t change.” She turned the subject back to more serious matters, “Is just because I can’t play football any longer doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy watching it. Especially with you.”

Her dad gave her a shoulder to shoulder bump. “Glad to hear that. I’d hate to miss out on another season of football. I just wish Lucas could have been as strong as you.”

Hearing her brother’s name automatically brought a stabbing sensation to her heart. “Lucas was strong.” She told her dad. “He just didn’t know how to ask for help. Our family has worked on that. Your help and understanding along with Peyton’s and mom’s have been a big part of how I’ve been getting through this change.” She looked over at him for a long moment and then went back to the pitcher on the mound.

Miranda closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Fresh air, freshly mown turf and smells of popcorn filled her nose. The sound of thousands of people all talking filled her ears and the sun felt wonderful on her face.

“You alright?” her father asked.

“Yes.” She sighed softly. Just enjoying the sun, sounds and smells. I’m trying to ingrain this in my memory. The first time my dad took me to a ball game.”

“Hardly the first time.” He snorted.

She shot him a fierce gaze. “First time you have taken Miranda.” She stated. What was she doing? Michael would never talk or act like that. It was weird, but it was also a memory in the making that she would treasure.

“You know, Miranda.” Her father rested a hand on her knee. “This is a big adjustment for me too. I am bound to make mistakes. I started out with two boys who liked football and now I have one daughter that does. It’s a bit confusing and out of my comfort zone.”

Miranda wanted nothing more than to hug her father right then, but they were in the middle of a baseball game. She settled for resting a hand on top of his. “I know, Dad. I can’t imagine what it must be like for you. I miss Lucas too. Very much so. Just think, you could have had two daughters who liked football. How weird would that be?”

Her father gave her knee a squeeze. “Actually, I think that it would be pretty wonderful.”

Miranda could see tears welling in his eyes. She elbowed him. “there’s no crying in baseball.”

Her dad let out a loud laugh, wiped wetness from his eyes and patted her knee. “You are the best daughter any man could ask for.”