**Maya and Elise's Life Swap**

Once upon a time in the warm state of Texas, there lived a spirited and curious girl named Emily Rosenthal. Emily was 15 years old, standing at 5'4" and weighing 115 pounds. She was born on June 12th, 2008, and her birthday was just around the corner. Emily had long, wavy chestnut hair that bounced as she moved and dazzling hazel eyes that twinkled with excitement. On a bright and sunny June afternoon, Emily was out shopping with her mom in downtown Austin. They were on a mission – to find the perfect gift for Noah Parker, the boy Emily had had a crush on for over a year. Noah was 16 years old, 5'10" and weighed 150 pounds. Born on October 5th, 2007, he had dark brown hair that was casually tousled and piercing blue eyes that could make anyone's heart skip a beat. As they strolled past the shop windows, Emily suddenly spotted a gorgeous leather-bound journal with Noah's initials engraved on it. Unable to contain her excitement, she darted off ahead of her mom, her eyes locked on the prize. Without noticing the dense crowd of people around her, Emily ran headfirst into a bustling group. Her vision blurred, and she felt her body go limp as she hit the ground, unconscious. When Emily slowly opened her eyes, she found herself standing upright, which was odd because she distinctly remembered falling. She looked around, and her heart began to race – everything seemed different. She looked down and gasped. Her hair was now longer, reaching past her waist, and styled in elegant loose curls. Its color had changed to a rich ebony, shining under the store lights. She noticed her mature figure, her chest now fuller. She was wearing a soft white tank top that hugged her body and short denim shorts that displayed her long, toned legs. On her feet were a pair of stylish Birkenstocks. Her nails were elegantly painted a sophisticated shade of deep burgundy. Emily noticed a purse slung over her shoulder. As her eyes traveled down her arms and legs, she saw an array of tattoos and piercings. She could hardly believe these beautiful but intricate designs were now a part of her. Leaning on the shopping cart beside her, she saw an assortment of adult beverages: a bottle of Grey Goose vodka, a six-pack of Heineken, and a bottle of Robert Mondavi Chardonnay. Emily felt a shiver run down her spine as she absorbed her surroundings. Desperate for answers, Emily looked around and spotted a mirror. What she saw made her heart ache. Staring back at her was a beautiful woman in her mid-30s. Her name was Erika Sullivan, standing at 5'8" and weighing around 140 pounds. Erika had deep brown eyes and the same ebony hair Emily now possessed. She lived in Texas, too, and had been at the store to stock up for a weekend barbecue. Interestingly enough, Erika had a passion for photography—a hobby that Emily also enjoyed. Suddenly, a voice broke through her reverie. "Yep, that's you, Erika, just as beautiful as when we met in 2010. Happy 35th birthday, my love. I love you so much," said the man, wrapping his arms around her waist. Emily turned to see a tall, athletic man with short brown hair and warm green eyes. His name was Alex Sullivan, Erika's husband. He stood at 6'2" and weighed about 180 pounds. Emily's heart pounded in her chest as the reality of her situation began to sink in. The swap was permanent.