While She's Away | The Variant

 

 

 

 

Oh Janessa, Janessa.

You messed up.

You’re a brilliant woman, too brilliant… maybe. To bend reality the way you do, to weave yourself through time and space with only a thought… that kind of power warps the way a person thinks. Playing god will do that. Emotions must seem like little things to you. Absolutely forgettable and secondary.

With that said, it’s really unfair that you’re also an absolutely stunning woman.

Respectfully, of course.

Brains, body, and power, all together to create a devastatingly perfect woman. It’s honestly surprising you married at all. Why would a demi-goddess choose to tie herself down to a mortal?

But Jeff... Jeff is special. He’s my best friend, after all.  Kind, loyal, earnest in a way most men only pretend to be. I can see why you let him catch you. I just can’t understand why you keep this side of yourself from him.

Your otherworldly power lets you slip in and out of realities like changing shoes. Yet apparently, even you have limits… otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.

Wearing your skin.  Living your life

I should be furious.

Instead, I’m breathless.

I don’t even know how many times I’ve had to take your place while you vanished to... wherever it is you go. And not once have you asked. No warnings. No permission. Just a flick of your fingers and I’m a sensual siren, with legs that don’t quit and lips made to be kissed. And Jeff? He has no idea. Because you’ve made it impossible for me to be anything but you.

I speak like you. Move like you. Even think like you.

I can’t say my name anymore.

I’m Janessa, whether I want to be or not.

…But the thing is... I want to be.

At first, I fought it. Every movement felt wrong, every breath in this body was a betrayal. But being in your body is like handing a teenager the keys to a Bugatti and never asking where they are going. Beauty is addictive. And somewhere between obligation and autonomy, I started to explore.

I’ve touched. I’ve tasted. I’ve learned.

And I like the taste.

I especially like the taste of your husband.

You didn’t plan for this. I don’t think you even realized what you were giving me when you gave me him. You made me mirror you. But the way he looks at me... the way he adores you... it seeps in. I can feel how much he worships you. And when he smiles, when he leans in close, when he brushes my hand with his thumb, it's not just your heart that flutters anymore. It’s mine.

I tried to resist. I really did.

But every time I slip into your skin, I slip deeper into your life. And now, I want it. I want him.

Your restrictions are fading, Janessa. Little by little, your control is slipping. I don’t need your instincts to dress myself anymore. Tonight, every choice I make is mine.

I’m in the mirror now picking out what I want to wear.

I’m wondering what dress will make Jeff pause. What color will make his eyes linger. Which lipstick will make him want to taste my mouth.

And how long it will take him to realize I’m not wearing panties.

You’ve never been gone this long before. I don’t know when, or if, you’ll come back. But I hope something bigger has caught your attention. I hope you stay gone.

Because I’m tired of pretending.

Tired of playing coy. Tired of the soft refusals and fake headaches.

Tonight, I’m not just a placeholder.

Tonight, I’m Janessa.  I’m a woman.  I’m Jeff’s wife.

I’m going to finally see what made you fall for him.

Because I’m definitely going to make him fall for me.