Swapping Partners
The aroma of warm pretzels and buttery popcorn enveloped Vivian and Gwen as they leisurely strolled through the food court of Albion Mall. They arrived early in order to avoid the late afternoon rush. There were just a few idling shoppers happily bobbing in and out of stores, their plastic bags shining beneath a shower of florescent light. Gwen and Vivian had been at the shopping center for two hours buying shoes and dresses, talking and enjoying a rare moment for themselves. After a pedicure and a trip to Albion Sporting Goods for yoga supplies they decided to go back to Gwen's apartment to relax.
Gwen's place was impossibly tidy. It smelled lightly of bleach and pine cleaner from freshly mopped floors. But the most noticeable scent of all was that of cinnamon apple candles from Bath & Body Works. Vivian sat carefully on the crème sofa almost feeling as if she would dirty it. Her sparkling blue eyes performed a quick sweep of the room for the remote until she caught the headline on one of Gwen's tabloid magazines. She flipped through the glossy pages and searched for the article. "That's interesting." She hummed to herself as her eyes devoured the page. As she finished the last line, Gwen appeared.
"What are you reading?" Gwen asked amused. She knew that her friend didn't like tabloid magazines.
Vivian blushed folding the flimsy book in half and tucking it behind a pillow. She knew that Gwen was going to pick on her for awhile about it.
"Viv, are you going to tell me?" Gwen asked grinning impishly.
"Gwen, I am ashamed to tell you." Vivian stated while her cheeks turned a dark shade of pink.
"It must be something good to have you blushing hard."
Gwen held out her hand. "Let me see it Viv."
Vivian reluctantly handed the magazine to Gwen. "Turn to page fifty."
Gwen sat down beside Vivian and started reading the article. She blushed and threw the magazine on the coffee table. She didn't know what to make of the crazy article on trading significant others for a night. Then, she looked at Vivian and saw that she was quiet… too quiet. That meant trouble.
"Viv, what are you thinking?" Gwen asked with her voice rising.
"I was thinking about how the first couple in the article talked about how "swapping partners" did wonders for their relationship. It spiced up their dull relationship. Don't you want to spice up your relationship? I do! Gwen, you know how I have been complaining how Arthur and I do the same routine over and over. I want to go wild!"
Gwen looked at Vivian and stood up. She didn't like where this conversation was going. Gwen started to pace her living room floor thinking of reasons why this would not go well if Vivian found a couple to "swap" with, and what Arthur would say and do.
Vivian saw how worried Gwen looked. She stood up and walked to Gwen placing a hand on her arm. Gwen turned to look her best friend in the eyes.
"Vivian this is crazy! You cannot think that this is safe! Anything can go wrong! You could pick a couple that is psycho!" Gwen rambled with flailing arms, stamping her foot on the smooth finished floors.
Vivian smiled.
"Why are you smiling?"
"Gwen, I have a great idea! Why don't Lance and you be our 'swapping partners'?!"
Gwen's face became pale. She was not going to "swap partners". Gwen walked quickly to the couch on the opposite side of the room and sat down.
Vivian walked over and sat beside Gwen. Vivian exhaled and grabbed Gwen's hand.
"Please Gwen! You are my best friend and this will be an experience that we will never forget. Think about it."
"Think about what?" Arthur said as he walked into the living room two steps behind Lancelot...
A/N : This is my first fanfiction and I hope that you enjoy reading it. Also, I have to thank my incredible Beta, Embrasia, for her help, encouragement and support!