The Switch

The Switch

Bill

I had the best life growing up. I felt loved and supported and I found everything as easy as it could be. My first girlfriend was in high school and we only broke up because of how far apart our colleges were. We drifted apart over the 4 years as we studied in different places and when we came back together afterwards it was as friends. We were just not looking for the same things. I wanted to live here back where I grew up and sell real estate and she wanted to move to the west coast and help save the planet.

Dale

I feel rehabilitated. I have spent all of my youth and adult years learning who I don’t want to be. When I was released from prison, I found a place to live. I rent a room. Now I am looking for a job on the only transportation I can afford, a motorcycle 250 Yamaha Enduro.

A car from out of nowhere careens around a corner and takes the bike out from under me destroying the bike and breaking my ankle in the process. I sit by the curb waiting for the ambulance to arrive, holding my helmet the only thing I have left. The tow company sweeps up the debris remaining on the road. What is left of my bike is sitting on the back of the truck in small and large pieces. I kid you not!

The ambulance arrives and I am assisted onto the gurney in the back. The ride to the hospital is quick and I wait my turn for a doctor, x-ray, and finally a cast. I have to stop to purchase crutches and I am on my way.

I head for the elevator and run right into another guy also heading for the elevator. He has his head down and doesn’t see me until it is too late. I try not to fall over on my new crutches. When I finally look him in the eye he is looking back at me both of us look stunned!

I really look at him and notice it is as if I am looking in a mirror.

Same face, same height, same eyes, nose, mouth, chin, and smile.

“Who are you?” We both say at once.

“What is going on,” I say.

He says, “do I know you?”

“I was adopted as a baby,” he says.

“I was in foster care all my life,” I say.

He holds out his hand, Bill” He offers.

“Dale”, I reply, shaking his hand.

“I could use a bite to eat,” He says. “Join me?”

“Yes,” I say, not able to refuse. I did not want to refuse anyways and I had nowhere else to be.

After talking for hours and getting to know each other much better we decided to take a DNA test but we both believed it. Looking at Bill is like looking at a reflection of myself.

We exchanged information and finally go our separate ways, promising to keep in touch and meet up as often as we are able. We left each other him on foot, me on crutches going in opposite directions. I had a room in a poor neighborhood and he has a home on the nicer side of town.

Bill

Twins but 2 separate lives. Who would have ever thought I had a twin. I did not suspect. I was the lucky one. Adopted almost at birth. Loving parents. A Stable home. School was easy for me and I seemed to fly through my education with the help of my adopted parents. I always knew I was adopted they did not hide the fact. They were fond of saying they loved me most because they chose me.

My brother was not so lucky. He was not adopted and a series of foster homes left him lost and alone. He had gotten in trouble during his whole school career and had barely finished high school. He told me he had little use for education as it took too long to get very far. He had gotten involved with the wrong crowd during school and for a few years afterward that landed him in jail on some minor felony charges. B&E and small robberies were enough to keep him for 5 years. After we met and I spend a little time with him I start to think about how I can help him. I buy myself a little black book to write down my pertinent information. I figure that is safer and less noticeable as everyone uses their phone for everything now.

I call Mom and Dad to ask if they were aware of a twin? Mom and Dad are both taken aback. They would have been happy with twins. A second baby was never mentioned! Strange.

Dale

We spent a lot of time together over the next couple of months. Due to my broken ankle and my criminal record I am unable to get a very high-paying job to start. I have taken a job at an auto parts store selling parts, Bill knows the owner and gave me a reference. At least it is a paycheque and I know a little about cars. I also can sit most of the day.

Bill is a real estate agent and I find his work very interesting. He started with showing me the ropes and now he is teaching me about what he does and sometimes we spend time together while he is working so I can observe how it is done. The pay is excellent, I would like to take the course. He encourages me but I am worried about my ex-con status. I agree to take the course and if I pass the test, I hope it will change my life.

My ankle slowly heals. I am walking more and more. I really like spending time with Bill. I wonder what it would have been like to spend my entire life with him and his parents.

Bill has started to look pale and wan. His colour is turning grey instead of pink and I am worried about him. I ask why he was at the hospital that day and he begrudgingly he tells me of his cancer. He has a rare form of cancer that they can’t pinpoint how he got it but the chemotherapy he has been taking for over a year is no longer working he tells me. They will try something else but the doctors are getting concerned that they may not be able to save his life.

I continue taking the courses and he tutors me when he can. He is growing weaker and weaker. I see him carrying around a little black book and he occasionally writes in it.

The time finally comes for me to take my test and we are both happy when I pass the course and become an agent too.

We go out to celebrate and that’s when he tells me! He is dying. There is nothing more anyone can do for him. Except for me. If I am willing he wants me to be him and he will be me!

We will trade lives if I want. All I have to do is agree to switch forever and I will no longer be an ex-con, he will be.

He hands me the little black book he has been writing in and I open it.

Inside I find:

Chequing A/C# 7654321

Savings A/C# 6652334

RRSP A/C # 0678786

Mortgage A/C #7765831

Mortgage renewal: March 20, 2025

Broker: John Sherman

Car VIN: VT443567820821098

Car Insurance A/C #678904653

Broker: Vernon Paisley

Medical insurance #667895402

Computer Sign In: Jump ship 5

Password: Transport2309.

Cell phone # 847-090-7658

Password: 6307.

Moms Name: Tracy Ends

Dads Name: Sam Ends

Moms birthday: March 3, 1964

Dad's birthday: April 5, 1960.

I look up from the little black book. I look him in the eye. He is on the level.

“What about your parents?” I ask.

“We will tell them if you like. They will go along but why not switch? I have nothing to lose and neither do you! You have everything to gain!” “ What do you say?”

I agree as long as his parents agree. He is right I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

He suggests we start there as he is getting worse and he wants us to go to visit. He wants to introduce us. The trip goes well and they seem to accept me. I feel comfortable with them thanks to Bill.

When we return we live in his house and begin the switch. He helps me fit into his work environment and client base. I help him with whatever he needs because before too long he is not able to continue alone.

When he is in need of more care than I can give him, I drive him in his car to his/now our parent's, home and it has been arranged that they will care for him in his remaining time.

I visit as often as I can.

Finally, he succumbs, and we three huddle together by his grave and bury me! It feels very strange but as he is lowered into his grave the transformation is complete and I am Bill and he is Dale.

I hug our parents in our shared grief, and we cling to each other in our sadness. Our shared time together caring for Bill has solidified our relationship. Thanks to my brother I now have a home and a family. Wow! The change has been momentous. I have come so far and gained so much. I clutch my little black book and go forward into the future where the possibilities are endless.