Branden Militello was the coolest kid in school, maybe even the coolest kid ever. He had it all: looks, wealth, athletic ability, and an expensive wardrobe. And if that wasn't enough, he was at the top of the school's Honor Roll every year with a 99% average. He always came to school rocking the latest in trendy young men's fashions. Branden didn't carry a gym bag or knapsack like the other kids. He carried his books in a briefcase made of rich, Corinthian leather. He was the envy of many of the male students at River Valley Elementary.

I, on the other hand, was a short, stocky kid who was a little on the clumsy side. I had a small but loyal group of friends. I did well in school and had many hobbies and interests. And yet a part of me wanted to be like Branden Militello. Everything just came naturally to him. Whether it involved sports or academics, Branden was a superstar. I rarely crossed paths with him although one time I tried to start a conversation only to have him ignore me and walk away. Ah well, I should be happy with who I am. But why wasn't I?

Not only is June the last month of the school year, but it's when we get to go on lots of field trips. This year, the Grades 7 and 8 classes were going to spend the day at Adventure Fun World. It was an awesome amusement park that had tons of rides and attractions. It also gave me a chance to eat all sorts of junk food from cotton candy to chocolate-coated ice cream cones. It was a beautiful sunny day and I intended to make the most of it.

Even though I had a fear of heights, I really wanted to ride the Ferris Wheel. I heard that the view from the top was amazing. I bought my ticket and waited in line with the other kids. For a kid, ten minutes might as well be an hour. I was getting restless so I sneaked to the front of the line. Each passenger car was only allowed to carry two people at a time. "I got room for one more" the attendant announced and so I hopped aboard. I sat back in my seat and prepared for the ride. Staring back at me was the angry face of Branden Militello.

"Dude! What the heck?" Branden angrily shouted. "I was saving this seat for my girlfriend and not some dork!" "Oh, I'm sorry Branden. Would you like me to get off the ride?" But before I could exit, the Ferris Wheel began to move. "Oh great! Now I'm stuck on this ride with a chubby little geek!" "Popcorn?" I offered. "No! Don't talk to me. Don't look at me and hopefully this ride will be over soon" Branden grimaced. As we began to move I noticed that some dark clouds were starting to form over the park. That was weird because the forecast called for a hot, sunny day.

The ride felt like it would never end. I was very uncomfortable as I sat there munching away at my popcorn. Every now and then I would look over in Branden's direction only to see him shooting me dirty looks. "Do you have to chew so loud? It's annoying." "Sorry. I'll save the rest of the popcorn for the bus ride home." ZAP! "What was that?" I shrieked. "I'm not sure but I think our car was hit by a bolt of lightning" a frightened Branden responded. I felt a strange surge of electricity coarse through my body before I became dizzy and fainted.

The ride attendant immediately stopped the Ferris Wheel before the maintenance crew helped to guide us down. When we exited the car we were greeted by the park's first aid team. Mr. Peyton, the chaperon of our trip, worriedly ran over to check on us. "Branden! Are you alright? Branden, I'm talking to you." Why was Mr. Peyton calling me Branden? I know that he was the Grade 8 teacher but you'd think he would've realized that I wasn't Branden. "I'm fine" I finally answered. But the voice that came out of my mouth didn't sound like mine. It sounded like Branden's.

I barely said a word on the bus trip back to school. I was still trying to process everything that was happening to me. Had Branden and I somehow switched bodies? And if so, where did I go? This was so surreal. A big silver hummer arrived at the school to take me home. "Greetings Mr. Militello" the driver said. Jeez, Branden really traveled in style. When the hummer pulled into the driveway I was astounded by how huge his house was. It was a mansion that had a swimming pool, tennis court, and a fleet of expensive sports cars parked in the back. When I walked in the front door I was greeted by Branden's Mom. Guess she's my Mom for now.

I walked into what I thought was the living room where I was greeted by 'Mom.' "How was your trip to the, ahem, amusement park today?" "You'll never believe what happened! I was riding on the Ferris Wheel when........." "That's nice dear. I'll be glad when you no longer have to take part in those ordinary events anymore. This September it's off to the prestigious Greenfield Academy for Snooty Rich Kids." "Uh yeah. Can't wait. What's with the evening gown? Are you going to The Oscars?" "What, this old thing? No, I'm taking Caviar to the doggy spa. Your father is still in Tokyo so you'll have to eat dinner alone tonight."

I was lead into another massive room where I was seated on a throne. Yeah, an honest to goodness throne. A man dressed in a tuxedo entered the room and bowed. "Good evening Master Militello. Tonight's dinner will be Smoked Salmon Potato Cakes with Herbed Crème Fraîche. I'll be right back with your usual Pomegranate mojito mocktail." "Okay, thanks Jeeves." "Jeeves. Surely you jest Sir. You know my name is Reginald. Ha! Ha! Ha! Such a whimsical young chap. Oh, and don't forget Sir that you have an outing planned with Ms. Quinn later tonight." Sierra Quinn? She was the prettiest, most popular girl in school. And I was going to go on a date with her. Being Branden was pretty awesome!

VIN DIESEL, NICOLE KIDMAN

"JANE EYRE AND A BAZOOKA"

I picked Sierra up in a stretch limousine. The backseat was as big as my living room. She looked incredible as always. "So, I was thinking that we could check out that new action flick at the theater and then maybe go for ice cream afterwards." "You're so cute but, um, no. You know the drill." "I do?" "Your credit card. I go and buy cute and expensive clothes while you wait in the limo." Like a fool, I handed her the credit card and watched as she met up with some friends to go on a shopping spree. I got bored waiting so I had the driver circle around the neighborhood. I could overhear the audience exiting the theater. "What a movie! That scene with Meryl Streep taking out those ninjas was epic!" I sulked in my seat.

After what had been a very freaky Friday, I really wanted to sleep in the next morning. Instead, I was awoken by a loud banging on my bedroom door. "Wake up Branden! It's time for your tennis lesson?" Tennis? I'm more of a basketball fan. Groggily I rolled out of bed, got dressed, and headed down to the tennis court. My instructor looked very familiar as he drilled tennis balls at me. "What's the matter Branden? Your return game is terrible this morning." "I don't really like tennis I guess." "You cannot be serious!" he shouted before breaking his racket and storming off. This was not what I expected the life of a rich and popular kid to be like.

Later that day I received a text message from Brendan's friend Cannon. "Broh! Wassup? Pool party @ your house tomorrow, will bring da crew." "K" I replied. Brendan's 'crew' was a group of boys and girls who came from wealthy families and walked around as if they owned the school. Actually I think Serenity Tovar's parents did. At first I was stoked for the party but soon my enthusiasm dissipated. There was no pizza, pop or chips. Everybody spent most of the afternoon on their iPhones. I also really didn't know these people. Tegan? Aubri? Eason? B-One? Were these real people or was I on some bad MTV reality show? Hopefully things will get better when I head back to school on Monday.