Mutation - Part 2
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

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I just stared at Dede for a few moments. “You’re kidding me, right? I’ve actually turned in to a ten year old girl? How the hell is that even possible? It was impossible enough to just switch bodies, but that didn’t require anything physical.”

Dede shrugged. “Nobody knows. Count yourself lucky though. Some folks who were old like you, died. They were a lot older, like in their nineties or some shit. Think of the shock of those who were three year old babies to suddenly become a ten year old!”

I frowned at Dede. “It’s a shock to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to not be so damned old, but to be ten? And a girl? You say everyone is like this?”

“That’s what I’ve been told. I…” Dede was suddenly interrupted.

“Sorry to interrupt,” interrupted the doctor I’d seen earlier. He looked at Dede. “Have you informed her of her situation?” He looked at me. “Are you okay with that?”

I frowned at the doctor. “I’m not okay with the girl part, but I don’t think I need to be restrained, if that’s what you’re asking.”

The doctor smiled nervously. “Sorry about that. Some people had a very bad reaction.” He started to release the restraints. He looked over at Dede again. “Are you her guardian?”

Dede nodded. Grinning, she said, “Since we were siblings, but now we have a twenty or so year age difference, I was allowed to adopt her! I’m her mom now!” When she saw my reaction, she giggled and said, “Oh yeah. I forgot. I’m your mom!”

The doctor smiled at Dede as he handed her several sheets of paper. “Great. Just three things and then you can take her home. For starters, she needs to be dressed. Second, she needs to attend an orientation meeting by DHS here in the hospital auditorium in about…um… half an hour. And third, she can’t leave until she has a bowel movement.”

I sat up on the bed as Dede turned towards me. “I brought some clothes and I’ll have her at the meeting.”

The doctor started to turn to leave. He said, “If she doesn’t show at the meeting, two marines will be dispatched to bring her in.”

Dede laughed. “She’ll be there!”

I scowled at Dede. “If you think I’m going to call you ‘Mom’, you’ve got rocks in your head.”

Dede frowned. “That was the only option I got from the court. I could have just told the judge that I wanted nothing to do with you and you would have been fostered. You at least still get to live in the same house with all your anime crap.” She opened a plastic grocery store bag and removed some clothes and placed them on the bed.

I frowned at Dede again,. “Hey, don’t call my shit crap.” I took a deep breath and sighed heavily. “I guess I should thank you for that. And what the hell is this?” I held up the piece of clothing that was on the top of the small pile.

Dede smirked. “That’s your training bra. You don’t have tits now, but you will, so girl, get used to it.”

I held the bra away from me as if it was radioactive. “How about I just be a tomboy?”

Dede shook her head. “You’re much too pretty for that. Just put it on and get dressed before they send a marine for you. By the way, your name is no longer ‘Harry’.”

Still holding the bra, I frowned at Dede and asked, “Oh good God. What have you named me against my will? Harriet? Blanch?”

Dede chuckled. “I actually considered those. But no, my precious little daughter is much much too pretty.” She leaned over and pinched my cheek. I pushed her hand away. She continued, “I almost named you Zelda since you played that stupid game non-stop when you were a kid.”

Still just holding the bra, I said, “Are you going to tell me or do I have to buy a vowel?”

Grinning at me, Dede said, “Put on your bra first.”

I sighed. “Okay. Can you help me with it?”

Dede smiled. “Sure! This mother/daughter shtick is going to be so much fun. I’m looking forward to brushing and braiding your hair.”

“I’m glad one of us will be enjoying this.” Dede helped me position the bra and got it hooked.

Dede then pulled a pink t-shirt over my head. “For the sake of time, I’m helping you out. But you have to learn to do this all on your own.” She then handed me a pair of pink, cotton panties.

I looked at the panties with the same distaste I gave the bra. “Are you going to tell me my name or not?”

Pointing her finger at me and looking agitated, Dede said, “Put those panties on right now, young lady! If you must know, I named you ‘Chrystal’. And before you ask, that was the name Mom told me she was going to call you if you’d been born a girl.”

I sighed. I sure wish Mom was here now.

Resigning myself to my fate, I slid the panties on. I wanted to cry when I felt nothing between my legs. I guess checking out my new accessories will have to wait until I get back home.

I picked up the next item and shook my head. “A skirt? Are you serious? I’m not wearing a skirt.”

Getting angry, Dede said, “Quit being such a whiny little bitch. You’re going to wear it because that’s all I brought. I sure hope the doc was right when he said your initial sassiness will go away in a few weeks.”

I begrudgingly stepped into the skirt. Next came pink socks and pink tennis shoes.

“What’s with all the pink?” I asked.

Before Dede could answer, a nurse poked her head into the room. She said, “The mandatory meeting is about to start. Do you know where the auditorium is?”

Becoming instantly more pleasant, Dede said, “No, Could you show us?”

The nurse smiled. “Of course. Please follow me.”

Dede smiled. “Come along, dear one.” She took my hand as we followed the nurse down the hall.

Despite there only being twenty girls in the auditorium, it was a total zoo. A guy in a suit was walking back and forth in front of the crowd and periodically waving his arms.

“Girls! Girls! Everyone settle down! The DHS presentation is about to start. Please take a seat everyone!” The man in the suit had to shout to be heard. I had no idea that twenty pre-teen girls could be so loud.

A screen at the front of the room lit up. The man in the suit waved his arms again and shouted, “Girls! Girls! Attention! The presentation is starting. This is going out live all across the country. Watch and learn!”

The room of pre-teen girls quieted down as a DHS logo appeared on the screen. The logo was replaced by an image of a man wearing a white lab coat with a stethoscope around his neck. I had to chuckle at the image. I guess the authorities felt we’d believe them if the speaker looked like a doctor.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” said the smiling man on the screen. It’s obvious they really want to hammer home that we’re all now female. Period. “First let me express our sympathy for you having to endure yet another attack from the Switcher virus. This variant of the virus took all of us by surprise. Fortunately, we had several months to prepare once it became apparent the direction the virus was taking everyone. We tried to make this an easier process and make sure everyone has a place to go. Any questions regarding your placement, please visit your government liaison.”

The man in the suit shouted over the video, “That’s me, ladies.”

The man on the screen continued, “The best minds in medical science have not be able to figure out triggered the virus to force this change. All of you are familiar with how the virus originally functioned in that there was no physical change. But now it seems to have reset all of you to a default human condition. All humans begin in the womb as female and now at ten years of age, you’re right before most people reach puberty. And no one can figure out why.”

The man’s image was replaced with a view from a microscope of well, just squiggly things to me. Droning on, the man said, “The biggest problem is that everyone is scared to death to crack this thing open. Samples we’ve preserved of the original virus, still act as before. One of our research scientists swapped bodies with his assistant while trying to study the virus. The mutated variant doesn’t cause switching and doesn’t appear to react to anyone not previously infected. I wish we knew more.”

The image changed again back to the supposed doctor. “The transformation all of you have experienced was extremely traumatic to your bodies. Sadly, for many individuals aged seventy and above, perished during the transformation as did many of the very young. Both groups consumed bags of cellulose faster than hospitals could supply it. All of you who were expectant mothers suffered a miscarriage as your age regressed to ten years old. All of you who are listening to this presentation are, to our best knowledge, in a stable state. We expect all of you to age normally. Many of you will experience your first menstrual period within six months.” Dede giggled and poked me when periods were mentioned. I rolled my eyes at her.

The man on the screen said, “That’s what we basically have right now. The sample of girls we’ve checked all seem perfectly healthy females around ten years of age. All of you are or soon will be, placed in a loving home. Other than coming in for an annual check up, you are free to live your lives normally. All of us on the Switcher team wish you best of luck.”

The screen went blank and the cacophony of twenty girls trying to talk at once and yelling filled the auditorium.

The government liaison shouted, “Ladies! Bring any issues to me. If you have no questions now and you have had a bowel movement, you are free to leave the hospital with your assigned custodians. None of you are allowed to leave this facility alone.”

Dede ran her fingers through my hair. She smiled at me as she took my hand. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s get some ice cream.”

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 3
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

I stared into my half eaten cup of Oreo Blizzard as my sister and I sat at a table in Dairy Queen.

Without looking over at her, I asked, “What the hell are we doing, Dede?”

Licking what was left of the chocolate of her dipped cone, Dede said, “We’re eating ice cream.”

I kept looking at my cup as I frowned. “No. What are we doing about this situation? Are you seriously calling yourself my mom? Am I a small adult or am I to be a child? All seriousness aside, Dede, what will become of me? The last go-round with this horse shit, you eventually became who you switched with. Straight guys who switched with a gay person, eventually found themselves attracted to men and it seemed normal to them. Am I going to eventually slide into being a child?”

Dede lowered her cone and gave me a questioning look. “Sorry. I wasn’t listening.”

I looked over my cup and scowled at my sister.

She tried to smile. “I’m kidding. Look. Like they said in the meeting, they really don’t know what’s going to happen. The consensus is that you will slide into being an immature child. A little girl. And go through typical young girl development.”

I took a bite of my Blizzard. “That’s just it. I don’t want to be a typical young girl. I don’t want to wear make-up. I don’t want to talk to boys. I just want to mind my own business.”

Dede chuckled. “Listen, sport. When I was ten, I had no interest in make-up. Or boys for that matter. But by the time I turned thirteen, I think I was keeping Maybelline in business all by myself. Everyone matures at a different rate. I’m sure, just like me, in a few years, boys will start to get interesting.”

I took a couple of bites of my Blizzard, still not looking at Dede. “I just don’t want that stuff.”

Grinning, Dede said, “Yeah, you say that now. We’ll see.”

We continued to eat our ice cream in silence for a minute or so. “Are you really going to be my parent? Tell me what to do and shit?”

Dede shook her head. “That’s really sticking in your craw, isn’t it? Look, Dear One, I wasn’t given much of a choice. I really thought you’d want to stay at the house with all your stuff. My only other option was to tell the authorities to just go ahead and foster you and let someone else raise you. Doing that, you’d have to abandon all your figurines, anime and manga. I can still do that if you’d like.”

I dug around in the bottom of my cup. I looked over at Dede and said, “No. No. Thanks. I appreciate you doing that. I was worried about you bossing me around.”

Dede’s face took on a serious look. She leaned towards me. “Let’s get one thing clear Chrystal. I have legal parental authority over you just the same as if you were my actual daughter. I can ground you or deny you privileges the same as any parent. I hope I don’t have to.”

I gave her a mock salute and said, “Aye, aye, sir.”

Dede folded her arms and frowned at me. “You’re going to be a pest, aren’t you?”

“Of course!”

*          *          *

“I thought we were going home.” I said as Dede drove the car into the parking lot of a strip mall. I don’t think I’d ever been to it before.

Dede glanced over at me. “We have to get you some clothes, Dear One. You can’t wear those old man clothes anymore.”

I raised my arms in protest and exclaimed, “I can wear the t-shirts. And maybe some of the underwear. What does it matter? I’ll just be hanging around the house.”

After stopping in a parking space, Dede pointed a finger at me and laughed. “Oh no. You’re not going to just sit around the house and play your stupid video games. Come Monday, you’re starting fifth grade.”

Horrified, I looked at Dede. “No fucking way in hell am I going back to school!”

Dede jabbed her finger at my nose. “Watch that mouth of yours, young lady! I’m not having it! And yes, you are going to school. It’s actually mandated. I got you registered at your old elementary school: Crockett.”

I frowned. “Davey or Sonny? I’m not going.”

Dede shook her head. “Yes you are. I’ll get arrested if you don’t. Now hop out.”

Laughing, I said, “I’m definitely not going now!”

Frowning deeply, Dede said, “Look, Dear One. Don’t make me regret not fostering you. Now get out.”

I started to open the passenger door. “But I’m wearing a skirt!”

Rolling her eyes at me, she growled, “You’re a girl. Get out!”

I sighed and climbed out of the car. Dede took my hand and led me to a small jewelry boutique. “Why are we going here? I thought we were getting clothes.”

Dede pushed open the door and pulled me inside. “We’re getting your ears pierced.”

I tugged back on her grip. “I don’t want my ears pierced!”

Dede frowned at me. “Hush. You’re getting your ears pierced. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.”

As we walked through the store, Dede would look at the earrings hanging on the display racks. She pulled one from the rack and held it against my head. “These are so cute. I’m definitely getting these for you.”

The woman who worked in the store walked up to us. She gave me a smile and said, “Is there anything I can help you ladies with?”

Dede pointed at me and said, “Yes. She needs her ears pierced and I also want to get these earrings.” She held up three pairs of earrings she’d pulled from the racks.

The salesgirl said, “Yes, ma’am. Are you ready now?” She picked up a gun looking contraption.

In a whiny voice I said, “No.”

The sales girl just smiled, “It’s okay, sweetie. Nothing to worry about. It’s over before you know it.” She started rubbing my earlobe.

I looked up at Dede. “Is this really necessary?”

She tousled my hair. “Don’t be a baby. And you’re going to love it. Besides, it’s very rare for the piercing to get infected with gangrene and rot your brain.”

While I was distracted, I felt a sudden pain in my ear along with a pop sound. I jumped when the stud penetrated my earlobe.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it sweetie?” asked the salesgirl with a smile. She put the gun against my other earlobe. “See? That wasn’t so bad.”

I frowned as I felt the stud in my ear. “Now my brain is going to rot.”

Dede pulled my hand down. “It will if you don’t stop touching it.”

I was led by my hand out of the store. Dede paused a moment to get her bearings. She knocked my hand away from touching my new earrings.

She tugged on my hand and said, “Ah. That children’s store is down this way. They had the cutest dresses.”

I pulled back on my hand and stood my ground. With a scowl, I said, “No. I’m not going. I don’t want dresses. I don’t want earrings. I honestly don’t want any of this girly shit. I just want to go home.”

Looking furious, Dede glared at me for a moment and tightened her grip on my hand. “You little brat!” She tugged hard on my hand. I resisted. She suddenly relaxed and her expression softened. She pointed at a bench. “Let’s sit down for a second.” She let go of my hand and sat down.

I stood there for a moment and stared at her. I wanted to go home. I sighed and walked to the bench and sat down beside her. She started to cry.

“Chrystal, why are you making everything so hard for me?” said Dede as she stared at her feet. “I know it’s not your fault that you’re a girl. I get it that you’re not happy about it. It’s probably a bigger shock than when you suddenly became an old man. But dammit! I didn’t ask to take on being Mom to you. I could just have easily had you fostered to another family. But I didn’t.”

She paused for a few moments as she cried. Not looking at me, she continued, “In the final weeks of your coma, the government was trying to get everyone into a family to avoid the fiasco they had last time. I talked to a nice family who really wanted to take on a little girl because they’d always wanted a daughter. I came real close remembering how rotten you were when you became an old man. Top it off that I have no idea how to raise a child. But I couldn’t do it. We’re family.” She fell silent.

I touched her arm. “Thank you for that.”

She sniffled and looked over at me. “I know you don’t want to be a girl. But honey, that’s what you are, like it or not. You can’t run around naked and we gave away all my old girl clothes, which would be way out of style anyway. I was given an allowance to get you clothes. I was warned that if I failed to put you into school, they would take you away from me and place you with another family. Neither of us likes this, but I need you to stop fighting me.”

Dede has always been good at sticking in the guilt knife and giving it twist. I couldn’t tell if it was heartfelt or just another song and dance. But, she could have sent me packing and she didn’t.

I took her hand in mine. “I’m sorry. I appreciate you not shuffling me off to God knows where. But give me a break! I just wake up from a four month coma as a ten year old girl! And instead of giving me a day or two to let that sink in, you drag me to get my ears pierced and shopping for new outfits.”

Dede squeezed my hand. “You’re right. Dammit, you’re right. Let’s go home; catch our breath and start again after lunch tomorrow.” She stood up.

I stood up with her and let her lead me back to her car. Before we reached her car, I asked, “Why do I have to go back to school, anyway? I have a comp sci degree!”

Dede unlocked her car as she shook her heard. “You lost your degree when you became Mr. Grumpypants.” She hit the button to unlock my door.

As I climbed into the car, I said, “But I’ve still been there, done that. I think I actually have the t-shirt.”

She started the engine and looked over at me. She smiled and ruffled my hair. “I just can’t get over how cute you are. Boys are going to like you a lot. But as far as school goes, the why you need to go isn’t in a book. I was told it was for socialization. It’s where you’ll learn how to be a girl. I can help you some in that as I do have some firsthand knowledge on the subject. But you’ll learn more chatting with your girlfriends at school. I think they called it assimilation.”

I folded my arms and pouted. I don’t want to be assimilated into being a girl!”

Dede laughed. “Resistance is futile, Dear One. It’s going to happen, no matter what.”

“And just who is this ‘they’ you keep mentioning?” I demanded.

My sister / mom shrugged. “Some folks from the DHS. They got with those of us they identified as guardians in a meeting a few weeks ago and they gave us pointers and suggestions. And they expect you to slide more into girlhood over the next few weeks. The experts fully expect all of you to become more like pre-teen girls and less like who you used to be. Just like everyone eventually took on the attributes of the persons whose bodies they swapped into.”

“I don’t think that’s gonna happen to me,” I said confidently as Dede drove the car onto the driveway and parked. I opened the passenger door and said, “After all, I didn’t really change much after swapping with the old man.”

Dede laughed as she shut her car door and began walking towards the house. “That’s because even at twenty-five, you already were a grouchy old man.”

“Oh bullshit. I was not,” I said as we walked into the house. “But I’m just not buying it. I know who I am. I know what I think. The only thing that will happen if I’m forced to hang around a gaggle of goofy girls is that I’ll probably become terminally annoyed.”

Dede just grinned as we walked into the kitchen where she poured me a glass of milk. “Chrystal, I’d be willing to bet money that when your friends start to wear make-up and attracting boys, you’ll be asking me when I’m going to finally allow you to wear make-up.” She set the glass on the table.

I sat on one of the stools at the kitchen table and reached for the glass with both my hands. Frowning, I said, “That ain’t gonna happen.”

After a few sips of my milk, I noticed Dede just smiling at me as she held her head and rested her elbow on the table. I wrinkled my brow. “What?”

Dede sat up straight and grinned. “Oh nothing,” she said wistfully. “I was just thinking of what Mom might have thought about you becoming her new daughter. I think she would have loved it. Getting to fuss over her beautiful little girl. Things like brushing your hair every night, like she did with me until I stupidly told her I was too old for that. Buying you clothes and painting your toenails. Putting ribbons in your hair. Just by existing, I think you would have made her very happy. No. I’m serious.”

I shook my head. “That’s all girly stuff. I don’t think I’d do it.”

“It would have made Mom happy,” Dede said as I finished off my glass of milk. Suddenly grinning broadly, Dede exclaimed, “Hey, let’s paint your toenails right now?”

I set the glass down and said, “No way.”

Dede said, “Oh come on! No one will know. Besides, little girls are supposed to paint their toenails.”

“Not this little girl!”

*          *          *

“That is a pretty shade of red,” I said staring at my feet as they dangled off my bed.

Dede smiled at me. “It is. Pick a color you like and we’ll do your fingers in the morning. You have such beautiful hair!” Dede gushed as she brushed my hair to a silky shine. “Then we’ll go clothes shopping.”

It hasn’t been a full twenty four hours and I’m already starting to slide. How am I going to keep my sanity?

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 4
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

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I rolled over in my bed. The freshly changed sheets and quilt along with the night gown I was wearing as I snuggled into the covers. I was awake, but not ready to get up. It felt wonderful to stretch out under the covers. As I rolled around under the covers, I became aware of something. I wasn’t having to move my testicles around in order to get comfortable.

It felt great.

I resisted wearing the night gown Dede got me. I’m not going to tell her I actually liked it. Especially since today her mission is to buy me girl clothes. Yes. I understand, that as ridiculous as it may seem, I’m now a ten year old girl. I need new clothes. But I really think she’s going overboard. And it isn’t even that she’s getting revenge on things I did to her as a kid, like chewing gum in her hair or putting that ultra realistic plastic spider in her bed that she didn’t find until she woke up and remained petrified with fear until Dad removed it. No, it’s more like she’s reliving her girlhood through me.

I pulled my covers back and sat up. I’m still not adjusted to new distance to the floor from my bed. I’m having to adjust to everything. It wasn’t really hard to adjust to always having to sit to pee as I had no other options. But it is annoying that I can’t see my reflection in the bathroom mirror because I’m too short.

And I’m surprised at all the little things. My color perception is off from what I remembered. Things taste different. When I was twenty-five, I didn’t like coffee, and I consumed pork rinds, Red Bull and habanero chicken wings. When I was transported into my sixties, I became a coffee-holic like my body’s previous owner, chicken wings gave me indigestion, I preferred fine wine and Red Bull tasted like battery acid. Pork rinds did nothing for me. I shudder to think what my new taste buds will do for me. Dede did make coffee the night before and quite frankly, I hated it.

It was still dark outside as I had gotten up a little early. I slid off the bed and was almost to the restroom when I became aware that I was still holding my stuffed bunny. I didn’t even remember having it with me when I went to bed. Dede must have given it to me after I fell asleep. I put the bunny back on the bed and padded to the bathroom.

The toilet seemed taller than I remembered it. I pulled my panties down and just stood before it. I frowned at it. Sitting down is forever. A random thought passed through my mind as I realized I never tried to write my name in the snow and now I never will.

I slid my fingers to my crotch. Puberty still hadn’t hit me yet and it just felt weird to slide my fingers over smooth skin to a slit. I was never what you’d call big, but I was certainly big enough for the few ladies in my life. I smiled when I thought about Janie. Talk about your wild animals! Last I heard, she’d become a fourteen year old boy. She’s probably happy to be female again.

A sudden urge reminded me why I was in the bathroom. It amused me that my legs dangled from the toilet, my toes just barely touching the floor. I thought it would feel different, but the mechanics of taking a piss felt the same. Per Dede’s instructions, I tore off some toilet paper and wiped. Can’t shake the dew off anymore. I could reach the sink okay, but again, it was higher up than I remembered.

Finished with that chore, I wandered out into the living room. I saw Dede in the kitchen and so I headed in that direction.

Spotting me, Dede smiled and said, “Good morning, sunshine! I was just about to come get you. Breakfast is almost ready.” She then chuckled. “Don’t expect scrambled eggs every morning. Monday, I’ll be too busy getting me ready for work and you ready for school.”

I pulled up a stool at the kitchen table, folded my arms on the table and then rested my head on my arms. “I didn’t realize you still had a job. I suggest we forgo this whole school business.”

Paying attention to her scrambled eggs, Dede said, “Of course I have a job, silly. And you’re ten. You have to go to school.”

I frowned. “How many ten year olds can use ‘forgo’ in a sentence? School just seems pointless.”

As she transferred the scrambled eggs on to a large plate, Dede shook her head at me. “We’ve been over this a thousand times, sugar. I really can’t teach you how to be a girl. That’s something you have to grow into and being around other girls will help you with that.”

I rolled my eyes. “I don’t care how to be a girl. I don’t plan on doing girl things. I mean, you’re the one who’s obsessed about hair ribbons and cute outfits. And now I have to start all over in my games because *somebody* deleted my old accounts.”

As she scooped some eggs and a couple of sausage onto my plate, she said, “Look, Dear One. Nobody is going to care what your high score is. Those games don’t teach you how to be a human being. Like it or not, you’re female for the rest of your life and that’s how people are going to react to you. That’s what you need to learn. No employer is going to query you about Warhammer lore.”

I frowned as I took a few bites of my breakfast. “You never know. They might.”

Dede grunted. “Yeah, right. Eat your breakfast. You still need a bath and we need to do your nails before we go clothes shopping.”

*          *          *

I looked at the growing pile of panties in our basket. I narrowed my eyes at Dede and asked, “What’s with all the underwear? We didn’t buy any new underwear when I became a sixty-two year old. In fact, I was wearing the same underwear I had when I was in middle school. You know, I couldn’t find my favorite pair of underwear.”

“I burned them,” said Dede casually as she looked through a pile of outfits on sale.

“You did what?!”

She chuckled. “Okay not really. Though I should have. I tossed those disgusting things out.”

I folded my arms and pouted. “That’s my stuff, you know. How else have you violated me?”

Dede ruffled my hair and laughed. “You’re such a little drama queen. It’s past time for new clothes. Oh! Isn’t this cute?” She held up a bright pink dress with a ruffled skirt.

I rolled my eyes at her. “You’re looking in the bin for five year olds.”

Dede sniffed in response as she set the dress down. “Well, you would have looked adorable in it at five.”

After accumulating a few more pairs of panties, skirts, dresses, shoes and t-shirts, Dede decided it was lunch time. As it was almost two thirty, the food court wasn’t very busy. She got us a pizza and we sat down.

After we sat down and were waiting on our pizza, Dede held up one of shopping bags and said, “Well sport. What do you think of our little expedition? Don’t you just love these clothes?”

I had my head resting on my hands on the table. I looked up and just said, “Adorbs.”

Dede shook her head at me as she set the bag back on an empty chair next to her. Smiling at me, she said, “I bet on Monday, you’ll be the prettiest fifth grader at school.” I was too tired to argue.

We ate mostly in silence. I watched the people walking through the mall. It suddenly dawned on me that there seemed to be more little girls out shopping with their mothers. Have I just not noticed before or are these my fellow victims? Some of the girls looked lost. Some looked pissed while a few looked excited and happy. One girl standing nearby and waiting for her parent or guardian to decide where to go next, looked directly at me. I felt an old soul behind her eyes. I don’t know why, but I waved at her. She scowled and flipped me off.

I was done with my two slices of pizza and was just looking around. Dede, still eating, had her nose buried in reading something on her cell phone. I noticed a man about thirtyish walking past the food court. He glanced back at Dede and me and he stopped. He just stared for a few moments. He turned and started walking towards the food court. I thought, great. We’ve attracted some weirdo.

He entered the food court and headed directly for us. I never was bothered before, but now for some reason, I feel wary around strange men. He walked right up to our table and stopped. He didn’t say anything right away and Dede didn’t bother to look up from her phone. The man said, “Dede?”

Dede looked up, hesitated a moment, and then a grin spread across her face. “Oliver! Good to see you! Is the office surviving without me?” She then giggled.

Oliver grinned back at Dede. “I see you’re enjoying your days off. Actually, I think Susan is about to lose her mind without you there.”

Dede picked up the shopping bag from the chair it was resting on and set it on the floor. “Well sit down. Take a load off. Have some pizza.”

Oliver sat down. “Thank you.” He surprised me by actually taking a slice of pizza. The very slice I had my eye on. I narrowed my eyes as I looked at him. I took an immediate dislike to him. Pizza stealer.

Oliver pointed at the newly relocated shopping bag and asked, “Out shopping?” Hey, no shit Sherlock.

Pointing at me with a slice of pizza, Dede said, “Yeah. Trying to get her some clothes so she doesn’t go to school naked on Monday.”

I was suddenly so embarrassed. Did she really have to say that? Going to school naked?

Oliver smiled at me. “Oh. Is she your niece? Cousin?”

Grinning after she swallowed a bite of pizza, Dede said, “She’s my daughter.” So that’s how she’s going to play this. I was hoping she’d decide that we were sisters.

Oliver smiled nervously at me. “Oh. She’s your daughter?” I could see the wheels behind his eyes trying to calculate age differences.

I said, “She got me at a garage sale.”

Dede leaned over and ruffled my hair. “Don’t be silly. Chrystal, say hello to Oliver. We work in the same office.”

I just gave a slight wave and said, “Hey.”

Oliver smiled at me. “Chrystal is a very pretty name. You look just like your mother.” He glanced over to Dede and continued, “I didn’t realize you had a child.”

With a grin, I said, “She’s ashamed of me.”

Dede reached over and ruffled my hair again and said through clenched teeth. “Isn’t she cute? Chrys, if you don’t hush, I’ll take you back to the orphanage.” She forced a laugh.

Suddenly looking uneasy, Oliver said, “Actually, Dede. I was going to ask if you were free Saturday night.”

Dede was suddenly more animated as she smiled broadly. She said, “You know, I think I am free on Saturday.”

Oliver cleared his throat. He was obviously uncomfortable with me present. He said, “How would you like to go out to dinner at Gladstone’s? Maybe catch a movie?”

I sat up with a big smile and said, “Oh, I love Gladstone’s! Their steaks are perfecto. And I heard that new Tommy Kincaid movie is very good. Action packed and all.”

Oliver stammered, “Well, um, I…”

Dede suddenly put me in a headlock and noogied the top of my head. “Isn’t she cute? Such a little kidder.” She let go of me. “As I was going to say, that sounds great, Oliver. I’d love to. I just need to arrange for a baby sitter.” I started to say something, but she pulled my hair.

Looking relieved, Oliver stood up. “Great. I’ll call you later. See ya.” He turned and quickly walked away.

I folded my arms. “Sitter? Who else is coming over?”

Dede scowled at me. “For you, goof-ball. You almost ruined me getting a date.”

Indignant, I said, “Baby sitter? I don’t need no stinking babysitter!”

Dede gave me an odd look. “You’re ten. Mom wouldn’t let me stay home alone until I was twelve and that was only for an hour!”

“I was ten when Mom let me stay by myself,” I said with a pout.

Dede frowned. “Probably because you were a boy.”

I folded my arms. “I rest my case.”

Dede started gathering up her things. “You’re not a boy. It’s different for girls.”

I folded my arms tighter and loudly said, “That’s not fair!”

Dede laughed as she pointed at me. “You’re catching on! Come on, Dear One. Let’s go.”

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 5
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

Dede made a shooing motion at me. “I need to call Oliver. Why don’t you go play that game I bought you?”

“Farm Veterinarian? Seriously?” I scowled at the game box. “I bet even girls don’t like it.”

Dede leaned over and pointed at the box as she waited for Oliver to pick up. “See? Right there it says ‘Fun for girls of all ages.’” Apparently Oliver finally answered his phone as she turned away from me. “Now hush.”

I sighed and walked to my room. I tossed the game box on my bed and climbed into my gaming chair at my desk. After I put my headset on, I noticed I was being flagged for a chat. I saw it was Diesel64. His real name is Scott.

I clicked on the accept button. “Hey dude. What up?” I re-adjusted the mic as the headset doesn’t fit my head anymore.

Over the headset, I heard Scott say, “Hey bro! Where did you go for four months?”

I frowned at my computer screen. “Don’t you watch the news?”

Scott chuckled. “Are you kidding, bro? Only old men like you watch the news! And what filter are you using, dude? You sound like a kid.”

I scowled uselessly at my computer screen. “You really don’t know? Dude! I was in a coma for four months like everyone else who’d encountered that switcher asshole.”

“Seriously?” asked Scott. “Oh wait. I think I did hear something about that. So what happened, man?”

“I’ve been changed into a ten year old girl,” I said flatly. “All of us switcher victims.”

“For reals?” exclaimed Scott. “Holy shit, man! I don’t believe you!”

“Check out your search engine,” I said trying not to yell.

I heard keyboard clicking sounds. Scott said, “Give me a minute to look. Man, I don’t believe you. That switcher thing wasn’t physical. It was electrical, right? Your mental state changed. To be a kid girl would require… Holy shit! Dude! That’s insane. It’s happened here and Europe. How is that possible?”

“Nobody knows,” I said honestly. “It’s baffled everyone. But hey man, that’s all water under the bridge. Let’s get a session going. I see Stan and Walter are on-line.”

“Wait a second, Harry. I have to ask.” Scott suddenly got very serious. “Are you legally ten years old? Do you get any credit for being twenty-five before all this?”

I frowned at my computer. “Sadly, I’m legally ten. And my name’s Chrystal now. Come on, man. Let’s play.”

Sounding worried, Scott said, “Sorry man. I have to break contact here. Don’t contact me again.”

Shouting into the mic, I exclaimed, “Scott, wait! Why? What’s the problem?”

Scott paused for a second and then said quietly, “Remember back when we were eighteen and that one bitch got me in trouble lying about her age. Told me she was eighteen when she wasn’t? I can’t have anything to do with underage girls.”

“You can’t be serious,” I said, shocked at his comment. “You know me. This isn’t sexual!”

“I can’t so much as interact with an underage girl, even on-line. And dude, you’re about as underage as you can get! Sayonara dude.” He clicked off. A minute later his account disappeared from my friend’s list.

I just sat there in stunned silence. A few minutes later, I saw Stan and Walter’s accounts disappear from my friend’s list along with a few others. Shit. Scott must be telling everyone.

There was a knock on my door and then Dede just opened it and stepped inside my room. “Hey sugar. What’s up with this? I’m getting notices on my phone that you’ve contacted older men. What’s that about?”

I scowled at her. “My friends from high school. I wanted a game.”

“How? I deleted your accounts,” admitted Dede. “And before you get your panties in a wad, I was told to.”

I folded my arms. “I did a restore. But now my account is being blocked. I can’t even play a game now?”

Dede shrugged. “I guess you’re underage.”

“That’s bullshit!” I shouted.

Dede scowled at me. “Watch your language!”

*          *          *

“Tell me again why I’m here?” I snarled. She told me before we left the house, but I still couldn’t believe she’d do this to me.

Holding my hand, Dede looked down at me and frowned. “I told you, Dear One. April is going to keep an eye on you while I’m out with Oliver. I brought you over because she’s having to babysit a couple of toddlers. She agreed to have you over since you’re older. You look really cute, by the way.” She dressed me in a blue dress and had put my hair in a high ponytail tied with a bow. I hated the bow. With her free hand, she rang the door bell.

A woman around Dede’s age answered the door. “Dede! Good to see you. Come on in.” As we entered the woman bent down to address me. “And you must be Chrystal. I love your bow.”

Dede said, “Hey Claire. I know it was last minute, but I’m glad April didn’t mind bringing on someone else.” Dede ruffled my hair trying not to disturb the bow. “I know she’s ten, but I’d feel awful if something happened while she was alone.”

Claire smiled. “I understand completely. And don’t worry about it. April was thrilled at the idea of having another girl over she could talk to. She’s in the den. Just follow me.”

Dede kept hold of my hand. Did she expect me to run away? Claire led us to another room. There was a fourteen year old girl and two toddlers playing on the floor. There was a large screen TV showing some stupid cartoon.

Claire said, “April. Say hello to Chrystal. She’s going to keep you company for a while tonight. Your father and I are going out to dinner as well.”

Holding on to one of the toddlers, April grinned as she looked up at me. “Hey Chrystal! Hey, I like your bow.”

Dede let go of my hand. “Okay, honey. I’m going to leave you in April’s capable hands. I’ll be back to pick you up about eleven. You have my number if you need me.” She looked down and smiled at April. “Thank you again so much.” She turned and Claire walked with her to the door to let her out.

A man walked into the room and looked at Claire. “Are you ready, honey?”

Claire smiled. “Yes. Let me get my purse and we’ll go.” Claire turned to face April and I sitting on the floor. “You two have fun, okay. April, let Chrystal pick a movie to watch, okay? See you in a little bit.”

The as yet unnamed man smiled at us as he led Claire to the door. “See you later, girls.” And out the door they went.

As soon as the door closed, April sighed. “I thought they’d never leave! Now it’s party time!”

I just looked at April, unsure of what to do. She frowned at me and exclaimed, “I’m joking. Mom would kill me.”

I grinned. “Same here.”

April shrugged. “Your mom seems nice. I guess she has a date?”

I just nodded.

April grinned and asked, “Does your dad know?”

I shrugged. “He’s dead.” I need to remember to talk to Dede about a cover story for the missing dad. Since my actual dad is dead, I just went with that.

The smile evaporated from April’s face. She said, “Oh. I’m sorry.”

I just said, “It’s okay. You didn’t know.”

April’s face suddenly brightened. “Hey. You want some popcorn? We can watch a movie.”

I nodded. “Sounds like a good idea!”

April stood up. “Keep an eye on the girls for me. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” She turned and scurried from the room. By “the girls” I’m assuming she meant the two toddlers.

I scooted over next to the two toddlers. I guess I just needed to make sure they didn’t eat anything off the carpet or drink something they shouldn’t. The area seemed clear of hazards and the two girls giggled and cooed at each other. After a minute of relative peace, one of them inexplicably burst out crying. Well crap. What do I do?

I tried to make cooing noises. I tried funny faces. She just cried harder and got a strand of my hair in a death grip. I tried to dislodge my hair but the baby seemed to have super human strength. I tried pulling the little girl into my lap and started rocking.

The girl almost immediately stopped crying and giggled at me.

Carrying a bowl of popcorn, April re-entered the room. She looked at me and said, “Oh wow. I’ve never gotten her to get quiet so quickly. I guess she likes you. I bet you’ll be a great mom someday!”

Being a mom. What a horrifying thought!

I tried to move the little girl from my lap. She immediately burst out crying again. I moved her back to my lap and she switched to giggles.

April laughed. “Yep. She definitely likes you!”

Terrific.

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 6
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

It seemed like days before the toddler that wouldn’t let me go finally fell asleep. With April’s help, I gently placed her in her carrier so she’d be ready for her parents to pick her up. Her sister was already asleep. Thirty minutes later, their parents retrieved them and thanked both April and me for watching over their little ones. In all honesty, I did enjoy playing with her and laughing at her giggles when I tickled her.

Smiling, April said after the toddlers had left, “Next time I sit for them, I’m going to ask Mom to call your mom to see if you can come over.”

I smiled slightly. “Let’s not get carried away.”

Thirty minutes later, April’s parents returned. After giving April a hug, I heard Claire whisper to her husband, “I hope Dede doesn’t forget her daughter’s over here.” I thought you and me both, sister.

While waiting, I absentmindedly picked up one of April’s Barbie dolls that was laying on the floor. A movie was playing, but I was bored with it and April was reading something on her tablet.

I looked at the doll as I rotated it in my hands. I wonder just what the hell was the appeal of these things? Not sure what I expected to see, I pulled off the top the doll was wearing. A box suddenly bumped against my foot as April had scooted it towards me.

April grinned. “Her clothes are in that box.” She returned to her reading.

I changed my position to sit cross-legged on the floor and set the box of clothes on my legs. I picked up a pink dress from the box and just looked at it. I couldn’t believe there was a whole industry set up to make tiny clothes. Bored, I put the dress on the doll. I chuckled when an old memory surfaced of an ad with some guy saying to toss some shrimp on the Barbie. Probably not what he meant.

I hadn’t noticed an hour going by when I saw April look up from her tablet and grinned. She was looking at something behind me. I looked around and saw Dede standing over me. How had I not noticed?

She grinned and asked, “Are you ready to go, honey?”

I set the doll on top of the clothes box and stood up. I simply said, “Yep.”

Dede asked Claire, “I hope she was a good girl.”

Claire, who had changed into sweatpants and a t-shirt and standing beside Dede said, “Yes she was. She bonded with one of toddlers and April was happy to have someone who could say more than ‘goo goo’.” She chuckled. “Other than that, she’s just been quietly playing with April’s Barbies since Roger and I got home.”

Dede smiled. “Maybe we can arrange a play date with her and April sometime.”

April exclaimed, “I want to give her a make-over next time!”

I groaned slightly at the thought of a make-over. Dede either misunderstood my groan or did so on purpose. “You know you can’t wear make-up just yet, but we can always make exceptions.” She grinned at me. Was that an evil glint?

Claire said, “Well, April is having a sleep over next Friday. But they’re all older girls.”

Dede nodded. “Maybe we should wait on that. But thanks again for keeping her for a few hours. It took a load off my mind!”

Claire said, “No problem, girl. By the way, how was your date? Anyone I know?”

Dede laughed. “Not yet. It went well though.”

We left Claire’s house and got into Dede’s car. As she started the engine, she said, “How did it go? Sounds like you made a new friend.”

Rolling my eyes, I said, “That one kid wouldn’t leave me alone. She’d only stop crying if I held her.”

Dede chuckled. “Looks like you’re mommy material.”

I frowned. “You’re not funny.” Dede laughed.

“Would you’d like April to babysit you again?” asked Dede seriously.

I shrugged. “Sure. It was okay. I don’t really think I need it. But I did like her, if that’s what you’re getting at.”

Dede nodded. “So you’d be okay with just going over there to play? Maybe we can just call it a play date and not babysitting.”

“You’re just playing semantics with me,” I frowned and folded my arms against my chest.

Dede looked at me sideways as she drove. “Aren’t you going to ask about my date?”

Actually, no I wasn’t. But okay. I looked over at her and asked, “How was your date, mom?”

Dede smiled broadly. “It was good. I really like Oliver.”

“That’s good,” I said. “Always good to like the person you’re on a date with.”

Dede nodded. “That’s actually true. I think you’ll like him too. He wants to get to know you better.”

In all seriousness, I stated, “I’m not dating him!”

Dede laughed. “That’s not what I meant. But you’ll be going on your own dates before long. Anyway, Oliver suggested next Friday night, he’d take us both out for pizza and a movie. What do you think?”

Shrugging, I said, “I’m always up for a free pizza. What movie?”

Dede parked her car in our driveway. “That new Pixar movie. Whatever it’s called.”

I frowned. “That’s a kids movie.”

Rolling her eyes at me, Dede said, “And you’re a kid.”

Grunting, I said, “Maybe in body, but not in spirit.”

Shaking her head at me, she said, “Lighten up, brat. You’ve been given a gift! A chance to be a kid again!”

We got out of the car and started walking towards the house. I said, “I may be a kid, but that just means I’m financially dependent on you. For like everything.”

Dede paused in inserting the key in the front door. She just gave me a long look. “You were financially dependent on me when you were a sixty-five year old man. At least now you’re not drooling on yourself.”

I scowled at Dede. “I didn’t drool. And besides, I was retired.”

Dede laughed as she opened the door. “I guess you were also retired at twenty-five?”

“I had that job as a sacker,” I said defiantly. “They were about to make me full time. But then I got switched.”

Dede knitted her brow. “I forgot about that. Okay, go get your jammies on and get in bed. I’ll be there in a minute.”

I sighed and ran off to my room. It was how I had last left it, but somehow different. My thoughts got foggy. I was surprised that mom had made my bed and put my nightgown in my dresser. I got undressed and slipped on my nightgown. I couldn’t get over how cool and soft the nightgown was. I climbed into bed and slipped between the cool sheets.

I found my stuffed bunny and pulled it under the covers with me and hugged it.

A minute later, mom came in and adjusted my covers. She kissed my forehead. She said, “Good night, sweetheart. Have sweet dreams.” She then turned to leave the room.

As mom turned out the light, I said, “Mom?”

Turning to look at me, she said, “What is it honey?”

“Can I have a drink of water?”

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 7
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

I awoke with a start. Crap! It’s Monday. I have to go to school. I buried my face into my pillows and pulled my covers over my head. Then it slowly dawned on me that it was only Sunday. I breathed a sigh of relief and all my muscles relaxed. I stayed buried under my covers though.

I sighed. Tomorrow being Monday was still going to be a problem. Dede was hell bent on me attending school. She keeps saying the DHS requires it. Could I run away? I mean, it wouldn’t be like an actual ten year old running away. In reality, I’m almost thirty years old. I should be smarter than your average ten year old. In theory.

I tossed the covers off me and sat up and gave Mr. Bunny a hug. I looked down at the stuffed bunny and said, “I don’t want to go to school tomorrow. What do you think?” I turned Mr. Bunny left and right to look like he was shaking his head. I gave the bunny another hug and sighed, “I’m glad you agree with me.”

As I sat on the edge of my bed, contemplating Mr. Bunny’s mute response, it slowly dawned on me how quiet the house was. I looked at the clock on my beside table. Mom’s usually up by this time. I slid off the bed and after taking care of my morning business, I padded quietly out of my room.

A quick sniff of the air verified there was no bacon cooking. No sounds coming from the kitchen. Dede’s shoes were still lying on the living room floor where she’d kicked them off upon arriving home. Her bra was still carelessly tossed on the couch. She must have been really tired from her big date last night. She had sent me straight to bed.

All my life, Dede’s underwear has always been radioactive. But I casually picked up her bra and looked at it. I giggled. Holy crap. Am I going to wind up with melons this big? That really got me curious again on my transformation. Is the little girl me related to the old man I had been switched to? That would make sense, but I’ve noticed a resemblance to Mom… er Dede. Thinking about switcher shit made my head hurt.

I walked over to Mom’s high heels, lying hap-hazardly on the floor. I straightened them up and I don’t know what compelled me to do so, I stepped inside them. They didn’t fit of course. I couldn’t imagine actually wearing shoes like this and I marveled at how well Dede navigated around in them.

I looked down at my feet still inside the heels. My thoughts drifted. One day I’ll be a woman and will probably casually wear other shoes like these. Will it be my fate whether I choose it or surrender to it? Those thoughts are just too heavy for a ten year old.

I heard a click sound from behind me. I turned to see Mom holding her phone up and grinning. She giggled, “That’s so cute! Do you like wearing Mommy’s shoes?”

I quickly stepped out of Dede’s shoes. I said, “It was just a flash of momentary insanity.” I paused a few moments and then asked, “When’s breakfast?”

Mom rolled her eyes. As she shook her head, she said, “Food. Food. Food. It’s like living with Jabba the Hut.” She poked the tip of my nose as she walked by. She giggled, “Only cuter.” From the kitchen, she yelled out, “Want to help?”

I shrugged and muttered, “Okay.”

As I entered the kitchen, Mom set out a glass bowl on the counter along with a carton of eggs. “While I cook the sausage, you can scramble the eggs. Try not to get the shells in with the eggs.”

Years ago, I’d help Mom (our mom, not Dede) with this before so I knew it was pretty easy. As I started to scramble the eggs, I suddenly stopped and studied the fork I was using, dripping with egg yolk. I couldn’t remember Mom’s face. No matter how hard I tried!

Dede broke my chain of thought when she asked, “Is everything okay, honey?”

I returned to scrambling the eggs. “Just some random thought, Mom. Nothing important.” I smiled at Mom and forgot what I was thinking about.

As we sat down to eat, Dede asked, “So. Are you excited about school on Monday?”

I swallowed a mouthful before answering, “I’ve told you a thousand times that I don’t want to go. If I’ve forgotten anything I learned the first time around, it just means it wasn’t important. Listen to me now and hear me later. I don’t need to learn how to be a girl. I’m telling you right now, I have no interest in doing girl things like dating boys or slumber parties or make-up. Full stop.”

Mom just grinned at me. “You look so cute when you get angry. Your little cheeks get red.” She paused and then a disgusted looked washed across her face. “Now you listen to me, sport. I’ve said this before and I’m done repeating it. If you don’t go to school, like a good little girl, CPS will take you from me and you’ll be fostered off. Is that what you want?”

I shook my head. “No. Of course not. I just don’t see the point.”

Mom set her fork down on her plate with a loud clink. “You just want to play computer games all day.”

I scowled at Dede. “That’s not true. I had a job before this switcher crap. So despite what Mom and Dad said, I wasn’t in my room all the time.”

Dede leaned back in her chair. “You’re going to get a job as a ten year old?”

I shrugged. “Maybe not right away.”

Dede leaned forward on her elbows. “Look Dear One. You’re going to school and that’s final. I have to go to work. I can’t leave you alone all day. I can’t leave you with April because she’ll be at school. Just go. You’ll make a lot of new friends. Meet some cute boys. You can go back to eating glue. It’ll be great.”

I took my final bite of breakfast. “Well, since you put it that way…”

Changing the subject, looking at her phone, Mom said, “Hey, how about a movie after lunch? You like Tommy Kincaid, right?”

I rested my head on my folded arms on the table. I looked up at Mom and said, “Yeah. He’s funny. I guess.”

“Let’s go see his new movie today. No Time for Samurai. It looks like a hoot. It has that J-Pop band you like doing the music.”

“Okay. But I’m not wearing a dress!” I exclaimed.

Mom chuckled. “Okay. It’s not a date.”

*          *          *

“Don’t you look just adorable!” Mom grinned as she took my hand to led me into the school. I was already registered, but she had to drop me off at the office.

“I feel ridiculous,” I complained. I was wearing a short, ruffled denim skirt and Mom had tied my hair up in a pony tail with a bow.

Mom laughed as she flipped my pony tail up. “You are totes adorbs.” I rolled my eyes.

The office was located right at the school’s entrance so we didn’t have to walk far. A clerk smiled at us as she got up from her desk and walked over to the counter to greet us.

“Good morning! How can I help you ladies?”

Mom smiled and said, “Yes. I’m Dede Grant with my daughter Chrystal. She’s here for her first day of class at this school.”

The woman smiled broadly back at us. “Oh yes, Ms. Grant. Your daughter is all registered and set to go. Here in a moment, I’ll personally take her to her new classroom and introduce her to the other children.”

Dede bent down slightly to look at me at eye level, but it also emphasized that I’m not an adult on equal footing. “Have a great day, sweetheart. I’ll see you this afternoon.”

All my sassiness evaporating, I reached out to Dede, trying not to cry, “Please don’t leave me here! Please?”

Dede gave me a worried look. “Honey, you’ll be fine.”

The woman from the school stood directly behind me. “She’ll be just fine, Ms. Grant. We get a lot of first day jitters.” She looked down at me and said, “We’re going to have a great time, aren’t we?”

I thought you might but not me. I was never too crazy about school the first time through. Mom said good-bye again and with a wave turned and walked out of my life, abandoning me to my fates. I looked around for an exit. I just wanted to run, but where would I go?

The woman from the school lightly touched my arm. “Chrystal, we’re so glad to have you join us. Come with me. Let’s go meet your class.” She indicated she wanted me to follow her as she started to exit the office.

I sighed heavily. Maybe it won’t be bad. This was the same school I had gone to when I was a kid. The office, which I had visited many times, didn’t look much different from what I remembered. The main hall looked exactly the same. We passed the gym, which was also the cafeteria and had a stage for different events. It all looked the same.

A sudden bolt of fear ran through me. I really hope we’re not all going to be required to sing at a PTA Christmas show like the last time I was here. I frowned. Since not much has physically changed, all that is probably still the same as well.

I wondered if I was going to run into any of my old teachers from this school, David Crockett Elementary. The last time I was at this school was at least fifteen years ago. I thought for sure they’d all retired or died off by now. But they probably wouldn’t be all that old. But when you’re a kid, adults all just seem old.

I was then led outside. The classrooms jutted out like spokes from the spine of the main hallway. The doors to each classroom ran along the length of each spoke. There was no enclosed hall. You had to step out into the weather. It was a nice, mid-October day so it wasn’t too bad.

The woman stopped in front of a door labeled “D-5”. She said, “This is your classroom. Remember ‘D-5’. Your teacher is Ms. Roberts. Let’s go in and say hello.” She turned the knob and opened the door.

The teacher looked over expectantly as we entered her classroom. The room was filled with kids seated at small desks. They all turned to look at us…me.

The woman stood behind me and said, “Ms. Roberts. I’d like to introduce you and your class to a new student who will be joining you. This is Chrystal.” The woman handed Ms. Roberts a manila folder. I suspected it was a dossier on me. Okay, it was probably just my personal info the school used. Dossier just sounds cooler.

Ms. Roberts smiled cheerfully at me. “Welcome Chrystal. I’m excited to have you join us. There’s an empty seat right up front you can use.” Oh terrific. Sitting right next to the teacher. I never had her as a teacher, but I do recall Ms. Roberts. I don’t think she was mean.

Still smiling at me, Ms. Roberts said, “I’ll get you a list of supplies you need to bring to class and I’ll get you a workbook. For today, just try to follow along. We’re learning about fractions today.” Think she’d believe me if I told her I had a degree in computer science with a math minor?

She turned from me and went back to her math lesson. Several fractions were written on the chalk board. Instead of listening to Ms. Robert I turned to studying my fellow inmates. The first one to get my attention was a girl wearing a nice dress, her curly hair tied in several ribbons. She kept looking at me with a smug expression. I guessed and later confirmed she was the class bitch. Most of the other girls in class went along with her. A few boys were actually afraid of her.

There was a boy I correctly tagged as the class brain. He already knows everything. It was all so boring. And girls are stupid.

The rest I’d have to actually get to know before making any kind of evaluation. One girl in particular kept looking at me. It’s funny. My last round in the fifth grade, I considered all the other kids as just people. But not now. Now they’re just children, not peers. That was going to be the hardest adjustment to make. Just by virtue of having lived longer than these kids, I could easily be the know-it-all asshole. But nobody ever likes them.

I mostly stared out the window until lunch time arrived. After lunch we’d get a pile of construction paper where presumably I’ll get to eat some of the glue.

But lunch finally did arrive. I thought it silly, but we all had to form a line to march down to the lunch room. I was amused to see that there are constants in the universe. Slapped on our plates was creamed chipped beef on toast or what I learned from my dad was more euphemistically called shit on a shingle.

As I exited the line carrying my tray, a girl from my class waved, beckoning me to come sit with her. I was going to sit alone, but I set my tray down across from her and sat on the hard plastic stool that was part of a large folding table.

As I sat down, she said, “Hi Chrystal. I’m Brandy.” She pointed to a quiet girl sitting next to her and continued. “And that’s Emily. You’re one of us, aren’t you?”

I looked at Brandy with a curious expression. “Excuse me?” I asked. “How so?”

Brandy leaned across the table and took on a conspiratorial tone, “You’re one of us, right? A switcher. Why else would you arrive at school now? Emily and I arrived Friday last week.”

I saw no reason to be secretive about it. “Guilty as charged. Good to know I’m not alone.”

She held out her hand for a shake. “Nice to meet you, Chrystal. A little background on me so we’ll all know where we stand. Before being switched, I was a forty-seven year old business woman with a staff of fifteen under me. Married with three children.” Slapping her palm on the table causing a few kids to look our way, she said, “And then boom! I was switched with a nine year old boy. The government didn’t even consult with my husband. I was just fostered out. My foster family was decent enough. However I didn’t like being a boy and certainly didn’t like football. Well, it wasn’t long before I was crazy about football. I was placed in this school at the forth grade and when I got to middle school, I was on the football team.” She rolled her eyes. Hunching her shoulders, she continued, “And now we’re here. I got re-fostered because the old fosters didn’t want a girl. I went back to my original name Brandy.”

I shook my head. “Wow. That’s cold. I’m sure Brandy that you’re a fine girl What a good wife you’d be.”

Brandy gave me a cold stare. “Gee, I never heard that before.”

I gave an embarrassed chuckle. “Sorry. But I bet none of these kids here know.”

She gave me a half smile and said, “True. Now you know my story, what’s yours?”

For the next few minutes, I gave Brandy the run down on my switcher adventures from a dashing twenty-something stud-muffin, to a cranky senior citizen to the cute and cuddly ten year old girl that sat before her. It bothered me that she laughed multiple times during my story.

I glanced over at Emily. “Okay. Spill it Emily. What’s your story?”

Emily looked at her fingers and shrugged. “I don’t have a story.”

Brandy leaned over towards Emily and said, “Yes you do. Remember? We talked about it Friday.”

Emily just said, “I don’t know. I’m confused.”

I asked Brandy, “Is she okay?”

Brandy looked over at Emily and frowned. “Emily is the true victim in all this switcher crap. If for no other reason, Simon should burn in hell because of what happened to her.” Brandy fell silent.

“Don’t stop there!” I pleaded with Brandy. What happened with her?”

“This is what I managed to piece together eavesdropping on her foster parent talking to the principal. While running from authorities, Simon switched with Emily’s mother who was married and around twenty-seven years old. At the time, Emily was a two year old boy. Since the mother was holding the boy at the time, Simon immediately switched with the boy, transferring his mind into his mother’s body. That’s where we lose track of Simon in this story.”

Brandy paused to take a bite of her SOS. She took a deep breath before continuing. “Thinking he was helping, Emily’s father decided to stay married despite his wife’s body now had the mentality of a two year old boy… an adult with a child’s mind. The sick bastard got Emily pregnant. She had no idea what was going on. Several months after delivering a beautiful baby daughter, like us, she began to change into a ten year old girl. So now she’s ten with a mind that never really developed past a five year old. Her foster is trying to get her placed in a special care facility to try to get her mentally caught up to her physical age.”

I just stared at Emily for a moment. “No wonder she’s so confused. Going from a boy to a mother and then to a ten year old. Wow. I feel kinda lucky now.”

Brandy nodded. “Me too.”

The bell rang signaling the end of the lunch period.

*          *          *

Even though we lived within walking distance from the school, Mom had told me to wait and for this first day, she’d pick me up. She still had to have a key made for me. I was glad to be out of school and soon to be heading home. After Brandy’s story about Emily, I was depressed much of the afternoon. Even getting to eat some glue didn’t bring me out of my funk.

A car pulled up alongside me and I heard Mom’s voice, “Hey honey! Ready to go home?”

“Hey Mom,” I said cheerfully as I opened the passenger door.

Dede smiled at me. “Hey Chrystal! How was school? Learn anything?”

I laughed. “I learned about fractions.”

As she drove away from the curb, Mom said, “That’s cool. And you were afraid you’d be bored.” I rolled my eyes.

It only took a minute of two to drive home. I darted into my room as soon as Mom opened the house door.

“Dinner will be ready in about half an hour,” shouted Mom from the living room.

I was surprised to find a gift-wrapped box laying on my pillow, next to Mr. Bunny. Aloud, I asked, “Mr. Bunny. What’s in the box?” There was a card attached to the box.

The card read, “Congratulations on your first day of school! Love, Mom”

Driven by curiosity, I slowly tore the wrapper from the box. I was completely surprised by what I saw as I tore the wrapper away.

“Look, Mr. Bunny. It’s a Barbie doll!”

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 8
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

As I entered the dining room, I put Mr. Bunny down at an empty seat and put the Barbie doll on the table next to my plate. As she placed some of what I had to assume to be meatloaf, Mom smiled at me.

She said, “I see you found your new Barbie. I hope you like it. I held off buying extra outfits for now.

I laughed. “Of course I like my Barbie. I’d love to get more outfits for her. She’s the only doll I have”

Mom sat down at the other empty seat next to me and said, “Well, Christmas isn’t that far away. If you’re a good little girl, maybe Santa will bring you more dolls.”

I have to be a good little girl? I guess that squashes my plans for a fifth grade rebellion to take over the school.

As she took a bite of her alleged meatloaf, Mom asked, “So, squirt. Tell me about your first day! Did you make any new friends?”

I chuckled. “Well, it’s a given none of my old friends were there.” Her frown indicated I may have lost some good girl points on Santa’s list. To buy some time before I said anything else, I took a bite of my meatloaf.

I swallowed and said, “Actually, I met two friends. They’re both like me, Switcher victims. Though I think one of them is too messed up from the switch.” I then went on to describe Brandy and Emily.

Mom tsked tsked as she shook her head. “That poor girl. Emily? I bet she never gets her life straightened out. I mean I hope so. That Simon guy, whether he intended to or not, sure messed up a lot of lives.”

“I think after a while he started to enjoy it,” I said dourly.

Dede sighed. “I feel sorry for girls like Emily. But I have to say I’m so happy for you. You have so much to look forward to.”

I picked up my Barbie and started changing her pose. “I’m not so sure I like where I’m headed. Dede, you grew up in this world, with Mom as a role model to guide you. I’ve been dropped into the middle of things. Should you marry Oliver and have kids, that’s an expectation you’ve had all your life. That stuff to me, honestly, is horrifying.”

Dede reached over and took my hand. “Honey, I’ll do everything I can to help guide you. I cry every night about our mom not being here to help me… well, both of us. She would have adored you.”

I stared at my Barbie for a few silent moments. I looked up at Dede. “I don’t think there’s any way you can compensate for those lost formative years that I’ll never have.” I looked over at Dede square in the eye. “And you know what? It might not even matter. Every day I feel a little bit of who I am slip away. How soon before I’m excited over different colored panties or fawning over boys?”

Dede grinned. “Well, you have a year, maybe two before boys stop being icky.”

I shook my head. “That doesn’t really help, Mom.”

She reached over and ruffled my hair. “Honestly, I’m not worried so much about you starting to like boys. But going through being a teenager is going to be tough for both of us.”

That’s what I’m afraid of. I remember the last time I was a teen. And when Dede was a teenager. I don’t know about Dede, but there are things I now deeply regret saying to Mom. Are we headed for a repeat?

I finished off my meatloaf. “Well, I can’t imagine ever liking boys. So we can take that off the table.”

Dede downed what was left in her tea glass. “Yeahhh…”

*          *          *

I adjusted the position of my bag after Mom dropped me off at school. The air was a bit brisk this morning, but it didn’t bother me. Standing by a tree was Brandy. She waved and I hurried over to her.

Grinning, Brandy said, “Hey Chrystal. Ready for another exciting day?”

Laughing, I said, “Oh you know it.” We were both silent for a moment. I then asked seriously, “Are you starting to forget things? Or maybe don’t seem real?”

Brandy looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. “Some things. I don’t remember my husband at all. Of course, he started disappearing from my memory while I was a boy. Are you?”

I nodded. “Yeah. And it really bothers me. I had go find an old picture of my mom… my real mom to remember what she looked like. It doesn’t even feel like she was real.”

“I know what you mean,” Brandy agreed. “I have to force myself to remember that I actually have sons.”

Squinting at Brandy, I asked, “Do you think we’ll eventually lose it all? Just become typical little girls? Because I don’t want to forget who I really am.”

Brandy shrugged. “Who knows? The government doesn’t. I don’t know if you’re aware of this. I wasn’t until I found the latest one. The guardians are getting a newsletter with updates about what they think is going on. We’re not supposed to see it, but I managed a peek. Using their favorite switcher term, they expect the majority, if not all of us, will go native as ten year old girls with little recollection of our previous lives within the next few months.”

Re-adjusting my book bag, I said, “Holy shit. That sucks. Like I said, I don’t want to forget the real me.”

Brandy laughed without humor. “This is the real you. I keep trying to force remembering what I remember. So far it helps for some things. The newsletter suggested to guardians that they shouldn’t try to keep our past alive. That going native is more merciful and allows us to grow up better adjusted.”

I shook my head. “Well, I don’t know about that.” I looked at all the kids heading towards their classes. “We should probably get to class. Oh, here comes Emily.”

Brandy said, “Hey Emily. Ready for another day?”

Emily shrugged. “My head hurts.”

And with that, we all hurried to our class room.

*          *          *

All the kids walked noisily into the classroom. On the chalkboard was written “Today’s lesson: Science.” Several minutes went by as kids hung up coats and jackets despite it not being particularly cold yet. Then everyone jostled for access to the bins lining the wall with the outside windows. Each bin had our name written on a piece of masking tape. Inside the bins were our workbooks. Stacked on top of the bins were our text books. We all grabbed our workbooks and a science text book.

The teacher, standing by her desk, said, “Please hurry and be seated, class. We have a lot to cover today.”

I deliberately bumped Brandy who was standing right in front of my bin. “Would you please hurry up?”

Brandy turned and stuck her tongue out at me. I wacked her on the head with my workbook after I finally retrieved it. Yes, there are perks to being a kid. All the kids were giggling and fooling around as they got their stuff for class and sat down. Except Emily. She wore a dour expression as she silently gathered her workbook and sat down.

Everyone then fumbled with their bag to retrieve pens or pencils and a spiral notebook

Holding the teacher’s edition of our text book, Ms. Roberts said, “Okay class. Everyone turn to page forty-two.” She then wrote the number forty-two on the chalkboard. Looking up from her text book, Ms. Roberts asked, “Now. Can anyone tell me what an amoeba is?”

A boy whose name I think is Tommy grinned and said, “Yeah. Susie’s brain!” The boys all laughed.

Ms. Roberts frowned. “Now Tommy, that wasn’t very nice.”

Frowning, the girl named Susie sneered, “At least I have one!” A lot of kids looked at Tommy and laughed.

Looking upset at losing control of her class so early in the day Ms Roberts said, “Alright everyone. Settle down and focus. Does anyone know what an amoeba is?” There were a few giggles around the class.

Staring furiously at the top of her desk, Emily hissed in a low voice, “Baby!”

Smiling slightly, Ms. Roberts asked, “Did you have something to contribute, Emily?”

Emily suddenly pounded on her desk with both fists, causing her workbook to fall to the floor as she shouted, “Baby!” Looking wild-eyed about the room, Emily shouted, “Where’s my baby?” She tried to stand, but couldn’t as she violently rocked her desk back and forth. “They took my baby!”

The kids in the class just stared at Emily with shocked expressions.

Ms. Roberts took a step towards Emily. “What’s wrong Emily?”

Her face twisted in raw anger, fists pounding her desk, Emily screamed, “They took my baby!”

Ms. Roberts said, “Everyone stand back from Emily.” She turned and picked up the receiver from the wall phone behind her desk. I couldn’t hear what she was saying.

Emily finally managed to turn her desk over, but she still couldn’t get out from it. She screamed, “They took my fucking baby! I want my baby!”

A moment later, the school nurse and the security guard rushed into the room. The security guard shouted to Ms. Roberts, “Get these children out of here!”

Ms. Roberts, trying to sound calm, said, “Class. Let’s all go out to the playground.” At first, no one moved. Then everyone started to file out of the classroom.

Emily tried to bang her head on the floor, but was restrained by the security officer. The nurse looked to Ms. Roberts and said, “I called for an ambulance right after your call. I can’t give her anything to calm her. Please leave the room.”

Emily screamed, “Baby!”

As we left the room, I turned to Brandy, “What the hell’s up with Emily?”

“Remember? She never fully adjusted to her changes,” said Brandy matter-of-factly. “She still had the mind of a boy child when the woman he switched into became pregnant. They must have taken her baby from her when she became a ten year old.”

We heard her continue to scream as we ran out onto the playground. We saw two paramedics rushing to the room with a gurney. A few moments later, we saw a subdued Emily being rolled away. We never saw Emily again.

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 9
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

Brandy and I were sitting on the swings watching Emily get carted away.

I sighed. “I sure hope I don’t freak out like that. God knows where they’ve sent her.”

Zipping past me a couple of times on the swing before saying anything, Brandy shrugged. “I really don’t think we will. We were both adults when we switched and I’m fairly positive neither of us was pregnant so I think we’ll coast through adjusting to being ten year olds.”

I dragged my feet in the dirt to bring my swing to a stop. “But it’s nothing for you. You’ve already done all this. Becoming a woman, getting married and having kids is old hat to you. That whole idea terrifies me.”

Brandy laughed. “You only have to do one of those. Becoming a woman is required for you as a little girl, but getting married and having babies is optional. Honestly, Chrystal. You need to chill out. If these things happen, then they happen. When I first got married, neither of us was looking at starting a family any time soon. But then, all my married friends started having babies and guess who caught baby-fever? So suddenly we were fucking like bunnies to try to get me pregnant.” She paused to laugh. Looking suddenly thoughtful, Brandy said, “You know, despite you saying all this about not wanting to date boys and stuff… I’ll bet you get a boyfriend before I do!”

I rolled my eyes at her and laughed. “If I had any money, I’d take that bet!”

Brandy stopped her swing and gave me a cold stare. “Use your Barbie as collateral.”

I returned her cold stare and simply said, “No.”

Brandy laughed.

*          *          *

As I climbed up into the car, Mom turned and smiled at me. “So, pumpkin. How was your second whole day of school?”

Looking out the windshield, I shrugged and said, “I’m a little bummed out about Emily.”

Narrowing her eyes at me, Mom just asked, “Oh? What happened?”

I looked over at Mom and said, “They carted her off in leg irons!”

Shaking her head at me, she said, “I doubt that. So what happened?”

I folded my arms. “Well, they had her strapped down. She freaked out about having her baby taken away.”

Mom nodded. “I can understand that. I’m sure that’s hard on her. It would be on me. Was that all the excitement today?”

I gave Mom a funny look. “Isn’t that enough? But also, it’s happening. Who I used to be is already starting to slip through my fingers. Math is starting to get hard. I couldn’t reduce twenty-one sevenths. Give me a break!”

Mom sighed. “We both feared that would happen.”

We drove on in silence. I turned to Mom and asked, “Can we get ice cream?”

*          *          *

“Honey. It’s past time for bed,” said Mom as she poked her head in the door. With a curious expression she took a couple steps towards me. I was sitting in front of my computer at my desk. Instead of a game, I had a word processor up.

“What are you up to?” she asked as she got closer.

I stopped typing and turned to face her. I was hoping I could retain my typing skills by, well, typing. To Mom, I said. “I’m doing a journal, Mommy. Not just of the stuff I did today, but jotting down memories before they dissolve. My math skills and vocabulary is already starting to slip.”

Probably inspired by the government newsletter I’m not supposed to be aware of, Mom asked, “Are you sure you want to keep those old memories around? You hated being that old man. Every day you grumbled about how 40 years of your life was stolen and all your aches and pains. And… and even before the switch, you weren’t doing anything with your life. A part-time job as a sacker and a full-time gamer. I’d think you’d want to embrace your new life instead with all its new adventures.”

I frowned at Mom. “It might not have been perfect, but it was all still my life! I had a comp-sci degree! I couldn’t help it if the job market here sucked. I dated a few girls. I don’t want to forget all that. And I need to warn my ten year old self about future pit-falls I’m going to face. Shit like puberty. I am not looking forward to going through puberty again… especially as a girl!”

Looking uncomfortable, Mom sat on my bed near me. “Yes sweetie. Growing up can suck. I know some of it was bad enough once. One thing I’m not going to allow to happen to you this time is your face becoming a pimple farm. And yes. You’ll soon start your period. It’s not fun, but it’s part of becoming a woman. You’re going to have plenty of new experiences and memories in your new life. Don’t cling to the old.”

Scowling at Dede, I said, “Really? Forget Mom and Dad? Now that they’re gone, I treasure those memories of camping trips, vacations to amusement parks and Dad taking me to motocross races and tractor pulls. Those times are gone forever. I don’t want to forget them.”

Looking down at her hands, Dede said, “We can still do some of those things, though I know it won’t be the same. And don’t be surprised if, as a girl, you find new things to be interesting. Oliver has told me he’d be happy to take you on weekend outings. He knows it’s tough not to have a father figure around.”

I snorted a laugh. “Your boyfriend is hardly a replacement for Dad.”

“Oliver will become ever more present in my life and so will grow in your life was well,” said Dede looking back up at me. “He knows he can’t substitute for our Dad. He isn’t even aware that my Dad is also your dad. I told him your dad abandoned you when you were born.”

My eyes went wide. “Lies! Are you suggesting you gave birth to me as well?”

Dede’s eyes flashed for a moment. “I can’t tell him you’re my twenty-something brother. I want to start over with you. I don’t want to relive our mistakes. And if we get married, Oliver will be your father. He hopes you can accept him.”

I shook my head. “It’ll never be the same. Remember when Dad took me to Boy’s Town in Tijuana on my sixteenth birthday? Would he do anything like that?”

“Of course not!” barked Dede. “Mom was furious. But as a girl, you’re not going to want that anyway.”

I slipped off my chair and stood. “The point is, I don’t want to forget who I was…who I AM. I’m the total of all those experiences.”

Mom reached out and took me in her arms. “I know, honey. I know. We’ll try to keep those memories alive, but you need to build a new life. One that’s uniquely Chrystal. Don’t forget the importance of being Chrystal.”

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 10
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

Finishing up with my homework, I was still deeply annoyed that I had to depend on the notes I took in class rather than my own memory. But to be honest, history contains a lot of facts nobody remembers anyway.

Mom stuck her head in the door to my room. “It’s late, honey. Time for bed. Go brush your teeth.”

As I put my homework back into my school bag, I said, “Okay, Mom.” I then hurried to the bathroom. I did my business before brushing my teeth. I smiled when I remembered the next day was Friday. Either at school or a job, everyone loves Friday. Well, except those that have to work on Saturday.

Humming a current tune, I danced back to my room. I slipped my nightgown on and climbed onto the bed just as Mom came in. She picked up my hair brush and we both shared a smile with each other. Singing to me, Mom started to brush out my long hair. This had evolved into a favorite time for both of us. Mom took a lot of enjoyment in brushing my hair.

As she finished brushing, Mom said, “Honey, try to get your homework done earlier. You should have already been in bed by now.”

I looked at the floor. “Sorry, Mom. I’ll try to do better. I thought it was going to be easy, but it wasn’t.” I squirmed into bed and Mom pulled the covers up.

Mom looked like she just thought of something. “Oh. A couple of things real quick. Oliver and I have a date tomorrow night and…”

I folded my arms and said with a frown, “I don’t need a baby sitter!”

Mom scowled at me for a second. “Don’t interrupt me, young lady. As I was saying, I have a date with Oliver Friday night and I’ve scheduled a play date for you with April. She won’t be watching anyone else’s children and her mother will be there. I think they plan on getting something from Whataburger. How does that sound? Just you two playing with Barbies and watching movies? Sound good?”

I relaxed and said, “I guess that’s okay. I like April.” What I should have realized is that while April wasn’t my babysitter, April’s mother was. Dede has always been sneaky.

As Mom tucked me in, she continued, “And then on Saturday, Oliver has asked us both to join him and his six year old nephew to lunch at Chuckles the Rat Pizzeria. It’s his birthday and his mother can’t be there.”

I frowned and asked, “Why? Is it because she’s in jail again?”

Mom shook her head. “No, silly. And what do you mean again? She had to go out of town.”

I widened my eyes and said, “Oh! The federal pen this time, huh?”

Mom sighed. “Will you stop? Anyway, that’s the plan for Saturday. Oliver isn’t going to expect you to watch his nephew. You can go play video games or whatever.”

I tugged on my covers and said, “I guess that’s okay. I’m surprised Chuckles is still in business. I haven’t been there since I was a kid.”

Mom laughed. “You were there the weekend before you got hit by the Switcher.”

I shrugged. “Your point?”

Mom grinned and bent over to kiss my forehead. “And on that note, it’s time you went to sleep.”

*          *          *

I stood on the porch of April’s house, holding Mom’s hand in the fading golden light of a mid-October Friday evening. A plastic pumpkin and a cardboard skeleton decorated the porch. Claire opened the door and smiled at Mom.

“Good evening, Denise,” said Claire. I can’t tell you how excited April is to have Chrystal over again. Come on in.”

Mom said, “Thank you, but I really need to run. Thanks for taking care of my little girl.”

April’s mother smiled down at me. “Don’t think anything of it, Dede. Chrystal is always welcome here.”

Mom bent over so we could be eye-to-eye. “You be a good girl, okay? I’ll see you around eleven.” She kissed my forehead.

Claire chuckled as she ruffled my hair. “She’ll be fine.”

I said, “Bye Mom!” as she turned to leave.

I was suddenly caught in a huge hug as April shouted, “Chrys! Come on in!” I ran into the house after April. “We’re going to have fun! And I didn’t forget.” She picked up a lipstick from the table. “It’s make-over time!” Oh boy.

Claire laughed. “Why don’t you wait on the make-over until after dinner. Your father will be back from Whataburger fairly soon.”

April said, “That’ll work.” She then dropped three magazines onto the floor and then sat down next to them. “Sit down, Chrys! I just got these today. Let’s look through them.”

I sat next to April as her mother walked out of the room. The magazines were all teen oriented. Two were about celebrities and the other was literally called ‘Teen. That surprised me a bit because Dede had a subscription to that magazine back when she was around fourteen or so. I couldn’t imagine how you could keep articles fresh every month about teen issues. To be honest, I had the same thoughts on my dad’s old Guns & Ammo magazines. How many times could you write about modifying your Colt 1911?

April picked up one of the celebrity magazines and turned to the first page and stopped. She sighed heavily and kissed the picture on the page with her eyes closed. “Isn’t Nathan Adams just dreamy?”

I had to admit that he is very cute. But I said, “Didn’t he marry a girl my age?” I pointed at the girl dressed in an over-sized t-shirt and sweat pants standing next to him and holding his hand in the picture.

Looking indignant sniffed and said, “All lies. Entertainment Tonight says she’s at least twelve.”

I laughed. “That’s better?!” I really didn’t care what her age was, but I’d bet money that she was much older or Nathan would probably be arrested.

April pointed at a picture of a group of young men with shaggy hair and various piercings. “I love this band! They streamed their Dubai concert a couple weeks ago. It was awesome! Do you like them?”

I’d never heard of them. I said, “They’re okay.”

Excited, April said, “I’ll show you my favorite YouTube video of them after dinner.”

I smiled slightly. “I can’t wait.”

After going through other pages where April’s running commentary would include “Oh, he’s so cute!” and “He is just so stupid! Gak!” she stopped at a full page photo of a cute teen boy, a singer I think.

April exclaimed, “Oh he’s just gorgeous! Don’t you just want to kiss him?”

I just shrugged and made non-committal noises.

After staring at the picture for over a minute, April looked over at me and asked, “Have you ever kissed a boy?”

I probably said “No” a little too quickly.

April looked at me with a sly expression. “I have. At Toby’s birthday party last summer. I kissed him more than once.” She giggled.

“Toby?” I asked.

April looked at me like was an idiot, “Of course! Who else?”

I shrugged. “Well, you didn’t specify…”

Eyes shining, April grinned at me. “Trust me. You’ll love kissing boys.”

Before I could articulate my denial, April’s father came through the front door carrying the familiar white and orange paper bags. He said, “April, honey. Can you take these bags and put them on the table. I have to go back for the drinks. Oh, hey Chrystal.”

April ran up and grabbed the bags and as she turned to run to the table, she shouted, “Mom! Food’s here!”

Claire came out of the kitchen. “I know. I know. I heard your father come in. You and Chrystal go wash your hands while I put out the paper plates.”

As we were in the bathroom, April continued her inquisition. “You’ve never even tried to kiss a boy?”

Picking up a towel, I frowned at her and said, “No. I don’t want to.”

April nodded. “Yeah, I guess when I was ten I thought all boys had cooties.”

When we came back into the living room, we saw two beach blankets laying on the floor in front of the TV.

April’s mom said, “We normally turn the TV off during dinner, but thought you two would like to sit on the floor and watch a movie while you ate. Come over here to get your food.” The burgers and fries had been placed on paper plates.

April ran over to the TV and opened a Blu-Ray box, took out the disc and popped it in the player. She looked over at me and exclaimed, “This is my new favorite movie.” It was a Nathan Adams movie.

When I was a sixty-five year old, there was no way in hell I’d sit down on the floor, carpeted or not, to eat and watch a movie. But I have to admit I had a lot of fun sitting on the floor next to April and eating and giggling with each other.

As the credits started to roll with Nathan Adams embracing his love interest on some exotic beach, April turned to look at me with disapproval. “I can’t believe you don’t think Nathan is gorgeous! Just look at him!”

Giggling, I said, “I never said he wasn’t. I just said he didn’t excite me.”

April folded her arms and frowned, “Kids!” She got up and walked over to the table with various cosmetics scattered on its surface. Grinning she said, “Now it’s make-over time! Do I have any victims… I mean volunteers?”

I acted like I was trying to look out the window. “Oh gosh. Look at the time. I think I heard my Mom driving up.”

April laughed. “She won’t be here until at least eleven! So get on over here!”

Claire said, “Honey, if she doesn’t want to do it, don’t try to force her. It’s supposed to be fun for both of you.”

Looking sad, April said, “We don’t have to do it. I just thought it’d be fun.”

Well shit.

I walked over to the table and sat in one of the chairs. I sighed, “Okay. Do you worst. Well, no. Don’t do your worst. Let’s just do it.”

April looked unsure. “Are you sure?”

I nodded. “Let’s do it. This is the only time Mom will let me wear make-up.” Which is true enough. I’ll not mention that I have no interest at all in make-up, period.

“All right!” squealed April as she gathered up her tools and bottles.

As she started applying foundation, at least that’s what she said it was, she beamed, “You’re going to be so pretty, you’ll have to fight the boys off with a stick.”

I looked over at Claire and said, “Keep the doors closed so boys don’t wander in.”

Claire giggled. “I think you’re safe.”

April paused in her frenzy of make-up to announce. “When I’m done with Chrys, it’s Dad’s turn!”

April’s Dad suddenly looked up from his phone, looking wild eyed. “What??”

Claire giggled. “This I gotta see!”

*          *          *

A few minutes after eleven, the doorbell rang. Claire got up and opened the door. Sure enough, it was Mom. Mom said, “Hey, Claire. I hope Chrystal wasn’t any trouble tonight.”

Grinning, Claire said, “Come on in, Dede. We had fun tonight.”

I stood up as Mom turned to face me. With a surprised look, she said, “Now who is this beautiful young lady?”

Feeling my face turning red, I said, “Mommm. Come on.”

April jumped up and exclaimed, “That’s Chrystal! Isn’t she beautiful!” I have to admit. April did do a good job on my face. I thought I was going to look like a clown, but I have to say what she did looked nice.

Mom bent down to look at me. “You’re right! That is Chrystal! Did you do this, April?”

April grinned. “I sure did! She was my first customer!”

Mom started to say something to Claire, but suddenly caught a glimpse of April’s dad. She burst out laughing. “And you must be April’s second customer!” Claire’s husband was sitting in his recliner watching TV wearing too much make-up. He nodded with a grimace. Still chuckling, Mom said, “You look beautiful too, Harry.”

Harry just shook his head. “Thanks.”

Turning to Claire, Mom said, “I was wondering why all those boys were lining up outside.”

I felt a cold flush. “Shut the door, quick! Before a boy gets in.”

Mom gave Claire a curious look. Claire said, “We were teasing Chrystal that boys were going to start lining up to give her a kiss since she’s so pretty.”

Mom giggled as she opened her purse and removed her pair of cheap sunglasses. “Quick, honey. Put these on so you’ll be incognito.” She handed them to me and I quickly put them on. It sure made everything dark.

Mom took my hand and turned to Claire. “Thanks again for watching her. Looks like she had fun. And Harry, that’s a great new look for you.” She giggled. Harry just waved.

Of course, as we left the house, there weren’t a line of boys waiting. I felt stupid for believing them even for a moment. I couldn’t wait to get home and wash my face.

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 11
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

“Are you going to sleep all day?”

“Mmrphhh…?” was all I could muster in response.

The covers were suddenly and unceremoniously jerked from my bed exposing me to the vicious blast of morning sunlight streaming through my bedroom window. “Time to get up, sleepyhead,” said Mom slightly annoyed.

I stuck my head under my pillow and mumbled, “It’s Saturday. I get to sleep in on Saturdays!”

I was suddenly assaulted with tickles. Mom giggled, “You need to get up, munchkin. Oliver will be here in about an hour and a half and you still need a bath.”

Curling up into a ball trying to evade the tickle onslaught, I cried out, “Okay! Okay! You win. I’m getting up. So stop already!”

Mom said, “I’m filling the tub now. So get your little butt in there.”

I sat up on my bed. “I had a bath last week.” I sniffed my armpit. “I think I’m still good.”

Trying to look stern, Mom said, “Just march yourself into the bathroom. Now, young lady. March.”

I slid off my bed and gave Mom a salute. “Rodger, rodger.” Mom followed me into the bathroom. I said, “I’m here. Happy?”

Mom turned the water off. The tub was full of bubbles. She said, “Use soap this time. Sometimes I think I’m raising a boy.” She then hung a fresh towel and handed me a washcloth. “I’ll lay your clothes out on your bed for you. Don’t spend all day in the tub.” She turned and left me alone in the bathroom, but she left the door open I guess so she could make sure I didn’t drown.

I giggled at being surrounded by bubbles. This wasn’t the first bubble bath I’d had since becoming a girl, but I didn’t get one every time. My real mom stopped giving me bubble baths was probably around twelve saying I was too old for such things. Are you really ever too old for a bubble bath?

I scrubbed my face extra hard though I did wash it before going to bed. I wanted to be sure I had all the make-up from last night washed off.

I was splashing around when Mom yelled through the door, “Honey. You need to get out of the tub and get dressed. Oliver called. He’ll be here in half an hour.”

I frowned as I kept splashing around for a few more minutes. The bubbles had long since dissipated. I looked at my wrinkly finger tips. Yeah, I guess I’d been in the tub too long. I really wasn’t all that excited about going to lunch with this Oliver character. I hadn’t seen him since that time at the mall.

I hit the drain lever and sat in the tub and watched the water swirl and gurgle down the drain. I climbed out of the tub and dried off with the big towel Mom had left me. As I rubbed myself with the towel, I tried to remember what I went as last Halloween. I couldn’t remember. All I could think of was a grumpy old man. I scowled into the bathroom mirror and shook my first. “Get off my lawn!” I then giggled. I hadn’t given any thought to dressing up this year.

I padded into my room and found a floral print dress on my bed along with pink panties and my training bra. I picked up the bra and frowned at it. I shook my non-existent boobage and shouted, “Run free!” I sighed. Mom would just yell at me if I don’t wear it.

I picked up the dress and yelled, “Moommm! Nobody wears a dress to the rat shack!” Rat Shack being a colloquial term the kids used for Chuckles the Rat. What times I’d been there, I’d never seen any little girls wearing dresses.

Mom walked into my room wearing a matching sun dress. “Did you say something, honey?”

I just looked at Mom for a moment, sighed and said, “No. It’s nothing.”

Pointing at my dress, Mom said, “Hurry up and get dressed. We don’t want to keep Oliver and his nephew waiting when he gets here.”

While we waited, Mom braided my hair. As she worked on my hair, I wondered when did I start thinking of Dede as Mom? It just seemed to evolve. I almost never not only say “Dede”, I never think it, either.

As she finished the braid, I asked, “So Mom. Do you have any regrets about taking on the care of a little girl?”

Mom looked at me and asked, “And what little girl is that?”

I put my hands on my hips and exclaimed, “Me!”

Mom giggled. “Oh. That little girl. No. Of course not, honey. It’s a lot easier than taking care of a sixty-five year old grumpy man.”

I folded my arms and said, “Bull! I could take care of myself then!”

Mom grinned at me. “At least now I don’t have to change your diaper and help you find your teeth.”

I shook my head. “You did not!”

Before Mom could answer, the doorbell rang. Mom grunted as she stood up. “I bet that’s Oliver now.”

I frowned. “About time!”

Mom turned to face me. “I expect you to be on your best behavior, Chrystal. I want you to be a perfect little lady.”

I followed Mom to the door. When she opened it, there stood Oliver, looking apologetic. “Hi honey,” said Oliver just before giving Mom a kiss. He said, “Sorry I’m late. There was an accident on Parkway that I had to detour around.” He suddenly seemed to notice me. He bent down to address me. “And hello Miss Chrystal. You look very pretty today matching your mother’s dress. Are you ladies ready? My nephew is waiting in the car.”

Mom smiled and walked to the couch. “Let me get my purse.” She looked over at me and said, “Don’t forget your purse.”

I shrugged. “Why take it? It’s empty. Is it for sneaking pizza out?” That’s when I really noticed that my dress matched Mom’s. She was wearing white sandals and so was I. Is this a girl thing? Daughter dressing like the mother? I guess it was the same thing with my dad. We’d both wear worn out jeans and t-shirts with holes in them.

Mom shook her head and turned to Oliver. “All set. Let’s go.”

Mom got into the front seat with Oliver. I took the backseat with the nephew. Mom turned to look at the kid strapped into a car seat and said, “Oh, isn’t he a cutie! What’s his name?”

Oliver started the car and said, “That’s Zane.”

Zane looked over at me and asked, “What’s your name?”

“I’m Chrystal. Are you in school yet?” I asked.

Zane nodded. “First grade.”

“I’m stuck in fifth grade,” I said with a frown.

Zane gave me an odd look. “I like school. I think it’s fun.”

I laughed. “Just give it time.”

I turned to just look out my window. I really doubted I’d have much of a conversation with a six year old. Mom and Oliver were having an animated conversation about something. Oliver had turned the music volume up in the back so it made it difficult to hear anything from up front. I resented being considered to be just a child. I looked over at Zane who smiled at me. I’m doing the same thing to him that Dede and Oliver are doing to me. I turned back to the window.

After a few minutes, we finally drove up to Chuckles. I got out of the car and stood next to Mom while Oliver extracted Zane. She took my hand.

Finally we were all standing in front of the entrance. Oliver, sounding excited exclaimed, “Alright! Let’s go get some pizza!” I guessed he’s never eaten here before as the pizza is sub-par. But it’s perfect for kids, right? What do we know?

After Oliver paid, we were all forced to get the back of our hands stamped with a number and date. I remembered on the news before I switched, someone in another state had tried to walk out with a child that wasn’t theirs. Now you have to put your hand under a blacklight to leave.

As we walked up to the buffet, you couldn’t help but notice the frightenly over-sized rat on the stage singing a dumb song about pizza. I think even Zane realized the rat was animatronics.

As I added several slices of over-cooked pizza on my plate, Mom being a mom leaned down to me and said, “Isn’t this fun?” I smiled and nodded.

Oliver found us a place to sit. I looked across the room at the arcade which took up at least a third of the floor space. Maybe more. I was actually excited about hitting the arcade. The rat always had the latest and greatest arcade games. And all of them actually worked! I prayed I wouldn’t have to drag that brat Zane with me.

As I finished off my first slice of pizza, tasting the old familiar metallic tang I remembered from the last time I was here, Mom said, “After you finish your pizza, you go to the games if you want to. Be sure to take Zane with you.” Terrific.

The robot rat was hidden by the curtain and an unfortunate employee in a rat suit came out and was mobbed by kids who thought he was real. Apparently including Zane who ran squealing to the rat.

Mom looked at me with a smile and asked, “Don’t you want to go say hi to Chuckles?” Embarrassed, I just shook my head.

I did take advantage of the distraction caused by the rat to move my remaining three slices of pizza to Zane’s plate. In a voice I couldn’t help from sounding whiny, I said, “Mom! I finished my pizza. Can I go to the arcade now?” Why am I asking permission? I should just go.

Mom shook her head. “No honey. Wait for Zane to finish his too.” I looked over at Zane who was still jumping up and down by the rat.

I leaned back in my seat and folded my arms. I muttered, “That’s not fair.” Mom went back to chatting with Oliver.

I sat there for a few minutes scowling at the pizza on Zane’s plate. How ironic I’m the instrument of my own fate by adding extra pieces on top of his. Maybe I can speed things along by taking back a few slices. I didn’t really want to eat them. Maybe just toss them on the floor.

As I reached for the plate, Mom slapped my fingers. She actually slapped my fingers! As if I was a child or something!

“Leave his pizza alone!” scolded Mom. “If you’re still hungry, there’s still plenty of pepperoni at the buffet. You know better than that!”

I leaned back in my seat, folded my arms tighter against my chest and scowled furiously at Zane’s plate. I thought how she didn’t care when I added pizza to his plate. I looked over at the game area and there was nobody playing the game I wanted most to play. I stared daggers at Zane who continued to fawn over the Rat.

Finally, Zane came bouncing back to his seat after the poor slub in the Rat costume finally retreated behind the curtain. Grinning and laughing, Zane exclaimed, “Uncle Oliver! I got to say hi to Chuckles!”

Oliver smiled back at him and said, “That’s great, kiddo.”

Zane picked up a slice of pizza and gnawed off two bites before setting down on his plate. “Uncle Oliver, can I go play games now?”

“Sure. Go ahead, big guy,” said Oliver as he ruffled Zane’s hair and handed him a cup filled with game tokens. With several slices of pizza still on his plate, my and Dede’s mom would have lectured us about starving Armenians.

Mom handed me four… count ‘em, four tokens. “Can you keep an eye on Zane and help him out? Here’s a few tokens for you.”

I stared at the four tokens in the palm of my hand. The game I wanted to play took six tokens, filthy thieves. In a whiny voice, I asked, “Can I have a few more?”

Mom said, “We’ll see.” A statement universally known to mean “No.” Since I just stood there, she wiggled her fingers and said, “Scoot.” Frowning, I turned to follow Zane.

I kept a close eye on Zane as he took one or two tokens from his cup to play the less than exciting kiddie games. I know it’s wrong and I will probably be consigned to hell over it, but I was hoping to swipe at least two tokens from Zane’s cup. I looked over at the game I wanted and was dismayed that an older boy was playing it. He had placed a stack of tokens next to the controllers to stake his claim to the console. I give up.

There was another game I liked to play where you tried to kill wave after wave of zombies. A boy about my age was playing it, but he was on his last life and was about to go out. I wanted to play something, so I placed my meager four tokens on top of the game to let Pimple Farm know of my intention to take the game as soon as he expended his last life.

I muttered “So die already!” to myself as the geeky boy was taking way too long to die. As I was watching him take down several zombies, I felt someone brush against me and heard a giggle. I looked down and my four tokens were gone!

I spun around and saw Zane drop four tokens into his cup. Grinning he said, “They’re mine now!”

I reached for his hand, but he turned, laughing. “Come back here, you son of a…” A very stern looking mother type turned to glare at me. “… son of a biscuit eater!” The woman just harrumphed at me.

Zane almost fell as he tripped over a younger kid, spilling a few tokens. I shouted, “Give me back my tokens, you little creep!” He scooped up the dropped tokens and ran giggling in the opposite direction. I quickly gave chase.

Zane darted past a girl about his age, almost knocking her down and she started to cry. I started to rush past when apparently her mother stepped in front of me, picked up her daughter and scowled at me. “This is not how young ladies act!”

I growled, “Buzz off…” and resumed running after Zane.

Zane left the game area and started to run between tables. He bumped some kid causing him to drop his pizza. As I ran past, I shouted, “Sorry!”

To me the kid said, “Fuck you!”

The kid’s mother shouted, “Charles!” I didn’t stick around to hear any more.

As Zane got close to Mom and Oliver, he stumbled and fell against Oliver knocking his drink over and dropping his token cup, spilling tokens all over the floor. Breathless, I caught up to Zane.

Mom turned angrily and snapped her fingers at me. She snapped her fingers at me! What the hell? She grabbed my arm and growled at me, “You need to settle down, young lady! What were you thinking? Sit down! You got your dress dirty!”

An employee walked up to Oliver. In a quiet voice she said, “Sir, we have a policy against running in the restaurant. If you can’t control your children, you’ll be asked to leave.”

Looking sheepish, Oliver said, “I’m very sorry miss. It won’t happen again.” The girl nodded and walked away.

Looking sternly at Zane, Oliver said, “Zane! What’s gotten into you? Why was Chrystal chasing you?”

Before Zane could answer, I said, “He stole my game tokens!” The tokens were still all over the floor.

“I did not!” protested Zane.

“You did too!” I shouted and started to stand up. “You little…”

Mom pointed a finger at me and said firmly, “Sit!”

Clearly uncomfortable in a parenting situation, Oliver asked me, “How many tokens did Zane take from you?”

I almost said four. Trying to keep my poker face, I said confidently, “He took six.”

To Zane, Oliver said, “Give Chrystal her tokens back.”

Looking confused, Zane said, “I think it was only four.”

Looking frustrated, Oliver said sternly, “Give Chrystal her tokens back. Now.”

Looking unhappy, Zane bent down and collected six tokens and handed them to me. He whispered, “Liar.”

I closed my fist on the tokens in my hand and whispered to Zane, “Thief!”

Oliver took the cup of tokens Zane had collected from the floor and said, "I think I’m going to play some games!”

Zane cried out, “Uncle Oliver!”

I just stood there, my eyes boring a hole in Mom’s head. Mom frowned and said, “Oh, go play your game. It’s time to go.”

Grinning, I said, “Thanks, Mom!” and clutching my tokens, I hurried, but not running, over to the game machine.

Mr. Pimple Farm had just lost at the game leaving it open for me to pounce on it. As I was about to drop my first token into the slot, a somewhat familiar voice behind me said, “Girls can’t play that game. You should play a sissy game.”

I turned to look at who had just spoken such profanity. It was Timmy Johnson from my fifth grade class. I grinned. “Wanna bet?”

Timmy plopped his tokens down on top of the machine and said, “Stand back, girl and let a man show you how it’s done!” I laughed out loud.

Still standing by the game with my token hovering over the slot, I said, “It’s a two player game, squirt. I’m calling you out. First player out loses.” This was one of those games that likes to rob the player. You don’t get any extra lives to start. If you die, you have to add more tokens to stay in the game.

Timmy walked up to me and said in all seriousness, “I came here to eat pizza and play video games and I’m all out of pizza.”

I started dropping my tokens in the slot. “You’re on, Shorty.” Timmy is taller than me.

We pulled our pistols from the holsters and took our ready positions. I could tell from the grim mask that settled on Timmy’s face that he was a true gamer. This wasn’t just some pastime. Gaming was serious business.

The game started and Timmy immediately took out three targets, one of which was supposed to have been mine. The game’s volume was cranked up which was perfect for the explosions. And the sound track is awesome.

If you get shot, you can shoot a health pack to restore some health, but they are few and far between. Back and forth, we’d trade off being in the lead. When we hit the midway point in the game and Timmy was up on points, I was beginning to wonder if I’d met my match. Timmy was good. A group of kids had gathered around to watch us play. From behind me, some boy said, “That chick plays pretty good… you know for a girl.”

The action paused for a moment as it built up suspense to meet the final boss. My hands were clammy and I felt a trickle of sweat run down my side. I was told girls didn’t sweat.

And suddenly the screen was a blur of activity. Targets were everywhere. Shots were flying from all directions. The music was pounding. The explosions were deafening. Some girl in the back said, “Somebody die already! I have to pee.”

A target surprised me and my shot went wild and I was hit with my health at its lowest. I went out of the game just as Timmy killed the boss. The music ramped up and across the screen the words splashed, “Congratulations Player 1!” There was actually applause from around the room. This game is rarely defeated.

Timmy raised his fists in the air and shouted “Yes!”

Exhausted, I looked at Timmy. “Good game, dude.” He hesitated a second and then we bumped knuckles.

Breathing hard, Timmy said, “Thanks. And you too. Man. One more second and I would have been dead myself.”

An employee walked up to Timmy and handed him a card. “Your next visit to Chuckles the Rat is on us.”

Timmy pumped his fist into the air and shouted, “Awesome!”

Timmy then turned to look at me. He grinned and said, “See? I told you girls can’t play that game.” He then laughed. “But seriously, Chrystal, that was a good run.” Several of his friends patted him on the back and they all waked back to his table.

I just stood there. Oliver said, “Well that was fun. Time to go home.”

Mom said, “I’ve got your purse. Let’s go.”

As we started to walk towards Oliver’s car, Mom asked, “Did you know that boy?”

I looked over at Mom and asked, “What boy?”

Frowning, Mom said, “That boy you were playing the game with.”

“Ah. That boy,” I said with a shrug. “That was Timmy. He’s in my class at school,”

As Mom opened the back door so I could climb in, she asked, “Do you like him?”

I climbed into the car and said, “I dunno. He’s a good gamer. I guess not all boys are icky.”

Mom gave me a wry smile. “That’s very true.” She closed my door and gave Oliver a kiss before they both got inside the car.

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 12
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

As we entered the house after Oliver dropped us off, Mom swatted my backside. “Thanks for embarrassing the crap out of me, little girl. Oliver thought you lacked any discipline or respect for adult authority.”

My bottom stung and I fought back a flow of tears. I felt betrayed. I rubbed my seat as I put a bit of distance between me and Mom. “Why did you do that? You’ve already yelled at me once already!”

Her face twisted with anger, Mom shouted, “Now Oliver thinks I can’t control my own child. Are you trying to sabotage my relationship with Oliver?”

Despite my efforts, tears ran down my cheeks. Being more vicious than I probably should have, I shouted, “I’m not your child, remember? It’s not like I leaped from your loins. I’m sorry I reacted the way a kid would. That’s getting harder for me to control. And sabotage? Really? Why would I care who you date?”

Her face still red from anger, Mom snarled, “Like it or not Dear One, you are legally my child. And you should care who I date. If I marry Oliver, he’s going to adopt you. He’s told me as much.”

That struck me to my core. “No way. Oliver would be my dad? I’d get his last name? My last name is the final link with our real parents! I don’t want Oliver as my dad!”

Her face no longer flushed, Mom slowly said, “You’re just a girl, Chrystal. The adults are in charge, not you. You have no veto power over who I love.”

Feeling drained and cold with my butt hurting, I said, “It’s official, then?”

Mom took a few steps towards me. “No. He hasn’t proposed. But we’ve talked about the possibility of marriage and what that would mean for us. I can understand how difficult the adjustment would be. But honey, I know that once you get to know Oliver, you’ll love him just as much as I do.”

I shouted, “He’ll never be my dad!” I started crying, turned and ran to my room. I slammed the door, jumped on my bed and hugged Mr. Bunny while I cried.

*          *          *

When I woke up, I discovered I was wearing my nightgown and snuggled close to Mr. Bunny. Sunlight slanted into my room revealing dust motes dancing in the air. Mom was in my room and saw me stir. She walked around my bed and sat down. She started stroking my hair.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” she softly said. She gently stroked my cheek.

Clutching Mr. Bunny close to me, I mumbled, “Morning.”

Continuing to play with my hair, Mom said, “Oliver came by last night after you had gone to bed. He apologized for his nephew’s behavior. He’s not upset with you. He said he’d probably would have done the same thing in your place.”

Still hugging Mr. Bunny, I said, “I don’t want things to change. I don’t want a new dad. I just want things as they are. Just you and me. We don’t need anyone else.” I felt a tear run down my nose.

Mom swiped the tear and kissed my cheek. “We’re a good team, huh?” I nodded. “But maybe we can build the team up. Sometimes I’ll need someone to open the pickle jar for me.”

I giggled. “We don’t have any pickle jars.”

Mom poked my nose. “That’s because I can’t open them. Just think of all the pickles you’re missing!” She reached under the covers and tickled me. I squealed and squirmed to evade the tickles.

Mom just sat on my bed a few minutes, gently playing with my hair. “Come on, honey. Time to get up. I’m making your favorite. French Toast.”

I peeked over at her. “With sausages?”

Mom smiled. “With sausages.”

I grinned as I wriggled out from under the covers. I gave Mom a hug.

*          *          *

I was sitting on the floor with Mr. Bunny in my lap, in front of the TV crying when Mom walked into the living room. She saw me crying and asked, “Honey, what’s wrong? What are you watching?”

I didn’t answer her. I just kept staring at the TV. She looked from me to the TV screen. “Oh! That’s our vacation trip to Colorado! Oh wow. I’m just a little bit older than you.” She looked back at me. “Why are you crying, honey?”

Wiping my nose on my sleeve, I snuffled and said, “I’m fifteen in this video. And I’m a BOY! I’m a boy. Look. There’s Mom and Dad. They’re alive there.”

Mom knelt beside me and stroked my hair. “Honey, if it’s going to upset you, maybe you should put these videos away.”

“Just look. Dad was alive. And there he is laughing when the tent we were trying to set up collapsed with me inside. And there you are, reading a book and not helping.” More tears ran down my cheeks.

Mom chuckled. “I remember you thought it was funny getting trapped inside the tent.”

I clutched Mr. Bunny tightly to me and exclaimed, “I don’t remember any of it! There I am with Dad! And I don’t remember any of it!”

Mom kissed my forehead and hugged me. “Sweetie, maybe you shouldn’t watch these tapes. It’s just going to upset you.”

I cried into Mom’s shoulder. “I want to remember. Mom, I want to remember.”

Mom hugged me tighter. “I know you do, sweetheart. I know.”

Mom stopped the tape. She then put the box with all the family video tapes in the hall closet too high for me to reach.

*          *          *

I was sitting on my bed playing with my dolls when Mom poked her head in. “Honey, do you think you’ll be okay for an hour while I go to the grocery store?”

“Can I go with you?” I asked as I set my dolls down.

“It’s just a quick trip to get some things I need to make dinner tonight,” she said. “You always like to put things in the cart when I’m not looking so I wind up buying stuff I didn’t want. Besides. You’re still in your underwear.”

“I’m a big girl, Mom”, I said sitting straighter. “I promise not to burn the house down while you’re gone.”

Mom giggled. “Well, that’s a relief. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” She checked inside her purse, turned and walked away. A moment later I heard the front door close.

I continued playing for several minutes until I decided I was thirsty. I jumped off my bed and padded into the kitchen. I couldn’t reach the cupboard, so I pulled a cup from the dishwasher. I hoped everything inside the washer was clean.

I poured some milk from the fridge into my cup and wandered into the living room to turn on the TV. Mom had left the TV on some shopping channel. They were currently selling a collection of unattractive earrings. I idly flipped through the channels while I sipped my milk. Amazing how we had all these channels and nothing worth watching. Bored, I turned, leaving the TV on and headed back to my room.

I started to pass Mom’s bedroom. She always kept the door closed and locked as if she didn’t trust me. Today, she’d left the door open so I decided to go have a look around.

It felt weird standing in Mom’s room with her not around. Her bed was messed up despite that she always gets on me to make my bed. Maybe she’s just been busy and hasn’t had a chance to pick up. One of her bras was laying on the floor. I picked it up and looked at it. I rolled it in my hands. Jeez. I’ll be wearing one of these one day. These cups were huge. It smelled slightly of her scented body wash. For grins, I connected the hooks in the back and slid it on over my own training bra. It was too big for me of course.

I stood in front of Mom’s full length mirror and struck a few poses looking like I had big boobs. Since Mom has big boobs, will he same be true for me? I’m not her offspring, but we both share the same ancestry, right? Maybe we should check that out?

I set a chair up next to her dresser and then I climbed up on the chair. I normally don’t get to see the top of it. I found her opened jewelry box. She has lots of bangles and stuff. I picked up a very pretty necklace. I’ve never seen her wear it. I wondered why. I picked up one of her earrings and wondered if it was a real diamond. I thought briefly about taking out my earrings and trying on her diamond ones. I put her earrings back since I was afraid of losing them.

I picked up one of Mom’s perfume bottles. I popped the lid of and took a bigger whiff than you’re probably supposed to. As I started to put the perfume bottle back down, I rocked the chair I was on and momentarily lost my balance. I dropped the bottle and it spilled. I frantically grabbed the bottle and closed it back up. I ran my finger through the perfume puddle and then ran my finger behind my ears. I giggled that I was wearing Mom’s perfume. I climbed off the chair and ran to the bathroom and got a wad of toilet paper. I climbed back up and wiped the spill. I threw the paper in the toilet and flushed.

The next thing that caught my eye was Mom’s vanity. A lot of times she’d explain to me what she was doing when applying her make-up. She would always say I wasn’t old enough to wear any yet saying fifth grade was too young to start. But then, I never suggested I was particularly interested. I knew what most of the bottles were. One contraption laying on her vanity amused me. It looked like a medieval torture device. Mom said it was an eyelash curler, but it looked scary to me.

I picked up one of her make-up brushes. I brushed it a few times across my face. I liked the soft feel. I remembered April using a couple of them for my make-over. I opened a few lipsticks to look at the color. I didn’t like the smell.

I looked at the clock on the wall. It’s an analog clock and unlike my fellow fifth graders, I know how to read it, though it took me a moment. I don’t remember when Mom left, so I was sure I had oodles of time left.

Still wearing the bra, I picked up a blouse Mom had on a chair and put it on. It was way too big. I put Mom’s high heels in front of the mirror. It made no sense for me to be doing this stuff, but I thought it was fun. I stepped into the oversized shoes and looked at myself in the mirror. I put a hand on my hip and in an exaggerated manner, I said, “Oh Oliver! Kiss me!” I then giggled. And that’s when I turned and saw Mom standing just inside the door.

She didn’t look mad. She looked… amused. She bent down towards me smiling said, “Whatcha doing, sweetheart? Trying to be like Mommy?” I was mortified. I must look like an idiot. She continued, “I’m not mad at you, honey. When I was your age, I loved to play dress up.”

She sniffed as she approached me and I knew she caught a whiff of the perfume I had spilled on myself. She picked up the perfume bottle and noticed its contents were a little less. Shaking her head, she said, “Go easy on the perfume, kiddo. This stuff’s expensive. Next time at that store, I’ll try to get you your own scent.”

I shrugged as I stepped out of Mom’s shoes. “You don’t have to. I was just goofing around.” Well, I was.

Mom grinned. “It’s okay, honey. I think every little girl tries to dress up like Mommy. I’m about to start dinner. I could use some help in the kitchen. Come along.” Giggling, Mom said, “That’s not the first time I’ve caught you wearing my heels. I really don’t think you’re old enough for heels yet.”

Mom misread my sigh. I really don’t understand the temporary insanity that came over me.

Dinner came out pretty well, if I say so myself. Okay, it’s not like I did a lot. But I felt good about being able to help. Mom said she was going to start teaching me how to cook.

“I think one day this week, we’ll invite Oliver over for dinner,” Mom said getting that annoying twinkle in her eye. “We need to start planning it. That’s something you can help with too. What a fine, young woman you’re becoming.” She ruffled my hair.

Terrific.

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 13
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

Brandy was already sitting at her desk when I arrived for a new week of school. She looked over at me when I sat down and said hi to her.

Brandy said, “Hi Chrys. I heard that you went to Timmy’s birthday party.”

I shook my head. “Not really true. I mean I was at the Rat’s pizza place, but I wasn’t there with Timmy. We played a game together and that was about it.”

“Do you like Timmy? Do you like boys now?” asked Brandy. She seemed like she was in an odd state of mind.

I shrugged. “Timmy’s okay, I guess. He’s a boy. And no, I’m not liking boys. Are you okay?”

She shook her head. “No. I’m not. I have three children. I think I do. That’s all fuzzy now. I don’t remember their faces. I don’t remember their names. I’m their mother. I’m their mother and I remember nothing.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I really thought I could hold on to who I used to be. But I can’t.”

I was overwhelmed with grief for her. I know only too well how it feels to have your memory start to slip. I said, “Oh Brandy. I’m so sorry!”

She cried out a couple more tears, and then suddenly she blinked a few times, looked at me oddly then smiled. She asked, “How was Timmy’s party? I think he likes you.”

I looked at her curiously. “What about your children?”

She chuckled. “Don’t be goofy. I’m a kid like you. I don’t have children.”

I just stared at Brandy in disbelief. Oh my God. She’s gone. The Brandy I knew was gone. I thought she was so strong. How soon before I’m gone?

The teacher looked up from her desk and scanned the room. She looked at me and said, “Chrystal? Honey are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Nodding, I said looking at Brandy. “I think I have.”

Chuckling, the teacher said, “I doubt the school is haunted.”

The teacher gave me an odd look when I said, “I think we just lost a spirit.”

Brandy giggled at something she said to the girl who sits across from her. She turned to look at me and it was very plain. Her “old” eyes were gone.

I felt suddenly alone in the world. I really thought together, we’d hang on. It actually irritated me that she now looked happy. Just an everyday little girl; not saddled with anything from the past. Was it more merciful to just let go? Is the Switcher going to win in the end? There was no fighting “going native.”

*          *          *

I didn’t say anything when I got in the car with Mom. She gave me a curious look. “Honey are you okay? You seem a little down in the dumps.”

I was silent for a moment staring out my window. Still staring, I said, “I lost my best friend today. She went native.”

Mom glanced over at me. “Are you sure? How would you really know?”

I looked up at Mom. “I saw it in her eyes. We were talking and she was suddenly different.” I looked back out the window. “Is that going to happen to me?”

Mom sighed. “I’m not going to lie to you sweetie. I know you don’t want to hear this, but everything I hear from the so-called experts say ‘going native’ is inevitable.”

I frowned. “Resistance is futile, eh?”

Mom nodded. “Basically. Would it really be so bad, honey? Just be a little girl and toss all that old baggage? It just makes you unhappy.”

I looked over at Mom. “But it’s who I am.”

Mom played with my hair a moment. At a stop light, she looked over at me. “I just want you to be happy, honey. You’ve been given a gift. A second chance to become whomever you want. A model. An actress. Even an astronaut that you wanted so much as a boy. The sky’s the limit. Don’t let the past hold you back.”

I scowled at the glove compartment. “But it also shapes your future. Just like my friend Brandy. Her original life was taken from her by that Switcher bastard, just like me. But she still had the memory of her children and all she’d done before she was switched with a nine year old boy. But now she’s just a ten year old little girl who thinks boys have cooties.”

Mom smiled at me as she tousled my hair. She said, “Think about how hard that must have been for her, to be forever separated from her children. Now her heart has been freed.”

I looked over at her and felt tears welling up. “At least you still have a memory of Mom and Dad.”

Dede wiped a tear away. “You have me.”

*          *          *

As we entered our house, I walked over to the TV to watch cartoons. I smirked at the thought that that part of my life never changed. Mom had wandered off to her bedroom for her daily ritual of taking off her bra and kicking her high heels across the room.

While I was cuddling with Mr. Bunny while laying on the carpet in front of the TV, Mom came out of her room and entered the kitchen. I heard her banging stuff around and drawers opening and closing with a few grunts and groans tossed in. After a few minutes she came back out into the living room.

“Honey, I need you to go change,” she said as she tied on an apron. “I should have mentioned this sooner, but Oliver is coming over. I’m going to make dinner. It’d be great if you could help me. And before he gets here, I’d like for you to change into a skirt.”

I sat up and still holding Mr. Bunny, I said, “Of course I’ll help you, Mom. But what’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

Mom moved a few loose strands of hair from her face. “I just want you to look nice.”

I pointed at my jeans. “These look nice.”

Mom frowned and rested her fists on her hips. “Just go change.”

I sighed and stood up. “Yes, ma’am.” I walked slowly into my room. I put Mr. Bunny down on my bed and entered my closet. I picked up a cute, pleated denim skirt. “Cute” never used to be a big part of my vocabulary but it sure pops up a lot now. Smiling, I carried the skirt out of the closet and put it on my bed.

As I removed my jeans, I pondered on what significance there was to Oliver coming over for dinner. Was it just a friendly gesture or a strategic move to bring Oliver closer to asking Mom to marry him? And what would that mean for me? I shuddered to think. I put the skirt on and walked back to the kitchen.

Mom smiled at me. “Don’t you look just darling!” She handed me a spoon. “Can you stir this for a minute?” She hurried off to her room to put her heels back on. Upon her return, she patted my head and had me stir something else. “You’re doing great, honey.”

After about ten minutes, the doorbell rang. Mom flew into a momentary panic. She quickly took off her apron. “Just keep an eye on things while I get the door. That has to be Oliver.” She darted out of the kitchen.

While I heard the front door open and Mom greet Oliver, I just stood in the middle of the kitchen holding a spoon and wondering just what the hell was I expected to do.

Mom came back into the kitchen and said, “Go keep Oliver company while I finish up. It’ll just be a few minutes.” She then slipped on a potholder to remove the casserole out of the oven. I sighed and walked out to the living room to greet Oliver.

As I approached, Oliver smiled broadly at me. “Hey there, Chrystal! How’s it going?”

I shrugged. “It’s going okay, I guess.”

Oliver chuckled. “Just okay? Learn anything new in school?”

I said, “I guess.”

He grinned at my lack of sparkling conversation skills and handed me a plastic bag with something inside. “Just something I picked up for you.”

Inside the bag was a Barbie coloring book. I smiled at Oliver and said brightly, “Thank you!” I was never that big in to coloring books, but Mom has gotten me a few and I’ve found it a nice way to spend an afternoon. Before the original switch, I was a decent artist and would draw pictures of anime girls with big tits. Now all I can create are this misshapen abominations in crayon.

Mom walked to the dining table. “Dinner’s ready, guys.” Looking at me she continued, “Honey, can you get the mashed potatoes?” I darted off to the kitchen.

Oliver chuckled. “You have her well trained.” He got up from his chair by the TV and walked to the dining table. “Well, she’s as beautiful as her mother.” He then kissed Mom. On the lips. Eww.

Mom laughed as she scooped some casserole onto Oliver’s plate as if he was incapable of doing it himself. “Yeah, she’s going to be quite a little heartbreaker.” She then filled everyone’s glasses with tea before sitting down across from Oliver. I set the potatoes on the table near Mom and Oliver helped himself to a lion’s share. I hoped there was some left for me.

The remote control for the TV was resting on the dining table and Mom frowned as she picked it up. One of my favorite anime was just starting; Space Battleship Yamato. I loved the theme song. Mom pressed the power button on the remote as she said, “I hate these damned cartoons.”

Oliver nodded. “Certainly not appropriate for a little girl.”

I wanted to shout ‘Who the fuck are you, dipshit?’ Instead, I just whined, “Mmmooooommm!”

Using her fork, Mom pointed at my plate and said, “Eat your green beans.”

Pissed, I stared angrily at the now blank screen as I speared some green beans. I’ll be glad when Sir Dipshit leaves.

Mom and Oliver discussed things going on at work, gossiped about the rather loose girl from Logistics and some events in the news. I just complained about my life telepathically with Mr. Bunny. I’m not supposed to have toys on the dinner table, but Mr. Bunny is a member of the household.

Oliver leaned back and stretched. Starting with a satisfied groan, he said, “That was really good, Dede.”

Mom smiled broadly. “Thank you!”

Oliver started to look uneasy. Was he trying to hold in a fart? He pulled something out of his pocket and slid to one knee beside Mom. He held up a felt covered box as Mom’s eyes grew soft and teary. He opened the box and asked, “Will you marry me?”

Bursting out in full blown tears, Mom cried, “Oh yes! Yes!” She held out her hand as Oliver slid an engagement ring onto her finger. Mom was crying as they both stood and kissed.

I sat and stared in abject shock. What a revoltin’ development this is.

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 14
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

Mom was crying with happiness. “Honey! Come over here! Oliver just asked me to marry him! Isn’t it wonderful?”

I just stood there for a few moments, my own tears overflowing for a different reason. I shouted, “No! It’s not!” I then ran into my room and slammed the door. I buried my face into my pillow and fiercely hugged Mr. Bunny.

This was a disaster! This was terrible! It changes everything! I hate Oliver! He’s screwing up my life! I could handle being a little girl as long as it was just me and Mom. We’ve always been family. He’s an intruder… a stranger trying to push his way into our lives. How can I be myself with him around? How can Mom and I share an old memory when he’s clueless about my life? He thinks I’m Mom’s actual daughter. She’s not going to tell him I’m her older brother. Maybe I’ll tell him. That should scare him away!

I bawled into my pillow. I actually kicked my legs and let loose muffled screams of anger into my pillow. I held on to Mr. Bunny for dear life. How could Mom say yes? How could Mom bring this… this stranger into our house? I haven’t thrown a hissy fit like this since I was… well since I was a child with my real Mom and Dad. I cried in anguish again. I laid there for a long time.

“Sweetheart?”

I closed my eyes tightly hoping she’d go away.

“Sweetie? We need to talk.”

“Why?” I asked in a quiet voice.

Mom sat down next to me on the edge of my bed. Her fingers gently brushed the hair from my face. Keeping her voice steady and quiet, she asked, “Can you tell me why you’re so upset?”

I didn’t roll over to look at Mom. I said, “You know.”

Stroking my hair, Mom said, “I want you to tell me.”

I looked over at Mom with one eye. “You know. You’re going to marry that Oliver guy.”

Mom kept stroking my hair. “Yes, I am. Why does that upset you?”

Still not looking at Mom, I said, “I don’t want things to change. I want it to be just us. We don’t need him around. We’re doing just fine without him. And then you’ll have a baby and I’ll be forgotten about.”

Mom kept gently stroking my hair. “Honey, nobody is going to forget about you. And let’s have the wedding first. I love Oliver. I think he’ll be a great partner for me and I think he’ll be a wonderful father for you.”

I looked over at Mom. “Seriously? He’ll never be dad to me. Never.”

Mom sighed heavily and she stopped stroking my hair. She said, “I understand your resistance to change. You’re already forced to deal with a huge change in your life. I know it’s not fair. But is it fair to say I can’t be happy? I love Oliver. I know you’ll come to love him too.”

I turned back away from Mom and frowned. “He hates me. I can tell.”

“That just isn’t true!” exclaimed Mom.

I turned my head so I could frown at Mom. “He doesn’t even know what anime is.

Mom leaned back and sighed. “Okay. So he has one flaw.” She started tickling me and I giggled.

*          *          *

I just stared out my car window. All morning I didn’t say much to Mom as I got ready for school.

Mom looked over at me. “Are you still upset, Chyrstal?”

I turned around and gave her a cold stare. “Are you still getting married?”

Frowning, she said, “Yes.”

I turned back to looking out the window. “Then I’m still upset.”

Mom shook her head. “Be upset all you want. I’m going to marry Oliver.”

I looked back at Mom. “Don’t I get any say in this? It’s my life too, you know.”

Mom frowned. “This may surprise you, but children do not get to tell adults what to do.”

I narrowed my eyes at Dede. “So I’m just a child now?”

Dede sighed. “Sweetie. The sooner you accept being just a little girl, the better off we’ll all be.”

I stared at Dede in a moment of clarity. “I can’t stop you from getting married. Just know that I’ll never accept Oliver as a replacement for Dad.

Dede’s expression changed. “Well Harry, I’m getting on with my life. I choose to be happy. The past is dead. Like I’ve said. You’ve been given a gift. You should embrace it. I took on the responsibility to be your mommy. While a lot of men shun women who have children, Oliver loves me enough to step into an existing family. He wants very much to love you too and become your father. Please give him a chance.”

Dammit I started to tear up. “Dede, I just want to hold on to who we were…”

Dede scowled at me. “Harry, it’s time you grew up and became the little girl that you are.”

We had driven up to the school parking lot and stopped. I opened the car door to step out.

Tears started to roll down my cheeks as I looked back to Mom. “Just remember Mom. I have feelings too!” I slammed the car door and ran towards the school.

*          *          *

I was sitting on the floor watching an anime on TV. Things had settled down from our blow out from last night and this morning. Mom was in the kitchen making dinner. She just casually mentioned that Oliver was going to be our dinner guest again tonight. I think she’s trying to beat me over the head about the notion that Oliver will be a permanent fixture at the house. Hah. In a few years just wait until I start bringing my boyfriend over to the house every day!

I gagged on the soda I was drinking. What the fuck did I just think? Holy crap. Belay that thought. Erase it from my brain!

Speaking of the devil, Oliver walked into the house carrying a grocery bag. He doesn’t have to knock anymore? He can just waltz right in?

He entered the kitchen and kissed Mom. “Hey honey. I brought the items you asked for. Whatcha makin’? It sure smells good.”

Mom brushed some rogue hairs from her face and kissed Oliver again. “It’s that lasagna you like.”

Oliver grinned. “Mmmm! Sounds great!” He turned and walked into the living room where I was quietly minding my own business. He frowned at me. “Chrystal! Remember what we said? No more of these awful, violent cartoons. They’ll rot your brain. Sheesh. They’re not suitable for kids and what adult watches cartoons?” He changed the channel to one showing Gilligan’s Island.

I pointed at the TV and said, “I was watching that.”

Oliver shook his head. “No more of those violent cartoons, remember? Little girls shouldn’t be watching such trash. Have you watched that My Little Pony DVD I got you?”

I frowned deeply at Oliver. “You’re not some old fart. Don’t you know what anime is?”

Oliver stood up straighter and said, “Of course I do. They’re violent and sex filled cartoons that little girls shouldn’t be watching. I watched some in my teens, so I know what I’m talking about.”

I stood up and exclaimed, “You hypocrite! You watched them and you’re telling me I can’t?”

Almost snarling, Oliver said, “I wasn’t a little girl! But I haven’t watched any since I got out of high school. My favorite was AKIRA.” He paused and looked thoughtful for a moment. “I haven’t seen that in years.”

I grinned and said, “I have it. Want to watch it after dinner?”

Oliver looked down at me. “You have it?” I nodded. He continued, “Sure. Right after dinner. But right now, go help your mother in the kitchen.”

Maybe Oliver isn’t so bad?

Dinner was actually pretty good. I helped. Over dinner Mom and Oliver talked about pretty boring stuff, centered mainly over work. Some talk about what I’m doing in school. When done, I helped Mom load the dishwasher. All my focus was on watching the movie after we were done with dinner.

I ran to my room and got the thumb drive I had most of my anime on. Oliver took the drive and plugged it into the receptacle on the TV. I sat down next to him on the couch as he found the proper file and click on Play on the remote.

Just as it was starting, Mom came into the room and stood behind us. “What are we watching… Oliver! What are you doing?”

Looking sheepish, Oliver said, “Babe…Chrystal wanted to watch a movie and…”

Mom whacked Oliver’s shoulder. “That’s one of those stupid cartoons she’s not allowed to watch. And it’s the worst one too!”

Oliver stood up and yanked the drive from the TV. “I’m sorry baby. It’s a classic.” He put the drive in his pants pocket. “You’re right. She shouldn’t be watching this garbage. I’ll dispose of it.”

Mom scowled at me. “Don’t you have homework young lady? Go to your room and do it.”

I didn’t have any but I looked to the floor and stomped off to my room anyway. I jumped up on my bed and hugged Mr. Bunny. Frowning, I asked Mr. Bunny, “Why are grown-ups so stupid?”

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 15
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

I was in the bathroom just starting to brush my teeth before going to bed when Mom leaned against the doorjamb. She looked at me and frowned. “Okay, I get it. You don’t want me to get married to Oliver. You told me why and I kinda get that. Why do you keep embarrassing me with temper tantrums?”

I looked at Mom and said, “Mmrphumph mff.”

Mom poked my shoulder. “Spit first, silly.”

I took the toothbrush from my mouth and did a rinse. I scowled at Mom. “You don’t give me credit for anything. I’m not coming up to being a ten year old. I’m coming down!. You keep acting like I don’t have any history. Nothing personal against Oliver, but I don’t want him bossing me around. And why do you suddenly have this bug up your butt about anime? It never bothered you before.”

Mom folded her arms and said, “When you were a boy, you were older and I didn’t care what crap you watched. But now that you’re my daughter there are certain things that I don’t think are appropriate for you.”

I rolled my eyes when she said “appropriate”. I laughed. “Really? It’s not like I’m your typical sweet and innocent ten year old. Just three years ago I was twenty-five year old man. Don’t forget that!”

Mom sighed. “But you’re not that anymore. And you’ll never be that again. Why make things hard on yourself and fight the change? Just enjoy being a little girl.”

I glared at Mom and said with a bit of acid dripping in my voice, “You don’t want me to be a little girl. You want me to be you. But I’m not you. I’m me.”

Shaking her head, Mom said, “You need to get in bed.”

*          *          *

“You girls ready?”

I nodded, embarrassed all to hell. Maybe if I’d grown up as a little girl, I’d be excited to wear a blue princess dress including a plastic tiara and wearing make-up with pink lipstick. Or maybe by ten I’d already outgrown it. I have no way of knowing. I just know I felt silly dressed as I was, holding a plastic jack-o-latern. When I was a kid before, I’d outgrown trick or treating by age twelve. My sister Dede and now Mom, never outgrew it. She decorated the house even after I became an old man and always dresses in some costume at work on Halloween.

Mom had decided I should go trick or treating with April in her neighborhood because it’s wealthier and Claire, April’s mother said April always got a good haul. April, while claiming to be dressed as a pop star, managed I thought, to look more like a prostitute in her super short skirt and too much make-up. At fourteen, she didn’t seem as bored with the world that I thought she would. But she’s approaching, if not already there, the stage where she wants to be as far from her parents as she can get.

Mom had braided my hair into pigtails. She grinned at me as we stood on April’s porch. “You look adorable!” Mom had declined an invitation from Oliver to attend a Halloween party with him. It was an adult party with booze so I wouldn’t have been able to go. Plus, Mom wanted to be with me for my first Halloween as a girl. She didn’t say it like that as Oliver thinks I was born this way.

April looked down at her feet and frowned. “Maybe I shouldn’t have worn heels.”

Claire chuckled. “Too late! Let’s get going.” We all stepped off the porch and walked to the sidewalk.

While being dark, it was also a bit chilly, but neither April or me appeared to be uncomfortable. Still, I’d rather be at home. Looking down the street, I knew it would be a long evening of collecting candy as most houses had their porch lights on signaling they were ready for visitors.

At the first house we came to, it was just April and me at the door. At Mom’s prompting, I shouted, “Trick or treat!” and I held out my plastic jack-o-lantern.

An elderly woman opened the door and smiled at me and said, “Don’t you look adorable!” There were a couple of hollow thunks as she dropped some candy into my empty candy bucket. As she dropped some candy into a bored looking April’s bucket, she asked, “What are you dressed as, April?” She looked disapprovingly at April.

April struck a pose and grinned, “I’m a pop star, Mrs. Golightly.”

Mrs. Golightly looked down at me and said, “Well, I hope you girls have fun tonight.” We then trodded across her lawn to the next house, April’s heels sinking into the soft earth.

Three more houses down, it was re-affirmed I was adorable. I might actually start believing it myself. As we ventured down the street, the number of kids out roaming started to increase. I saw another girl in a princess dress, but no way was she as adorable as I was.

As we approached one house, a girl dressed as a gypsy was outside handing out candy. She looked about the same age as April. When she saw us, she waved. “Hey April!”

April grinned and said, “Hey Vicky! Not going out tonight?”

Vicky shrugged. “I might in a minute. I thought I’d help out with the candy.” She pointed at me. “Is that your cousin?”

April shook her head. “Nah. This is Chrystal. She’s one of the little girls I baby sit for.” Well hey. Thanks for putting me in my place.

Vicky gave me a dismissive glance and said, “Yeah. I hate babysitting people’s brats. But hey, my next door neighbor actually pays pretty well so I guess it’s worth it.”

April shrugged. “I don’t mind babysitting. At least with Chrystal, she’s old enough for us to talk about who’s cute in the boy bands we like. And she loves to play with dolls.” I frowned at April. You know I’m standing right here, right?

“Hey. You mind if I join you guys?” asked Vicky with a grin.

April grinned back. “That’s fine with me. The more the merrier.”

After clearing it with her parents, Vicky joined our search for candy. I didn’t really care. April was mostly ignoring me anyway. I was surprised at how April joined Vicky in being a catty little bitch when talking about people they knew at school. Just to get away from them, I started running ahead which caused Mom to chase after me which cut down on her talk-time with Claire.

The second time she had to chase me, Mom said, “Honey, I know you’re excited, but those homes aren’t going anywhere. We don’t have to rush.”

As April and Vicky caught up to us, Vicky poked April in the arm and said, “Hey. You want to hear something freaky?”

April frowned. “You already told me about Jonathan Miller. That was disgusting!”

Frowning, Vicky said, “No, no. This is different. You remember when that switcher stuff was going on a couple of years ago? Remember Allison’s kid brother got switched with a thirty year old gay dude?”

April nodded. “What about it?”

Laughing, Vicky said, “Now her little brother has changed into a little girl about Chrystal’s age. Isn’t that insane?”

April looked thoughtful for a moment. “That is crazy. How could that even happen? Just think. You could be standing next to some little girl who used to be some creepy old dude.”

My heart stopped when they both turned to look at me. April leaned down to look at me as she said, “Chrystal, you’re not some creepy old dude are you?” She and Vicky laughed.

I just said quietly, “No.” They don’t know I’m lying.

April said, “Chrystal’s too girly to ever been a dude. Hey, I’m getting tired. How about a couple more houses and then call it quits?”

I held my pumpkin up and protested, “My pumpkin’s not full yet!”

April said, “You and your mom can keep going if you want. But I’m getting tired of going to houses.”

Vicky looked at her phone. She said, “Hey. Oscar’s asking why we’re not at his party.” She held her phone up to show the text.

April asked, “Want to go?”

Vicky shrugged. “Why not? Let’s ask my mom if she’ll drive us over.”

“I don’t want to go,” I said with a slight whine.

April laughed and ruffled my hair. “Sorry squirt. I doubt Oscar wants any fifth graders at his party.”

We walked over to where Mom and Claire were chatting on the sidewalk. April said, “I think we’re gonna bail. Mom, is it okay if I go to a Halloween party with Vicky?”

Claire frowned. “I guess so, honey. Just be back home by ten. You have school tomorrow.”

April shoved her candy bucket at Claire and grinned. “Thanks, Mom. See ya!” She then turned and she and Vicky ran off down the sidewalk.

Claire looked at the candy bucket and chuckled slightly. “Why yes, honey. I’ll hold your candy for you. I swear. These kids.”

Mom looked down at me. “How about you, honey? Ready to call it a night?”

I held up my pumpkin and exclaimed, “My pumpkin isn’t full yet!”

“Here.” Claire reached into April’s candy bucket and pulled out a big handful of candy. She dumped it into my pumpkin. “April doesn’t need all this candy anyway.”

Mom patted my shoulders. “There. Now your pumpkin is full.”

Claire asked Mom, “Would you like coffee when we get back? I have some new flavors you might like. Chrystal can entertain herself with April’s dolls.”

Mom smiled at Claire. “Sounds great.” To me she said, “Come on honey.”

*          *          *

“Looks like you guys got quite a haul last night!” said Oliver from the kitchen counter as he dipped his grimy mitts into my pumpkin for some more candy. I swear. This guy is over all the time now. Shouldn’t he wait until he marries Mom before he’s over every day?

Mom chuckled. “That was a great neighborhood. We’ll have to go back there next year.” Mom exited the kitchen and walked to her room.

As soon as Mom left, Oliver looked over at me playing on the floor with Mr. Bunny and my Barbie. He said, “Hey sport!” When I looked up, he tossed me my thumb drive back. I missed and it bounced on the floor. “Thanks kiddo. That movie still confused me. I added some anime from my collection to your drive.” He turned away from me when Mom came back into the room.

I picked up my thumb drive from the floor. I looked at the drive and then back to Oliver who turned and winked at me. Oliver’s an asshole, but maybe he’s not such a bad asshole.

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 16
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2022 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

“You’re not going to school today, but I need you to put on a nice dress,” said Mom as she stepped into my room after I woke up.

Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I asked, “Why? What’s the deal?”

Mom sighed and then said, “I didn’t tell you earlier because I didn’t want to listen to your belly-aching about it. You have an appointment at the hospital for an evaluation.”

I folded my arms and scowled. “Give me a break! You’re shittin’ me, right? With the feds?”

Mom stepped back into my room. “Watch your language, young lady!” scolded Mom. “And yes. A DHS medical team want to see how you’re developing. And don’t feel singled out. All the Switcher victims are getting this eval.”

“Why don’t they just leave us alone?” I griped. “They can’t do anything about us.”

“The paper for the appointment said something about finding a common thread for girls like you who can cling to your past and those who go totally native with no memory of their past.” Mom came out of her closet carrying a nice blouse and a black skirt. She looked at me still sitting on my bed. “Do you need me to help you pick out a dress?”

I slid to the floor. “Why do I need a dress? I don’t see the point.”

Mom came into my room and entered my closet. She came back out with a dress and put it on my bed. “You always want to look nice and show the doctors that you’re a well-adjusted little girl.”

I frowned. “Who says I’m well-adjusted?”

Mom went back into her room to finish dressing. “I don’t want them to have any reason to take you away from me. Unless you just want new parents and a new place to live.”

I shook my head. “No. I don’t want to risk getting anyone weirder than you.”

Mom rolled her eyes. “Gee thanks. Will you hurry up and get dressed?”

*          *          *

Mom held my hand as we entered the hospital. We walked up to a reception desk.

“Switcher evaluations?” asked Mom. The old lady in a pink jumper looked at me.

The old woman said, “Well, aren’t you just the cutest?” To Mom she pointed and said, “Take that elevator to the fourth floor, Room 409.”

I started to sing, “Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up 409. Nothing can catch her…” The old lady looked confused.

“Will you hush?” scolded Mom. Tugging on my hand, Mom said, “Let’s go. Do you always have to embarrass me?”

As we walked into the elevator, I continued under my breath, “My four speed, dual quad, posi-traction 409…” Mom just shook her head.

We left the elevator and proceeded to room 409. A receptionist on the other side of the door looked up at us as we entered.

Mom said, “Appointment for my daughter Chrystal Grant.”

The receptionist nodded and then typed something into a computer. She pointed to a row of chairs. “Have a seat and someone will be with you momentarily.”

Mom led me over to the chairs. As we both sat down, I copied Mom’s movements to smooth the skirt of my dress as I sat. I frowned at my dress. You don’t have to smooth anything when you’re wearing jeans.

Mom turned to me and said, “Now just sit quietly. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long.”

I looked around. I wasn’t the only ten year old girl in the room. I tried to read the expressions of the other girls to try to see if they had blank expressions or were more like me. But it was clear that it wasn’t going to be short wait. And it wasn’t.

Finally, a woman came from one of the back doors to the room we were waiting in, holding a notebook computer. She looked around the room. Several more girls had joined us in waiting. She called out, “Chrystal?”

Mom and I both started to stand. The woman held a palm out towards Mom. “Sorry, Ms. Grant. We only need Chrystal at the moment. You may continue to wait in the lobby.”

Mom frowned, taking the orders to sit as a personal attack. As she sat she said, “I’ll be right here, baby.” Did she have to refer to me as “baby”?

The woman placed her hand on my back as a way to lead me. She said, “Come with me, miss, to one of the back rooms. Don’t worry. We won’t keep you from your mother for very long.”

Before we exited the room, we first went through the standard doctor visit routine of measuring my height and weight, then taking my blood pressure. After she was done, she said, “Okay miss. Let’s go see the doctor.” She placed her palm on my back again.

I was led to a large office with lab coated man sitting behind a large desk. He had a computer monitor on top of the desk. A couple medical devices sat in a corner of the office. I heard a door click and when I turned around, the woman was gone.

A bespectacled middle-aged man sat behind the desk. For almost a minute, he just examined whatever was on the computer monitor. Finally, he looked up from his computer and looked at me over his desk. He smiled pleasantly and said, while pointing at one of the two chairs in front of his desk. “Hello, miss. Please have a seat.”

As I sat down, the man looked at some notes on his desk and then looked over his glasses at me. “You’re Chrystal, is that correct?”

Nervous about why I was here, I quietly said, “Yes, sir.”

The man smiled broadly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Chrystal. I’m Dr. Kimble. No need to be nervous. There isn’t going to be any medical prodding and probing. I just want to talk with you.”

Have they never heard of Zoom? Or just a telephone if they just wanted to talk? I looked up and spotted two less than cleverly hidden cameras. I didn’t reply. I just sat there and fidgeted.

Dr. Kimble flashed another smile and said, “So, Chrystal. Tell me a little about yourself.”

My mind raced. What does he want to hear? My whole life story or just since becoming a ten year old? I sighed and just thought fuck it. I smiled weakly and said, “Not much to tell, really. I was born in this town. This hospital in fact. When I was little, I enjoyed going on camping trips with my parents and I suppose my sister as well. High school was kinda boring. College wasn’t much better but at least I got my comp sci degree. And then bam!” I clapped my hands for emphasis. “I got hit by that son of a bitch Switcher and I was suddenly an old man in my sixties… my whole life robbed from me. And then, as you can see, I morphed into a ten year old girl. And now I’m sitting here.”

Dr. Kimble nodded several times as I told my story. He typed on his computer several times as well. He chuckled and said, “That’s quite a history for someone so young. How much do you remember from your life before you switched?”

I frowned at him. “Not as much as I should. I have to look at pictures to remember my parents’ faces. We traveled a lot when I was a kid on summer vacations and it’s getting hard to remember any specific trip. I just remember events now. Like the fight I had in middle school or when I rescued my little sister from some weird dude in the park. Shit like that.”

Dr. Kimble spent a minute or so typing into his computer. “And your memories post Switcher?”

I shrugged. “I remember more, but that’s kinda fading as well. The old man I was switched with wasn’t in good health. He had arthritis and a bad heart. My sister had to take care of me basically. Those days have all blurred together.”

Nodding again, Dr. Kimble typed again. “And your sister has legally become your mother. Is that correct?”

I nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Dr. Kimble studied his computer screens for several long moments, tapping the eraser end of a pencil against his nose. “I have a question,” stated Dr. Kimble. “Using your words and being as honest as possible, has these old memories brought you happiness?”

I took a deep breath. “Honestly doc? The memories bring me sadness for everything I’ve lost. I don’t care to remember much about being an old man. But the memories from my childhood and the sadness of my parents dying, but they also give me comfort about who I am. I never want to forget the time my dad and I went four-wheelin’ up in Colorado and New Mexico. I’ll never have that same experience again.”

“You’re young, Miss Grant,” Dr. Kimble said flatly. “You’ll have plenty of time to experience similar or even better adventures in the future.”

I folded my arms and scowled. “But not with my dad.”

There was a long pause as Dr. Kimble studied his screen again. “I see from my notes that your mother is getting married soon. How do you feel about that?”

Frowning, I said, “It’s terrible! It changes everything.”

Dr. Kimble leaned back in his chair. “But you’ll be getting a dad. That’s something missing currently in your life. You’ll have chances for new adventures. Create new memories.”

I shook my head. “It’s not the same!” I almost shouted. “He’s not my dad. He’ll never replace my dad.”

Dr. Kimble leaned forward and rested his arms on his desk. “Let me give you some information. You’re not alone in resisting being assimilated into your new life. But this is what we have found. The happiest of your group have discarded all those old memories that only serve to burden you. Once they’ve freed themselves from the past, they become happy, well adjusted little girls. That’s not to say they become mindless zombies. What they become is just like any other ten year old who never had the baggage of a past life. Their minds become free.”

I folded my arms tightly across my chest. “I don’t want to forget.”

Dr. Kimble sighed. “You might not have a choice in that. Everyone has a different time line, but so far most Switcher victims both here and in Europe will go native. They become little girls with no past and are generally happier. A few never manage to go completely native. You appear to be in this group.”

“You mean I won’t lose my memory?” I asked earnestly.

“Not completely,” said Dr. Kimble. “Or it may just take longer.” He picked up something from his desk. “But, we’re very concerned about your mental health, growing up and becoming a well-adjusted young woman. We’ve put together this packet designed to be used during a seven day period. The dosage is on the packet.” He put the packet on his desk right in front of me.

I picked up the packet. It was cardboard with a blister pack of pills arranged in four pills at one end, down to a single pill at the other. “What is this?”

Dr. Kimble smiled. “It’s your path to a happy and normal childhood. After completing the packet, you will no longer be burdened by those useless memories of a past life and you’ll be able to move forward as a normal, happy child.”

I dropped the packet back onto the desk as if it was radioactive. “I don’t want that. My memories aren’t a burden to me.”

“That was just a package of placebos. The actual med pack has been given to your mother,” said Dr. Kimble. “You’re not going to be forced to take these meds. But we highly recommend you do. Thank you for coming in today, Miss Grant. You’re free to go.”

Feeling overwhelmed, I got up and slowly left the office.

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 17
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

Other than telling me to get into the car and no, I couldn’t have any ice cream, Mom was relatively silent on the drive back home. She looked lost in thought.

Part of the pill pak was sticking out of her purse, which was sitting between us. She said nothing when I removed the pak from her purse and rolled it in my hand. Other than dosing instructions, there were no markings on the pak. No company logo, manufacturer, origin, date or anything useful in figuring out what the pills contained. Well, there was a warning not to take more than the specified dose, along with a phone number to call if you did.

The package also ominously stated “Water soluble.”

I hit the button to lower my window. Mom used her buttons to raise it back up and pressed the button that locks out all the other buttons so I couldn’t lower the window again.

Mom frowned at me. She said, “I know what you’re thinking, Buster. Don’t try that again!”

“Try what?” I asked as I uselessly pressed the now inactive button to lower the window.

Mom glanced over at me and said, “Put those back in my purse, please.”

I held the pill package tightly as I looked up at Mom. “You’re going to kill my brain, aren’t you?”

Mom frowned as she grabbed the packet from my grasp. “It doesn’t kill your brain.”

I started to cry. “It turns you into a fucking zombie!”

“It does not! And watch your mouth!” shouted Mom as she hit the brakes a bit too hard at the red light. She took a few deep breaths and looked over at me. “That’s not what it does, honey. What the nurse told me is that since you’re obsessing with those thoughts, the pills will help you lose focus on them that lets nature flush those dangerous old memories in a natural way.”

“Dangerous? Really?” I asked with a tinge of anger. “How can my memories be dangerous?”

As we accelerated away from the red light, Mom said, “Dangerous because those old memories from a life that’s no longer relevant to you can only bring pain and sadness. Chrystal, you deserve to have your own life. A life filled with new memories, new joys and yes, new sadness. A life uniquely yours, not saddled with old memories that aren’t you anymore.”

“But they are me!” I exclaimed. “Just last night, something on TV made me think back to when I was in the fifth grade before; that day Dad came up to school on Kite Day a week before school ended for the summer. Dad had a bought a new kite. He taught me how to get it in the air. And how to gain altitude. We – Dad and I – had our kite flying higher than anyone else! Yes. The memory of Dad no longer being here made me sad. But Mom! The memory of flying a kite together with Dad made me so happy!”

Mom glanced over at me as she ran her fingers through my hair. “But you can have new memories, Chrys. Oliver can come up to school and help you fly a kite.”

I folded my arms and frowned. “You don’t get it. It’s not about the freakin’ kite. It’d be fake with Oliver. He’d be trying to create a memory and it wouldn’t be the same. The memory of Dad and me was… was… was organic! It just happened. It was spontaneous and wonderful. And that’s why it’s so special. And besides, when the principal too over a few years ago, she banned kite day.”

Mom frowned at me as she drove into the driveway of our house. “Don’t go around declaring any new memories you make, with Oliver or anyone else as fake. You’re making memories all the time. And some memories will fade over time. I barely remember anything from those camping trips you’re always talking about.” She stopped talking and I thought she was done. I put my hand on the door handle and was about to open the door.

Touching my arm, Mom continued. “You know what I do remember from one camping trip? You dumped your can of fishing worms on my hair!” She started tickling me. “I wish I could forget that, you little monster!” I couldn’t help but giggle.

She stopped tickling me and suddenly looked wistful. “But you know what, honey? Your best memories are yet to be made. I’ll never forget my first kiss by a boy. Johnny Bartlett. I wonder where he is now? But you have that to look forward to.”

I screwed up my face as I opened my car door. “I think I’d rather have worms in my hair.” I closed my car door.

Mom took my hand to walk with me to the front door of the house. She grinned knowingly. “You say that now. But trust me. There’ll come a time when that will change.”

As Mom opened the front door, I said, “Even if that’s true, it doesn’t mean I want to lose my old memories. It’s not like my head is going to fill up.”

Mom set her purse on the kitchen counter and took the pill pak out and set it on the table. She said, “Go play. Don’t make too much noise though. I have a headache and I think I’ll lie down a bit before making dinner.”

Surprised, I asked, “I’m not going to school today?”

Mom shook her head at me. “Naw. I think we’ve had enough for today.” She took a couple of pain pills. “See you in an hour or so.” She went into her room and closed the door.

I entered the kitchen and picked up the pill pak and looked at it. I looked over at the sink. I could shove these down the garbage disposal. She wouldn’t be able to stop me. And afterwards, what could she do? Spank me? I sighed and put the pills back down. She’d just go back and get more pills.

I went to my room and changed from my dress to a cute set of sweatpants and t-shirt. I picked up Mr. Bunny and went back into the living room. I attached my thumb drive to the TV and settled in to watch an old episode of Gunsmith Cats.

*          *          *

“She’s asleep.”

I rolled over on my side when I felt sure that Mom had walked back into the kitchen. Once again, Oliver had come over for dinner. He might as well live here. He and Mom were sitting at the kitchen table with their after dinner Keurig coffee to have one of their many discussions after they were sure I’d gone to sleep.

“I feel so sorry for her,” said Oliver. “Most little girls don’t have to put up with so much shit.”

Mom sighed. “That’s why I feel it’s important to clear her mind of pointless and irrelevant memories. It just makes her unhappy.”

“Do those memories really do any harm? She thinks those memories help to define her.”

Mom grunted. “Trying to take her side so she’ll like you?”

“No, of course not.” Oliver declared. “It’s just that it created such a major source of contention between you two. I wish you’d told me sooner that Chrystal was a Switcher victim so I could have helped. You don’t have to do this alone.”

“I was scared. I was afraid I’d lose you over it.”

“I love you, baby,” said Oliver. “We’re in this together. I needed to know since she’s going to be my daughter too.” He chuckled. “I always wondered why that little girl was such smart-ass. But I have noticed that lately she’s been a much more normal child.”

Voice cracking with a cry, Mom said, “Oh, I love you so much too. Look. I’m not trying to be mean here. I certainly don’t want her to be a mindless zombie. The nurse told me that these pills,” Mom rattled the pill pak. “… will only ease her mind. It won’t alter her personality. That’s basically been set. The DHS claims they have a high success rate with these pills.”

Oliver said, “How exactly does the DHS define success?”

“The nurse said somewhere between 92% and 94% of the girls after taking the pills become completely normal ten year old girls with normal reading, math and retention levels. They laugh and cry pretty much as any girl.”

“And outside those ranges?” pressed Oliver.

There was a pause. Then Mom said, “About 2% experience no change. Um… and about 5% experience a blank mind. That’s very rare.”

“What do you mean, a blank mind?”

Mom paused for a long time. “Um… just that. They lose it all. They go into special care and are re-taught everything.”

“Five percent isn’t really good odds, considering.” Oliver said. “That’s too risky if you ask me.”

Mom said, “Are you suggesting I don’t do anything?”

There was a pause and then Oliver said, “I’m suggesting we wait it out a for a while and see what happens if nature takes its course.”

Mom said, “I just want what’s best for my daughter.”

Oliver said, “And I want what’s best for our daughter.”

I couldn’t fight off sleep any longer…

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 18
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

It was unreal. I mean seriously. Four months ago, I was a miserable sixty-five year old man battling arthritis and constant indigestion before changing into a ten year old girl. Being ten is a definite improvement over sixty-five except being forced to go back to school. But it was being a girl that was the most horrific aspect of my new change. Facing a future of boys, proms, make-up, frilly clothes and getting pregnant, not necessarily in that order, left me depressed. Maybe most ten year old girls look forward to all that crap, but not me.

That was four months ago.

Oh, my attitude hasn’t changed. I just stopped screaming about it. Now my future has become even more murky.

It’s Christmas Eve and I’m curled up on a couch holding Mr. Bunny and wrapped in a blanket watching the lights blink on a Christmas tree. Neither the couch nor the tree belong to Mom or me and therein lies the problem. We’re spending the holidays at Oliver’s parents’ house. That would be bad enough. I’ve never had my cheeks pinched so much before. No. Worse than my future doting grandparents is my future bitch aunt. Oliver’s sister still lives at home with said future grandparents and she does not approve of Mom… or me for that matter.

I wasn’t watching it, but a TV next to the Christmas tree was showing a worn out VHS (yes, VHS!) tape of the Grinch. The streaks on the video was bad enough, but the image itself on the TV screen was hard to watch with the whites fading to a little yellowish and other colors bleeding over and the picture has a slight blossoming… blooming? I forget what it’s called. Oliver’s parents’ TV has a freaking nineteen inch CRT! resting in a massive wooden cabinet. The speaker rattles when the sound has a lot of bass. I feel like we’re spending our holiday at the Smithsonian.

“Maybe we should talk in the kitchen,” Oliver said in a soft voice. “She’ll hear us.”

“Nah. That little twerp is asleep,” said my future bitch aunt otherwise known as Catherine.

I could see the frown in Oliver’s voice as he said, “You need to be nicer to Chrystal. She’s going to be your niece soon.”

“I need to be nice? I heard that little brat telling that stupid bunny of hers that it shouldn’t call Aunt Catherine a cunt. A ten year old! The fact that a girl her age knows such words is a sign of bad parenting.”

With a chuckle in his voice, Oliver said, “Well, she’s right. Mr. Bunny shouldn’t say that.”

Catherine growled, “See? You encourage it. Honestly, Ollie, I don’t know what you see in that woman.”

Oliver sighed. “Look. She’s beautiful. She’s intelligent…” Catherine snerked at that point. “What do you have against her?”

“For starters she has that brat kid,” sneered Catherine. “Do you really want an instant family? Don’t you want your own kid?”

“So Dede should be punished because she has a child? What kind of man would I be to reject her for that reason?”

“A smart one,” said his lovely, loving sister. “Her daughter is a little hellion. She doesn’t even know who the father is!”

“He’s dead,” said Oliver with a tinge of anger in his voice. And that’s sad but true. Both my parents are dead.

“Oh.” There was a long pause. “But still. She’s not a great mother to her own child. What about when she has yours?” Oh come on, Uncle Daddy. He hates it when I call him that. Let her know I used to be a man.

Sounding furious, Oliver said, “I will not tolerate you talking that way about the woman I love. I don’t need your permission to marry her. And to be fair to Dede, she really wasn’t ready to be a mommy yet.”

Catherine chuckled. “I bet.”

“Why do I even talk to you?”

The conversation was thankfully cut off by the return of Mom and Oliver’s parents returning from the backyard.

Mom said, “Brrr! It’s cold out there.”

I heard Oliver stand up. “Well come here, baby. I’ll warm you up.” I heard them kiss. I’m glad I had my eyes closed.

Aunt Catherine said, “Hey Mom! Are there any leftovers left?”

I heard someone step next to me. “Looks like I better get little sleepyhead here to bed so Santa can arrive.”

Oliver chuckled. “Yeah. She’s got a big day tomorrow. You should never have told Mom she likes dolls.”

Mom giggled. “Did she go overboard?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you pick her up for me? She’s getting heavy,” said Mom.

As she was munching on something, Aunt Catherine said, “Doesn’t surprise me, the way she was putting away those cookies this afternoon.”

As he scooped me up, Oliver said, “Cat, can you just lay off?”

“Just sayin’.”

As Oliver gently set me down on the bed I was sleeping on for the holidays, Mom asked, “What’s this bug Cat has up her ass?”

Oliver sighed as he pulled the covers over me. “She’s just doing what she does best.”

I giggled to myself. Yeah. Being a bitch.

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 19
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

“Come on, Bunky. Let’s go see what Santa brought you.”

“Huh? Mrrph?”

Mom tickled me. “Hey! Merry Christmas, Chrys. Don’t you want to see what Santa brought you?”

I heard a loud yawn behind Mom and then Uncle Dad said, “Do you guys always get up this early on Christmas morning?” I shook my head. Not since I was a little gi… um boy. Oh.

I started to get out of bed. I asked Mom, “Did Santa come? Did he eat his cookie?”

Mom, who was far more excited than she should have been said, “Yes he did!”

Oliver said in a grumpy voice, “You should have left him a beer.”

Standing outside the room, Aunt Catherine said with a yawn, “Do we all have to get up now?”

From the hall, Oliver’s mom said, “Hey, I think we had a visitor last night.” I joke around about Oliver’s parents, but they are nice people who just want to make Christmas morning exciting for a little girl. So I’m going to play along.

Mom giggled, “Take Me-maw’s hand so you don’t get lost on the way to the living room, honey.” Oliver’s parents wanted me to call them Me-maw and Pee-paw. Sadly, my and Mom’s actual grandparents were no longer with us. They both were killed in a crash during a motorcycle race. It was a side-hack race with Grandma as the monkey. Both at seventy-five years old, Dad had urged them to retire. Years before that, Grandpa raced flat-track. A couple of their trophies sit above the fire place. I smiled that I remembered that.

As we approached the living room, I have to admit I was curious what the odd dark shapes were. Then Pee-paw turned on a lamp, revealing a Barbie doll house, a large doll almost as big as me, reminding me of a female Chucky and a large stuffed pink bear that I’ve seen being sold at a local restaurant. I had an irrational fear of the giant doll.

Laughing I ran up to the doll house and said, “Look, Mom! A Barbie doll house!” Okay. I’ll admit I asked for that.

The doorbell rang. It was still pitch black outside. Looking perplexed, Oliver answered the door. His face suddenly lit up with a big grin.

“George! What a surprise! What are you doing down this way?” There was a woman and some bratty looking boy a little older than me with George.

George shook Oliver’s hand. The woman just looked embarrassed. The boy picked his nose.

Grinning, George said, “Hey Ollie. I knew I wouldn’t be able to make it down this way for your wedding, so I thought we’d drop by for Christmas.” My aunt just stood to one side with her arms folded while looking annoyed.

Oliver grinned and pointed at me and Mom. “Guys, come here and meet my cousin George and his wife Molly and their son Butch. And guys, this is my fiancée Denise and her beautiful daughter Chrystal.”

Mom smiled and said, “You can call me Dede.”

Butch kicked my doll house and said, “Girls are stupid.” Considering who the women in this house are choosing to procreate with, I can’t really argue with him.

From his place sitting on the couch, Pee-paw said, “Since everyone is here, let’s open the presents!”

Uncle Dad chuckled, “Good idea, Dad. I’ll play Santa this year.” He then pulled a wrapped box from under the Christmas tree. “Looks like Dad goes first.”

I sat on the floor near Mom while Oliver passed out the presents. I kept hoping the large doll was actually a robot that would decide to protect me and take out Butch. But alas and alack that didn’t happen.

I have to say, I made out like a bandit. All things considered. I got a ton of Barbie clothes (and yes I asked for those. So sue me.), A Ken doll and some friend of Barbie, two new dresses for me, an AKIRA pajama set that who the hell knows how Oliver got hold of such a thing. Oliver is now my new favorite Uncle Daddy. It has a great picture of Kaneda on his motorcycle. Mom was not happy. I also got the prerequisite multiple pairs of panties, some cute earrings and several bracelets. Me-Maw got me an eye shadow palette. Mom told her I’m not allowed to wear make-up yet but she’d make an exception for today. When I unwrapped the eye shadow and held it up for everyone to see, Butch simply uttered “Yuck” Butch was more astute than I gave him credit for.

After all the presents were distributed, Oliver helped Pee-paw pick up all the shredded wrapping paper. George just sat in the recliner drinking a glass of the adult tainted egg nog.

Mom took my hand and said, “Come on honey. Give Mommy a hand in the kitchen.” Me-maw and Aunt Catherine were busy preparing the breakfast, providing me with a preview of the domesticated nightmare awaiting me in the future.

“What do you need me to do?” I asked dutifully.

Mom pointed at a glass bowl and a stack of a egg packages. “You remember how to crack an egg, right?”

I hefted an egg in my hand and scowled at Aunt Catherine. “Yeah, I know how to crack an egg.”

My aunt took a step back from me and exclaimed, “Don’t you dare!”

I then tilted my head and gave her an innocent look. “What do you mean, Aunt Catherine?”

Pointing at me, she said, “I have my eye on you.” I giggled and starting breaking eggs into the bowl.

Me-maw looked over at Mom and said, “Dee, Cherish these moments with your daughter.”

Catherine snorted a laugh and said, “Yeah, because once she discovers boys, you’ll probably rarely see her.”

Mom frowned slightly. “Thank you for that moving sentiment.”

I only dropped one egg. On Catherine’s foot.

*          *          *

After everyone had stuffed themselves silly with breakfast and sitting around looking bored, George sat up and said, “Hey guys what do you think of this. While the women are cooking the turkey and pies, how about we go see that new Tommy Kincaid movie No Time for Samurai. Ollie, I think it even has some of that Japanese music you like.”

Oliver said, “Hey cool. I’ve wanted to see that. Honey? Would you like to go?”

Mom shook her head. “I’m not going to abandon your mother to cook everything by herself. Chrystal and I will just stay here and help out.”

I turned away from playing with my new doll house and said, “Mom! I’d like to go. I’ve heard this is Tommy Kincaid’s best movie yet.”

Mom shook her head again. “Sorry honey. I’ve heard it’s very violent, so no. You can’t go see it. But you can help Me-maw and me.” My favorite manga right now is Gunsmith Cats where a young girl blows people up with hand grenades. I think I can handle an action flick. I sighed.

Aunt Catherine shrugged and said, “Yeah, what the hell. I’ll go.”

Looking embarrassed, Molly looked over at Mom and said, “I think I’ll just stay and help you guys.”

George stood up. “Movie starts in forty-five minutes. Let’s go guys. Butch, go pee.”

I pointed at Butch and whined, “Mommm! I wanna go!”

Mom shook her head. “I said no.” Butch chuckled.

I wanted to throw a tantrum but I knew after Mom says no, it’s over.

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 20
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

After the guys and Aunt Catherine left to go see the movie, us girls, Molly and me and Mommy makes three, well four when you include Me-Maw, gathered in the kitchen. Before leaving, Oliver had helped Me-Maw shove the turkey into the oven. Not much else to do except stare at each other for three hours.

I folded my arms and glared at Mom. “Well, this is exciting.”

Mom frowned at me. “Are you going to mitch and bone all afternoon about that movie?”

I leaned against the kitchen counter. “That’s the plan.”

Sitting at the small kitchen table, Mom took another sip of her coffee and said, “Honey, I just don’t think you’re old enough for such a violent movie.”

I stiffened as I folded my arms tighter as I studied the floor. “You know that ain’t true. You know… for reasons.” Reasons like I’m really your older brother. If Me-Maw were told that, all the bobby pins would pop out of her hair. And Molly… I think just saying good morning to her would cause her to get all verklempt.

I looked up at Mom. “Besides. It’s a comedy.”

Mom took another sip of her coffee. “Maybe when you’re older.” She’s really letting this Mom business go to her head.

Me-Maw stepped next to me and with her fingers, brushed my hair out of my eyes. “Did you have a good Christmas, Chrystal?”

I nodded. I looked up at her and said, “I did, Me-Maw. Thank you for the doll house and the dolls.”

Me-Maw’s face beamed. “You’re very welcome, honey. I wished I had a doll house like that when I was a girl.” Actually, I think there were doll houses like that when she was as kid. She didn’t grow up in the 1800’s. She ruffled my hair. “I need a little helper today in the kitchen. Do you think you can do that?”

I smiled at her and said, “Sure, Me-maw!” As if I’d tell the old lady to take a hike. Mom smiled at me. Molly smiled at me as well. I had a weird feeling I was being initiated into a club. A club of domesticated housewives. Okay, Mom isn’t married yet, but she soon will be. And I’m being domesticated right before my very eyes. I wondered when I’d officially become a member of the coven. In the back of my head, I could hear Admiral Ackbar shouting “It’s a trap!” But what can I do?

Me-Maw opened the oven door and pulled out the pan with the turkey in it. She said, “Time to baste the turkey. Why don’t you do it, Chrys? Use this step stool to get high enough.” She slid a step stool up to the stove.

After carefully standing on the stool and hopefully fulfilled my basting task correctly Me-Maw said, “Why don’t you go play? I’ll call you back when we need you.”

Thank God I said to myself. I turned to Mom as I started to leave the kitchen and asked, “Can I go outside?”

Mom nodded. “Be sure to wear your jacket. It’s still cold outside.” Not wanting to risk Mom changing her mind, I bounded to the hall closet and retrieved my jacket and quickly put it on. I opened the front door and almost ran out into the yard.

The air was a bit nippy and it amused me to see my breath in the air. The atmosphere inside the kitchen had been getting slowly oppressive. And a bit too warm. I left my jacket opened and just outstretched my arms and spun around, enjoying the cool air. The predicted snow never arrived. In fact, the sun was out and the sky a deep blue.

My giggling and spinning came to a halt when I saw the boy standing on the sidewalk. He looked to be maybe twelve and was wearing a zipped up jacket with some sports team label on it.

He grinned at me and said, “Hi.”

Ducking beneath the leafless branches of the tree in the yard, I took a few steps towards him, stopping just outside arms reach of him. Cleverly, I said, “Hi.”

Still smiling at me, he pointed at the house and asked, “Do you live here?”

For some reason, I made a quick look back to verify there was indeed a house there. I just said, “No. It’s my grandparents’ house.” Technically that’s not true yet.

He nodded. “I didn’t think I’d seen you before.” He pointed at the house next door and said, “That’s my house. My name’s Liam.”

I smiled at him. “Nice to meet you, Liam. I’m Chrystal.”

His smile broadened. He said, “That’s a pretty name.” Such a smooth operator. “Do you go to Ross?” I assumed he meant Ross elementary. He inclined his head in the general direction of the school.

“No. Actually, I live across town.” Liam looked a bit deflated on hearing that news.

Standing a bit taller, Liam announced, “I go to Milam Middle School. I’m in the seventh grade.”

Dashing his hopes of romance, I said, “I’m in the fifth grade at Crocket.”

Liam nodded. “I went to Ross.” I bet I could have guessed that.

Two adults exited Liam’s house and walked towards the car parked in the driveway. As the man got into the car, the woman called out, “Honey! Let’s go.”

Turning around for a second, Liam shouted, “Coming, Mom!” He turned back to me wearing a grin. “We’re going to go see that new Tommy Kincaid movie. Later!” He turned and ran to his car and climbed inside.

I waved to the car as it backed out of the driveway. Why you little rat bastard, I said to myself.

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 21
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

I remained in the front yard of Oliver’s parents’ house for another twenty minutes or so not doing much more than crunching on the fallen leaves of the large tree in the yard. I started to feel a little chilled, but not bad enough to go back inside. It surprise me how no one but me was outside. In my cynical mind, I assumed everyone was at the Tommy Kincaid movie.

I walked to the side of the house and saw a gate that led to the backyard. I reached up and flipped the latch to open the gate. I was surprised to see a small gazebo-like structure. I sat down on the built-in bench seat and looked around the yard. I smiled as I thought how nice it’d be to come out here to read or relax in the spring or summer when all the flowers were in bloom.

There were stones arranged on the yard that made a path from the back door to the back gate. Naturally, I felt inclined to step on each stone until I reached the gate. I frowned at the latch as it had a padlock on it. I rattled the gate and stopped when it seemed to start a dog across the alley barking.

The dog ruining the peaceful setting, I walked back through the side gate and latched it closed. I again looked up and down the street, disappointed at not seeing anyone else my age or close to it that I could talk to or play with.

I suddenly felt chilled and decided I should probably go back inside. As I opened the door, I was enveloped in a blanket of warm air. I took my jacket off and tossed it on the couch instead of hanging it up. Everyone was still in the kitchen and were sitting at the kitchen table.

Mom looked up as I entered the kitchen. “Hey Bunky. Did you have fun playing outside? Wasn’t it a little cold?”

“Yeah. I was just messing around. And it wasn’t that cold.” I sat at the kitchen table taking the last empty seat.

Me-Maw was looking out the kitchen window into the backyard. “What the devil got that dog across the alley-way barking?” She turned to look at me and smiled, “I see you met the neighbor’s boy, Lee-something.”

Looking at my hands, I just said, “Liam.”

Me-Maw nodded. “That’s right. He’s a good boy. Always polite.”

Mom grinned at me. “Oh. You met a boy? Did you like him?”

I frowned at Mom. “He’s a boy. With boy cooties. He’s also in middle school. And worst of all, he went to see that Tommy Kincaid movie. I’ll be an old lady with blue hair and tennis shoes before I get to see it.”

Me-Maw lifted her leg and wiggled her foot. “Do you like my tennis shoes?” She chuckled as she turned to take a look at the oven.

Mom shook her head at me. “Be nice.”

“Well it’s true!” I exclaimed, allowing myself to get melodramatic.

Mom rolled her eyes at me. “I’m sure you’ll get to see it before you get blue hair.”

I folded my arms on the table and laid my chin on my arms and scowled at the world.

Molly looked over at me. “You must have a really big crush on Tommy Kincaid.”

I sat bolt upright and exclaimed, “I do not!” Molly and Mom both giggled at me. I took a deep breath and looked over at Mom. “Can I be excused?”

Looking up, Mom said, “Check with Me-Maw first.”

I walked up to Me-Maw and asked, “Do you have anything for me?”

She smiled. “I think we’re good for now.”

Grinning, I bolted from the kitchen and ran towards the spare bedroom where Mom and I were sleeping. Mom shouted, “No running!”

I jumped up on the bed and found Mom’s laptop and turned it on. I brought up YouTube, logged in with my own personal password and opened my channel. I only managed to digitize about twenty home movies before Mom locked them all way. The powers-that-be had decided that preventing people like me from viewing my past would help me deal with the future. Well, I know that’s bullshit. I picked a memory at random and started watching.

I couldn’t help but giggle watching me as a fifteen year old boy helping Dad set up our tent when we camped on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I laughed hysterically when I watched that teenage me bounce a pinecone off Dede’s head.

And then I watched as Dad and a twelve year old me prepare an Estes Saturn V model rocket by placing the large C rocket engine into the engine holder at the bottom of the rocket. Dad helped mount the rocket to launching base and Dad placed the electric squib inside the engine. I watched the boy me not much older than my current age jump up and down as the rocket took off. It didn’t just zip up into the air. It went slower than I was expecting with a realistic rotation.

And then I relived the agony of watching my poor rocket when the charge fired that was supposed to pop the capsule and eject the parachutes. Instead, I’d used the wrong glue and the engine compartment shot out the bottom. My beautiful Saturn V rocket arched over and nose-dived into the dirt. I didn’t cry. But I was clearly not happy. I remembered building a second Saturn V, but my career as a rocketeer was over. It never flew. I sighed.

And then the front door opened and Oliver and the rest noisily entered the house. I heard Mom shout, “Chrystal! Get ready for dinner!” I quickly X’d out of YouTube and closed the display on the laptop.

I ran to the bathroom and quickly washed my hands. I met Oliver on my way out. He grinned at me and as he ruffled my hair he said, “Hey Sport.”

As I entered the kitchen, my aunt from hell was telling Me-Maw, “That was an awesome movie! So much action!”

Cousin George added, “I was surprised they used so much practical effects. And Tony Kincaid has so many quick one-liners!” Do you mean “Tommy” I said to myself as I rolled my eyes at him.

Aunt Catherine giggled, “Oh yeah. He’s hilarious. And gorgeous!” She pointed at me and said, “You would have loved it.” I scowled at her.

Oliver said, "I was surprised that Japanese girl band Moxie performed that much music."

Butch shrugged. “I fell asleep.”

Pe-Paw chuckled. “I did too.”

Me-Maw said, “Ollie, you want to help me with the turkey?” I thought, “which one?”

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 22
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

“Quit squirming and sit still.”

“I don’t want my finger nails painted!” I protested as my aunt from hell tried to grab my hand.

Aunt Catherine frowned as she grabbed my hand. “Look, girl. I promised your mother to get you all pretty while she got ready to go out.”

“I don’t want to go anywhere!” I scowled as Aunt Catherine held the brush of bright pink nail polish.

“Give me a break,” sighed my aunt. “Your Me-Maw has always attended the evening service on Christmas day. Mom likes to have all the family dressed up for a picture by the tree and then attend the service with her. Now is that too much to ask?”

I frowned at my aunt. “I’m not family.”

Aunt Christine laughed. “Squirt, as far as Mom is concerned, your Mother and Ollie are as good as married. Me-Maw just adores you. Get over it. Now hold still.”

I wasn’t happy, but I stopped resisting and let my alleged aunt do my nails. She had done my toe nails when I had taken a nap. A little white dress with pink accents also awaited me. It would be just above my knees and have short, puffy sleeves. And white, patent leather shoes. She braided my hair as well while I was napping. I’m never sleeping again.

Earlier for dinner, I helped with the potatoes, the green beans, the dinner rolls and I forget what all else. Pe-Paw carved the turkey. After we were all seated and as I was reaching for a roll, Me-Maw asked me to say grace. I was very tempted to just say “Grace.” I couldn’t bring myself to do so as it was Me-Maw who asked. Me-Maw went out of her way to inform everyone I had helped prepare dinner and what a wonderful little homemaker I was going to be.

Aunt Christine said, “Okay, now I’m going to put a little make-up on you. Don’t look at me that way. It’s just a little bit and some pink lipstick. I understand the whole tomboy shtick, but you really need to grow out of that. You’re too pretty for that.” After a few minutes of work, she stepped back and grinned at me. “Girl, you are totally gorgeous! I’m serious. Here, take a gander.” She held up a mirror in front of me.

I was shocked. I couldn’t believe how pretty I looked. I couldn’t help but smile at my image. I had a sneaking suspicion that more dresses were in my future. My slide into the pink side seems inevitable.

Aunt Christine gave me an approving look. “Now let’s get you into that cute dress.” I made no fight to wear the dress. It’s like the Borg. Resistance was futile. Mom almost cried when she saw me in it.

We all loaded up into Pe-Paw’s mini-van for the drive to the church. I couldn’t even remember the last time I was in a church. It was already getting dark when we arrived. Oliver opened the side door and I jumped down to the ground. I was immediately hit with an icy blast of cold.

Mom took my hand. “Come on, baby. Let’s hurry up and get inside where it’s warm.” I couldn’t disagree. Oliver took my other hand and smiled at me. All three of us walked together towards the church.

Upon entering, Mom took my jacket and for a moment, left me standing alone in my dress amid strangers. Me-Maw eventually stood next to me.

An elderly woman stepped next to me and smiled as she bent down to look at me. “Now who is this adorable little thing?”

Me-Maw grinned as she placed her hand on my shoulder. “This is Chrystal. My new granddaughter.” I just stood there, embarrassed all to hell. It’s not official yet.

Another elderly woman walked up to us. “This is your granddaughter? What a lovely child. You must be so proud!” I just smiled weakly, wanting desperately to run away.

The first woman who spoke said to Me-Maw, “I had no idea Ollie’s fiancée had a child.” I’m standing right here.

Me-Maw said, “Oh yes. Denise is a dear girl. It’s not easy being a single parent.”

The second woman said, “You’re going to have fun spoiling this little girl rotten!”

Me-Maw laughed. “You can say that again!” Terrific.

I looked over at Mom conversing with several other people. Mom enjoys meeting and talking to people. Me? Even before my life was ruined by that switcher bastard, I avoided social situations. But Mom? She was in her element. And she looked absolutely beautiful in her dress. Oliver darn well better appreciate what he’s getting.

Mom looked… well, she looked happy.

My mind had wandered off and so I was surprised when Mom took my hand again. “Come on, honey. Let’s go sit down.” She led me to a pew where the whole family was seated together. I got to sit at the end.

Two boys kept staring at me. I sighed. Couldn’t boys wait a couple of years before they start looking at me? I pulled my phone from my purse and was about to start a game. Mom looked over at me and I’m surprised the glare from my Mom didn’t melt the phone. I sighed and put it back inside my purse.

When the sermon ended, it was apparent we weren’t going to just leave right away. It seemed Mom wanted to congregate with the congregation. After being dragged around and introduced as my Mom’s little girl, Mom finally looked down at me and said, “We’re going to be here a bit longer. Why don’t you go play with the other children.” There was something irritating about the way she said “children.”

I wandered over to look at the really big Christmas tree. Despite its size, I thought it was boring as it only had one color of lights. I like a little variety. At home, we had some Christmas lights and decorations that our parents had bought before I was even born. Before Mom hid it, there was an ornament that read “Baby’s First Christmas” with the year of my first Christmas stamped on it. After I was hit by the Switcher, as an old man, I would cry when I held it.

My reverie was interrupted by a boy seemingly appearing by magic next to me. Smiling, he said, “Hi. My name’s Thom. What’s yours?” Why aren’t boys terrified to talk to girls anymore? When I was his age originally you couldn’t drag me to talk to a girl.

I sighed. “My name’s Chrystal.”

“I’ve never seen you before,” said Thom astutely.

I just looked at Thom coldly. “I don’t live here.”

Thom, no longer able to think of anything clever to say, said, “Oh.”

Another boy came bounding up, a bit more animated than Thom. He said, “You wanna play Nintendo? They have some games in the play room.” That would certainly beat just standing around.

I smiled and said, “Sure!”

We all turned and ran to the play room. Turns out the game system was actually a Play Station 2. Well, that’s okay. I quickly searched for any good games, but my efforts were in vain. It was stupid think that a church would have Grand Theft Auto or Resident Evil. They did have Mortal Kombat and that’s what we wound up playing.

After beating him three times in a row, Thom said, “You play pretty good. You know. For a girl.”

“Oh, there you are,” said the familiar voice of my Mom. “Come on, Sweetheart. It’s time to go.” She took my hand to lead me through the church to the minivan waiting outside.

Thom waved and said, “Bye Chrystal.”

Mom looked down at me and asked, “Did you meet a little friend?”

I shook my head and said, “No.” Thankfully, I’ll never see the little twerp again.

We all climbed up into Pe-Paw’s minivan. Mom looked excited as we slowly drove from the church parking lot.

Mom said, “Oliver, I liked that little church. Honey, do you think we could start going there on Sundays? I really liked the preacher and I liked that they had a lot of children there that were Chrystal’s age.”

Seriously?

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 23
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

“We need to talk.”

“I have homework to do.”

Mom frowned at me. “We really need to talk.” Oliver sat down next to Mom.

I sighed and closed my text book as it was obvious neither Mom or Oliver was going to go away. “Okay. Talk about what?” I looked from Mom to Oliver and back again.

Looking at me seriously, Mom said, “You know what.”

I laughed and pointed at Mom. “Chicken butt!” Mom scowled at me. Oliver tried very hard not to crack a smile.

Angry, Mom said, “Stop acting like a child!”

Striking a pose with an air of sophistication, I said, “I must say, my dear mother. Just how exactly do you wish me to act? One moment it is demanded of me to act my age and then…”

Oliver interrupted my bad behavior with a glare that I’m sure I’ll be seeing all too often in my future and said, “Chrystal. Cut the shit. Now.”

I looked down at my hands and said quietly, “Yes, sir.”

Scowling, Mom asked, “Are you quite through?” Mom’s cheeks glowed with an anger hotter than the molten core of Chernobyl at maximum thermal runaway.

Sighing deeply, I said, “Yes, ma’am.”

Taking a deep breath, Mom said, “Actually, antics like this is one of the things we need to talk about.” Mom just glared at me for a minute. “Just because that little boy that lives next to Me-Maw thought you were hilarious doesn’t mean that it’s appropriate for a young lady to behave in such a manner.” I smiled at the memory of talking to Liam just before we left.

“Why not?” I asked innocently.

Mom frowned. “A young lady should be more demure… and not a vaudeville act.”

“I thought you wanted me to talk to boys!” I exclaimed. “That’s all I was doing!”

Oliver gesturing with his hand said, “She just wants you to tone down the comedy act, okay?”

Still frowning, Mom said, “You’re not a college frat boy. Got that? This isn’t even what I wanted to talk about.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m listening.”

Mom threw up her hands. “Where does she get this attitude?”

Oliver smirked. “I can’t imagine.”

Mom frowned. “I didn’t ask you.” She then looked intently at me. “Chrys, in a word, your behavior sucks. The wedding is a week from today! You’re the ring girl. And you act like, well, like I said, a college frat boy instead of a little lady.”

I glowered at Mom. “I was never in a fraternity and I didn’t get to grow up into being a…” I did air quotes, “… little lady so I’m having to wing it. So excuse me all to hell, okay?”

Mom fumed. “You insufferable little brat!” She turned to Oliver. “Can we rent a kid for the wedding?”

Oliver threw up his arms and shouted, “Everyone just needs to calm the fuck down!”

Mom punched Oliver in the chest. “Don’t talk like that around my daughter!”

Scowling at Mom, Oliver snarled, “Your daughter was a college frat boy, so I doubt she’s never heard that before.”

Mom was about to say something when I stuck two fingers in my mouth and blew a loud whistle. “Time out, guys. For the record, I was never in a fraternity and both of you are driving me insane!”

Mom waved her arms. “Okay, okay. The frat boy is right. Let’s just calm down. All I want is for Chrystal to behave. Chrys, you’re a very pretty young lady. I know it’s unfair for your life to change so much. But this is what we have. This wedding is very important to me…” She looked over at Oliver. “To both of us. Is it too much to ask that you act like the beautiful young lady that you are?”

“Beautiful?”

Oliver grinned. “Just as beautiful as your mother.”

“Seriously?”

Mom said, “I’d never joke about something like that. You’ll be gorgeous in your dress.”

I said, “Okay. You sold me. But just this once.”

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 24
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

“You’re back.”

I grinned slightly. “It would seem so.” Oliver, or should we call him Uncle Daddy, had bought me a bicycle to use during my exile at Me-Maw’s while he and Mom went on their honeymoon. “Hey Liam.” Naturally, my hope for a quick ride was foiled. The weather is perfect for a bike ride. Mom wanted a spring wedding.

“Are you back for good?” asked Liam. “I saw your dad bringing in some boxes.”

I shook my head. “He won’t be my dad until tomorrow.”

“How does that work?” asked a girl a little younger than me who showed up along with Liam.

Liam laughed. “Oh yeah. This is Amelia. She’s my other neighbor. Amelia, this is Chrystal. My sometimes neighbor.”

Amelia giggled. “Oh hi, Chrystal. Howcome he’s not your dad?”

I sighed. “He has to marry my mom and then legally adopt me.”

Looking disappointed, Liam said, “So you’re not moving here?”

I shook my head. “Naw. Just gonna stay for a week.”

Everyone was silent for a moment or two. Liam perked up and asked, “You want to go for a ride?”

I pointed at my bike. “Well, duh.”

Liam’s face lit up. “Wait here. I’ll get my bike!” He ran off to his house and opened the garage door. A moment later he came riding up on his bicycle.

Amelia pouted. “No fair! I don’t have a bike!”

Liam furrowed his brown. “I thought Santa was going to bring you a new bike.”

She folded her arms and continued to pout. “I thought so too.”

Liam shook his head. “Sorry. Come on Chrystal. Let’s go.” He then sped into the street. Apparently going for a ride with Liam means following him. Oh well. As long as I get away from the house for a bit.

My world ends tomorrow. I mean, there’s no other way to think of it. While not perfect, life with just Mom and me or maybe more accurately, Dede and me, is at least family. We share the same history, the same parents and almost the same DNA. I’ve learned that my DNA is slightly off from Dede. It irks me…we’re less alike as siblings and more like I was her offspring.

But now, enter the X factor. Oliver. When he adopts me, he’ll have full parental rights over me. Right now, I can ignore him or tell him to go to hell, which I have done on occasion which really pisses Mom off. I guess I still can, but now his authority over me carries more weight.

And now he’s trying to buy me off. Like this bicycle. I asked for a Triumph Bonneville T120 but he insisted I wasn’t old enough. He also bought me a couple Barbie playset. And a set of really nice earrings, which I was wearing at the moment. Does he think he can buy his way into my heart? Hah! The more fool he. But I have to admit the earrings are really cute.

Bottom line, I wasn’t interested in having a father, unless it was my real one and that’s not possible. I know it will make Mom happy, but does no one care about me?

Liam wheeled his bicycle off the street and onto the sidewalk and then up into someone’s driveway. He jumped off his bicycle and it crashed in these people’s yard. Liam ran into the open garage shouting “Willy! Willy!” I heard a door close from inside the garage. It was too big, but there was a pool table inside the garage.

“Hey Liam!” called a shirtless kid as he stepped out of his family’s garage. “What’s going on?”

Standiing in front of the garage entrance, Liam said, “I wanted to show Chrystal your new pool table!”

I stopped my bike next to Liam.

Willy grinned at me. “Hi Chrystal. You rode over here to see our new pool table?”

I shook my head. “I was just following Liam.” I studied Willy’s face a moment. He’s actually a cute kid.

Liam grinned. “Isn’t it cool? I wish we had one!”

I nodded. “It’s cool. But it kinda kills the garage.”

Willy laughed. “Yeah. Mom wants it out of here. Wanna play?”

Liam grinned. “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

I said, “I can’t stay too long. Nobody knows where I am and I don’t know how to get back.” If I had known I was going on a big tour of the neighborhood, I wouldn’t have left my phone at the house.

Willy smiled broadly at me which kinda gave me the willies. “Ah, I bet you have time for at least one game.”

Liam walked into the garage and picked up a pool cue. “Ah come on, Chrystal. Just one game?”

Willy grinned. “I can show you how to play.” I grunted. Look at this seventh grader putting the moves on me.

A woman, who I assumed was Willy’s mother, came into the garage. “Hi Liam. Would you and your little friend like some punch?”

Liam raised his hand and shouted, “I would!”

Normally, I’d turn down an offer of food or drink from a total stranger, but since she knows Liam and he’s not dead, I’d have to assume her punch isn’t lethal. And being thirsty, I said, “Yes, ma’am.”

I turned to Liam and said, “Just one game and then you need to take me home.”

Willy’s grin stretched across his face. “All right!” Willy started rolling balls onto the table. A moment later he started racking the balls. He handed me a cue stick. “You break. Do you need me to show you how to hold the stick?”

I shook my head. “I’ve played before.”

I was lining up my shot for the break when I felt someone pressing into me from behind and someone putting their hands on mine. Willy said, “No. No. You’re holding it all wrong. Let me show you.”

I stepped away and stood stiffly. Pointing at Willy, I said “Touch me again and I’ll put this stick where the sun don’t shine.”

Looking indignant, Willy said, “I was just trying to help.”

Grinning, I said, “I see many faceslaps in your future.” Willy frowned at me.

We played for half an hour. Liam didn’t sink one ball. I won.

Liam and I started to get back on our bicycles. I said, “Thanks for the game and the punch.”

Willy asked, “Where did you learn to play like that?”

I just grinned. “Beginners’ luck. Show me how to get home, Liam.”

When we arrived back at my grandparent’s house, I said, “Why did you take me to your friend’s house? I just wanted to ride.”

Liam shrugged. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d care. Willy wanted to meet you.”

“Are you serious? How would he know about me?”

Liam shrugged. “Sorry. I didn’t mean nothin’ by it. It’s just that after you visited during Christmas, I mentioned you to him. He said if you came back, to bring you over.”

I frowned deeply at Liam. “Don’t do that again.” I rolled my bike into my grandparent’s backyard and then went into the house to watch cartoons. Willy definitely gave me the willies.

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 25
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

“Stand still, brat,” growled my soon to be official aunt Catherine.

“I don’t want to wear make-up!” I complained.

My aunt glared at me. “Of course you do. All little girls want to wear make-up. I couldn’t wait to start.”

I frowned. “I’m not you. Thank God.”

“Look, brat,” growled my lovely and sweet aunt, “You’re the ring bearer and you’re going to have rosy cheeks. We can either pinch your cheeks or we can use make-up. I can tell you which one I’d enjoy more.”

I narrowed my eyes at my aunt. “Okay. You win. This time.”

As she started brushing on my make-up, Aunt Catherine said, “You should be happy for your mother. This is the biggest day of her life. Aside from giving birth to you, I guess.”

I like to think I was grown in a lab.

It was D-Day… Doom’s Day. Otherwise known as Mom’s wedding day. It was chaos at my new grandparents’ house. The house wasn’t new. The grandparents were. Sort of. Mom was getting ready at our house. Claire was helping her cry and get dressed. She was also Mom’s Maid of Honor.

Oliver was getting ready at the grandparents’ house. Something goofy about the bride and groom can’t see each other before the wedding. We all had dinner last night, so what’s the big deal? Pee-Paw buying us all dinner at Catfish Hill after the wedding rehearsal was probably the best part of this whole sordid ordeal.

Oliver stepped into my room, otherwise known as the guest room. Aunt Catherine shouted, “Hey, dork! Women only in here!” We were both in a state of undress. “Do you know how to knock?”

“Sorry!” apologized Oliver. “You guys need to hurry it up in there. We need to leave for the church soon.” Mom decided to have the wedding at ‘that cute little church’ we’ve been going to each Sunday since we first went on Christmas Day. I wanted to do it at Chuckles the Rat Pizza. Mom’s reaction was negative to say the least.

Aunt Catherine looked over at me. “Hey squirt. Can you zip me up, please?”

As I walked over to her to zip up her dress, I asked, “Can you imagine the arrogance of a clothes designer to create a garment that requires more than one person in order to wear it? And what about the wedding itself? Celebrating a woman surrendering her independence to a life of indentured servitude to a man with permanent mommy issues?”

Aunt Catherine just stared slack jawed at me. She shook her head and said, “You’re going to be fun at parties.”

As I was putting my earrings in, Oliver knocked on the door and then opened it without waiting for a response. “You guys ready? We need to go.” He looked over at me and asked, “Hey sport. Do you have the rings? I can’t find them.”

I folded my arms and said, “I sold them on e-bay.”

Looking deeply annoyed, Oliver growled, “I’m serious, Chrystal. Do you know where they are?”

I frowned. “Of course I do. I put them in my purse for safekeeping.”

Oliver sighed. “Finish getting dressed and let’s go.” He closed the door.

I started looking under things and said to Aunt Catherine. “Have you seen my purse?”

*          *          *

After a half hour of cheek pinches, being talked to as if I’m a two year old, being told how pretty I was and what a little heartbreaker I’ll be and a scary Uncle Ralph asking if I was old enough to date yet, I was finally positioned next to Oliver holding a pillow with two rings resting on it. I was nervous as hell. In just a few moments, my life as I know it will be over. The shit just got real.

I looked up at Oliver. Sweat was beading up on his forehead and it was good he was wearing a dark suit. I looked over at Claire. She was quickly dissolving into a blubbering mass. Looking directly ahead, I could see Mom decked out in her beautiful wedding dress getting ready to walk down the aisle. She had no one else to walk with her, so Pee-Paw was going to give her away.

The organ began playing and Mom and Pee-Paw took their positions. Pee-Paw leaned over and said something to Mom. She laughed and then they both got serious. Holding the pillow with the rings, I just wanted to run away. I glanced over at Oliver. I think he wanted to run away too.

I sighed heavily as I looked at the people sitting on Oliver’s side of the church. I couldn’t believe that this band of illiterate inbreds were going to be my family. Actually, they weren’t hillbillies. That’s just how I thought of them. But I’m not exaggerating my dislike of having to associate with this group I don’t know and have to call them family. I swear though. If Uncle Ralph touches me, I’m going to scream.

Everything felt like it was in slow motion as Mom stepped slowly up in her wedding march.

Pee-Paw promised to take me to Dairy Queen after the reception.

As they almost reached the dais, the preacher asked in a solemn tone, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

Pee-Paw grinned and said, “She gives herself.” Well, Mom and Dad aren’t around.

Mom stepped up onto the dais with me between her and Oliver. I’m mere seconds away from having to call this clown “Dad”. I looked up at Mom as she was repeating her vows. Call me an old softie, but Mom really did look radiant. She was glowing and she really did look beautiful in her wedding dress. She carefully lifted Oliver’s ring from the pillow and a chill ran down my spine as she recited, “With this ring, I thee wed.” I closed my eyes. Oh my God, we’re at the halfway point. Mom ran her fingers through my hair.

All eyes shifted to whats-his-name… oh, Oliver. Mom had stopped breathing. Claire had stopped breathing. I think I was the only one breathing. Oliver droned on through repeating his vows. Oliver winked at me as he picked up the ring for Mom.

I had really hoped that at this point, someone would jump up and shout, “Stop the wedding! Denise, you can’t marry this scoundrel. You must marry me, your one true love!” Sadly, that didn’t happen.

Oliver slipped the ring onto Mom’s finger. “With this ring, I thee wed…” Make it stop!

The preacher smiled at Mom and Oliver and said, “By the power vested in me…” This can’t really be happening!

*          *          *

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 26
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

“… I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

“NOOoooooo!” I think Mom misinterpreted my tears.

The little chapel erupted in applause as Oliver lifted Mom’s veil and kissed her. Mom continued to cry as she squeezed me in a hug. Mom took hold of my hand to keep me from running away as everyone started filing past them to congratulate them. Oddly, I was also congratulated. Can we eat now?

As the reception started, Mom switched between giggling and crying. They made all the girls line up to catch the bouquet. To keep it from hitting me in the face, I reached up and caught it. Everyone laughed and applauded. I wanted to go home. And of course, Uncle Ralph caught the garter. We had to stand next to each other for a picture. I did not like the way he grinned at me.

Oliver’s Best Man stood up to give a little speech. Honestly, I didn’t even notice him until he started speaking.

All the food at the reception was just finger food. I was hoping for chicken fried steak.

As they prepared to leave for their honeymoon, actually they were going to change at our house) Mom approached me. She brushed my long hair from my eyes and smiled weakly at me.

“Honey, I expect you to be a good girl and help out around the house while we’re gone,” she said as she nervously fussed with my dress.

“I will, Mom,” I said as a tear escaped down my cheek. I couldn’t believe this terrible day had arrived and Oliver was now my Dad.

“I know you will, baby,” said Mom trying not to start crying again. “Remember to mind your Aunt Christine and your grandparents. You have mine and your father’s number in case you need to get hold of us.” I cringed when she said “your father”. She put her hands on my shoulders. She said, “Thank you for being such an angel. I couldn’t have made it through this without you!” She squeezed me in a bear hug. “Chrys, we’re a family now!” Be still my heart.

She bent down, hugged me again and gave me a kiss. “Bye-bye Chrystal. Be good and we’ll see you in a week!” She stood up and started saying good-bye to someone else. They were headed for one of those Jamaican vacation resorts. For some reason I thought of the Beach Boys.

Oliver… or should I say Dad (he hasn’t adopted me yet) stepped next to me and ruffled my hair. “Stay out of trouble, young lady. Don’t let my sister bug ya. Remember, Me-Maw will always take your side.” He chuckled. “When we get back, I’ll start looking into some sports activities for you. Summer’s coming and you’re not going to just sit around the house.” Thank you for that tearful good-bye. Is it still possible to run away and join the circus?

Oliver bent down and smiled at me. “Well, Mom and I need to go on our honeymoon. You behave and we’ll see you in a week. Do you have a kiss for your daddy?”

My Dad’s dead. Oh, you mean you. I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Good-bye, Oliver.”

Looking slightly pained, he said, “Call me Daddy.” I stared at him in silence. He sighed as he stood straight. “We’ll work on that when we get back.” He grimaced and stood up straight.

Oliver turned towards Mom and said, “Let’s head ‘em up, move ‘em out. We don’t want to miss out flight.”

Mom came over to me crying and hugged and kissed me. “Bye honey! You know how to reach me in an emergency. You be a good girl, you hear? Don’t give your grandparents or your aunt any trouble, okay?

Standing next to me, Aunt Christine played with the ribbons in my hair. “Don’t worry, Dede. She’ll be fine. Won’t you?” She pinched my arm.

I scowled at my aunt. “Does the French Foreign Legion still exist?”

Oliver shook his head. “I don’t think they take little girls. Come on, Dede. Let’s go.”

As her son and my Mom left the church, Me-Maw sat down and cried.

Pe-Paw walked up to my aunt and stroked her arm a moment. He said, “Why don’t you take your mother home? I have some unfinished business with that youngin.” He pointed at me.

My aunt grinned. “Can I watch?” What the Sam Hill have I gotten myself into?

Aunt Christine escorted Me-Maw out the door. Pe-Paw walked up to the pastor. “Father, just send me the bill.”

As we climbed up into his pickup truck, Pe-Paw asked, “How about some ice cream?”

I grinned at him. “Sounds good to me.”

I watched in silence as we drove past Dairy Queen. That’s where I thought we were going. But instead of we pulled up in front of Baskin-Robbins. Pe-Paw looked over at me and smiled.

“Let’s go get some ice cream!”

I followed Pe-Paw inside. He said, “Pick whatever you want, but no more than two scoops.” I used to get at least three and sometimes four scoops back when I was in college. That seems pretty insane now. Two was probably all I could handled. I still prefer it in a cup instead of a cone.

I sat down at one of the small tables by the outside wall and windows and waited for Pe-Paw to get his. I had whipped cream and sprinkles added to mine. He didn’t say I couldn’t.

Pe-Paw finally sat across from me. He grinned as he asked, “Do you think you can eat all that?”

I grinned and exclaimed, “I’m going to try! I then frowned at my ice cream and said, “Mom would never bring me here.”

With a twinkle in his eye, Pe-Paw chuckled, “Well, Mom’s not here right now.” I think I’m going to like Pe-Paw.

After a few bites, he asked me, “So, Chrystal. What do you think of today’s events?”

Here’s a minefield I wasn’t expecting. Since Oliver is his son, I can’t really bad-mouth him. Carefully choosing my words, I said, “It changes the whole dynamics, doesn’t it? I mean, until today, it was always Mom and I against the world. I could assert myself. I might not always win, but I had a voice. Now my voice has been diminished. I’m just a child and no longer a partner in our future.”

Pe-Paw gave me a sideways glance. “That’s a more mature response than what I was expecting.”

I scooped up mostly whipped cream and took a bite. I stared at him and asked, “What does today’s events mean to you?”

He took a few bites of his ice cream cone and wiped his mouth. He looked thoughtful for a moment before saying, “This is how I see it. I can appreciate you feeling that Ollie is a possible intrusion on your life. You’re right. This changes the whole dynamics. Like you, your grandmother and I are going to take diminished roles in Ollie’s life.” He shrugged. “That is the way of the world after all. I’m happy Ollie found someone he could love. Since he met your mother, he’s been a much happier person.

“I like your mother. I think she’s a good woman and I think she’ll be good for Ollie. At first I tried to suggest to Ollie to stay away from and instant family by avoiding women who already have a child. I see now how I wrong I was. And I like you Chrystal. You’re a delightful little girl. You try to hide it for some reason, but you’re very smart. Just one thing though. Your grandmother noticed it first. You have old eyes. I don’t know how to explain it. You have the youthful energy of a ten year old girl, but there’s a weariness in your eyes.”

I nodded. “There’s a reason for that. Mom doesn’t want me talking about it. Oliver knows though.”

He raised his eyebrows. “I don’t mean to pry, but were you abused by your father or some other person?”

I sat up straight and shook my head. “Oh, no, no. My dad was great. He would never have hurt me.” Dad, why the hell did you have to die?

Pe-Paw took a deep breath. “Well, Ollie’s your dad now. He desperately wants to be a good dad to you. I know he can never replace you father in your heart, but he does love you. Please give him a chance.”

I nodded. “I will, Pe-Paw. I will.”

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 27
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

I could tell she resented it, though she didn’t say anything. Oliver’s… I just can’t bring myself to say “Dad”, sister, my new aunt, is taking me to school before she goes to her job and picks me up after school. My school is too far from the grandparent’s house to walk. Thankfully, there’s only a few weeks left before summer break. The downside of summer is that my new dad wants to enroll me in some activities.

The week at school went pretty normal. I’m still friends with Brandy though the light behind her eyes have been long gone. It’s not that she’s a zombie or anything, but she’s just an everyday ten year old girl. Emily never returned.

I knew something was up as I climbed inside Aunt Christine’s car on Friday afternoon. That grin always means something’s up. And the fact that she was wearing a bathing suit was another giveaway.

“Hey squirt,” she said with a grin. “It’s Friday and I’ve got something fun planned for today.” She held up a child’s bathing suit and said, “We’re going swimming at the Y. We have to wait until school’s out to go the county pool.” It had a colorful tie-dye look. Mom would say it was cute.

I held up the suit. “You expect me to wear this?”

My aunt frowned at me. “Of course, silly. It’s a one piece. I figured you’d object to a bikini.”

I frowned at the bathing suit. “I don’t know how to swim. I’ll get sunburned. I’ll… I’ll… “

Aunt Christine laughed. “It’s an indoor pool, goofus. They’ve got lifeguards and a shallow section just for kids. I know I just kinda sprung this on you, but I got a call from my boyfriend this morning asking if I could go swimming. He promised his little brother he’d take him. Don’t look at me like that. You’ll like his brother. I think he’s eleven and he likes those stupid Japanese cartoons that you like.”

I frowned. “They’re not stupid and they’re not cartoons. If you…”

Aunt Christine interrupted by waving her hand dismissively. “Look. I really don’t care. Let me finish what I was going to say.” She sucked in a deep breath. “Anyway… We’ll only spend around an hour to an hour and a half in the pool. Then we move outside to the park by the Y and grab a table near the pond. Pete… that’s my boyfriend, has packed a picnic dinner for us. Just sandwiches and kool-aid. He’s bringing a baseball so you guys can play catch. Sound like fun?”

I shrugged. “Doesn’t matter since I’m a prisoner in your car and have no choice.”

Aunt Christine looked over at me and shook her head. “Girl, you need to stop being such a gloomy gus or you’ll never get a boy.”

I grunted. “That’s the plan.”

A few minutes later, we found ourselves parked at the Y. “Look. There they are waiting for us. Oh look. Pete’s brother is cutie.” Aunt Christine held my bathing suit in front of my face. “Take it. Let’s go.”

As we approached, Pete grinned and waved. Pete was wearing green swim trunks, a t-shirt and sunglasses. “Hey Chrissie! Is that your little sister?” Pete and his brother were facing directly into the sun and were squinting at us.

She put her hands on my shoulders and stood behind me. “Guys, I’d like you to meet my niece Chrystal. She’s staying at our house while her mother and my brother are on their honeymoon.”

Pete grinned at me. “Cool. That’s always interesting… mixing families and all.” He reached over and mussed up his brother’s longish blond hair. “And this is my little brother Aaron.”

Still squinting, Aaron cocked his head to one side. “Hiya.” He had on red trunks and a blue baseball jersey style t-shirt that had a big picture of a chocolate cookie in the middle with the word “Oreos” across the top. They were both wearing flip flops.

Pete shrugged and pointed his head towards the entrance to the building. “Well, let’s go swim.”

Aunt Christine took my hand and we followed Pete into the building. As we walked towards the entrance, Aunt Christine leaned over and whispered, “That Aaron is a cutie.”

Shrugging, I said, “Whatever.”

We had to sign in as Pete’s guests and then we were shown where I could go change. I was the only one of us not already wearing a swim suit.

We weren’t completely alone in the changing area. While we were all girls, I was still embarrassed to change in the presence of others.

When we got to the pool, Pete and Aaron dove right in and splashing around. My aunt walked down the steps at the shallow end and just eased into the water. I stood at the top of the steps and dipped a toe in.

“I thought you said this pool was heated,” I whined.

Pete laughed and said, “Just jump in!”

Aaron shouted, “Don’t be a wuss!”

I looked around and there were kids younger than me jumping around and laughing while they splashed around. Learning how to swim was one of the things I never got around to doing. At this end of the pool, I could easily stand up in the water. So I thought, to hell with it, sucked in a deep breath and closed my eyes and just jumped in. Damn that was cold at first!

I bobbed up to the surface and sputtered. I looked over at Aunt Christine. She smiled and said, “There you go! See? It’s not bad.”

She was right. I started to enjoy being in the water. It made me think about the last time I was in a pool. I was probably about this same age. It was at the public pool where there were things to climb on, and slides and big circle where a current carried you through. Dad was with me those times. Memories of all the fun we had at the pool flooded my mind. I grinned at those memories as I started to splash around. There were no toys or slides at this pool, but it was still wet.

Calling from the deep end of the pool, Aaron shouted, “Hey Chrystal! Can you swim?” He beckoned me to the deep end.

I had walked to about as deep as I could go with the water up to my chin. I shouted back, “No. Sorry.”

Pete said, “Chrissie, they have swimming lessons here. You might tell her mother about them.”

My aunt swam past me. “Is that something you’d be interested in, Chrys?”

I nodded. “I would.”

My aunt grinned at me. “I’ll tell your Mom about it.” I could tell her myself. I guess since I’m a kid she thinks I’ll forget.

For the next hour, I have to admit I had a lot of fun. Not just splashing about, but Aaron took my hand and guided me around where my feet couldn’t reach the bottom. At first I was scared, but he didn’t do anything to try to scare me. Eventually, I felt safe and confident with him.

Grinning at me, Aaron said, “You should definitely take lessons. I don’t think it’d take you long to learn at all.”

“You think so?” I asked as I glided through the water while he held my hand.

He nodded. “Oh yeah.” He showed me how to tread water and do a “deadman’s float” As he guided me around, we talked about our favorite science fiction and monster movies. He knew almost as much as me and took sci-fi seriously. I’m not that much into comics, but I was impressed that his dad has the #1 issue of Spiderman. He keeps it in a plastic bag and won’t let him touch it. Despite the fact that he’s a boy, I actually like Aaron.

Pete and Aunt Christine decided it was time to get out of the pool and have our picnic. That was fine with me as the pool had been invaded by a gaggle of little brats who all seemed to have very shrill squeals.

Pete and Aaron took a handle each of the big ice chest and carried it down to a picnic table next to the lake. Pete opened the chest and announced, “Okay. We have ham, ham and cheese and bologna. And we’ve got mustard, ketchup, relish and cheese slices. And we got cherry and grape Kool-aid. Just grab what you want.”

I sat next to Aaron after grabbing a bologna sandwich. Pete poured some cherry Kool-aid into a cup for me. I don’t even remember the last time I had meal like this. It was just a lot of fun. I was really enjoying being a kid.

Aaron took a bite of his sandwich and turned to look at me. “You know, Chrys. You’re very pretty. You’re the only girl I know who likes Attack on Titan” Our bare legs touched as we sat at the table.

I tensed and stared straight ahead. Why did he have to say I was pretty? I just said quietly, “Thanks.”

I wanted the mustard and it was in front of Aaron. I started to reach for it, but he said, “I’ll get it for you.” As he turned when he picked the mustard bottle up to hand to me, we were almost nose to nose. He looked deep into my eyes and I smiled weakly at him. And then he leaned in towards me.

This can’t be happening! I tried to turn away...

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 28
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

I tried to turn my head, but it was too late. Our lips brushed against each other. Oh the humanity! A boy’s lips touched mine! I tried to stop it. And why did I feel a tingle?

Aaron grinned at me as he said, “Here’s the mustard.” He held it out for me.

I smiled weakly at him as I took the mustard bottle from him. I averted my eyes from his. Why does he have to be cute and why do I have to notice that? I said, “Thanks.” I squirted some mustard on my sandwich. Aunt Christine was grinning at me.

Sitting with his shoulder rubbing against mine, Aaron asked, “Are you here for the whole summer?”

I took a bite of my sandwich to avoid answering for a few seconds. I didn’t look over at him as I answered after I swallowed. “Just until my mom gets back from her honeymoon.”

Always ready to sabotage my existence, Aunt Christine chimed in with, “I don’t know if your mom had decided yet, but I know Me-Maw has asked to keep you all summer. Wouldn’t that be great?” She smiled at Aaron.

Looking at my plate, I said, “Nothing against Me-Maw and Pe-Paw, but I’d like to go home.”

Aunt Christine frowned and shook her head. “Just so you can watch those stupid Japanese cartoons.”

I scowled at my aunt. “They’re not stupid!”

Touching my arm, Aaron said with a expanding smile, “Hey. You can come over to my house. Pete and I have a huge anime collection. Old and new.” Why do I get a tingle when he touches me. Stop that!

Aunt Christine grinned. “There you go, sweetie. Problem solved. Pete lives two blocks over. You could ride your bike over there.”

Aaron seemed to be suddenly excited. “You have a bike? Cool. We could go riding!”

My world is suddenly spinning out of control. I smiled at Aaron. “That’d be cool.” Why did I say that?

Pete stood up and started picking up things. “I think it’s probably time to go. I don’t know about you guys, but I had a good time today!”

Aunt Christine stood up with him. “I know I did.” She leaned over and gave Pete a kiss. Aaron looked at me and grinned. I’m sure he wants a kiss too. I shook my head. Not until hell freezes over bucko. But the ninth ring of hell is ice. Sheesh.

I got up to dump my trash in the nearby trash barrel. Aunt Christine stepped next to me and smiled. “You like him, don’t you?”

I furrowed my brow at my aunt. “Like who?”

My aunt had a sudden frustrated expression. “Aaron!”

Shrugging, I said, “He’s nice, I guess.”

Aunt Christine shook her head at with a grin. “Together, you two are totes adorbs. I can tell he really likes you.”

I shrugged again. “Maybe.”

She again shook her heard. “I don’t get you. He’s really cute and seems like a nice boy. You need to chill out.”

I scowled at my aunt. “I’m only ten. Leave me alone.” She rolled her eyes at me and walked over to Pete to help him load the car.

I snatched a bag of chips from the box Pete was putting into the back of his SUV. I doubted my aunt would just drive off and leave me so I sat at the picnic table as I snacked on the chips.

Aaron sat next to me and deftly stole a chip from my bag. He laughed as he crunched on it. I just frowned at him. Grinning, he said, “I like you. You’re not like other girls.” That’s an understatement if I ever heard one.

I just looked at him a moment. My aunt is right. As boys go, he is cute. I smiled at him and stupidly said, “I like you too, Aaron.” He gave me a sappy grin.

He said, “I hope you get to stay with your grandparents this summer. We could hang out.”

Shrugging, I said, “Who knows. There’s still two more weeks of school. I don’t know what my mom is going to want to do.”

Looking at me curiously, Aaron said, “You never mention your new step-dad. Don’t you like him?”

I frowned. “It’s not about like. I just don’t want things to change. It won’t just be me and Mom doing things. It’ll be Mom and Oliver deciding things without asking me.”

Aaron looked down at his feet. “I think you’ll be okay.”

Pete yelled out, “Hey Sport. Let’s go. You can talk to your girlfriend later.”

Aaron’s face turned beet red. Oh my God! Pete didn’t just call me Aaron’s girlfriend did he? Holy shit!

Aaron frowned as he exclaimed, “Pete! Cut it out!”

Pete chuckled. “Just get in the car. Hey, Christine, I’ll call you later.”

Aunt Christine hurried over to Pete. “Hey buster! You don’t leave without giving me a good-bye kiss!” She threw her arms around Pete’s neck and planted a big sloppy kiss on him. As she disengaged, she looked at me and asked, “Don’t you want to give Aaron a good-bye kiss?”

Still mortified by Pete’s comment, I quickly said, “No!” Pete and my aunt laughed. Aaron gave me an odd look.

Aunt Christine held my hand as we watched Pete and Aaron drive off. She smiled at me and said, “Okay, squirt. Let’s go.”

*          *          *

I was sitting on the floor in the living room trying to watch TV while Aunt Christine was chatting with my mom on her cell phone, I wasn’t paying much attention to her half of the conversation until I heard her giggle and then “… Oh you missed it, Deeds. Today at our picnic with Pete and his little brother… it was so cute! Chrystal got her first kiss today. I’m assuming it’s her first. She was pretending she didn’t want it, but Petey’s little brother Aaron swooped in for a kiss. No. She let him. She even smiled. Oh yeah. You can tell she likes him though she won’t let on. I knew that tomboy shit was all an act. I know, right? That Aaron’s going to be quite the lady’s man. Chrystal even agreed he’s cute. Seriously girl. You should consider letting her stay here for at least part of the summer. I think she’d like it. Anyway, I’m glad you and Ollie are having a good time. See you guys Friday. Bye.” She disconnected.

Holy shit.

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 29
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

I slowly oozed into consciousness as I burrowed my face deeper into my pillow. I stretched luxuriously beneath my covers. It was Sunday morning and I just didn’t want to get up. The spring, Sunday morning light was drifting through the blinds. There was no way I was getting out of bed until noon.

There was a knock on my door and then with a squeak, it opened.

“Hey squirt. You need to get up,” announced my aunt. “You have a visitor. And you need to get up anyway.”

I pulled the covers over my head. “Tell whoever it is to go away.”

She poked my shoulder a few times. “That’s not very nice. It’s Aaron. He thought you might want to go bicycle riding. It’s an absolutely gorgeous morning. You might was well get up. I’m not going to let you sleep all day.”

I poked my head out from under the covers and scowled at her. “I hate you.”

Aunt Christine chuckled. “You just made my day. Come on squirt. Rise and shine.”

I pulled the covers back, sat up and rubbed my eyes. “Why is he here at the butt-crack of dawn? Why is he here at all?”

Aunt Christine grunted. “It’s after nine-thirty. And he likes you. That’s pretty obvious. And don’t try to tell me you don’t like him.”

I frowned at my aunt. “He’s okay.”

My aunt grinned at me. “Get dressed. I’ll tell him you’ll be out in about ten minutes. No arguing. You spend way too much time indoors.”

I frowned at my aunt. “Maybe I like being indoors.”

Aunt Christine sighed. “Just get dressed.”

I stood there and pouted at the now closed door. I don’t want to go outside. I don’t want to see Aaron. And as far as that goes, I don’t want to be a little girl. I felt a chill as I stood alone in the middle of my room. I’m actually terrified of what I’m going to become. This is nothing new. I’ve dreaded my future ever since waking up as a girl. But now that future is one step closer. I have a boy waiting for me.

I tossed my pajamas on my bed. I opened my dresser drawer and started to pull out a t-shirt. I stopped when it occurred to me I should probably put on clean panties. It sounds stupid as he’s never ever going to see my panties. But how can I meet someone, especially a boy, and not have clean panties on? I kicked my panties off, across the floor towards my laundry basket.

I took a moment to stand in front of my mirror – naked to the world. It’s not the first time. But I can ever get used to the fact that I’m looking at me. Soon I’ll have breasts and I won’t be such a little girl anymore. It was bad enough to view a little girl standing before me in the mirror. How the hell will I be able to handle seeing a young woman? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. A woman! That’s where I’m headed. Intellectually I always knew that, of course. But standing here, naked, the thought hit me like a ton of bricks.

Can I handle that? In a few years, will that image in the mirror be that of a teen girl nervously checking her appearance before leaving the room to greet the boy taking her out to dinner? Can I stop that from happening? And should I? I shook my head as I reached for a clean pair of panties.

Aaron stood up and grinned at me as I entered the living room. “Hey Chrystal. I thought you might like to go for a ride. It’s a nice morning.”

I stepped up close to him and smiled. “Sure. My bike’s in the backyard.”

Still grinning, Aaron said, “Great. Are you ready?”

I nodded. “Let me get a couple water bottles to put in my bag and we can go.”

As I slung my bag over my shoulder, my aunt said with a toothy grin, “You kids have fun. Be sure to be back in an hour or so, so you can get ready for church. Pe-Paw wants to go to Taco Bueno after church for lunch.”

Aaron said, “Yes ma’am.”

I sighed as we went out the door. Going to church mean putting on a dress. A couple of months before her wedding, Mom started having us go to church with Oliver and family.

As soon as we got outside, I ran to the backyard gate and opened it. I rolled my bike out and threw my leg over the seat, not bothering to close the gate.

“Let’s go. I’m following you,” I said to Aaron. “I’m not familiar with this neighborhood.”

As he mounted his bike, Aaron said, “Okay. Follow me. We’ll go down to the old hill.”

As we started down the street, I realized too late I should have put my hair in a pony tail. But I decided I enjoyed having the cool morning air flow through my hair. I found myself smiling as my senses were assaulted by the smell of fresh lawns, plants and flowers and the buzz of insects, dogs barking and all those magical sensations from being out in the spring air from back when I was a kid. All those things you lose contact with as an adult going to college or going to work or just not getting outside as often. Childhood memories flooded my mind as I rode beside Aaron.

I was surprised after going a block or so when Aaron stood on his pedals and began pumping furiously, pulling quickly away from me. Ah geeze. Is he showing off or something? Not to be left behind, I pumped my pedals faster as well and got behind him as he raced up onto the sidewalk. A moment later, I saw where he was headed and giggled.

A tree root had buckled the sidewalk, forming a ramp. I followed Aaron as he raced up the sidewalk ramp into the air, clearing the curb and landing back in the street. We both laughed as we zoomed around parked cars and back up onto the sidewalk. Why have I been resisting being a kid?

I rode my bike next to Aaron as we rushed down the street. I loved it. The breeze in my hair. Hearing the whir of the chain spinning the sprockets. Hearing us both giggling. I honestly didn’t want this moment to end.

“Let’s go over to the hill!” shouted Aaron. I had no idea what that was, but I fell in close behind him as we raced through the streets. After several minutes, I followed Aaron off the pavement and on to basically a dirt road running across a vacant lot towards a large mound. I guessed the mound was this hill.

Halfway up the hill, Aaron laughed as he jumped off his bike leaving it to tumble into the grass and dirt. I stopped and gently lay my bike on it side and ran after him. I stopped next to him; both of us trying to catch our breath.

Aaron bent down placing his hands on his knees. In a breathy voice, he said, “Here we are. The hill!” I stopped beside him and looked around. Despite not really being all that high in altitude, the change in perspective did provide a great view of a busy four lane street running near the vacant lot. In another direction was the campus of a middle school. Also nearby was a church.

Aaron sat down cross-legged in the dirt at the very top of the hill. I sat down next to him, our bare legs touching as we both were wearing shorts. We sat in silence for a few minutes. It was oddly quiet on the hill. I was surprised I couldn’t hear any traffic sounds from the nearby street.

After several minutes, he took my hand and held it. Not looking at me, he said, “This is my sanctuary. Other kids don’t come here very often. But when I need to think about things, I come here. It’s yours too, if you want it.”

I looked down at the traffic for a moment. “Kinda like a fortress of solitude.”

He looked over at me quizzically for a moment. “Oh yeah. Superman.”

I looked over at Aaron and smiled. “It seems private here, even though it isn’t.”

He flashed a smile and looked straight into my eyes. He said, “Yeah.” He slowly leaned towards me. I closed my eyes and leaned towards him. I didn’t try to avoid him this time. Our lips softly touched. It was wonderful.

We pulled back and looked at each other. Giggling, we both softly kissed again.

Still holding my hand, Aaron said, “I guess you need to get back home.” I nodded.

To be continued…

 

Mutation - Part 30 - Final
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

Switcher Mutation

 

---

 

The week of Aunt Christine taking me to school wasn’t as horrifying as I initially imagined it to be. Several times we went to Dairy Queen after she picked me up and we got some ice cream. On occasion, she’d threaten to make me wear a dress to school, but she never did. But the best part, and yes I’ll admit it; was when Aaron would come by each afternoon to go bicycling together.

Aaron is the only boy I’ve allowed myself to like. I haven’t given up my rule against liking boys. I’ve just carved out an exception for Aaron. Most boys are still icky and loaded with boy cooties. Not very scientific, but it’s still accepted when I explain it adults. But it’s different with Aaron.

I like him. A lot. I get excited when he shows up on his bicycle. And it bothers me that when Mom comes home Friday, I probably won’t see him again. I’ll miss our philosophical discussions about anime, science fiction movies and books. And… and I’ll miss our visits to the hill. I don’t like boys, but being kissed by Aaron is somehow different.

“So your mom comes home tomorrow?” asked Aaron as we lay beside each other on top of the hill. We were watching the traffic pass by on the street below us while we chewed on a piece of grass.

I sighed. “Yep. I’m so not looking forward to that. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I love my Mom. I’m just not excited about having a step dad. And we won’t get to go riding together anymore.”

Aaron removed the piece of grass he was chewing and studied it a moment. “School ends Wednesday. Didn’t you say once that your mother might let you stay with your grandparents during the summer?”

“That idea was kicked around by Mom and Oliver before they got married. Getting married was a definite game changer. So who knows?” I still can’t bring myself to call Oliver “Dad”.

Aaron tickled the back of my hand with the grass he’d been chewing. “I’m not going to lie, Chrys. I’m going to miss seeing you. You’re smart. You’re funny. And you know a butt-load of shit even I don’t know.” He gave me a knowing look. “And you kiss good.” We both giggled.

I tickled his nose with the piece of grass I was chewing. “I’m pretty sure that now that Mom has married into Oliver’s family, we’ll probably visit and I know Me-maw wants me to come over. There’s just not enough room in that house for all of us to live there.”

I extended my little finger towards him. “Let’s pinkie swear we’ll be friends forever.”

Aaron hooked his little finger with mine. Looking serious, he said, “I have been, and always shall be, your friend.” He leaned over and kissed me.

*          *          *

I was sitting in the back seat with Pe-Paw. Me-Maw was sitting up front with Aunt Christine. It was just after twelve noon and I was hungry, but it was decided we’d pick up Mom and Oliver from the airport first and then all have a big lunch together at Golden Corral. Yee haw.

“So Chrys, are you excited?” Aunt Christine turned around slightly in the driver’s seat to look back at me. “It’s just not your mother returning, but you’re getting a new dad as well.”

I shrugged. “It’s not like I’ve never met him before.”

Me-Maw turned to look at me. “This will open a whole new world for you. A new adventure!”

I folded my arms. “It’s just Oliver.” I know he’s her son and she loves him and all that. But he’s an interloper to me. Mom and I were doing just fine ourselves…well mostly. He’s not blood. He doesn’t really know me. We don’t share a common past. He’s still basically a stranger. And now I’ll fall under his authority. And even though he knows the truth about me, to him I’m still only just a kid.

Pe-Paw patted my leg. “Don’t worry. It’ll all work out for the best. I raised my son well. Ollie has told me he fully intends to treat you as if you were his own flesh and blood daughter. He does love you.”

I actually pouted. “No he doesn’t. He loves my mom. I’m just baggage.”

Me-Maw frowned at me. “Don’t you dare say that, Chrystal. Joining an existing family always has its problems, but your father is committed to you and your mother. Your Pe-paw and I welcome you into our family. Never forget that we love you, Chrystal.”

I have to admit, my new grandparents have been really nice to me. Am I just being a dick? And then I looked at my Aunt Christine.

Rather than parking and waiting inside, we instead drove around the passenger pick up loop about three times before I spotted Mom exiting the terminal. I pointed and shouted, “It’s Mom! It’s Mom!” Aunt Christine quickly pulled her car over by the curb near where Mom was standing.

I jumped out of the car and ran over to Mom shouting. Mom grabbed me in a giant bear hug. She kissed my cheek and exclaimed, “Chrys! I missed you so much! I’m so glad to be back.” I got another hug. I watched Pe-paw get a massive hug from Oliver. Mom held onto my hand.

Aunt Christine hugged and kissed her brother. She grabbed an item of luggage and said, “Welcome home, Ollie! Let’s get your bags loaded in the car so we can get out of the airport.”

“Right,” agreed Oliver. “Just one thing first.” He ran over to me and Mom and picked me up. “It’s great to see you again, munchkin!” He kissed my cheek and gave me a hug. I hugged him back.

I smiled and said, “Welcome home.”

As everyone except for me (sometimes there’s an advantage to being a little girl) grabbed some luggage, I wasn’t supposed to, but I heard Oliver say to Mom, “I was kinda hoping for a ‘hi Dad!’ or a ‘good to see you, Dad’.”

Mom quietly said, “Give it time.”

I stood there, feeling tears of anger well up as I watched the car being loaded with luggage. I wanted to shout, “You’re not my Dad!” But for Mom’s sake, I’m trying hard not to be a dick about it. She’s married to him. But I’m not.

The car was a bit crowded as we all piled into it. My aunt, Me-maw and Pe-paw all sat squeezed into the front seat. Oliver, Mom and me all got into the back seat with me sitting between Oliver and Mom.

Oliver looked down at me. “So, sport. Did you miss me?”

I gave him a blank expression. “Were you gone?”

Oliver’s face fell. I poked him in the ribs and giggled. “I’m kidding!” Maybe.

Oliver’s smile returned and he said, “So, what have you been up to?”

Before I could answer, Aunt Christine said with a grin, “Chrys has a boyfriend!”

“I do not!” I shouted.

Mom smiled broadly. “A boyfriend! That’s great! What’s his name? Have I met him?”

I felt suddenly numb. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

Aunt Christine said cheerfully from behind the steering wheel, “His name is Aaron. He’s the little brother of my boyfriend. He’s perfect for Chrystal. He’s cute. He’s smart. He’s into Star Trek and all that anime bull shit.”

Mom grinned at me. “That’s great, sweetheart.”

Not finished assassinating my character, Aunt Christine said, “And they’ve kissed.!”

Looking surprised, Mom said, “Oh my! This is serious! Two weeks away and Chrystal gets a boyfriend. Good thing I wasn’t away for three! She might have gotten married!”

I folded my arms and pouted. “Please stop!” Aunt Christine must be referring to the kiss at the picnic. She wouldn’t know about the hill…

Oliver ruffled my hair and grinned at me. “They’re just teasing you. You should be used to that by now.”

Mom scowled at Oliver. “And what does that crack supposed to mean?”

Looking in the rearview mirror, Aunt Christine grinned. “Awww. Their first fight!”

With a shell-shocked expression, Oliver said, “Hardly.” Mom huffed at him.

Chuckling, Aunt Christine, successful at destroying everyone’s happy mood, drove the car into a parking space at Golden Corral.

*          *          *

“Hey Munchkin. Happy to be back in your own bed?”

I smiled at Mom as I burrowed into my covers. “I am, Mom. It’s so nice to be back home. Are you happy to be home?”

Mom nodded with a smile. “I am. I had a good time while we were gone as well. Your aunt has told me you’ve asked to spend more time with Me-maw and Pe-paw this summer. Is that something you want?”

I nodded. “Not the whole summer. But I like riding my bicycle over there. And Me-maw is nice.”

Mom smiled. “Yes she is. She let you cook dinner a few times, didn’t she?”

“It wasn’t anything complicated. Only Pe-paw gets to use the BBQ pit. Same as with Dad. Do you remember?” I asked Mom.

Mom poked my nose. .”Of course I remember, sissy. Seems every Saturday during the summer, Dad would be grilling some burgers.”

I giggled at the poke. “Good times.”

Mom looked serious for a moment. “Your father likes to grill too.” I knew she meant Oliver. I just nodded.

Mom smiled at me. “So, tell me about Aaron.”

I shrugged. “What’s to tell. He’s a boy.”

Mom brushed her fingers through my hair. “You met him at a picnic with your aunt?”

“Yep.”

“Do you like him? Your aunt says he’s cute.”

I shrugged again. “I guess he’s cute. I like him. We like a lot of the same things.”

“You saw him a lot this past week. What’s this hill?” How the fuck did she know about the hill?

“We’d go riding when he’d come over. We’ve been all over the place. The hill? It’s just some random hill. It’s not very high. It’s just a nice place to sit and look around.” That’s all you’re getting out of me.

Mom pulled my covers up over my shoulders. “Okay, honey. I’m glad we’re all home, but you need to get to sleep. You need a bath in the morning before church.”

I groaned. “Do I have to?”

Mom asked, “Bath or church?”

I frowned. “Yes.”

Mom chuckled as she stood up. “You’re so silly. See you in the morning sweetie.” At my bedroom door, she paused a moment and then to someone standing outside the door, she said, “Next.”

I saw Oliver enter my room. I tried to pretend to be asleep.

He chuckled. “I know you’re not asleep, kiddo.”

I snuggled more into the covers. “I could be.”

Oliver patted my back through my covers. He combed my hair with his fingers. “I missed you, sport. I’m glad to see you again.”

I sighed. “I bet.”

“You know, this would all be better if you’d stop hating me. I’ve told you before that I have no intention of replacing your real dad in your heart. I know you miss him. I know you two had great times together. I know you’re sad he’s gone. This sounds weird, but I know he was your mother’s dad too. But you know, as much as she misses him, she’s decided she needs to move on. She believes your dad would have wanted that. That he’d want your mother to be happy.”

I rolled over slightly so I could look up at Oliver. “I know Dad would want Dede to be happy.”

Oliver nodded. “And what about you? Wouldn’t he want you to be happy too?”

“My dad is dead. You’ve never met him. You can’t know him. And you sure as hell can’t speak for him!” Oliver winced when I said “hell”. “It’d be perfect for you if my memory would just fade away, wouldn’t it?”

Oliver’s eyes moistened. “You’re right. I’ve never met him. I wish I had. Your mother and I watched a bunch of your home movies. Your dad and your Pe-paw would have gotten along great. They’re a lot alike. And you’re right. It would be easier for me if your memories just faded away.” He fell silent for over a minute. “I flushed all those pills down the toilet.”

I looked up at him. I didn’t say anything. He pulled my covers up and said, “Good-night, sport.”

*          *          *

“We’re letting y’all out early today! Children, have a fun and safe summer vacation!” exclaimed our fifth grade teacher. The classroom was immediately filled with squeals and cheers. Above the din, the teacher added, “Be sure to take home any papers you have left.”

I stepped outside into the brilliant noon sun. I couldn’t believe it! I managed to survive a second tour of fifth grade largely intact. All my fellow inmates were running and shouting from the school’s exits. I stood under the shade of one of the school ground trees, enjoying a rare moment of solitude. Well, as much as I could get with screaming kids around me.

I opened my backpack and extracted my cell phone. I didn’t have these the last time around. I had to walk home. How gauche! Actually, walking might be the better option as I was told to call Aunt Christine the moment I was released from school. Mom and Oliver were both at work. She was able to take the day off from her job so she could pick me up. I guess I don’t rate that high a priority for Mom to take time from her work.

“Yeah, squirt,” said my aunt when she picked up my call.

“I require your assistance as I’ve just been released from my imprisonment. Please retrieve me posthaste.” I chuckled to myself in the belief I was being funny.

Sounding annoyed, Aunt Christine said, “You’re such a little princess. We’re already on our way. See ya in a few.” What did she mean by ‘We’?

A few minutes later when she arrives, I learn why she used a plural. Her boyfriend Pete was in the front seat with her. In the backseat was Aaron!

As I ran up to the car, Aunt Christine stuck her head out the window and shouted, “Backseat, squirt!”

As I climbed into the backseat, I wanted to shout a greeting to Aaron. I’m not sure why I was so excited to see him. I haven’t even talked to him since Mom and that other person got back home. Instead I sat demurely and said, “Hey, Aaron. Good to see you again.”

Grinning at me, Aaron said, “It’s great to see you again, Chrys.”

From the front seat, Aunt Christine said, “I thought… and Pete agreed, that we should celebrate the last day of school by having lunch at Chuckles the Rat.”

Both Aaron and I shouted “Yay!” because it meant we were getting pizza for lunch and their arcade games usually aren’t broken. The rumor and I’m not sure if it’s true or not, is that they use real rat meat in their hamburger pizza. Good marketing ploy for adolescent boys as their buffet can’t keep up with demand for hamburger while the pineapple/strawberry pizzas just sit there and rot.

Pete didn’t seem to enjoy shelling out for the expensive but sub-par pizza. After we got our hands stamped, Aaron and I ran to the buffet and got our pizza slices and cups of soda. The place was filling up quickly with kids whose parents had the same idea as Aunt Christine.

“So. Whatcha been up to?” I asked as I took my first bite.

Aaron shrugged. “Same-o, same-o I guess.” After he took a bite, he said, “Oh, you remember Willy?”

I took another bite and swallowed. “The guy with the pool table?’

Aaron chucked. “Yeah, him. His mother made his dad get rid of the pool table. She wanted to park her car in the garage instead.”

I shook my head. “That sucks. I’ve never been back since my time. I guess I won’t go back now. I decided I felt uncomfortable around Willy if I was alone.

Aaron shrugged. “He’s alright.”

The curtain hiding Chuckles opened and the animatronics rat began singing.

Aaron nudged me. “I think this is a good time to hit the games. Pete said he didn’t want to stay at this place more than an hour.”

I looked at Chuckles and laughed. “I agree. Let’s go!”

My aunt and Pete’s brother got us each a cup of tokens to spend on games. We grabbed out cups and started to run towards the games. Aunt Christine shouted to our retreating selves, “Remember, no refills on those cups.” I waved an acknowledgement.

We both headed to the same game Xenomorph Exterminator II. It was a two player game. I don’t know about Aaron, but back in my college days, I dominated at this game.

As we plopped in our tokens, Aaron grinned and said, “Prepare to get pwned!”

I took my stance while holding my electronic pistol. “In your dreams!”

To lure you in, the game starts in an easy mode and Aaron and I were easily blasting the targets. We handily cleared the next three levels. The game set up the next level which is a lot more challenging.

Aaron glanced over at me. “Okay girl. This is where the shit gets real.”

I laughed. “You’ll be lucky if I leave you any targets.”

As we played, we actually had a crowd gather around us to watch. I was actually starting to sweat, though my younger body gave me quicker reflexes. Aaron was damned good.

While the game was changing the level, a boy standing next to me said, “You’re pretty good. You know, for a girl.” I ignored him.

This is a twelve level game. I’d never gotten beyond level seven. From what I’ve read, most never get that far. The game has been around for years and few have beaten it. Aaron and I were going to give it a shot.

We high-fived each other as we reached level ten. Our cups of tokens was dwindling fast now as we kept using up all of our game lives and had to plunk in another token to continue. We had managed to gather a large crowd of on-lookers. I looked at Aaron as we approached the end of level ten. His face was a mask of grim determination. I’m sure I looked much the same. In movies and TV shows, they always show kids playing games while laughing and giggling. In reality, having fun is serious business.

In horror, I watched my character go down just before we entered the twelfth and final boss level. I had one token left in my cup. Aaron was shouting for me to hurry to drop in my last token. I don’t think the game was happy with us reaching the boss level. The combat became royal bitch. People were cheering us on. Even the Rat management came over to see what was going on.

Aaron went down as we entered the final arena. As he dropped his token in, he said, “I only have one token left.” I had none.

The boss was about to go down when both of us managed to die. The countdown started on the screen counting the seconds we had left to drop in another token. Aaron picked up his last token, hesitated a second and then dropped it in my coin slot.

“You’re closer, girl. Take that bastard down!” I thought Aaron was crazy.

Almost as soon as I respawned, my health was knocked down by half. My focus was solidly set on this game. I was aware of nothing else around me. Drenched in sweat, my health down to two percent, I wasn’t even aware at first of the final boss exploding. The kids who had gathered around us cheered. Aaron slapped my back. “You did it, girl! You won!” He hugged me in my moment of glory.

Feeling slightly numb, I had a dopy grin on my face. I said, “Holy shit! I’ve been trying to defeat this game since my college days!”

Aaron looked at me funny. He said, “You’re only ten.”

I said, “I… I uh. It feels it’s been that long.”

Aunt Christine and Pete stepped behind us. My aunt said, “What are you guys doing? It’s time to go.” Aaron and I looked at each other and shook our heads. Two boys who had been watching jumped up to the game and started dropping in tokens.

A Chuckles employee walked up to me and handed me a game token. He said, “You won a free game.”

Aaron and I burst out in a fit of giggles. Aunt Christine said, “Oh. Isn’t that nice? You can use it next time. Come on, let’s go.”

*          *          *

Mom shook my shoulder gently. “Come on honey. You need to get up and get dressed. I’ve laid out a nice dress for you to wear.”

Not opening my eyes, I groaned, “What? Why? It’s summer. Leave me alone!”

Mom pulled my covers from me and said, “Get up, squirt. You have an appointment in an hour.”

Feeling groggy, I sat up in my bed. “Appointment? What appointment?”

Mom sat on my bed. “Don’t you remember, honey? The DHS wants to perform a one year evaluation.”

I laid my head back on my pillow. “DHS? They can just go fuck themselves!”

Mom slapped my bottom and exclaimed, “Young lady! What have I said about using language like that?”

I sat up again and rubbed my eyes. “I’m sorry Mom. I don’t like those people. I want them to leave me alone.”

Mom said, “They doing this for all the girls like you. It’s been a year since you became a little girl. They want to check how everyone is progressing.”

“Can’t I just phone it in? Hey, I’m fine. Now go away.”

Mom shook her head. “I think it has to be a bit more scientific than that. Now hurry up and get dressed. I want to put a little make-up on you too.”

I frowned at Mom. “I don’t think so. I don’t like make-up.”

Mom chuckled. “In a couple of years, you’ll be begging me to let you wear make-up because all your friends wear it.”

Shaking my head, I said, “I sincerely doubt that.”

Mom frowned at me. “Will you get dressed already? We have to drive all the way across town.”

An hour later, we were driving up to the lab the DHS was using for their testing. I was dressed in a pretty, light blue dress and light make-up. Mom always manages to win. As we got out of the car, Mom took my hand and led me to the lab entrance. Oliver declined to join us and went to work instead. I probably would have done the same if I were him.

A woman dressed in a lab coat walked up to us after Mom had let them know we were here. To me she said, “We’re going to interview your guardian first. It’ll probably take twenty minutes.” She turned and she and Mom left the room.

Dollars to donuts I was being monitored to see how I acted. I pulled my cell phone from my purse and turned on the Kindle app. I then sat in one of the big soft chairs and began reading.

After about twenty-five minutes, Mom returned. The woman held the door open and looking at me said, “Miss. Please come with me.” We walked into a room resembling a lab of some kind. She pointed at a chair, indicating I should sit.

I smoothed the skirt of my dress under me and sat. A man in a lab coat approached me. He looked a little familiar.

Smiling at me, he said, “Good morning Chrystal. You may remember me from last time. I’m Dr. Kimble. How are you doing?” He took a seat at a large desk with a computer sitting on top.

“I’m doing okay. I guess,” I said, fidgeting.

Dr. Kimble continued to smile at me. “Please relax. I’m going to be mainly asking you questions. We will have to draw some blood and take a stool sample. First things first though. Congratulations, Chrystal! You are officially eleven years old. Today’s date will officially be noted as your birthday.”

I looked around the lab. “Do I get a cake?”

Dr. Kimble shrugged. “You’ll have to ask your mother about that.” He shuffled through a stack of papers on his desk. “You have been a little girl for a year now. How do you feel about it? Like most of you in your situation, you initially rejected the whole concept.”

I shrugged. “I’ve gotten used to being a girl. I don’t like being treated as a child. Especially now.”

Dr. Kimble leaned forward as he interlaced his fingers. “Ah yes. You have a new authority figure in your life. Your guardian who adopted you has gotten married. From what I understand, you don’t accept this person as your new father. Why is that?”

I frowned. “He insists I call him Dad. I don’t. He’s not my dad.”

Dr. Kimble thumbed through a few papers on his desk. “Actually, miss, he is legally your father. He’s officially adopted you. He’s now legally responsible for you. And will continue to be so even if your parents’ divorce. Do you not like him? Does he mistreat you?”

I shook my head. “No. He’s okay, I guess. He’s not my dad and he’s clueless about being a parent. I no longer have my original family name.”

Dr. Kimble said, “This resentment towards a new father is more common that you think. And if in the future you were to marry, you’d lose your family name anyway.”

I scowled at Dr. Kimble. “Who says I’m getting married?”

Smiling, Dr. Kimble pressed his finger tips together and said, “Let’s talk about that for a moment. According to your mother, you now have a boyfriend?”

Looking confused, Dr. Kimble said, “So there’s no boy you recently started enjoying the company of him? Go riding and exploring on your bicycles?”

I sighed. “Well yes. There’s a boy I hang out with when I’m visiting my grandparents. He likes a lot of the same things I do.”

“And you’ve kissed?”

I nodded.

Dr. Kimble studied me a moment. “Did you enjoy it? I’m told you have kissed this boy more than once.”

My scowl deepened. “You’re getting a bit personal there, aren’t you bub?”

Dr. Kimble smiled slightly. “We’re just trying to measure your progression from child to young woman. Earlier, we had some concerns about your development.”

There was a long pause while Dr. Kimble jotted down some notes.

“Can I say something?” I asked while Dr. Kimble was studying some charts.

“But of course, miss. I’ll try to answer all of your questions.”

I looked down at my hands. “I know I tend to be snarky and flippant. But I’ll be honest, doc. I’m scared. I’m scared about where I’m going and what I’ll become.”

Dr. Kimble nodded. “Go on, miss. What exactly do you find frightening?”

I sighed and closed my eyes for a few moments. “I’m going to become a woman.”

Dr. Kimble nodded. “That’s what happens when little girls grow up.”

My eyes widened. “That terrifies me, doc!”

Dr. Kimble narrowed his eyes at me. “Can you explain?”

I looked away and stared at some equipment. “I’ll try to be clear. I’m sure you’ll say it’s irrational. Look. If I’d been a girl since birth, becoming a woman would have always been the goal. You get dolls to play being mommy. You wear ribbons in your hair and wear cute dresses and even toy cosmetics. And I know you have options in life, but just look at my mom as an example. She’s felt for a while now that to be complete, she needed a husband.”

Dr. Kimble said, “She told us she was hoping to grow the family. She wants to add a sibling for you. How do you feel about that?”

I sat up straighter. “That’s the first I’ve heard of that. But there you go. I’ll be relegated to second class status while the new baby who is actually genetically hers will get all the attention.”

Dr. Kimble studied me a moment. “So. Is it attention or independence you want?”

“You’re twisting my words!” I exclaimed. “That’s not what I meant.”

Smiling slightly, Dr. Kimble said, “Let’s get back to your fear of becoming a woman. Let’s try to get to the meat of your fear. You don’t have to wear make-up or wear dresses or even be feminine. You just started a relationship with opposite sex. Is that what you fear?”

I nodded. “That’s it in a nutshell. I didn’t want to have anything to do with boys. Nothing! Nada! Most of my friends felt the same. But something happened. I like Aaron. I mean I really really like Aaron. Not just as a bud. As a guy, I never felt a desire to kiss my friends. But it’s really nice to kiss Aaron. Mom says I can’t date yet. But she knows and approves of me liking Aaron. What’s worse is that I’m noticing other boys. There are a couple of boys at church who are really cute! I don’t understand why I suddenly have these feelings!”

Dr. Kimble chuckled. “It’s called growing up, miss. You’re on the cusp of becoming a young woman. As your hormones start to kick in, your emotions and experiences are going to explode.”

I sighed. “Terrific. That’s all I need…”

*          *          *

We sat on the top of the hill, holding each other’s hands. It was a chilly November afternoon. The sky was a deep, dark blue. A slight breeze disturbed my hair.

“I really wish your parents weren’t moving away. I’m going to miss you so much.”

Aaron pulled me closer to him. “Oh, I’m going to miss you too. But Dad found his new job opportunity was just too good to pass up.”

“We have each other’s phone numbers,” I said. “I’ll call you every day.”

Aaron nodded. “Me too.”

He leaned in and kissed me. We kissed for a long time.

After a week of Aaron moving away, I never heard from him again.

Replacement ending

*          *          *

It’s been over three years since Aaron moved away. But I still come to the hill to do my deepest thinking. It’s a good place for it. I’m sure other people come here, but I’ve yet to see anyone else. And did I need to do some thinking! So many things on my mind today.

Today I turn fourteen years old. Well, according to DHS who we thankfully don’t hear from anymore. We had my birthday party last Saturday where Mom and Dad popped for the cost of movie tickets for me and my six closet friends. That of course included my current boyfriend, Jack. I chuckled to myself thinking of Jack. He’s my third boyfriend since the first of the year. He’s a great kisser.

It’s weird to realize I’m a teenage girl now. School starts in a few weeks and I’ll be in high school. High school! More dating. Going to dances. And in a couple of years, there’s prom. My life has really picked up since I finally accepted who I was. But never forgetting who I used to be. Honestly, I’m so glad I’m not a boy! I grinned at the memory of when I was almost thirteen, begging -- begging mind you, for Mom to let me start wearing make-up. I’d sworn I’d never lower myself to wearing any make-up and now I’m single handedly keeping Maybelline in business. And of course that was followed from both Mom and Dad, lectures about the dangers of boys. They didn’t have to. I have a unique perspective about boys having been one.

I heard the sound of grass being crunched behind me. A moment later, Jack was sitting on the grass beside me. He put an arm around my shoulder.

He grinned when I turned to look at him. He’s so cute with his blue eyes and longish sandy blond hair. He said, “I thought I’d find you here.”

I laughed. “Yep. This is a great place to come to be alone. Operative word being ‘alone’”

Jack shook his head. “Fine. I’ll leave.”

I grabbed his arm. “Stay, dork. You know I was kidding.”

Jack chuckled. “That sarcastic humor of yours is going to get you in trouble someday.”

I laughed. “Someday?! Where have you been, boy?” Jack knows my history and doesn’t care that I was once a sixty-five year old fart. He correctly calls it another existence.

He rubbed my leg for a moment. He said, “Cheerleader tryouts are next Wednesday. Are you still going to try out?”

I grinned at him. “Are you kidding? I can’t wait! I’m sure to make the squad. I’ve been practicing all summer.”

Jack nodded. “I’m sure you’ll do great.”

“You’re coming to watch, right?”

With a grin, Jack nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it for anything.” I leaned over and kissed him. I do love having a boyfriend.

I sat back and we both fell silent for several minutes. I idly watched the traffic from our little hilltop view.

With his fingers, Jack brushed my hair back. “Whatcha thinking about?”

I didn’t answer right away. I sighed heavily. “What I usually think about. The future, and what it means for me. This has been a wild ride for me. I mean, when I left college, being a high school girl wasn’t on my BINGO card of possible futures.”

Jack put his arm around me and drew me close to him. He nuzzled my neck. “Well, I for one am glad you are.”

I smiled as I leaned my head against his. “Me too, Jack. Me too.”

We sat on top of the hill until well after sundown.

The End

********************************************
Original ending
********************************************

“Mom. What do you think?” I asked Mom as I pirouetted in my prom dress and heels. I spent the afternoon at the salon getting all glammed up. I was expecting Jeremy to arrive any minute. I was so in love with him!

Mom was beaming. “Oh honey! You are absolutely gorgeous! My little girl is all grown up! If only your father could have seen you!” Dad had been killed two years ago in a freak accident at a party wearing a sumo wrestler suit.

The doorbell rang. “Oh my God! Oh my God! There he is! Is my make-up okay?

Mom smiled. “You look beautiful, Chrystal. Go have a great time but be back before midnight.”

I stood straight and smoothed my dress. “I will Mom.” I smiled at her. “Thanks for everything, Mom.”

Grinning, Mom said, “Go answer the door!”

I nodded and nervously opened the door. There before me stood my handsome boyfriend looking gorgeous in his rented tux. He grinned when he saw me. He was holding a wrist corsage.

With a silly grin, Jeremy said, “You look totally beautiful, Chrystal. This is for you.” He held out the corsage. It was so beautiful.

As he started to slip on my hand, I felt as if I’d been punched in the gut. I felt dizzy and the world began to spin. My legs got weak. And then everything went black.

*          *          *

I slowly opened my eyes. I felt nauseous. At first I couldn’t tell where I was. My eyes had trouble focusing. I seemed to be surrounded by bars. Had I been arrested?

Mom’s voice said in almost a whisper. “You’re awake! You’ve been in a coma for four months!”

I looked around. My eyes still not focusing. “Where am I? What’s going on? Where’s Jeremy?” My voice sounded odd. And the words weren’t sounding the way I heard them in my head.

Mom looked down at me. Why was she above me? “Now honey. You’re not going to like this. But the virus has mutated again. Yes. Again. You are now…uh…you’re now a one year old baby boy. I gave you your old name back. You’re back to being Harry.”

“I’m what?!” I squealed. “Are you fwucking serlious? I… I’m hwafing twuble tokking.” Shit! If I mutate again, will I become a zygote?

Mom looked at me with a pained expression. “The doctors said to expect a rapid cognitive decline after awakening. They expect your mental state to return in a year or two.” Based on what data!?

I shook the rails of my crib and began to cry. I’m a baby? Damn the fates! And damn Ron Simon! May he wut in in… oh! Shiny things!”

The End