"I... I..." I stammer, my heart racing as I wriggle in place excitedly. My mouth hangs open, eliciting a chuckle from the older woman as she begins to shuffle towards the stairs up.
"Oh don't stand there with you mouth agape, are you trying to catch flies?" she coos, obviously enjoying my reaction to some degree. "Come on, it's time to..." she begins to state, not even getting halfway through her thought as I bound up the stairs.
"Thank you!" I cry back, rounding the corner and up further flights of stairs.
"Where do you think you're going?" she calls out, causing me to nearly topple over myself as I grind to a halt mid-stride up the steps.
"To... uh... get changed?" I stammer, skipping back down the stairs a few steps at a time. "I mean, I just assumed that..."
"You'll have plenty of time to get changed" Rachel states cocking an eyebrow. "I just need to get something for Victoria. You can wait in the taxi, we have a long trip ahead of us." I stand at the base of the stairs as I watch the older matronly woman slowly climb the steps, her withered hand clutching at the railing as she slowly strides up and around the corner.
Blinking rapidly I twist and turn, the bag whipping around along with my long wavy hair as I look between where the elderly woman had vanished towards the upper floors and the taxi waiting outside. Swallowing hard I race out towards the idling car, my stumbling stride soon correcting itself as my muscle memory forces my legs into a practiced jog.
I practically launch myself out of the front door, wincing slightly as I feel the sun against my youthful skin for the first time. I hadn't left the apartment for quite some time and never as Lucinda, my life having been consumed in the constant testing and changing of clothes to see just who I would become. Squeezing my firm thighs together I stand awkwardly in the street, my heart hammering in my chest as I feel the wind whip at my shrunken body and under my skirt.
I'm snapped from my nervous malaise as I loud clunk comes from the taxi, the trunk lifting slightly as the driver unlocks it for me. I give a meek light wave and smile to the man in the front, watching as he gives a small nod through the heavily tinted windows. As I inch closer to the rear of the black cab my jaw drops at the sight of the filled trunk, bag after bag sitting within and having been carefully packed into the limited space. Boxes of presents, swimwear, workout gear, and even just casual clothing each make themselves known as glimpses of tightly folded fabric, sealed bags from jewelry shops quickly rounding out the pack.
As I move to try and place the bag I had been given into the back I hear the snapping of fingers, my attention quickly being drawn back to a slightly out of breath Rachel as she strides confidentially towards the taxi.
"Come now Lucinda!" she chirps, opening the door for me. "We couldn't fit that one, you'll just need to hold it in your lap. Now. Get. In."
I sit and fidget in the dark leather seat, wringing my hands as I shrink away from the older woman sitting beside me. She sits upright with perfect posture, looking out through the tinted windows as we soon leave the city and begin to wind our way through the suburbs.
I slowly begin to break out into a cold sweat as we leave the suburbs, the family homes and shopping strips soon fading into the distance. Swallowing hard I turn to Rachel, brushing my long hair behind and ear as I cough slightly to clear my throat.
"Uh... Nana?" I mumble, fiddling with the strap of the shopping bag in my lap. "Where... is your friend's..."
"Victoria's" Rachel states, correcting me without even looking in my direction. Her gaze continues to look out over the horizon, her bright green eyes searching for something ahead of us.
"Yeah... right..." I mutter pathetically under my breath, the elderly woman's stern voice and bearing cowing me rather easily. "Um... where is Victoria's birthday party? We're driving kind of far from..."
"You'll know when we get there" Rachel states dryly, pursing her lips as she squints at something through the front window. Suddenly, she perks up, her thin lips twisting into a smirk as she taps at the glass separating us from the driver. "Just alongside the ferry" she commands, pointing a gnarled finger towards the docks on the horizon as we crest a relatively steep hill. The older woman reaches into her breast pocket, pulling out a money clip before licking her fingers and thumbing through the cash.
"Do you mind taking our bags aboard?" she asks, pulling free a few hundred dollar bills. "I promise it'll be worth more to you than your next few fares."
My heart hammers in my chest like the wing beats of a tiny terrified bird as I find the taxi weaving its way down the streets of the small coastal city. I had never been so far from home while assuming another shape, my mind constantly turning to the all important t-shirt at home that could let me return to normal.
Before long the taxi pulls to a harsh stuttering stop, the shaking finish sending me lurching forward as I whip my head around once more. My eyes lock to the squat little vessel bobbing in the water beside us on the pier, the low laying rectangular boat shifting in the shallow choppy waves beneath us. A single ramp leads up to the main deck, an outer ring of wooden planks allowing for guests to experience some fresh air rather than simply sitting inside the function room at the center.
The vessel itself was designed for private hire and touring events, main deck acting as a multi-function room that could be used for anything from parties to corporate events to fishing tours. A top the function room sits a small compact helm, a staircase on the starboard side giving access to the crew. On the port side sits another set of stairs, a small awning providing some cover from the elements as it leads to some area below the deck.
The driver jumps out with a quick step, the trunk of the car popping open with another loud clunk. Rachel opens her door before climbing out with a deep breath and a shiver, the bracing wind from the open ocean nearby biting at her aging form. She adjust herself a little, brushing out her starched blouse and crisp knee length skirt before turning to me.
"Come now Lucinda" she chirps, beckoning me out of the vehicle. I watch as the squat and doughy driver races up the ramp behind Rachel, the balding older gentleman racing up the metal platform with bags hanging from his thick arms and held in his hairy meaty fists. He drops the bags carefully by a large open set of double door before about facing and racing back down towards the car, his jowls reddened as sweat begins to build around his face.
With my own face glowing red I shuffle out of the backseat, clutching at my own bag and patting at my skirt as I quickly become painfully aware of my pack of underwear. Staggering out onto the pier I hold the bag closely to me, clutching it low as I hold my skirt in place to the best of my ability. Rachel slams the door shut behind us, slowly turning to begin to ascent onto the boat as I meekly shuffle along behind her.
"Ra... Rach... Rach..." I stammer and blubber, my legs shaking in the cold sea air as I feel my skirt flutter dangerously close to revealing my pert toned behind to the balding man carrying our bags.
"I believe you mean Nana, Luci" she coos, stepping out onto the deck before walking up to stand by our bags. She looks around for a moment, trying to find a member of the crew to speak to while also peering in through the windows into the function room.
"Nana..." I wheeze, inching onto the deck with her as the man bolts past me to place the last of our bags down along with the rest. The matronly older woman quickly counts the bags before holding out the cash for the man, the sweaty cab driver quickly snatching the money with a little bow of his head as he thanks my temporary grandmother.
"Yes sweetie" she coos with a grin, watching as the doughy man races back down the ramp and towards his cab. "Oh, don't worry we're just about to start the last leg of the journey to the party" she states, flashing her slightly coffee and wine stained teeth for a brief moment as she turns back to inspecting the room behind her.
"This is... It's kinda far from..." I mutter, tip-toeing closer as I hold my skirt down and against my firm fit thighs.
"Home?" she interjects, raising an eyebrow at me. "Well yes dear, it wouldn't be much of a holiday if we all just went to her house for supper would it?"
"Holiday?" I wheeze, looking around in a panic as I gaze back at the cab down the ramp. My stomach sinks as it quickly backs its way down the pier, the black taxi cab soon turning back out into the street as it drives away to its next fare. "That's kinda... I didn't mean to..." I blubber, my heart leaping into my throat as I stammer through my broken chain of thought.
"Well..." Rachel interrupts, pouting a little while her cunning eyes remain as sharp as ever. "I suppose you could leave, though I would be very disappointed. I mean Vicky has been practically begging to see you" she coos in an overly dramatic and pleading manner. Suddenly, her pout turns into a grin as she places her hand on her chin. "Though... It would be rather difficult to get home from here, especially without any money to pay for fares" she chirps, her grin widening as she pats the pocket of her blouse. "And... oh my... I seem to have misplaced you keys" she chuckles, playing up her 'mistake' with great glee.
"I... How am I..." I blurt out, my blood running cold as my mind plays back the sights and sounds of the matronly woman snatching my keys from the door this morning.
"Oh I can let you back in dear" she chuckles, waving her withered had dismissively. "I keep spares in the office, under lock and key of course. Though I don't plan on returning until the party is all said and done."
My shoulders slump as the reality of the situation hits me like a tonne of bricks, a long defeated sigh escaping my lips.I shuffle closer towards her and the bags, flinching slightly as I hear the grinding of metal against the deck as he ramp is pulled away. I move to drop the bag alongside the rest, pausing as I hear Rachel speak once more.
"There's a good girl, I knew you would see things my way. Looks like we made it just in time, I promise you'll love it out in the..." she chirps proudly, happy with the execution of her plan. "Lucinda!" she snaps, immediately drawing my attention. "Do not place that bag down, you still need to change before you're presentable" she states, pointing down the steps on the port side of the deck and the small bathroom sign sitting above the door at the bottom.
"You can get changed there" she states as a matter of fact manner. "I will meet you inside once you're dressed for a party and less like you're missing homeroom.
"Stupid fucking..." I huff and wheeze, fidgeting with my pants as I clamber up the steps back towards the deck. "She started this whole thing because I didn't have any under... How the hell did she not buy a single..." I grumble, picking at the tight form fitting castleton green cashmere turtleneck sweater and the dark gray trousers. Both adhere to my body almost like a second skin, the pants looking painted over my tight calves and firm thick thighs while the turtleneck simply acts to show off my flat belly and the generous unsupported bust above.
The black swing jacket helps to insulate me from the cold of the blustering ocean air, thankfully keeping my nipples from poking through the soft material of the sweater. A delicate silver chain hangs around my neck, resting gently against my large bust and jingling with each step. I fiddle with the rings on my fingers, a selection of platinum and bronze bands each in varying sizes and thickness helping to distract me from the matter at hand.
As I reach the deck I stagger slightly, my legs shaking as I shuffle towards the door in a set of shiny new dark brown leather ankle boots with a small yet disorienting heel. Suddenly, I feel my stride stiffen before easing up as my body snaps to a gentle and soft mincing stride to keep me from tumbling head over heels.
Voices from inside the main room soon reach me, a muffled din of discussion emanating through the thin walls. Inching towards the front door I notice two men picking up the bags Rachel had left behind, the crew of the ship taking them away to someplace safer than simply laying atop the deck.
"Excuse me" I announce, watching as the sailors turn to look at me. "You can take this one too, and do be careful" I state, trying my best to carry the same air as my supposed Grandmother as I address the staff.
"Yes ma'am" coughs one of the two men, his gaze darting to my chest briefly before returning to look at the bags. "Just leave it here and we'll take it to the hold."
As I move to place the bag down I catch the sight of myself in the reflection of the window, a soft mewling yelp escaping my lips as I find myself staring at the sight of a gorgeous young woman dressed in expensive and form fitted clothing. I reach up with my free hand, brushing my long voluminous hair behind my ear as I watch the young woman do the same, revealing part of a set of polished red agate earring hanging from my earlobes.
My face begins to burn red once again, my mind only snapping back to reality as one of the crew takes the bag from my hand with a grumble.
"Stuck up..." he mutters under his breath, snatching up a few more of the bags before pacing off to parts unknown.
I watch as the sailor leaves, my head whipping back towards the function hall as I watch the sight of a familiar gray haired woman laughing with a glass of champagne raised aloft. With a small pathetic whimper escaping my lips I quickly pull the door open and race inside, the howling wind of the open sea quickly being replaced with the deafening chatter of the party.
"And remember... remember the time when they tried to play house in your guest quarters?" Rachel wheezes, tears in her eyes as she laughs uproariously with another guest. "And they... they forget to tell anyone? So we had to organize a search party to find..." she continues, pausing as she catches a glimpse of me shuffling towards her.
"Well the Devil speaks her name..." chuckles the other woman hoarsely, a hand raising to her glasses as she adjusts the small gold framed crescent moon spectacles. She is shorter than both myself and my would-be-grandmother, she wiry shoulder length hair rather obviously dyed a slightly blue shade of black. She is oddly enough dressed in a very similar manner to Rachel, her shriveled form covered in a heavily starched pale green ruffled blouse while a longer black skirt hangs down around her ankles and appears to constantly flutter slightly in the heated room.
"Still have a good eye for faces I see Vicky" Rachel chuckles, raising her eyebrow with a smirk. She quickly takes a sip of her wine, choking on it slightly as the other woman reaches out to pinch my reddened cheeks.
"Oh it's so lovely to see my sweet Little Luci again" Victoria coos, wrinkled face shifting to the brightest smile I daresay I have ever seen. "I have missed you so dearly, I swear it feels like I haven't seen you in... in..." she stammers, emphasizing one words while struggling to find the others.
"An eternity" Rachel adds, holding out her glass as Victoria quickly clinks it with her own.
"Exactly, an eternity" Victoria repeats, releasing my now aching cheek as she turns to wave down someone.
"It's lovely to see you... um... Vicky" I coo softly, unsure as to how Lucinda was to act around this mysterious woman. "I love your blouse."
Pausing mid-wave, the older woman looks down at herself as if to remember just what she had even put on this morning before smiling warmly.
"Why thank you dear" she says with a slight chuckle, her gaze looking me over as she gives Rachel a slight side eye. "See, I knew all those hours playing dress up with my old clothes would rub off on her. Earth tones, they look very..."
"Mature?" I ask, looking to Rachel as she fights back a smile and a laugh.
"Exactly, my dear. Exactly!" Victoria laughs, her hoarse and ragged voice rumbling up as the sagging skin beneath her chin wobbles along with her full body laugh. "Mature, refined, and so very..." she continues, pausing as her eyes light up.
"Oli... Oli!" she shouts, waving her hand around to get the attention of someone in the crowd. Rachel joins in to, whistling with her fingers before shooting me a broad and excited grin. I look around in confusion, my gaze darting between the two older woman as they both seem more like giddy gossipy school girls rather than the aging matriarchs they were.
"Yes, you!" shouts Victoria, rolling her eyes as she sighs a little. "Are there any other Oli... Look who it is!"
"Bring a glass would you?!" Rachel shouts, her gaze meeting my own as she seems to watch me with predatory intent. "I'm sure she would really appreciate the favor. She's been dying to see you again after all this time."
I hastily whip my head around, my hair quickly falling around my face like a wild mane as I look into the crowd in a panic. I watch as various guests, none of whom I know look at me with some faint sense of recognition before returning to their conversations.
Suddenly, I catch someone moving in my peripheral vision as a glass of cold bubbling wine is held out in front of me. Staggering back slightly I spin in place, catching myself from tumbling head over heels as I stare in shock at...
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