Stung
by Shannon Q
Dr. Winston Turner flew back to the United States from Sao Paulo,
Brazil, very satisfied and excited by his recent find. He had received a
grant from Whitman University, funded basically from State University in
Kentucky. He was head of Entomology Department for the small college and
learned of a species of insect no one heard of before.
It was a new breed of hornet found deep in the Amazon Basin nearly four
hundred miles into the jungle. Local Indians informed him that these
insects were extremely dangerous needing careful handling. Several
stings could result in a varieties of unexpected results, even death.
Winston waited until dark when he returned to the nest he discovered
earlier in the day. He sprayed the nest with a paralyzing agent which
temporarily placed them into a dormant state. Placing the nest into an
escape proof casing, making sure it had proper ventilation and moisture,
he headed down the river to civilization with his prized catch knowing
his name would go down in history.
Two years later Dr. Turner received every accolade the scientific world
could bestow upon a colleague. He then settled down in his lab and
assistants to study this strange bug. Winston taught his help how to
handle these creatures properly to prevent injury or escape.
In late May, one hornet slipped out of his handler's grasp and flew out
an open window into the warm presummer afternoon. It took them many days
to find that one was missing. A quiet but frantic search went out. No
one knew what the hornet was capable of. Within one week, they gave up
the search. At least it wasn't a female and an egg layer. There would be
no colony. When it died, that would be the end of it. The research team
began to use new methods to keep these new insects within the confines
of the laboratory. The probes would go on with all speed to get Dr.
Turner's catch in the books and journals to come.
Part One
My Grief
My name back then, thirty years ago, was Sara Brandt. My childhood was
not a very happy one. When I turned twelve I stopped growing at 4'9"
tall. I never entered puberty. Cursed with acne all over my face,
crooked teeth, very poor eyesight which forced me to wear extremely
thick glasses, coarse hair on my head made it feel like straw, flat
chested, one leg that was an inch shorter than the other which caused me
to limp slightly.
The doctors could do nothing to change any of this. As a result, I was
merciless teased, harassed and scorned at school. This continued through
my sophomore year at Huntington High School in the State of Kentucky
just south of Cincinnati. I excelled in my studies and received A's on
all report cards. Out of sheer boredom in my life, I turned to music to
escape my miserable existence.
Although my parents could ill afford it they purchased an old piano at a
garage sale. It was very difficult to get it into the house since it was
a Baby Grand. It sat in the previous owner's basement for years needing
tuning badly. I just had enough from my savings to pay for a man to tune
it. His name was Mr. Reynolds. Once done, he played to it make sure that
it was down to perfection.
Mr. Reynolds was a piano teacher part time and offered to give me
lessons for five dollars a week for an hour. He taught me the scales
which I practiced every day after school for at least two hours. Many
times four hours on weekends or until my parents asked me to stop. I was
ten years old at that time. I also found a violin for next to nothing
and practiced that downstairs in our basement. I became skilled in both.
I also acquired a decent singing voice and sang for the school's choral
group. The kids allowed me into their group but after rehearsals or
performances no one wanted anything to do with me.
**
My only friend was the boy next door. Johnny Wilson. Johnny and I grew
up together. We'd known each other since we were toddlers. We played all
the time. Once when I hurt my hand falling on a rock, he kissed it to
make feel better.
"Don't worry, Sara. When we grow up, I'll marry you," he promised as he
kissed me on the lips.
Instantly the pain left me. We were both four at the time. And our
friendship continued to flourish. As Johnny grew, he became a great
athlete. Tops in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. In Pee Wee
football he excelled in everything and that carried over into the upper
leagues before high school. Also Johnny starred in basketball. He
practiced dribbling the ball, throwing passes at designated spots
painted on the family garage, and shooting it through the hoop with
remarkable accuracy. He was at it until Mrs. Wilson told him it was time
for bed.
When we entered high school he was six foot tall and muscular. The
coaches looked upon him as someone who comes into a small town high
school every fifty to sixty years. A prized athlete! The girls were
crazy about him from middle school on up. Even older beauties vied for
his attention. It didn't matter if he was just fourteen, he was taller,
handsomer and looked sexier than many of the senior jocks.
From my first day I was bombarded by most students, most of them
females, with cruel words. The saying of 'sticks and stones may break my
bones but names will never hurt me' is certainly a lie. Their tauntings
hurt me deeply. Even to sobbing tears. When Johnny was around, he
scolded the girls for being so mean. The few boys he'd grab and slam
them into a locker warning them if he ever heard them abusing me he'd
personally make them wish they hadn't.
But behind his back, those bitter words continued to pour down upon me.
I couldn't take it at times and fell to my knees crying my eyes out.
This only made it worse for me as this encouraged them to increase their
cruel mockery of me. I was always happy for Fridays to come about so I
could have Saturday and Sunday away from these evil people.
I took this verbal belittlement for six years now. I was happy for the
summer as school let out for almost three whole months. Besides, this
summer I was flying out to Portland, Oregon to visit my Aunt Penny. She
had a full Steinway piano in her living room. She promised me that I
could practice to my heart's content. I was going to take my violin with
me. I wanted to become an accomplished musician. I even composed a few
tunes but never put any lyrics to them.
Aunt Penny had married at the age of nineteen to a man old enough to be
her father. A year later, he died suddenly of a heart attack leaving her
millions plus the business he founded. She sold that to a very large
corporation for millions more. She met a man in his early thirties who
swept her off her feet.
Two years later he was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Again
leaving her a small fortune and loneliness once more. Aunt Penny vowed
never to marry again. She didn't want to face another heartbreak. At her
invitation she asked me to stay the summer with her which I agreed to
eagerly. I couldn't wait to leave here. My last night I walked through
the gate of my back yard to the park in back of our house.
I loved to sit by the large spring fed pond to watch the sunset and the
fish coming to the top swishing a bit before diving back down into the
deep dark waters. To hear the frogs croaking, the fireflies illuminating
their tails and the crickets singing in the tall grass. I was wearing my
usual attire. A short sleeved cotton blouse, plaid skirt, white anklet
socks and my cheap tennis shoes. At fifteen not even a bump or any
soreness in my chest.
I felt something land on my arm. Absentmindedly I took a hand to brush
it away. Then I felt great pain. I looked down to see what was happening
to me. This angry bug started stinging me over and over.
"Ow, ow, ow....ouch....ow, ow," I cried as the thing continued to attack
me.
I don't know how many times it jabbed its stinger into me but it hurt
more than anything. Finally after venting its anger on me, it flew off
across the water. I watched it in a rage only to see a pink thing flick
it out of the air. It was a bullfrog. I felt vindicated about that
happening. I looked at my wound and it was all red. The swelling my arm
started to grow. A little of the pain was still there but it was the
heat from those bites that was the worst.
I got up to go home. I didn't want my parents to see this and cancel my
trip to Aunt Penny's. I managed to get into the house without notice. I
raced up to my room, took off my blouse to inspect my arm. It was bright
red and swollen almost twice as much as my other. I changed quickly into
my long sleeved pajamas. I noticed Mom had already taken my two
suitcases downstairs for my flight.
I lay in bed reading a book on the Civil War when my parents walked in
without knocking. "Is our princess ready for her trip to see her aunt
tomorrow?" Daddy asked.
"Yes I am," I replied, feeling anything but a princess.
"Well, it is going to be a wonderful time for you," Mom sat on the bed
opposite of my sore arm. "Penny's such a dear heart."
I didn't have to be told that. I met her before and she was always nice
to everyone. "Yes," I smiled. "I hope I have a lot of fun there."
"My sister will take good care of you," Daddy grinned.
"I think I'll have lots of fun there," I repeated, anxious to be in
Oregon already.
"I hear that her house is only two hundred yards from a bluff then the
walls slope down to a small beach then there's the Pacific Ocean," Daddy
observed.
"I think you should get your rest now, honey," Mom smiled, leaning over
to kiss me on my forehead.
"Good night," Daddy kissed me on the cheek.
"Good night, sleep tight," I smiled back.
**
The next morning the swelling went down on my arm but it was replaced by
a large blister. I wore my best blouse which I saved for church on
Sundays. The sleeves fell to my wrists and loose enough to hide the
blister. It was silky and felt nice against my skin. I wore my black
skirt, knee length socks and a pair of patent leather shoes. I wanted to
impress Aunt Penny.
My flight would originate in Cincinnati nonstop to Portland. Estimated
time in the air, four hours and thirty minutes. After a big breakfast of
scrambled eggs, bacon, orange juice and tea with sugar; we set out for
the airport. Daddy checked my suitcases at the curb and we went inside.
Being the 1990's the security only x-rayed my purse. Mom gave me five
hundred dollars in traveler's checks that I had countersigned at the
bank a few days ago.
We hugged and kissed each other when we were given the call to board the
plane. Mom had tears in her eyes which caused me to cry a little too.
Daddy gave me forty dollars in cash in case of an emergency. One last
hug and kiss and I was down the ramp to the plane. Needless to say I was
very excited and happy for the first time in years.
Once the plane was in the air, I felt my left arm again. I was sore but
none the worse for wear. Suddenly I was very tired. I planned to look
down at the land flowing beneath me but my eyelids drooped. Stuffing my
glasses into my purse, I fell into a deep sound dreamless sleep not
knowing that I looked like I was ten and the flight people were ordered
to watch over me. The airlines didn't want to take the chance in losing
me and have a major lawsuit on their hands.
**
A gentle hand awoke me. I opened my eyes to see a smiling face of a
flight attendant. I put on my glasses to see that she was very pretty.
"We're going to be landing in twenty minutes," she gently told me.
Then she did the same to an old man sleeping to my right. We buckled our
safety belts as I looked at the suburbs of Portland as the plane began
its descent. I was still weary but excited too.
After landing, I finally managed to make my way into the terminal to see
the most beautiful lady there. Aunt Penny. She was tall, slim with nice
breasts and curves, lovely face with blue eyes and long blonde hair
flowing down her back. She was dressed in a satiny blouse, short skirt
that came to about four inches above her knees, stockings and black high
heels. Recognizing each other, we embraced. As she leaned over to hold
me, I could smell her clean hair and wonderful perfume. I often dreamed
of being beautiful like her, not knowing that inside she was still
hurting from her recent loss of her second husband and the loneliness
that came with it.
"Oh Sara, it's so nice to see you again," she beamed.
"Thank you," I wished for her loveliness to be mine. I felt envious.
"May I see your driver's license, please," one of the flight attendants
asked.
She had a small document in her hands and compared the name on her list
to what Aunt Penny showed.
"Thank you," she smiled then turned back to the plane again. I looked
after very puzzled until my aunt explained it was standard procedure
that anyone under the age of sixteen be met by an adult who was a member
of the family. I smiled and hugged her again before going to the lower
concourse to retrieve my luggage.
Aunt Penny had several cars including a Rolls Royce but we drove back to
her house on the Pacific shore in a two year old white Toyota Camrey LE.
It was a two hour trip so we stopped for cheeseburgers, fries and iced
tea at a small cafe. She told me all that we were going to do this
coming summer. Then she finally noticed my crooked teeth.
"Oh dear, Sara. Your teeth aren't straight. Didn't you have a dentist
look at them?"
"Yes but braces are too expensive and Daddy's work doesn't have a dental
plan with his health insurance. We can't afford them," I explained
sadly.
"Well we'll get you those braces here, darling. I can afford it.
Besides, all girls should have straight teeth, don't you think?"
"Absolutely," I agreed.
"Good honey," she gently took my left arm. When I flinched in pain, a
worried look fell on her face. "What's wrong?"
"Oh some bug bit me last night by the pond."
I tried to act as if it were no big deal. Aunt Penny undid the pearl
button on my wrist and rolled the material up to see this big blister.
"Oh dear, that looks very painful, sweetie. Before we go to the house,
we'll stop by the clinic to let the doctor look at it."
"It doesn't hurt.....much," I lied.
"We have to have it looked at," Aunt Penny insisted.
Two hours later we were in the town's clinic. Aunt Penny was given the
royal treatment when we walked in. She donated a quarter of a million
dollars to build this facility and gave another twenty-five thousand a
year to help maintain a doctor with a competitive salary to keep him
there. His name was Gregory Johnson. Young looking and very handsome. He
flirted with my aunt before taking me back to the examination room.
I felt shy to removed my blouse but at Aunt Penny's urging, I did. Dr.
Johnson examined my wound carefully. He even got out a metal head band
with a light and magnifying glass. Turning the room dark he took his
time concentrating on my arm.
"Sara, it looks to be a wasp's or a hornet's sting. It got you several
times. What symptoms do you have?"
"I've been really tired, that's all."
"That's understandable. They can shoot some mild venom into you. That is
why you are so tired. Fatigue is normal. Have you had any other things
bothering you?"
"I had a headache last night and took some aspirin which took the pain
away."
"I don't want you to puncture that blister. Let it break on its own.
I'll give you a soothing salve to put on your arm after the blister is
gone."
He turned on the lights and smiled at Aunt Penny. "Make sure she doesn't
do anything that'll tire her out too much. And once the water breaks,
have her rub this salve into her wound until it clears up." The Doctor
handed her a tube. "Here's a sample. It's very expensive at the
pharmacy."
"I'll make sure Sara follows your orders," Aunt Penny gave him a
flirtatious smile. After we returned to the car, I noticed a dreamy look
on her face.
"Aunt Penny's got a boyfriend," I chanted.
"Oh shush, little one," she mildly scolded me. "He is good looking,
don't you think?"
"Very much so," I answered back.
"Well being a widow twice I promised there wouldn't be a third time,"
she sighed turning on the ignition.
"Third time is a charm," I smiled at her.
"There will be no third time," she smiled back as we headed toward the
house about a mile away.
**
It wasn't a house. It was a mansion. Five bedrooms with a fully
functional bathroom in each. A cozy den, an enormous dining room, a
large kitchen with walk-in refrigerators and freezers all stocked up
with almost every item imaginable. A huge pantry with cases upon cases
of soft drinks both with sugar and diet. A huge living room with the
latest in entertainment equipment. Shelves full of VCR movies and
documentaries. A 54" Sony television with remotes all over the place. A
stereo with hundreds of music cassettes and records. Some were even in
the 45rpm mode. A cellar full of wines from all over the world. Also in
one corner was a large washer & dryer with a big catchall where laundry
could go down chutes into the bin.
Her garage housed the Rolls Royce, Jaguar sports model car, a Cadillac
and of course the Camry. In a separate place were six all terrain
vehicles. Aunt Penny said I could ride one on her eight acre property if
I were careful. Strangely, I wasn't interested in that. I wanted access
to her fully stocked library that contained romance novels to books on
history and everything in-between. Besides, I wanted to start playing
that Steinway as soon as possible.
I was amazed at my bedroom. All done up in pastels of pink, light blue
and earth tones. Plus the walk-in closet was almost as large as my room
back home. She had two Olde English Sheepdogs, both spayed that followed
us everywhere.
They were very hefty animals but friendly and continued in trying to
lick my face. Molly and Millie were their names. Both sisters from the
same litter. Molly had no black on her face while Millie had what looked
to be two black eyes. In the weeks ahead, Molly would become my sleep
companion while Millie chose to lay at Aunt Penny's feet at night.
There was a slot where they could get out of the house into a fenced in
yard to do their business then return to us as we slept. I knew I was
going to love it here.
**
A week later I had the braces put on my teeth. I was instructed about my
dental hygiene with these iron caps. My blister burst on its own one
night and I kept putting the salve on three times a day instead of two.
I wished for it heal as quickly as possible.
Aunt Penny and I went shopping while in Portland. She seemed to buy me
everything a girl could want as far as clothes were concerned. My walk-
in closet was filling up rapidly. I was never bored there. I could swim
in the indoor-outdoor pool, play with Molly and Millie, try on my new
clothes to give me a chance to wear them all, and read all the books my
aunt had. And of course play the piano.
My aunt remarked how much talent I had and should have lessons from an
expert, I told her that we could only afford the five dollars per week
for the lessons I really didn't need any longer. My teacher said he
taught me all he could and I was a very good conscientious student. He
had been my teacher for almost five years now and he thought I should
find someone better than him. After I told her all of that, her eyes had
that far away look. Saying nothing at that moment she just turned and
left the room.
I practiced another hour then ran upstairs with Molly racing before me
so I could work on my violin. One night Aunt Penny asked me if I didn't
mind her going out on a dinner date. It seemed that Dr. Johnson called
her for a date.
"I won't be long. No later than eleven o'clock. Just set the security
alarm when I leave and I'll let myself in when I return."
"I hope you have a nice time with the good doctor," I smiled.
Then Aunt Penny looked at me all funny like.
"Sara, it looks like your acne's going away," she rubbed her hand over
my cheek.
"I wish," I didn't believe her.
"No, dear. Go look in the mirror under the light. See if I'm right."
I ran to my room noticing that I wasn't limping any longer. I turned on
the light and looked intently at my face. It did look that some of it
was clearing up. What startled me the most was I thought my eyes were
changing colors. From brown to green. I stared at them for several
minutes then returned to my face again. A smile lit my countenance.
There was a profound change. The large ugly thing under my left eye had
all but cleared up. I still had a long way to go, but I was encouraged.
What was happening to me? It all looked for the good but I didn't want
my hopes built up only to have them crashing down on me when that gross
thing reappeared.
I returned to the living room where Aunt Penny was waiting for her date
to arrive. I sat on the other end of the couch and acknowledged my
change. "It seems like there is some clearing up," I said stoically but
inside I was rejoicing.
"I'll say," replied Aunt Penny. "Perhaps this Oregon air and sea breeze
is causing it."
"I'll take any improvement I get," I smiled.
Then the doorbell rang. "How do I look?" Aunt Penny stood up and asked
nervously.
"Gorgeous!" I replied.
"Thank you, sweetie."
She ran over to open the door. Dr. Johnson walked in looking handsome in
this dark blue suit and gray tie.
"Penny, you look absolutely lovely this evening," he complimented her,
looking her up and down. "That little black dress does wonders for your
beauty."
"Thank you, Gregory," she blushed, reaching for a matching wrap.
"Hi Sara, how's the owwie?" he inquired.
"Feels much better, thank you."
"Did the salve work?"
"Yes it did."
"Shall we get going?" Aunt Penny asked, coming over to me to kiss my
cheek.
"Remember to set the alarm."
"I will," I said as Molly and Millie came scooting in to greet the
guest.
Aunt Penny and me shooed them away then they left before the dogs
recovered to lick the good doctor all over his face. Even at six foot
tall, he was vulnerable to their long pink tongues. I set the alarm.
Practiced on the piano for an hour pretending I was giving a concert at
Carnegie Hall even writing a little tune that was in my head since this
morning. Later I turned out the lights except one and ran upstairs to
look at my face again.
**
Two weeks later all of my acne was gone. It was a miracle! My eyes were
fully green and red hair was sprouting up under my dry ugly brown. My
chest was sore with little puffiness on my nipples. I was happy at this
sight. Aunt Penny told me the aches in my chest was normal. On the
downside I was growing in height. I went from 4'9" to 5'3" almost
overnight. Again more pain. Once more Aunt Penny told me it was growing
pains.
She took me to Dr. Johnson to confirm my spurting progress. I think she
wanted to see the good doctor to flirt with him. They were an item since
their first date. I think her vow not to marry for a third time had
flittered out of her mind. He was more her age and it looked like he was
falling for her too. They were on a first name basis now and even I
started calling him Greg.
"You certainly are a late bloomer, Sara," he confirmed. "Just to be
safe, I'd like to take a few x-rays just to be certain. If you are
wearing any jewelry remove it so it won't show up on the pictures. There
is no need to get undressed."
After the x-rays Greg scanned them carefully.
"It just looks like you're growing into a fully functional young woman."
"Of course she is," Aunt Penny smiled, caressing my cheek with her hand.
A cheek without nasty acne. "She's going to be very beautiful and a
heartbreaker at that."
Greg smiled, "She has all the makings."
"I'm sorry for growing out of my clothes," I apologized to my aunt once
we were back in the car.
Greg and Aunt Penny had setup a date this coming weekend.
"It's not your fault, darling," she smiled back at me. "It just means
we'll have to shop for more clothes for you."
I returned the smile at the thought of getting yet another wardrobe.
"Can I ask you for a favor?"
"Of course."
"Please don't tell Mom and Daddy what is happening to me."
"Why not?" she inquired.
"I want to surprise them when I go back."
She grinned, "All right but I don't think they will recognize the old
Sara from the new one."
"That's what I wish for."
**
By August first, I had grown to my maximum height. 5'8". I gained forty-
five pounds to one hundred and thirty. All in the right places. Aunt
Penny had taken me to a salon to have my brown hair cut to leave me in a
short page boy style look. Also she had me have a makeover which
startled me when I looked in the mirror. I was pretty....no, check that,
gorgeous. I also received a manicure and pedicure. My self confidence
took a giant leap that day. For the first time in my life I had young
men and boys staring at me. I blushed all over.
"Get used to it, honey. This is going to happen until you're old and
gray," my aunt advised.
I couldn't believe it when she paid over ten thousand dollars for my new
wardrobe. She donated all of my previous clothes she paid thousands for
to the Salvation Army's Goodwill. Most I didn't even wear. I didn't like
my new high heels but knew they were a necessity when I went out
formally or on a big date. I had only three more weeks to go in my visit
to Oregon and I finally got up enough of a nerve to wear a bikini to the
beach.
I was a 34b and my figure was dazzling. But nothing to compare with Aunt
Penny's as she accompanied me the three times we went there. We had guys
gawking at us, some other older ones even boldly walked over to chat
with us. Aunt Penny, being an expert on male behavior, was coolly able
to shut them down if they became too aggressive. If I came alone, I'd be
an easy mark for them. I chatted some but now my aim was for Johnny
Wilson to see me. He was now 6'4" tall and still growing. He was all
state in all three sports and was looked at by college scouts but
couldn't be approached until after his junior year was over.
I thought of only two things. Did that hornet's sting change me? Did its
stings help me from being an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan? Then
my other thoughts were on Johnny. Only a few other males in my class
didn't tease or call me names. To them, I was nonexistent. I held
nothing against these boys because they didn't do or say anything to
hurt me. And I remember how words hurt. However, Johnny was in my heart
and I intended to have him notice the new Sara.
Part Two
Returning Home
I hated leaving Aunt Penny. She was the best thing that ever happened to
me. Except for that hornet's sting which I was convinced that changed
me. If that bullfrog had not eaten the insect, I would gladly kissed it
if I ever saw it again. Aunt Penny and I were in tears hugging and
kissing each other on the cheek when my flight was called.
"Here darling," she shoved an envelope into my hand. "Cash this check
when you get back home."
"But Auntie, you've given me so much," I protested.
I did not want to take anymore of her money.
"It's for your freshman year in college."
"Are you sure? I don't want your money. I just want your love."
"You have that too," she responded. "Now go get that boyfriend of your
dreams," she challenged me.
"I hope he can make me happy like you made me! And look after Greg, he
loves you. If you marry him I want to be part of the wedding party."
That caused her to break into more tears. Aunt Penny gave me a gentle
shove to the boarding area.
"I love you," I called to her over my right shoulder. My red hair had
grown to the bottom portion of my neck.
"I love you too, and kiss my brother for me."
"I will, I promised."
Then I boarded the flight back home. I was placed in the first class
section still in tears. I sat down and assured the worried flight
attendant that I was okay. I just didn't want to leave my aunt behind.
The flight took even less time than flying to Portland. The pilot stated
that we caught a strong tailwind which made our trip in less than three
hours. It landed smoothly in Cincinnati. I felt anxious to see my
parents.
Once on the ground, I checked my face a second time to see if my makeup
needed repairing. I touched it up just a little. Aunt Penny taught me
that less was more and she was certainly right. I was one of the first
off the plane. I saw my Father and Mother looking frantically for their
little girl. I talked to them several times a week but didn't tell them
anything about my change.
I deliberately walked past them a few feet then stood right behind them.
They kept looking and looking. Finally I cut them a little slack.
"Is this the way you treat your daughter after being gone three
months," I joked.
They turned in amazement. They didn't see a scrawny little girl with
thick glasses, acne all over her face, crooked teeth, awful looking
hair, in plain clothes. They were looking at a beautiful redhead,
sparkling green eyes without glasses, smooth as a baby's bottom for a
complexion, taller than Mom, fully figured attractive young lady. They
saw the new me.
"Sara?" Mom sputtered.
"Guilty as charged," I laughed, leaning forward to kiss my parents on
their cheeks. "I'm your Sara. A little change here and there but still
your daughter."
I was wearing a beige satiny one piece pantsuit with matching sandals.
Without heels, I'd grown several inches taller than my mother.
"Oh my, what happened?" Mom asked, not believing her eyes.
"I'll tell you later, let's get my bags. I have lots so we'll have to
rent a cart to take it to our car."
"I can't believe it is you," Daddy stammered, just as amazed as Mom.
I gave him a long loving kiss on the cheek that caught a little of his
earlobe.
"That's from Aunt Penny. She told me to give you a nice kiss for her big
brother."
We talked about my changes while going down the concourse to get my
baggage. I didn't tell them too much. I was hungry so decided to explain
everything over lunch. I disliked airline food and only ate the fruit
cup.
**
I told them the whole story. The hornet's sting, the gradual changes,
then things turned rapidly in the last three weeks. About Aunt Penny's
generosity and her new boyfriend. Molly and Millie. Telling them I
wanted one of those sheepdogs for my very own. They hardly commented,
hanging onto my every word. I described his sister's house, the beach,
my first experience in a bikini, the guys staring at me.
Where we sat in the restaurant as we ate, I could feel eyes on me.
Undressing me, lusting after me, women envying me. If these ladies knew
what I had been through these first fifteen years of my life, now almost
sixteen, they wouldn't be so jealous of me. I had to admit to myself I
looked much older than fifteen.
"So a hornet stung you?" Daddy asked.
"At least six times, maybe more," I added. "It hurt like the dickens."
"We're going to have a mother-daughter talk," Mom said seriously.
"Aunt Penny and me had those talks many times," I told her, giggling.
"I think we should get you home," Daddy suggested, still frustrated by
not knowing what happened to his little princess.
I was his big princess now and I felt like one. After arriving at the
old house I grew up in, we dragged all twelve suitcases of clothes up
the stairs to my room. There wasn't any room in my closet for me to hang
everything up. I tossed all my old garments onto the floor including
everything in my chest of drawers.
I noticed Mom had dusted everything in my room. I set about hanging up
everything I would need for school which started next week. I managed to
squeeze in some of my fancier clothes but I had over four suitcases
after filling up my three chests of drawers with all my intimate attire
from plain panties to sexy satin and lace ones. My bras, teddys,
stockings, sensual sleepwear and all the other things. I then organized
my suitcases to know what was in them then slid those under the bed
which I aptly named "My cellar".
I looked at my new watch and saw that is was almost four. I laid out a
new bra and panty set, a blue halter top and khaki colored shorts. I
jumped in the shower. Shampooed my hair, conditioned it then scrubbed
myself thoroughly. I dried my flaming red hair, put on makeup, slipped
out of my silky robe and proceeded to dress. Finished, I went
downstairs. It was a warm day and heard Mom talking on the phone about
me with someone. I poured myself a lemonade and went onto the porch to
leaf through the new edition of Cosmopolitan magazine. Making special
note of makeup and hairstyle tips.
**
I had to wait almost an hour until a car pulled up on the curb and
Johnny got out, thanked the driver I never got to see. He opened the
back door of the Sedan and pulled out his football equipment. I decided
to play it cool. I watched him walk wearily up the stairs until he
reached the door. He was about to go in when I called to him. My heart
was beating a thousand times a minute.
"Hi Johnny," I called cheerfully.
He turned and looked around until his eyes fell upon me. I felt
goosebumps all up and down my body.
"Who are you?" he asked, looking stumped.
"Do you mean that you forgotten your promise to marry me when we were
four? I'm hurt," I pouted.
He stared at me for a moment then spoke, "Sara?"
"Bingo, you've won the prize," I stood up and walked down my steps.
He walked back down his and was over by me in a flash.
"What happened to you?" he was surprised that the closer he came to me,
the better I looked to him.
"Nothing bad, I hope."
"No, no, not at all." He was tongue-tied.
"I grew up during the summer."
"And how!" He looked me over, stopping for a moment to stare at my
breasts. Something Aunt Penny had told me all males did. Except for gays
she pointed out.
"I can't believe it."
"Believe it, it's me." I smiled. "Don't you have a hug for me?"
"I'm all sweaty and dirty from practice."
"I don't care, I won't wither away."
I held my arms out to him. He grabbed hold of me at the waist while my
arms circled his muscular neck. I even kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Welcome home," he whispered in my ear.
"I'm happy to be back."
We finally broke our embrace as I felt something hard against my hip. I
knew what it was and felt very nice that I had that effect upon him.
"So what now?" he asked.
"Wanna play house? I'll be the mommy and you be the daddy. Or would you
like to play checkers, or some of the other games we did when we were
small?"
"I think we've both grown out of that stage."
"Okay, when is your day off from practice?"
"No practice tomorrow, it's Sunday."
"If you don't have anything to do, how about taking me to the movies?"
"I begged off a date with Martina Summers."
"Well, how about just going out for a burger or something for an hour or
two. Catch up on old times," I suggested.
He looked tired but then he grinned. "I can be ready in a half hour."
"Well that will be enough time for me to change into something nice and
meet you back here."
"Deal!" He turned and ran back to his house.
I walked back in with my empty glass, told my parents I was going on a
date with Johnny. I walked upstairs to wash the little dirt and sweat
from his body, put on a nice yellow silky blouse, a short white skirt
and two inch heels. I sprayed some expensive perfume Aunt Penny got me,
then walked down the stairs to find Johnny waiting for me.
"Have you been waiting long?" I asked.
"Just got here."
He liked what he saw. As did I. His biceps bulged from his shirt
sleeves. We said our goodbyes to my parents and were out the door.
Johnny had his father's car. He held the door for me as I got in the way
Aunt Penny showed me. Butt first then swing my legs in. I reached over
to unlock his door. We buckled in then we were off to Patsy's a local
burger place that many teenagers frequented.
We walked in and found a booth. His back was to the entrance. We placed
our orders of cheeseburgers, fries, and cokes. I told him about my
transformation. The hornet stinging me several times, its venom shooting
from its stinger into my arm. The pain and swelling, the blister, the
growth that happened. I told him its poison changed everything about me
except my crooked teeth which my aunt had taken care of. I even believed
the hornet had something to do with that because my teeth straightened
out faster than anyone before.
He believed every word I said. There was no other explanation. The food
came and we both dug in. Halfway through our meal I spotted Martina walk
in with her friends. Everyone of them hurt me at one time or another
during my first two years of high school. She was on the cheerleading
squad, and I had to admit she was quite pretty. Long blonde hair, good
looking face, nice body, athletic legs. She spotted Johnny and came
racing over to him.
"What are you doing here with this girl?" she spat angrily.
"Hello, Martina," I smiled at her, not giving Johnny a chance to answer
her.
"Just who in the hell are you?"
Her face looked hideous in her indignation of me. Jealousy showed.
"You know me, Martina."
"How do I know you? I haven't seen you for Adam."
"Let's see." My eyes stared toward the ceiling. "What did you used to
call me? Ummm....oh yes, 'scarface' because of my acne. 'Coke bottles'
because of my glasses. What was the other thing? I remember 'Bucky
Beaver' due to my overbite. And there were others but those will suffice
for now."
Martina's face went from ire to astonishment.
"Sara? Sara Brandt?"
"You got it," I smiled.
"For being a blonde, you aren't so dumb."
Meanwhile her friends gathered around looking amazed.
"What happened to you?" she asked.
"When I was in Oregon visiting my aunt, one night a little fairy came
out of nowhere and touched me with her magic wand. Voila, you see the
new me. I didn't ask for it. It just happened."
Johnny couldn't contain himself and broke out laughing.
"Why are you here with her?" Martina became angry again.
"Perhaps he prefers my company other than yours," I replied not allowing
Johnny to get into this mix.
"He's mine!" she insisted.
Taking her left hand I quickly looked at it before throwing it back at
her, "No ring there, it looks to me he's up for grabs. I think I'll
claim him for myself."
"How dare you!" Martina's voice became threatening.
"Has he ever asked to marry you?"
"No! That's a stupid question. We're only sixteen."
"Well he promised to marry me. Johnny darling, I accept your proposal,"
I mocked her but meant it for him.
"You bitch," she sneered at me.
Before I could get a word in, Johnny turned on Martina with fury in his
eyes.
Martina looked frightened by it. I felt frightened too. I never seen a
look like that coming from him.
"Martina, it's all over between us!"
"But Johnny......." she pleaded.
"I told everyone in the school I wouldn't tolerate anyone making fun of
or calling Sara names. You just crossed over that line. We're through, I
don't want to see you ever again. Go running to your friends. See how
long they stay friends with you after they learn what you called Sara
and how much it hurt me."
Unable to say anything, Martina burst into tears and ran from Patsy's.
Only one girl went with her. The others stayed behind smiling at me and
telling me how beautiful I'd become. I didn't know right then if the
compliments were sincere or they were trying to score points with
Johnny. I thanked them and learned later that they were heartfelt in
their words. The food was cold by then so I reached into my purse to pay
the bill.
"You leave the tip," I told Johnny.
We were quiet on the way home. I guess the both of us were trying to
read each other's mind. At the curb, he walked around and opened the
door for me. I slid out holding his ready hand. On some impulse that
suddenly hit me, I threw my arms around his neck to kiss him. He kissed
me back. It lasted a very long time. When we both separated, we were
breathing hard.
"Johnny, I won't hold you on about accepting that proposal. I love you,
but I just said that to rattle Martina's cage a bit."
He held me tighter and leaned down to kiss me again. This time our
tongues were wrestling. I felt the heat from his body and I also
believed my heat was getting to him. It lasted a long time until I
softly broke our embrace. He held my hand as he walked me to the porch.
We kissed once more but it was sort of a goodnight smooch.
"Sara, I love you too. I always did. You are very special to me. You
were too tiny for me before you changed but I even loved you then. As a
friend, of course. But now something feels different in me. Think we can
go steady?"
I smiled. "I'd die if you didn't ask that."
We touched lips lightly. It was more exotic than the longer ones. Even
into the night I felt that feeling of our last kiss on my lips as I
slept peacefully that night. Life was beginning to turn around for me.
Thanks to that mean old hornet.
Part Three
School Days
I entered the familiar hallways of Huntington High School. Noting the
football schedule with the game on our field a week from today, Friday
night. I walked into my old counselor's office to find Mr. Bennett
busily working on some papers without looking up, "Be seated, I'll be
with you in a second."
I sat down to wait for him gazing about the familiar room. Finally he
looked up and smiled at me. I had my hair in a ponytail, halter top and
tight jeans with sandals.
"You're new here. The registration office is down the hall. That will be
Room one-oh-two."
"I'm not new, Mr. Bennett. I've been a student here for my first two
years," I smiled inwardly to myself.
"Oh? I don't recognize you," Bennett frowned. "What's your name?"
"Sara Brandt."
I watched his face do a double take. His eyes widened and mouth opened.
His bald head reflected the light from the neon tubes above him.
"Sara?"
"Changed, haven't I?" I beamed.
"You certainly have. What happened?"
Smiling warmly, I gave him the fairy touching me with a wand story I
told Martina a few nights ago. I watched him silently chuckle as his pot
belly shook.
"Oooooooookay," he grinned reaching for my schedule. "Sara, this year
you have the usual English, Math, then Science two, and an elective.
Anything in particular?"
"May I have honors history?"
"Of course, I recall your interest in history. You have been excused
from Phys Ed. I assume you want to do the same?"
"No, I'd like that now."
"Phys Ed, it is." He wrote that down.
It took him a few moments to write out my schedule.
"Here it is. Honors History is first right after Home Room."
He handed me my agenda. I folded it and place it into my purse.
"I must say, Sara. You have made some remarkable strides over the
summer. You are an attractive young lady."
"Thank you, Mr. Bennett," I smiled, knowing he wasn't a dirty old man.
He was married to the Home Ed teacher and she was a very beautiful
middle-aged lady. I returned to my old locker and spun the lock. I
cleaned out some debris from the old Sara and pitched it all into a
trash can down the hall. I exited the building to return home. Johnny
was at practice so I wouldn't be seeing him until tonight. We were
scheduled to see a movie but if he was too tired I was content to sit on
the porch with him. Since Martina's outburst we were seeing each other
every evening. Johnny had dinner with my family and I had the same with
his. I felt very uncomfortable getting the third degree from his parents
about my change, but I covered it up well by telling them about my
summer in Oregon.
**
The weekend flew by. Johnny and I saw the movie on Sunday afternoon.
Knowing he didn't have much money, we went dutch. He mildly protested
but gave in when I showed him I had more than enough cash with me. I had
deposited the fifteen thousand Aunt Penny gave me in a CD to accumulate
some interest. I had to have Daddy co-sign for me since I wasn't
eighteen yet. Also I got my learner's permit for Driver's Ed at school
when I turned sixteen in a few weeks.
After the movie, Johnny and I walked hand-in-hand to the mall and looked
at all the stores. Many of the students at Huntington High heard of my
transformation but not caused by the hornet's attack. Lucy Wo, a little
Chinese girl, very pretty, ran into us.
"Sara, if I didn't know ahead of time I would have never recognized
you," she smiled.
Lucy was one of the very few who never mocked me. We weren't close
friends but acquaintances. We chatted a little but that was the extent
of our relationship.
"Hi Lucy," I smiled. "Pretty as ever."
Lucy blushed. "Thank you, Sara. You're very pretty too."
"I'm pretty too," Johnny joked.
"Pretty handsome," I giggled.
"Well that's what I meant," he laughed.
"What period do you have lunch?" Lucy inquired of me.
"Fourth."
"Me too," she sounded excited. "Wanna sit together?"
"Sure, love to," I replied.
Johnny had fifth period so he was out of the picture. He could have
swung fourth but by the end of football practice he'd be famished for
eating so early.
"I've got to meet my Mom now. I'll see you Monday at the cafeteria if
not before," Lucy smiled.
"I'm looking forward to it," I said then we split up.
**
That Monday I walked into home room for attendance and announcements.
Luke Vander, a real slob who drank heavily and did drugs was seated on
one stool in the science lab and had his feet on the other. Which was
mine. I grabbed one of the legs and gave it a hard yank causing his feet
to fly out and fall off the stool landing his butt on the floor.
"One stool per student," I snapped wiping where he had perched his feet
with a Kleenex.
"Who in the hell are you?" he sneered.
"Your worst nightmare if you do this again," I snapped back.
Mrs. Jensen started roll call. When my name was announced, I shouted,
"Present." I wish I had a camera to catch the expressions of Luke and
Mrs. Jensen. They were priceless. Some of the other students did a
double take upon seeing me too. Luke had zits all over his face but I
couldn't hold that against him because I was far worse than him a few
months ago. In fact I felt sorry for him.
Two big events happened at school. Martina transferred to a private
school just outside of town. Then I attended my first football game.
Johnny was the star. We won 42-0 against Summerville. I can't tell you I
knew any of the rules of football but I knew what a touchdown was and
cheered as Johnny passed or ran for all seven scores. I sat with Lucy
and was joined by a few of the girls who used to make fun of me. I had
intended to reek some revenge against them but I decided it best just to
wipe the slate clean and start all over again. I didn't want to seem
like someone who was petty.
The first day of classes teachers and fellow students couldn't believe
the new Sara Brandt. I was beautiful on the outside and wanted to be the
same way on the inside of me. No grudges, I told myself. I became quite
popular because of my looks and the fancy wardrobe Aunt Penny bought me.
Now to add a sweet personality to that and I'd feel I had accomplished
something.
Johnny told me he would be gone most of the summer at two football camps
and some campus tours from colleges wanting his athletic abilities. He
also carried a 3.56 gpa. I was
to be her maid-of-honor at her wedding to Greg next June I jumped at the
chance. Since Johnny would be gone most of the time thus the coming
summer looked pretty lame for me.
One night Johnny came over, totally exhausted from practice. He would do
his homework in the morning by getting up at 5am. It was the only time
he had to get it done. I suggested that we take a walk in the park. He
agreed so we went out my backyard walking to my favorite spot holding
hands. I took us to the place where I was attacked by that bug. It was a
chilly night so both of us wore jeans and sweatshirts. The fading
sunlight was just about gone as I told him the blow-by-blow of that
night.
We ended up kissing a few times. His hand lowered to my breast. I pulled
away to tell him that there were two reasons why I didn't want him to do
that. I didn't want to get carried away plus I wanted to stay pure for
him for our wedding night. I just turned sixteen a few weeks ago and I
knew it would be a long time before the event. He agreed and said he
just started to get carried away. I smiled and kissed him on the cheek,
reaffirmed my love for him, and walked back home. I knew he was badly in
need of a good night's sleep.
**
The months went by quickly. On Thanksgiving week, Huntington High won
its first state championship ever. Monmouth High had a great team but
with less than a minute left, Johnny scored on a quarterback sneak to
win us the game. He gave all the credit to the linemen who opened the
hole for him to plunge in. There was a parade on Thanksgiving eve where
everyone turned out to cheer their heroes. Lines of cars decorated
"State Champs" plus the school bus slowly made their way down Main
Street.
Businesses closed up for an hour so the owners and employees to join the
crowds. It was a cold day as I sat all bundled up on the rear seat of a
convertible next to Johnny while his parents sat below us in the back
seat. Excitement was in the air everywhere. Johnny was called up to the
stand where the mayor called for him to give a speech.
"I'm not good at talking in public. But this isn't about just me. It was
the entire team. Subs and even the equipment managers. If it wasn't for
the guys on the line blocking for me, we wouldn't be here today. Why
don't you give them a big cheer. They're the ones who deserve it."
Applause came from all over. I was thrilled that Johnny gave all the
credit to everyone else except himself. All the people knew that Johnny
was the reason that we won, but he shared it with his team. He had one
of the freshman subs walk up to the platform and raise the state
championship trophy.
"These guys worked just as hard as me during every day practices. I know
I have a year left but they are your future team once all of us are gone
to hopefully bigger and better things. Thanks for coming out."
He helped the sub with the heavy trophy as they walked down the stairs
of the platform. The mayor got up and gave a short speech. Mostly about
the upcoming election in February but kept it to a few words because
everyone was cold.
Thanksgiving was fun. Johnny and I ate at my house then we went next
door to watch some pro football until the turkey was done at the
Wilsons. We had the entire weekend together before he had to start
basketball practice on Monday. A whole weekend!! Or so I thought. The
very next day I fell on a patch of ice breaking my right thigh. I would
be in a cast for six to eight weeks. Bummer! I learned not to count my
chickens before they hatched.
**
I was hobbled with this monstrosity of a cast past the New Year. The new
millennium arrived. All the scares of computers crashing all over the
world went for nothing. I missed only two days of school and managed to
attend all of Huntington's home basketball games. We started poorly.
Losing our first three games. Then we turned things around and started
winning. By Christmas we were 6-3. There was a holiday tournament about
one hundred miles away so I stayed at home listening to our games on our
local radio station. We won all three games to bring another trophy
home. We were now 9-3 going into league play.
Despite all of this, I managed to practice on the piano and my violin at
least two hours a day. I decided to make a study of hornets. Daddy
checked out as many books on them as the library had. I also went
online. I read an interesting article posted where a new breed had been
discovered by a Winston Turner a few years ago in a remote Amazon rain
forest. Whitman University was only five miles from where I lived. The
hornet's venom was very toxic and stings ranged from odd changes in a
person or even death It never explained what kind of mutations caused by
persons stung but I certainly had a very good idea what happened to me.
I wondered if there were any transgender changes. I also thought if it
would have anything to help transsexuals in their sex changes? I
understood what happened to me was for the better. I read every word of
the article before Johnny came over to see me. Now I knew for sure where
this thing came from. I downloaded the article onto my hard drive and a
3?" floppy to store away if I ever had a computer crash. I quit the
crutches when I returned to school after the Christmas break. I used a
cane instead.
One of the guys on the football team picked Johnny and me up every
morning in his old auto. It beat walking in the snow with a cast. He
even drove me home after school while Johnny stayed for basketball
practice. Our dates were few and far between but we saw each other
frequently when he came over for a light smooching session. I felt very
comfortable with my head on his chest and his strong arm about my
shoulders or waist. My parents made themselves scarce when he came over.
They retired to our small den to watch the other television having no
taste in what we liked to see.
**
In late February Huntington made it to the state basketball tournament
for the first time ever. Unlike the football championship, we lost in
the second round to a fine Covington team. They had a good strategy
against us. Knowing they couldn't stop Johnny, they pressured the other
four to shut them down. Johnny scored 38 points but it wasn't enough and
we lost 62-53. The team was subdued but they had broken the ice in
getting us as far as we did.
There was a pep rally for a job well done. They removed my cast a week
before. My leg was thinner than the other one but the doctor told me to
walk a lot and it would soon have the muscle mass of my left one. One
great thing, no more hanger to scratch the itch under that cast. Now
that it was off, it didn't itch any longer. The girls surrounded me with
nasty looks on their faces. I had no where to hide or escape. Martina,
her friends and a few other guys were teasing me again. Calling me all
those hurtful names. I woke up soaking wet in my silky nightgown. The
wetness from my body made the material cling to me.
Frantically I raced to the bathroom to look in the mirror. It was the
girl with red hair, green eyes, and pretty face. In my dream I was back
to the old Sara again. I peeled my nightgown off me, did my business on
the toilet, then jumped into the shower to cleanup. I shampooed my hair
but didn't use the conditioner. I soaped my body and rinsed off. As I
was drying off there was a quiet knock on the door.
"Sara, are you all right?" Mom asked softly.
"I am now."
"Can I come in?"
"Yes."
"What happened?" she inquired, entering and closing the door behind her.
I think for the first time since I was a baby, Mom saw her daughter
completely nude.
"Same nightmare, Mom," I finished drying and put the towel around me.
"It's too bad you never told us about the abuse you went through," Mom
lamented. "We could have gone to the school and had it stopped."
"It's over and done with now."
"Yes, but a child should never have to go through what you had to
endure."
I shrugged, going back to my room with Mom in tow. I put on a pair of
panties and threw a flannel nightgown over my head. "I don't know why I
never told you. Maybe because I was afraid to."
She shook her head sitting on my bed with a tear running down her face.
I walked over sitting beside her giving her a big hug. "It all worked
out for the best. I love that hornet now."
That cheered Mom up and she smiled. She returned my hug. "Will you be
all right now?"
"I'm sure I will," kissing her cheek.
She kissed me back and left the room. I looked at the clock. 2am. I shut
the light and tried to get back to sleep. I thought of Johnny and his
pleasant smile then before I knew it the alarm was ringing for a brand
new day.
**
I don't know who was more nervous. Aunt Penny or myself. She looked
radiant in an off white dress. I was wearing a luxurious pink dress of
satin from shoulder to knee. We both had matching gloves right past the
elbows. I was carrying a bouquet of pink carnations while hers were
white. Greg's best man was a fellow doctor who flirted with me until I
finally told him I was only sixteen. With my hair up and a fabulous
makeover, I looked like I was in my twenties.
Mom and Dad made it to the wedding too. They'd been to all three of Aunt
Penny's nuptials. We all hoped that this wouldn't end up like the first
two. Being married and widowed twice wasn't what anyone wished. She
deserved to be happy again. After the brief ceremony in the large
livingroom of her house, we all went to a catering place for dinner and
dancing. I had my first glass of Champaign but didn't like it very much.
I just sipped a drop or two every time there was a toast for the new
bride and groom.
I was asked to dance by almost every male at the reception. From young
teens my age to octogenarians I tried to accommodate them all. Being in
3" heels wasn't easy. Finally I put my shoes under the table and danced
in my stockinged feet. I had an enjoyable time that night as sometime
when my attention was diverted with twirling around the dance floor. I
noted that Greg and Aunt Penny sneaked out for their month long
honeymoon in Tahiti. Mom, Daddy and me finally arrived home at about
3am. All of us were exhausted but had a fun time.
I was to drive my parents to Portland to catch a noon flight out of
Portland. I was going to stay back for a month or so to house sit and
watch over Molly and Millie. I told Daddy I wanted a female dog just
like them. I promised to have her spayed so no little paws would run the
house back home. We didn't get much sleep that night and drove to the
airport to drop them off. After the usual hugs and kisses, I made the
return trip.
I stopped at the little restaurant to have one of their cheeseburgers
with fries. They were as good as last time. It wasn't until past four in
the afternoon when I arrived back at Aunt Penny's being greeted by my
four footed friends. I was tired and laid down for a nap with my two
furry friends sleeping at my feet.
I had set the alarm and was in a deep sleep when the phone rang. It was
Mom and Daddy calling to tell me that they made it home okay. I got up,
made a glass of warm milk in the microwave, put some cold milk in the
saucer for the girls. Soon nature's liquid sleeping pill took affect and
I slept through the night.
The next day was sunny and warm. I donned my skimpiest bikini and headed
to the beach a half mile away. My leg was finally strong as ever.
Already the sand was just beginning to get hot as I spread my blanket on
the beach about a hundred feet from water. It just amazed me that this
was the end of this great continent of ours. I took out a bottled of ice
water and settled back for a tan after rubbing lotion all over me. Next
thing I knew, a guy was by me. He introduced himself as Hal. A freshman
at Oregon State. He was tall and good looking. In fact he was an Adonis.
"Do you live around here?" Hal asked.
"I'm staying with my aunt on Winslet Drive."
"Winslet Drive? That's pretty ritzy there."
"She has a few dollars," I smiled. I liked him.
"How old are you?"
"Sixteen."
"Go on," he chided me. "You look like you're in your early twenties."
"No, I'm just sixteen. Will be seventeen in September. And a senior in
high school."
"Jeez, you look great in your bikini."
"Thank you," I blushed.
"Where are you from?"
"The Kentucky side of the Cincinnati area."
"They sure grow them beautiful back there."
"And I heard the west coast girls are hotties."
I blushed again from his compliment.
"Yeah, they're some hot chicks around here but many of them are snobs.
You seem different."
"I can be a snob if I want, but most of the time I'm not," I smiled.
"What's that scar on your arm?" Hal pointed to it.
"I was attacked by a mean old hornet over a year back. It's faded a lot
but there is some left of it."
"I wish I were that hornet, but I wouldn't have stung you," he grinned.
"What would you have done?"
"I'd kiss you instead."
For some reason Hal was making me blush more and more. He was succeeding
in making me nervous. He sure was a smooth talker. I was very attracted
to him and almost lost the thought of Johnny.
"I don't think you would want to kiss me back then."
"Why not?" he scooted closer to me.
"I was sort of an ugly duckling."
"I find that hard to believe," he smiled.
We chatted for hours. He was a very interesting and intelligent young
man. Did I say he was good looking? We never touched except once in a
while he brushed my arm lightly with his. After exhausting my cold water
I announced to him that I had to be getting back to the house before my
aunt started worrying about me. We made a date to meet again tomorrow.
My real reason for leaving was to feed Molly and Millie. They were a
convince for me to break off.
Hal offered to walk me back but I turned him down. I didn't want him
ringing the bell in the middle of the evening. That's when I practiced
my music. Upon my return my friends greeted me at the door. They raced
to their bowls and back several times until I filled their dishes with
dry dog food. After showering the lotion off me, I thought of Johnny and
felt guilty for becoming friends with Hal.
Then I went to the phone to call Dr. Turner at the university where he
was doing his research. I looked at the clock and it was about five
o'clock back home. I thought he might be gone for the day but he
answered his phone. I introduced myself and told him everything that
happened to me as a result of one of his hornets. He was very
interested. He asked me where I was staying and I told him that I was
house sitting for my recently married aunt and that I'd be home in about
a month. He didn't want to wait that long and said he would fly out to
talk with me the very next day. I gave him directions to my house in
Huntington for him to pickup my photo album then the same to Aunt
Penny's house.
**
Dr. Turner took a redeye to Portland then hired a limo to bring him to
me. He arrived at noon our time. I had called my parents to give him the
album and he would return it when he returned. I met him at the door,
just arriving back from being with Hal and just had time to change. I
poured two glasses of lemonade and sat down to chat with him. He asked
if our conversation could be taped and I agreed as long as he didn't use
my name.
"I can't believe the difference between the old you and the new you,"
Turner looked amazed. Studying me in my sophomore yearbook and now.
"The thing kept on stinging me over and over before flying off only to
be eaten by that bullfrog."
"He stung you over six times?"
"More I think. It kept hurting like a hot poker branding my arm. I lost
count but I know it was six or even more. That thing was viciousness."
"One of my assistants was stung only once and went into cardiac arrest.
If we didn't have the anti-venom he most likely had died. He have yet to
measure its full potency. There is such a high risk. I am very grateful
that you contacted me."
"I read that in the article on the internet. My arm swelled up at least
twice the size of my other one. I went to sleep because it caused me to
get very tired. The next morning the swelling was down but I had this
big ugly blister right there," I pointed to my little scar. "I was
exhausted for a few days afterwards and slept quite a bit."
"When was it that caused change from this picture of you," he pointed to
my album. "To what you are now?"
"Aunt Penny noticed it first. I had this big acne under my left eye. She
said it was clearing up. So I ran to the mirror and sure enough she was
right. Then gradually over the next two weeks I regained my twenty
vision, my complexion changed from what you see in my old photos to what
I am now. My hair turned a flaming red instead of the dull brown and my
eyes changed from brown to green. Then I went into puberty, my breasts
started growing and I had my first period."
"We know that this breed of hornet has powerful venom but nothing like
this," Dr. Turn