Sam pouted at David. “I can’t believe you went to the waterpark without me.” She blushed and turned around. “I even got a new swimsuit I wanted to show off.”
“I’m sorry. I promise I’ll take you next time,” David said.
Sam turned back around, her eyes shining. “You promise?” David nodded.
“Now, what are we going to do with the rest of the group?” David said as he gazed across the crowded apartment. Nine people. Ellie and Aubree were giggling with Leah on the couch. Alec was trying and failing to hit on Cassidy in the hallway; she wouldn’t even look at him. Rachel was reading alone on another couch, and Sophia offered to make snacks for the group in the kitchen. Sam looked uneasy having so many people in her apartment. David was also a little uncomfortable; he had never been very good in big groups, but he also felt responsible for all of the girls.
Alec, giving up on Cassidy, stood at a safe distance next to David. “So, how’s it goin’?”
“Fine, but the girls seem to be multiplying. No more experiments.”
“I agree. We can’t take in too many girls. I’d like to know more about this power though, like if you could control it. Maybe the cave has something there. You haven’t gone back there yet, right?”
David shook his head, “Not yet.”
“Food’s ready,” Sophia called holding a plate of turkey and ham sandwiches. Everybody stopped what they were doing and gathered around her in the kitchen.
After everybody ate, David cleared his throat; all eyes turned to him. He wasn’t used to getting people’s undivided attention.
“Ahem, shall we figure out what we’re going to do? First, we need to sort out where everybody is going to stay. This apartment is way too small; it can only fit maybe four or five people.”
“One or two of them can stay at my place. My parents won’t mind,” Alec offered.
“No,” David responded firmly. He didn’t trust Alec at all.
“We can take turns sleeping in David’s bed. I think we can at least fit four of us in there,” Leah piped up.
“Uh, no.”
“Why don’t we just get another apartment? I can talk with my dad and get a good deal,” Rachel said, still alone on the couch. David didn’t think she was listening.
“That sounds good, but I don’t think he’d recognize you.”
Rachel held up her phone. “I can text. I can fake I’m mad at him, so I don’t want to go home. I can also say that you and your sister have friends that want to stay with you for the summer and need a place to stay.”
David nodded. “That could work. Where are we going to get the money though? Sam is paying for this apartment; I don’t want to put that much pressure on her to pay all the bills.”
Cassidy spoke up, “I have some money saved up in the bank, but I’m only paying for myself.”
Leah spoke up. “I’ve got some money too. I’ll help pay for Ellie and Aubree since they were younger than us. Sophia, do you have money saved up?”
Sophia nodded; she had been quiet most of the time as if she was unsure of what to think about the whole situation. It had gotten a little awkward since she found out about the men turning into girls.
“Awesome.” David started to point at each of the girls as he gave them assignments. “Rachel, can you text your dad about a new apartment that will fit four girls? Tell him I’ll come over in a few minutes to work out the details. Ellie, can you come with me? Don’t worry about Aubree; Sam can look after her. Alec, can you take Leah, Cassidy, and Sophia to the bank to collect their money? Sam and Aubree, can you set up the couch so two people can sleep there.”
Each of them nodded. “Good, let’s get to it.”
Ellie sat on the chair next to David. She let out a yawn. The paperwork was so boring. The man, Simon, kept on handing papers to David and Ellie. David handled most of it, while occasionally handing a sheet for Ellie to sign. Ellie began humming to herself to try to make the time pass faster. She missed Anthony, ah, Aubree. It was still weird to think of her like that. She looked down at herself to see two large breasts. She giggled. She still remembered her life as a guy, but she felt comfortable as a girl.
“So, Ellie was it?” Ellie looked up at the man. Ellie knew the man was transforming into a girl, but he looked just like a regular middle-aged man. Perhaps if she saw him before she would notice the differences.
“Yes it is, mister,” Ellie responded
“Congratulations on the new apartment. We’ll need to have the rest of the girls come and sign some paperwork.”
“Okie dokie.”
The man turned to David. “How is Riley doing? He texted me saying he needed some space.”
“Oh, she’s doing just fine,” Ellie spoke up. “Although, she seems to be a little quiet, and she loves to read a lot.” Simon gave her a strange look.
“Ellie,” David said. He stared at her, making her blush out of embarrassment. Ellie mouthed ‘Sorry’.
David responded to Simon, “Sorry, she thought you were talking about one of her friends, Rachel. Riley is doing fine; we became very good friends. I was wondering if it would be alright if we go on a camping trip for a few days.”
“What?” Simon and Ellie said at the same time.
Ellie began to panic. “You can’t go. You didn’t tell me anything about it.”
“I know, I’m sorry. I just decided a few moments ago.”
Simon adjusted his glasses; he seemed a little unsure of himself. “I… I guess that’s fine. He’s never taken an interest in camping before.”
The guys talked for a little longer, but Ellie wasn’t listening. David was leaving, just as they were getting closer. Why? Why was he doing this?
“Let’s get going,” David said, “We have to go tell everyone else.”
Ellie grabbed David’s arm. If she let go, he might disappear. They walked back to the apartment and David announced he had something to say once everyone returned. Ellie wouldn’t let go of his arm.
After a few minutes, Alec and his group walked through the door. “Man, you girls have a lot of money,” Alec said. “Maybe you’d like to share a bit?”
Ellie recognized Alec from the waterpark, but Alec told her to keep it a secret. He said David might get angry if he found out and wouldn’t allow Ellie and Aubree to stay with him.
“Alec, be quiet,” David said.
“I was just joking. You don’t need to get angry.”
“Everyone, I have an announcement to make,” David said, “I’ve decided to go back to the cave where I got this power. I need to find out anything I can. Maybe I can even find a way to change everyone back. I’m leaving in the morning. I wanted to make sure the apartment was taken care of before I left.”
“But I don’t want to change back,” Ellie pouted.
“Yeah,” Cassidy spoke up. “I don’t want to go back to being a creepy old man on the verge of death.”
“Fine, I won’t change you back, but I need to find out more about this power. I can’t live like this, not being able to touch anyone.” David’s shoulders slumped.
Sophia walked over, placing her hands on his shoulders, “It’s alright, hun. It’s not your fault.” She turned to everyone. “Let’s support him in this. How long will you be gone?”
“About four days. I’ll need to rent a car after taking a bus as close as I can. Rachel, could you come with me?”
The room erupted as all of the girls started asking why they couldn’t go with him.
“Calm down,” David said, a little flushed. “The five new girls need to move into their new apartment and Sam has a job. Rachel already has her stuff nearby. I can’t take everybody. Is that alright, Rachel?” She nodded.
“You can take my car,” Alec said.
“Alec? Why?”
“It’d make it easier, right?” he said like it was nothing. “I also feel somewhat responsible for suggesting the idea to touch others. Besides, I don’t think they rent out cars to seventeen-year-olds. Unless you were planning on touching someone else. Just keep the car safe. I’ve got a part-time job, so I can’t come with you. However, if you find another crystal, bring one back for me, ‘kay?”
David laughed. “I don’t think so, but thanks for the car. One more thing, can somebody start looking for a new, larger apartment? I’d like to be able to stay together. It’s not an immediate worry, but it might be good for the future.”
“I can do that,” Cassidy said. “I know a few people.” David nodded gratefully.
Ellie, along with everybody else, helped David and Rachel prepare for departure. It was sad for Ellie; she had only just met David, and now he was going to be gone for a few days. She would be spending time with a bunch of people she didn’t know, except for Aubree, in an unfamiliar place. However, because of Aubree, Ellie put up a happy, energetic face. Ellie felt protective of Aubree, and she didn’t want her to worry.
The next early morning, Ellie yawned as David finished packing his stuff in the car. Ellie and Aubree had slept on the couch in Sam’s apartment. She barely got any sleep as she kept on remembering David was in the other room. The other four girls slept in the other apartment. Ellie looked over at Rachel reading a book in the car as usual. Ellie couldn’t help but feel jealous that Rachel was going rather than her. Everybody else, including Alec, was gathered to bid him farewell.
David gathered everybody and said, “Okay, um, everybody, make yourself as comfortable as possible. Go out and buy new stuff, like clothes and furniture. It might even be worthwhile to look for a job, or at least a hobby. I’m sure you have some interests you want to try. Sam, keep up your job; you’re doing great. Sophia, could you look out for everyone? Make you lock the doors and never be alone. I’ll be on Rachel’s phone if you need anything.”
David turned to Alec. “Make sure they’re safe. However, if you do anything to any of these girls… I hope I won’t have to do that.”
“You have my word. These girls will be safe and sound in my care.”
“I’ll hold you to it. Anyway, see ya later,” David said with a smile to the girls. He jumped in the car and drove away. Ellie felt a piece of her leave with the car.
Leah piped up, “So, five bucks that he brings back two more girls.”
“I say three,” Cassidy said.
“Just one,” Aubree said quietly.
“None,” Sam said. “He’ll be careful.”
“Whatever you say, honey,” Alec said.
Alec watched David drive away. He couldn’t remove a smile from his face; his plan was coming together perfectly.
Not only had he manipulated David to transform five girls in one day, but he had also subtly planted an idea for him to leave for a few days. There were six beautiful girls without a protector.
The group of girls chatted with each other nearby. Each girl had a distinct personality. Some were shy, others were more outgoing. Alec still found it hard to believe that all of those girls were men before, excluding Sophia. Since he had found a supernatural power, even if was through another person, he was going to use it to his advantage.
Alec noticed Sam wasn’t as involved as much with the rest of the girls. She seemed to be jealous of the other girls, but too shy to confront the others about it. She was the first girl to start living with David, and Alec assumed she felt threatened by the other girls moving in nearby. The attraction the girls felt toward David would be a little difficult for Alec to work around, but it was possible. What was a hunt without a little challenge?
Sam withdrew to her apartment, alone; she had a bit of time before she had to leave for work. Time for Alec to take action. He only had a small window.
“Hey,” Alec said. The five girls all turned to look at him; most of them, especially Cassidy, were very unfriendly towards Alec. “Do you guys know there’s a mall nearby? David did suggest that you get new clothes.”
The girls started to talk excitedly with one another. It would be their first time shopping as girls. They started discussing what they wanted to try on and buy. Alec showed them the way and waved them off. All the distractions were gone now. He would spend time with each of them, but one at a time.
Alec went back to his apartment. He decided to wait a bit before visiting Sam. He didn’t want to risk the chance that somebody would come back.
After half an hour, Alec made his way back to Sam’s apartment. He pulled out a master key that he had snagged from Simon a few years back. Alec quietly unlocked the door, stepped inside, and locked it behind him.
The living room and kitchen were empty, so Alec made his way back to Sam’s room. Sam was on her computer with headphones on, moving her head to the music that was playing; her hair was still wet from getting out of the shower. She was wearing a low-cut blouse that revealed her enormous cleavage. Alec could get lost in those. When she looked up and saw Alec, her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to scream. Alec rushed over and covered her mouth.
“Shh, don’t scream,” Alec whispered. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
Sam’s eyes were still wide and her face was pale white, but she nodded. Alec removed his hand. She asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I just want to get to know you better,” Alec whispered in her ear, putting his arm around her shoulders. Sam flinched but didn’t shake it off. She was the timid type, unable to fend for herself. He carefully stroked her hair. “Just imagine I’m David.”
Alec had formed a theory, which he had told David. The person who was transformed became the ideal sexual partner of that person. David took the place of the transformed person, as he became the object of desire.
Alec also concluded that these girls desired sexual attention, something that David was not giving them. Alec decided to step in and play the part David was supposed to play; he’d have to play a little dirty to get the girls to go along with it, but it would be good for the girls to have a little release. He smiled to himself; he was doing it out of the goodness of his heart.
“So, you’re a programmer?” Alec asked, moving his hand to her thigh.
“Uh, uh, yes,” she stammered, her face heating up. “I program.”
“I bet the guys make a big deal about a pretty girl like you at work,” Alec said.
“I, uh, haven’t noticed,” she said, looking away. Her face turned even redder, meaning she had noticed and probably hoped that David would look at her that way.
“You don’t have to lie to me, Samantha,” Alec said; he sat down next to Sam on the small chair. “David calls you Sam to remind you that you were once a guy. However, you’re no longer a guy. You are a bright young woman who is eager for companionship. David has gotten busy with other girls and you are no longer the only one in his life.” Alec wrapped his arm around her waist, just so his hand was under her breast. Grabbing her chest would be too much now; little by little.
“I . . . uh . . .” Sam tried to talk, but her body was reacting to Alec’s presence. Tears started to form in her eyes, but she didn’t move.
“It’s okay,” Alec said soothingly. “You don’t have to say anything. I know what you want. You want David to hold you like this. You want him to . . .” Alec moved his face inches away from Sam’s “. . . kiss you.”
They stared at each other for a few moments. Alec wanted to give her a sample of what a physical relationship would be like and leave her wanting more. He leaned in and gave her a deep kiss on the lips.
“Hey, Sam,” a voice said from the doorway. “I forgot the . . .” David stood in the doorway, mouth hanging open as he saw Alec wrapping his arm around and kissing Sam. He also saw Sam’s eyes were in tears. His face turned from shock to anger in a split second as he comprehended the situation. “Sam, you can leave the room.”
Sam got up quickly and ran out of the room. David closed the door behind her. Alec also quickly stood up and backed away as far as he could away from David. He started to look for ways to escape. There was a window, but it was closed. David would be able to touch him long before he could get out. The only other exit was the door, which David was standing in front of. In a fight when one touch meant death, the best thing to do was talk.
“Now, now,” Alec said. “David, just calm down. Let me explain.”
“What did I tell you before I left? It was my mistake for leaving you alone with the girls. I’ll fix that now.” His eyes were full of rage.
Talking wasn’t working. Alec’s only choice now was to run away. He grabbed a lamp and threw it at David. David dodged it easily and rushed towards Alec. He trapped Alec in the corner, making it impossible to leave without touching David.
“You… I thought you didn’t want to change any more people. Something about that person dies whenever you touch them.”
“I can make an exception,” David said. David punched Alec hard in the face. Alec’s vision spun as he was knocked to the ground. David looked down at him with disgust. “I wonder what type of girl you’ll make.” David walked out of the room.
Alec began to panic. His skin began to burn and his insides churned. The transformation would be fast. Alec watched his hands shrink and become more petite. His hips burst out and his waist became narrower, making his jeans feel strange. He stood up, shaking, and noticed he was a good six inches shorter. His hair grew out a bit but remained short for a girl. He felt a short pressure on his chest as two large perky breasts formed. Alec grabbed them; in any other circumstance, grabbing breasts would have excited him, but it only filled him with fear.
Alec was wearing a casual button-down shirt over a t-shirt. After Alec’s breast formed, his undershirt disappeared, revealing his body through his unbuttoned shirt. Then, his shirt moved like a snake and tied itself tightly right below his chest, supporting and pushing up his breasts. His cleavage was easily seen. His jeans began to shrink to short shorts, revealing his long and slender legs until they stopped right below his shapely butt.
Alec’s mind began to get fuzzy. He needed to see David.
David tried to calm down, but the anger wouldn’t go away. He hit the wall and said, “Why would he do that?” David should have figured he would try something like this, but David was prone to trust others too easily.
He walked to Sam, who was sitting on the couch and hugging her knees. “Are you alright?”
She looked at him with tears in her eyes, “Do you hate me now?”
“Why would I hate you?” David asked.
“He… he kissed me,” Sam shuddered. “I’m no longer worthy to stay with you.
“Sam, look at me. Everything was his fault; he’s receiving his punishment right now.”
“Did you touch him?”
David nodded. “It was more of a punch than a touch. He should almost be done now.” David thought he imagined it, but Sam looked slightly sad.
“Can I ask you a favor?” Sam asked.
“Of course, anything,” David responded.
“Can you call me Samantha?” she looked at him with pleading eyes.
David walked to her and kissed her on the forehead. “Of course, Samantha.” He felt awkward trying to comfort her, but it felt like the right thing to do.
Just then, the door opened and a beautiful girl with short orange hair stepped out. She had on short jeans that barely covered anything and an open-collared shirt with a bikini top underneath. With her bright green eyes, she gazed at David; her face looked vacant as if she had no emotion at all.
“Alec?” David asked.
“Alex.”
“Okay, Alex. Do you feel alright? You might want to try on different clothes.” It was getting awkward looking at her.
“Do these clothes not please you?” she replied in a monotone voice. She then began to take off her shirt. “Would it please you that I don’t wear clothes?”
“No! Keep your clothes on,” David said quickly.
“Oh no, I can’t seem to get the shirt back on. Can you help me?”
David glanced at Samantha; she was still in shock. He didn’t trust Alex not to do anything if he got close. It was Alec’s ideal girl after all.
The front door opened and Rachel walked in. “David, you’re taking a long time. Do you need…? I take it that’s Alec.”
“Rachel, perfect timing! Yes, it is; Alex now. I’ll explain later. Can you help her put on new clothes? She’s coming with us. I think she’ll cause a lot of problems if she’s left by herself.”
“Ah, that’s too bad; I hoped it would be the two of us,” Rachel said. “Oh well, come here, Alex. I’ll find you something better to wear.”
David sent out a text message to the girls who were out shopping. They immediately came back once they were told David was still there. When they got back, they gathered around Alex, commenting on how pretty she was. It was amazing; even with regular clothes, Alex still somehow wore them suggestively.
No one questioned David why he had transformed Alec.
David pulled Sophia aside. “Can you watch over Sam, um, Samantha until I get back? I think she had a traumatic experience with Alec. I’ll be taking Alex with me.”
Sophia nodded. “She does seem to be a little shaken up.” She paused for a bit, and then said, “You know, you don’t have to carry such a burden on yourself; stop blaming yourself. It’s not your fault you have the curse.”
“It might not be my fault, but this wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for me,” David said.
“If it weren’t for you, I’d still be in bed at that rest home waiting to die,” Sophia said. She leaned in close and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for saving me. And for the record, that’s not the curse speaking.” She turned and walked away. “Don’t worry, I’ll watch over the other girls as well. It’s the least I can do.”
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