From jwel@mindspring.com Wed Apr 16 21:29:41 1997
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From: jwel@mindspring.com (jwel the mystic)
Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.tg
Subject: New Story TG theme
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 01:29:41 GMT
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Guys this my 1st story since hi-school & i won't even start to tell
how long ago that was.  i've been reading stories here for over a year
so i wanted to contribute.  please feel free to commit on the story
via email.  flame me if you must or send kind words.  thanks. jwel

Usually Warnings & Stuff:
This story is intended for a mature reader.  So if you've hacked your
way around your parents cyber-patrol, now if the time to log off.

cut here
.........................................>>..........................................................>>
Tanning
by: jwel the mystic
1997 All Rights Reserved.

(you may repost this story as long you don't alter it without my
permission or remove any of the title information. Thx. jwel)

Colin gingerly pressed his fingers against his lips. Probing again and
again.  Each time in a slightly different place.  A look of disbelief
in his eyes.  They were swollen.  Too full.  He racked his brain for a
explanation.  Could it have been some food he ate?  An allergic
reaction?  They weren't even tender like one would expect after an
insect bite or injury.  They looked normal.  But not on his face.

Mentally shrugging he put on his leather duster and left his hotel
room.  Nothing seemed real about his situation.  Last night he was in
Camelot.  The universe was smiling on him.  How could he have been
such a fool as to kick fate in the balls?  Oh well a doctor would
provide an anchor.  Put him back on terra firma.  End this voodoo
nightmare he felt he had stepped into. 

He walked to the elevators and reached for the down button.  Only to
snatch his back because the button felt greasy.  *Damn*  Some chicken
eating bastard must have been here ahead of him.  With a 'PING' the
elevator arrived.  Colin sighed relief when the door opened to reveal
an empty compartment.  No chatty women or crying kids to share the
trip down with.  The elevator groaned in protest as it began its
decent.  The hotel Rue St. Martin was one of the first in New Orleans
to get elevators.  History has its price he smiled.  Moments later the
door opened with the sound of barbed wire dragging across pavement.
He nearly leapt out and then just as quickly tried to adopt a
nonchalant poise while hoping no one noticed his lapse of bravery.
Coughing he got the concierge's attention.  "I need to see a doctor.
Could you give me directions to one close."

Grinning the doorman responded, "Well I couuuuuld!" Then noticing for
the first time the panicky look in Colin's eyes proceeded to explain
how to get to Dr. Johnson's, a well respected family practice near the
French quarter.  He summoned a taxi and reassured Mr. Baker that Doc
Johnson would fix him right up.  In short order, he was sitting in the
doctor's waiting room wondering why he had felt so panicky at the
sight of his lips.  Surely it was just adrenaline left over from last
nights fight with Celeste.   

He squeezed down in his chair to get comfortable as he remembered the
excitement he had felt when his girlfriend had agreed to go on this
trip with him.  They had dated for nearly a year without consummating
the relationship.  In his mind, her agreeing on a week long trip
amounted to her surrender.  At last he would know be able to sample
the secrets of his cinnamon girl.

The month of planning for the trip passed quickly.  He smiled as he
remembered the riot act Celeste's brother Stevie had given him the day
before they left.  They went to a shade swallowed spot on the banks of
the Chattahoochie that Stevie loved to go to when he had some 'serious
thinking' to do.  After they had their dogs cooling in the softly
flowing water, he turned to Colin with a serious look.

"What are your intentions with my sister, Colin?"
"Shouldn't you be saying something like 'Man don't go fucking around
with my sis you punk!'?"  "Seeing you sounding like Alfred is just too
hard on my eyes."
"Colin don't ever try to sound like a brother.  I got a way better
chance of getting people to think I'm George Bush than you got of
imitating Snoop! Now you know what I'm trying to say.  Just don't
break her heart.  And I don't mean it 'cause she's some fragile little
thing.  She's got a side you haven't seen and I don't want you to ever
have to see it."
"Wha chu talkin 'bout?" Colin said sounding  vaguely like Gary
Coleman.
"I'm serious.  I love both of you and don't want either one of you
hurt. Now that's all I'm gonna say, but you better remember it for
your own good."

Musing over those last words, Colin wondered if Steve had been doing
more than trying to lay ground rules.  Since their dad had left, Steve
had been both brother and father to Celeste.  He told him for a couple
of years Celeste had been like a wild creature.  Fearlessly going off
to the worst parts of New Orleans by herself and coming back days
later without a word of explanation.  He also told him of an event
Colin still found difficult to believe.  Steve had been laying down
the law a little heavy when Celeste just exploded.  He said that she
had literally picked him up one handed and thrown him across the room.
No way could a skinny 5'4" girl have that much strength.

	"Mr. Baker this way!"

Hearing his name snapped him out of his day dream.  Now is when they
tell me I'm crazy he thought.  A willowy black nurse with skin as warm
as night led him down the hall.  She kept him at ease by telling him
jokes about the antics of local politicians.  "And that ain't even the
half of it," she would say.  Then proceeded to tell him dirt on
someone else.  He mused that she must have friends working close to
some of those officials.
	
"Just have a seat in here Mr. Baker.  Dr. Johnson will be along soon."
	
"Thanks," said Colin as he watched her leave.  He was amazed at how
sexy she looked to him.  Puzzled he analyzed his reaction.  Nothing
about her dress or manor could have been construed as a come on, but
he had found himself drawn to the fine web of skin between her fingers
and the sheen of her neck and arms.  Like polished ebony.  Amazing
those thoughts never occurred to him when he looked at Celeste whom he
found to be truly beautiful.  Just then he heard a knock on the door
and echoed "Come In."

In walked a tall seal skinned woman who smiled therapeutically at
Colin before speaking.  Colin was entranced.  At the sound of her
voice he emitted a frightened YELP as he spilled onto the floor.  His
face broiled a bright crimson as he picked himself off the floor and
feebly recovered his dignity.

"Are you okay Mr. Baker?" she asked while stepping over to help him to
his seat.

Forcing himself to look at the lovely woman who was both his savior
and the source of his embarrassment, he noted she was nearly six feet
from her open toed shoes to her neatly trimmed hair.  Her light tanned
dress, African bead necklace and sandals seemed incongruent to her
chosen profession, but a gold label pin stating 'Dr. Lori Johnson MD,
Ph.D., MSRS' left no doubt of her identity.  

"yess?"  Colin squeaked.  His face flaring again because his voice
cracked.

Seeming not to notice his voice the doctor assumed a professional
manor.  "Please tell me about your need for a doctor, Mr. Baker."

In control once more Colin proceeded to describe the differences
between the full lips he presently had and the ones he had worn for
the other 29 years of his life.  A red headed Irishman just doesn't
have full lips thank you very much.

Seeming genuinely concerned she asked him a series of questions about
allergies.  Did he eat or drink anything yesterday that was different
that his usual diet?  She bent down close to get a better look and
examined his ears, eyes, and finger nails.  Then she jotted a few
notes on a pad she was holding.  Puzzled by some of her actions Colin
inquired, "Why the interest in my fingers, DOC?"

"Notice the slight darkening of the skin around your nails.  You have
some of the physical characteristics that are common in light skinned
biracial people.  Since you've indicated Irish decent, you may be
developing melanosis which is a condition of abnormal pigment deposits
caused by cancer or liver damage.  However, that doesn't explain the
fatty deposits around your lips.  I'll have nurse Brown photograph you
so some of my colleagues can give their opinion.  She'll also draw
blood so we can rule out any oncological or liver pathologies."
Sensing his alarm she added "but don't worry.  It's probably just an
allergy and too much exposure to the New Orleans night life."

"Thanks doctor.  Uh, may I call you Lori if that's not too
presumptuous."

"That's quite all right if I can call you Colin.  I do hate seeing a
brother pass though." She winked.  "Are you going to be in staying
town where we can get these tests results to you?"

"Ah... yes, at least until I can arrange transportation.  You see I
had a fight with my fiancee and she took my car.  So I'm planning to
be at the Rue St. Martin for a few more days."

"I'll have my staff fax the results to you.  If you notice anything
else that needs to be looked at, please come back.  No appointment
will be needed."  Then she held out her hand to shake his.

Upon touching her hand, Colin felt twin bolts of electricity surge
through him.  He was sure his body visibly shook from the power.
However, when he looked at Lori, she didn't seem to notice that
anything had happened.  Thinking he should have her add
'hallucinations' to the list of symptoms, he left the examining room.
Minutes later he felt another bolt surge through his heart.  However,
this one was due to the shock of the doctors bill.  Looking at the
statement convinced him that the doctor's name tag was pure 24K solid
gold.  The bill read $75 for Office Visit, $21 for drawing blood, $25
for Diagnostic Photo, $137 for lab work.  Total for 25 minutes work:
$258 plus tax.  Damn, I should have listened to my mother when she
told me to be a doctor he thought as he was hefted his heavier credit
card into his billfold.  Thinking of the doctor's tag made him wonder
what MSRS stood for.  He made a mental note to ask her later.

Glancing at his Seiko, Colin confirmed that lunch was still two hours
away.  So he went by 3rd World Books to get a magazine and then walked
over to the Café Du Mont.  Beignets and chicory coffee ought to set
the world on its axis.  Soon a dark skinned teenager approached with a
platter of powdered sugar delights and a cup of steaming java.  Funny
how I'm picking up on the skin tone of every black person that I
notice lately mused Colin.  Maybe, I'm becoming slightly negrophobic.
Naaaaa.

When he picked up his first beignet the sight of his hand caused him
to drop the donut.  Next to the white of the powdered confection his
hand appeared lightly tanned.  For a partially vampiric Irishman this
was a dramatic difference.  I can't even get a tan thought Colin.  Am
I going mad?  A loud CLANK came from the coffee saucer when he
abruptly stood.  Unmindful of the sound he dashed to the men's room.
The mirror confirmed his initial shock.  He was tan.  Lightly but
noticeable.  Probably not even enough to cause a comment from his
coworkers when he returned to work, but he knew.  Convinced something
was happening to him he went to a pay phone and called the doctor.

The receptionist told him that the doctor was currently out of the
office.  She said to tell you that she needed to talk to a couple of
friends regarding your case.  Also she gave instructions to have you
come in for more photographs should you notice any more changes to
your physical condition.  Colin agree to come in and after hanging up
the phone decided to go back on foot.  At this rate, he'd do enough
walking to qualify for a marathon in no time.

Nurse Brown coached him for the pictures.  She took photos of his
face, neck, torso, hands, and genital region.  Then she did a full
body picture.  Explaining that if anything was happening to him the
series of pictures would document all the changes.  After they were
developed, he felt kind of foolish.  The pictures were clearly him as
he remembered himself.  Any minor changes could easily be blamed on a
faulty memory.  Most people go years between portrait style pictures
so should expect some changes.  The nurse explained that the body was
dynamic.  It was constantly changing in ways that were usually not
noticeable to the individual.  But friends seeming them again after a
few years apart would pick out the changes immediately. 

Colin looked at Ms. Brown with disguise lust.  Wondering if she was
taken he asked, "I'm alone in this city and would rather not dine by
myself.  Would you care to share dinner with me Ms. Brown?"

	"I left some items slow cooking this morning, but you are
welcome to join me for dinner."

Not exactly romantic but he would still enjoy the company thought
Colin.  So thinking he said, "Sounds great.  Just tell me your address
and when I should be there."  

	"Why don't you call me Alicia since we are soon to be dining
companions," she said while drawing a crude map to her house.  "Why
don't you come by at 8 PM?"

Happy for the companionship with open possibilities Colin said, "and
you call me Colin.  8 PM sounds fine.  I'll be there." 

Leaving the office, he went to city park.  A pleasant relaxed setting
would give him time to consider the state of  his life.  Last night
had started so perfect.  They took things slow a the start of the
trip.  Did the usual things.  Shortly after getting signed into the
hotel they went around the block to Popeye's to get a quick snack.
They walked Bourbon street and around the French quarter.  Since it
was daylight still, the streets were not too crowded.  However,  the
sunlight illuminated all the flaws of the old city making it seem just
another place far from its glory days.  Everyone had told them before
they left that the streets had to be seen at night when the place was
in full swing to truly say they had seen the place.  So keeping a good
humor they agreed to come back after some rest which they needed
anyway to recuperate from the flight.

Celest kept looking at Colin with this mischievous smile which made
his heart do flip flops.  He knew the real action wouldn't be outside
on the streets.  They tantalized each other with soft touches and
loving looks.  On the way back to their room, they held hands.  Colin
could feel her pulse with its rhythm matching his.  He felt the
planets must have aligned for everything to be so perfect.

They rested, but didn't touch each other. Preferring to let that wait
for just the right moment.  He was content, because he knew their time
was soon.  About seven they drove to Celeste's aunt, Francine, for
dinner.  This was his first time meeting any of her family outside of
Steve so he was visibly nervous.  But for no reason he soon
discovered.  His love's family received him warmly as though he was
related.  Francine pulled him off to the side after dinner to pry
loose his life history.  Feeling stuffed he was easy prey and she took
no time getting him to spill his guts.  Realizing what was going on,
he complimented her skill as an inquisitor. Uncle Bob laughed loudly
at that saying she had missed her calling.  She could have been like
Perry Mason, but chose instead to raise a family.  The time flew and
Celeste made apologies that they had to go, but would drop by again
before they left town.

	"Sorry about Francine, but nothing could have prepared you for
her anyway!" Celeste laughed.  "You were very graceful which is just
another in my growing list of things I love about you."
	"You've got a good family.  I felt welcomed immediately.
Makes me feel sad that my family hasn't done the same for you."
	"Well, your not the first Caucasoid to add it's blood to the
family tree.  I've got nephews that look pale next to you.  They've
had a lot of years adjusting to a being a rainbow family,"  she said
while reaching for his hand.  "I'm happy that you were comfortable
with them."

Colin was restless that night.  Celeste was his dream girl, BUT he
still had doubts.  Would this lead to a life that he could look back
on with no regrets.  What doors were closing because of the actions of
the next few days?  He hadn't made any promises had he?  These
thoughts plagued him through the night.

In the morning he awoke red eyed, but the wraiths were gone.  Celeste
was standing by the window nude so he didn't make a sound.  He just
took in the miracle before his eyes.  The morning rays bathed her
turning her into a sensuous silhouette.  Man was he lucky.
Involuntarily, his right hand migrated to his penis and started to
caress it.  Then realizing what he was doing he mentally rebuked
himself and snatched his hand away.  The sound of the sheets signaled
he was awake causing Celeste to blush and dive into the bathroom.  
Reality bites. 

Brunch was a heaping platter of crawfish served with a pitcher of Red
Stripe.  Really good, mon!  Even Cajuns adapt to the times.  They went
on a tour of the above ground cemeteries later.  Celeste adopted
several macabre poses for the occasion to save on Fuji film.  What a
Ham!

She suggested ditching the bus to make out behind a mausoleum, but
decided a taxi would be too difficult to get afterwards.  Sigh.  So
when they got back to the Quarter, they purchased a bottle of
Champagne and smuggled it back into the room.  While it was chilling
in an ice bucket,  they discarded their raiment to prepare for the
fertility rites.  Next was war fought by tender rules.  Colin used his
hands, tongue, fingers and loins to bring pain and ecstasy to his
future mate.  The Champagne flowed in mouths and onto warm undulating
flesh.  He remembers tasting soft flesh, tasting blood.  His own?
Images danced, indescribable, trembling oblivion.

Protesting muscles announced morning had arrived.  Something was
wrong.  Celeste was missing.  Blood droplets misted the white sheets.
Cuts adorned his body.  What had he done?  Searching the room revealed
no trace of his cinnamon girl.  She was sweeter than cinnamon.  Red
hued chocolate.  Bittersweet.  Her luggage was gone.  He dialed the
front desk.

	"This is Colin Baker in room 215.  Have you seen Celeste, the
woman that was staying with me? He things are gone.  Did she check
out?"
	"She left an hour ago, sir, looking distraught.  She said you
would be staying, but she had to leave early."
	"Did she leave any word where she was going?"
	"None sir."
	"Thank you," Colin said hanging up the phone.  Then thought to
call Celeste's aunt.

A woman with a somewhat hostile tone of voice answered on the fourth
ring.  "Is that you Colin?"
	
"Francine,  Is Celeste there? I awoke to find to find her missing."
Colin said sounding slightly out of breath.
	"She's here, but she don't want to speak with you.  The girls
got bruises all up and down her arms and neck and she looks scared to
death.  She was crying, but wouldn't say what happened.  She's
powerful hurting though.  Now don't come over here. If she want to
speak with you she know your number."  The line went dead in Colin's
ear.

The cold breeze interrupted Colin's rumination.  He had daydreamed
away five hours in the park.  Hurriedly he called a taxi from a pay
phone.  Luckily New Orleans is a tourist town.  The taxi arrived in
just three minutes and had him back at his hotel room in another ten.
Colin tipped the driver $15 for good service then marched to his room
to change.  He felt conflicted.  Something strange had happened with
his love less than a day earlier and now he was trying to score with a
nurse who was catering to his hallucinations.  Knowing that he
continued to dress.  He had a hook inside pulling him toward her.  The
desire to press up against her skin overpowering.  When he left the
lobby a quarter hour later, like ESP the same driver was sitting
outside.  

The driver smiled upon seeing him and hopped out to open the door for
Colin.  Surprised Colin asked, "How did you know?"

Looking smug the cabby said, "I've been knowing you good!"  His dark
East Indian face gleaming under the street lamp.

Crossing his arms Colin said, "Yah Yah you betcha." Then got in the
cab.

Arriving at Alicia's, Colin was disappointed when a brown munchkin
opened the door.  He hadn't considered the possibility that she wasn't
single.  Chin Up and make the best of your situation.  It's probably
better this way thought Colin.  

	"Hey MOM there's a man at the door," said the munchkin.
	"Is he a red head?"
	"No mom?"

Hurried sounds of dishes clanking and footsteps resounded from the
kitchen.  Then the little fellow was brushed away from the door as
Alicia's face appeared.  Frowning she looked at Colin.  "You dye your
hair?"

Perking up as he realized she was addressing him, Colin stuttered, "NO
why?"

Snakelike Alicia reached forward and grabbed Colin's elbow.  She
pulled him in front of the hall mirror and said, "LOOK!"

Amazement filled the face in the mirror.  Colin reached up and touched
his loosely curled dark brown hair.  Jerking back his hand as if he
had touched something hot he muttered, "How?"

Switching hats Alicia became Nurse Brown again. "Let me document this
and then we'll sit down to eat.  Nothing is gonna be solved gawking
out here in the hall!" she stated while leading to his seat.  As if
addressing a kid she said, "Now stay put and I'll be back in a jif."
She disappeared down the hall.

Too stunned to resist Colin just sat.  His mind refused to work.  He
just couldn't wrap his thoughts around what was going on.  WHA ... WHA
... WH he thought.  Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to shut down.
Then before consciousness could mercifully fade a hand was on his
shoulder.  
	
	"Wake Up!  Wake Up!"  Seeing his eyes open Alicia pulled him
up straight in his chair.  Hmmm, need to get him on a scale.  He seems
lighter than I would have guessed.  "Colin!", she snapped.  "Come On,
up we go.  We got miles to go.  No rest for the wicked!"  When she had
his attention, she pulled out the camera and said, "Now Vogue!", as
she snapped off  several shots.  "Don't you worry Doctor Johnson is
putting in OT to solve your problem.  Everything is gonna be fine."

He looked at Alicia began snapping pictures.  She sure was perky.
Maybe she was right he thought trying to be positive.  When she said
she had enough, he forced himself to survey the damage.  Nothing
seemed to have changed except his hair.  Where once had been thick
crimson locks, now rested loose loopy black curls.  With the slight
tan, hair and full lips, he thought he looked more Greek or Sicilian
than Irish.  

But what was going on?  Was God trying to punish him for being too
passionate?  The worst case one could make was that he got a little
too aggressive.  But she certainly seemed into it.  At least what he
could remember.  Cee would get over it he was sure.  They were
planning to get married soon weren't they?  That's the destination he
figured they were going.  Shit he needed to talk to his girl.  Why was
he over here anyway?  He'd never cheated on her.

Soon the spicy smells from the kitchen lured him back and he looked at
the meal prepared before him.  The tang from the Jambalaya made his
mouth water.  Then he smelled the sweet smell of fried plantains and
he was hooked.  Hell, let Cee stew a little like this meal.  Maybe she
would become spicy too.  Alicia handed him a plated filled with both
delicacies along with rice and black beans.  Then she took a seat
beside him.  Roderick and Tabatha started eating before the blessing,
but one look from Ms. Brown froze them in place.  She said a long
prayer that was familiar in most places to Colin, but had a few names
in it that he could not remember being in the Bible so he asked about
them.  

Looking at him with respect for his attention she said, "When my
husband was killed we decided we needed a safer place to live.  We're
New Orlean's children now, but we came by way of Haiti. Haitians are
mostly Catholic, be we've added our own flavor to the Gospel," she
said proudly.  

Before Colin could reply, the phone rang leaving him talking to empty
air.  The kids continued eating without pause through the exchange and
took no notice of their moms exit.  In a minute Alicia came back
smiling bigger than before with good news.  "Angela called to tell us
she had discovered the root of your problem.  She asked us to meet her
at the University in an hour."

Repeating his favorite line Colin said, "What's going on?  It's after
9 PM why go to the University this late?"

	"I'd rather let her explain.  Just don't touch anyone until
you're cured, OKAY!"  Seeing his confused expression Alicia added,
"look at the rate you're changing we may all ready be kin."

Chewing those last words over for a few seconds, Colin started, "You
mean when we touched ...."

Alicia cut him off a "You Got It!  Now sit tight, I'll be ready in a
sec."  Then she raced upstairs to make herself presentable.  

Colin shot off, "Women!  Sheeeeesssh, they'll be putting on makeup
during the Rapture!"

	"Tabatha, make sure Roderick stays out of trouble."  Looking
at Colin she said, "let's get going."

Angela met them at the door of the Religious Studies building.

	"Hi doc!", Colin said pleased to see her.  "I believe an
explanation is in order."
	"And you'll get it soon Mr. Baker.  Are you ready to hear it?"
	"Sure after three seasons of the X-Files I'm open to
anything."

The doctor led them to an office bearing her name.  "I also teach a
class in addition to my practice.  You know what they say about an
idle mind."

	"I don't see the connection between Medicine and Religious
Studies.  What class do you teach?"
	"Comparative religions.  I also hold a Masters of Science and
Religious Studies Colin.  And you'd be surprised how much the two
fields intertwine.  Especially in bayou country."
	"OK Angela, this is your nickel lead on."

Smiling they entered a room with one side shrouded in darkness and a
lazy boy chair in the light. "Have a seat.  The demonstration will
begin in a moment."

Still befuddled Colin sat down.  The two women left the room and the
door shut behind them with an audible click.  "Hey!"
	
	"We're still here Colin,  now keep your eyes focused in front
of you."

A white square suddenly appeared on the far wall of a slide projector.
Angela explained, "We're going to show you some pictures Colin.  To
help prove my theory, please tell us what you feel when you see them."
The white square became a picture of a Playboy bunny in a roman bath.
She held a sea sponge in one hand. Frozen in the act of bathing, her
abundant breasts were partially obscured by soap bubbles.

	"Do you find her attractive Colin?"
	"Let me out of here Doc, this is crazy."
	"Please be patient Colin.  We are trying to help you.  Now
answer the question."

With a slight hesitation Colin turned back to the women. "She's good
looking Angela.  So what's your point?"

	"But are you attracted to her?"

Looking again Colin was surprised, "No Doc nothing going on downstairs
at all."

	"Is she your type?  Would you normally expect to be excited by
her?"
	"Yeah!  What's Up with that?"
	"Let me show you some more."

The projector clicked to reveal the Swiss bikini team.  "Anything?"

	"Mr. Happy is still sleeping."

Click. Madonna nude. "No go, Doc."
Click. Cindy Crawford.  "Nada."
Click. Marilyn Monroe. "Wow. Nothing and I grew up dreaming of her."

	"Okay, here's some more."

Click. Tia Carerra appeared.  "Still nothing."

	"Now look at these."

Click.  Beverly Johnson.  "Bingo.  I got a pulse!"
Click. Iman.  "Stop my beating heart"
Click Tara Banks. "You got my number Doc but what does that prove.  I
like daughters of the dusk.  So?"

	"Nothing wrong with that, but you did say you were surprised
the others didn't cause a reaction.  I've got a few more slides bare
with me."

Click.  A morbidly obese black women in a bikini three sizes too
small.  "Wow! Kind of gross but she's got my motor running."

Click.  A black and white picture of an old wrinkled black woman
shucking corn on her front porch. Amazed Colin answered, "She does it
for me too.  Don' no why."

	"Last one," said the doctor.

Click.  A starving Somali woman with flies on her eyes.  Colin
couldn't turn his eyes away.  "Yuck!  She's got nice legs though."

The lights came on and the projector went dead.  Then the door opened
to reveal the Angela and Alicia.  "Come on back to my office, Colin"
Colin followed.  His eyes locked on the movement of the giggling
bottoms in front of him.

	"Here's the short answer, Colin.  You've been sensitized.
Your feeling a craving to have contact. Especially sexual contact with
black women.  I don't know why, but we've seen the results of what
happens when you do.  In laymen's terms we refer to this as a curse.
Since you didn't ask for this we have to assume someone felt this
would be an appropriate punishment for you."
	"Sounds rather far fetched Angela, but I've changed so much I
have to believe something is happening.  So how do I break the curse?"
	"It's rather simple, but you're not gonna like your options.
First, you can make amends with the one who placed the curse.  He or
she can remove it.  Or you can ride out the curse and see where it
takes you.  Or if you can keep from having any physical contact with
any black woman for at least one cycle of the moon, you shouldn't
change any further."
	"Wow, Angie.  Those are some great options there", Colin said
with obvious sarcasm. 
	"It's the best I have to offer.  We can at least be you
shoulder to cry on so call us.  Plus we need to chronicle the changes
if they continue to help prove your identity should the need arise."
She consoled, "Good Luck!"
	"Could you take me back to my room Alicia?  I need a drink."

Reaching over to comfort him, she suddenly stopped afraid of what
might happen. "Sure Colin."  She could at least lend support.  Colin
seeing her reaction reached back and embraced her.  He needed to feel
her body pressed up against his.  Stopping him for a heartbeat with
her eyes seeming to say 'are you sure?'.  He pressed her closer.

	"What's the worst that can happen?"

Hearing those words the doctor glanced their way.  Looks like we're
going to find out she thought, but she kept her mouth shut.  This had
to run its course one way or another.

They arrived at the hotel in a half hour.  Colin asked Alicia if she'd
like to come up using that corny line about a night cap.  She complied
explaining that she'd need to leave soon to make sure Roderick hadn't
tore down the house.  They talked about magic.  She had been immersed
in it for her whole life so to her it was like an old friend.  To him
it shattered his view of a stable world.

	"You know you wouldn't be effected if you didn't feel guilty"
	"I didn't do anything to deserve this!" Colin protested.
	"No?  I hear what you're saying but curses are like divine
justice.  They balance the scales.  If you knew in your heart that you
were innocence the curse would have no power over you."

He put his finger to her lips signaling her to stop talking then gave
her a long and tender kiss.  Funny, after the kiss he felt his amorous
feelings evaporate.  He straightened up and apologized what had
happened.

	"Dr. Johnson mentioned this to me also.  She thought you might
be safe with me since we had touched once all ready.  She thought it
possible that only initial contact would signal any changes."
	"Do you think the curse is over then?"
	"We'll have to wait and see.  Only you can tell us that."
Taking that as her cue, Alicia stood up to leave.  "I better get home
now.  Call me if you need someone to talk to."
	"I will.  Thanks.  You've made this a lot easier for me,"
Colin said smiling sadly.

After she left, he poured himself another drink from the room wet bar.
Probably just spent $20 on this drink he thought.  The warm liquid
coursed through his veins helping him to calm down.  Shucking off his
clothes he crawled under the covers to sleep.  Everything seems better
after a good night's sleep.  I'll give Cee a call tomorrow morning.
Maybe she'll be ready to talk by then.

Around 1:30 AM he awoke bathed in his own sweat.  Colin moaned, his
loins burning.  He quickly put on a suit then headed down to Bourbon
Street.  Anything to distract me he thought.  A Creole woman beckoned
him over to hear her sales pitch.  "Buy a Hurricane," she commanded.
"Best ones on Bourbon Street."  He leered at her asking if she was
selling anything else and got rewarded with a hard slap.  Laughing.
Out of control!  He continued down the strip.  His mind a purple haze.
Everything was stretching out of proportion in his eyes.  He was in
his own fun house.

Seeing a poster next to an entrance.  He stopped to admire the full
figured women lewdly posed.  A ticket hawker screamed in his ear.
"Best LADIES show in the Quarter!"  Best ladies?  Bemused he purchased
a ticket and entered.  A garishly clad woman came out on stage in a
few minutes.  Only a few men were in the club so she danced for his
benefit.  He looked bored so she asked what he liked.

"Black Bitches!" he slurred.  
"Coming up," she said like taking an order.  The hurried back stage.

A woman came up to his table saying, "Three drink minimum.  What would
you like?"  Seeing her polished obsidian face he gave her a quick kiss
and said, "You."  She smiled telling him she wasn't on the menu then
walked off to return a moment later with a glass of vodka.  "Five
dollars!"  He paid though he never ordered.

The misted in the room parted to reveal a tall woman the color of
molasses on hotcakes.  She glided over to his table and performed a
seductive dance.  "Like what you see?"  she inquired in a husky voice.
He slide his hand up her arm to contact hard muscles.  No sparks flew.
Clarity returned long enough for him to take in the room which he now
realized had no women in it.

Embarrassed by his mistake, he knocked over his chair as he lurched
backwards.  The queen continued forward pleading, "What's your hurry?
I'm all you'll ever need."  He knocked her down as he ran from the
place feeling the outside air revive him and didn't slow down as he
heard someone yell, "Fucker!" from over his shoulder.

Panting heavily he found himself standing in a dimly lit alley.
Several people walked by in the light laughing amongst themselves.
Oblivious to him.  Once he could breath normally he continued down the
alley and walked several streets over.  The moonlight revealed rows of
single story houses badly in need of repair.  He wasn't sure which way
his hotel was so he continued on.  

He spotted a person sitting in a door stoop so he walked over to ask
directions.  As he got closer he realized the person was female and
about eighteen to twenty.  Lust filled him, but he restrained himself
enough to asked which way he should go from here.  

	"To get where?"  she gave him a curious look.
	"Back to my hotel, the Rue St. Martin," he replied looking
kind of queasy.

She got up and approached him.  "Let me take you back.  You look like
you could use some help."  Then came over and placed her hand on his
arm which produced a ticklish sensation up his spine.  He couldn't
help but notice that she looked like lacquered mahogany standing under
the yellow glow of the street light.  She had Asian features and long
straight black hair down her back.  She was too exquisite to be forced
to live in such squalid conditions.

Minutes later they materialized in his room.  He couldn't remember
walking back.  Blackouts?  What next he thought.  She helped him
undress; tucked him in with a good night kiss, then started to leave.
But he asked her to sleep in the other bed so she walked out of her
clothes and slid under the covers.  The lights went out.
Consciousness fled.  He awoke to an incredible feeling in his groin.
She was ministering to his needs.  He felt kisses on his nipples and
all over his body.  He couldn't rouse himself enough to see her in
action so he surrendered to the feeling.  Hours slipped away.  He
heard a knock on the door that said, "cleaning", but he shouted "go
away".  Night fell again.  The phone rang, but he didn't answer it.
On he slept.

Midnight came. He woke .  The room was pitch black and smelled of
rotting flesh.  Startled he tried to bolt from the bed, but he was
stuck.  As he struggled, he heard the sound of skin tearing.  He was
leaving part of himself behind.  Finally, his toes sought the floor.
They contacted something cold and soft that squished through his toes.
His questing hands found the lamp illuminating the horror show in his
room.  He involuntarily felt a scream try to escape his throat but
heard instead a high pitched croak. 

All over the room were globs of flesh returning to their composite
elements.  Over a hundred pounds he figured.  He thought of the girl,
but ruled her out because some of the flesh was skin.  White skin.
Whose then?  The slime was on his face too.  Automatically, he raised
a hand to wipe it away.  Then he knew.  

His hand was caramel colored now.  And fine.  He surveyed similar
changes in his arms.  His body was still covered in gunk.  Remnants of
his former self.  He tried to wipe off as much of the goo as possible,
but when he got to his chest some of the stuff wouldn't come off.
Tearing away his shirt he discovered something even more absurd.  He
had breasts.  Slime covered brown breasts.  My God!  I'm a black woman
he thought.  He dove in the shower to get the rest of the gunk off.
Now he could get a good look at himself.

In shock he saw a cousin of the woman who had accompanied home.  The
previous night?  More like the daughter they might have had Colin
thought.  She was now about 5'3", 85 lb. with slightly curly raven
hair.  She had green eyes.  Green eyes Colin tittered.  I look like a
Jamaican with my caramel colored self.  Well, if I have to be a cunt
at least I'm beautiful he decided.

Looks like Colin died a brutal death here last night.  So this bird
needs to fly before it gets caged.  She decided her alias would be
Colleen for the time being.  She grabbed a T-shirt, some overly large
jogging shorts and sandals that looked like clown shoes on her now
petite feet.  Tied her hair back with a shoe string. Took all the
money and cut up the credit cards.  Started to make good her escape
then suddenly decided on another tact.

If Dr. Johnson can validate my identity, I won't have to start out my
life from scratch.  Thinking that she took an empty film canister and
scooped up some of the tissue from the sheets.  Then grabbed her
driver's license before making her exit. 

Taking a last look in the mirror, she starred in amazement at herself.
Herself, hell I'm thinking of myself as a bitch all ready.  She pulled
up the T-shirt and fondled her day old breasts.  Wow.  Colin let
herself enjoy the sensation for a moment.  She ran her hand into the
shorts.  No use searching anymore kid.  It's gone.  Taking the hand
out she decided that was enough exploration for one day.  She looked
at her new face again.  That's really me.  Never thought of myself as
'all that' before, but with this face I can claim it.  Enough.
Colleen girl, you can go get the modeling job later.  Mentally bidding
Colin goodbye she walked out the door.

She went down the stairs and out a side entrance because she thought
avoiding attention was a good thing right now.  Trying to remember
whether she had locked the door she figured the mess in her room would
be found soon in either case.  Damn old ass hotel.  Doesn't even have
self locking doors.  Open air, but not freedom hit her as she exited
the hotel.  Now she was a prisoner of her flesh.  An old dirt colored
man sitting on the steps with a banjo on his lap and the case open on
the ground stopped playing long enough to show his appreciation with a
whistle.  She was acutely embarrassed by the attention, but kept on
walking until she made it to the doctor's office.

Bursting into the office she went to the counter and demanded to see
Dr. Johnson.  The receptionist gave her an irate look like 'look
bitch', but proceeded to give her forms to fill out for first time
visitors.  Colleen tried to explain she was all ready a patient, but
the receptionist wasn't going for it.  Grudgingly she filled out the
form.  Under name she put Colleen (Colin) Baker.  Reason for visit was
answered with: Need to get my original body back.  When the nurse
examined the form she thought Colleen was visiting the wrong kind of
doctor, but made no comment.  Instead she just said, "have a seat now
and we'll call you."

Hours. Days. Millennia  went by before she heard, "Colleen Baker."
She sprang out of the chair and was through the door while the last
syllable of her name could still be heard.  When she saw the doctor,
she felt some slight hope that all could be made right.

	"I see you took the second option, Colleen."  Pausing a moment
to gage Colin's state of mind she said, "Do you like being a member of
the sisterhood?"
	"Ha Ha, so can you help?"
	"I'm afraid only one person can help you now.  Unless you want
to continue life as a cute young lady then I can refer you to a
colleague who can help you adjust."
	"What about my legal identity?  Can you help me prove who I
am?"
	"I'm afraid it may not be easy.  I had expected continued
gradual changes, but you've undergone a catastrophic change.  Showing
the pictures would prove nothing now."

Colleen produced the tissue sample and handed it to Angela as well as
the driver's license.  "Please try DOC.  I don't know what else to
do."  Bending down to hug the distraught woman, Angela said, "well
you've made some friends here.  We'll help you where we can."  Nurse
Brown offered to let Colleen sleep over at her place for a while.
Then she took Colleen's hand to comfort her.  

Knowing that she had to face Celeste, Colleen said goodbye and left.
She paid a taxi driver $20 to drive him to Francine's house then
slumped down in the back seat to rest.  The buildings of the city
quickly faded and soon they were driving down a long wooded road.
Colleen closed her eyes to rest since it was a long ride.  In a few
minutes the car turned right and then stopped.  Wow, that was sure
quicker than the last time Colleen thought.

The driver of the cab opened the door to let her out.  She climbed
out, but was confused because she saw only woods in every direction.
Grabbing her by the hair, the driver slammed her head into the metal
of the door.  Blood gushed from a ragged head wound and the world went
red.  She felt her T-shirt ripped from her then her shorts were cut
away.  A harsh pain originating in her vagina radiated throughout her
body when he impaled her.  "No!" she screamed without effect.  After
eternity, she felt his weight removed from her then the sound of a car
speeding away.  Convulsive sobs wracked her body over and over.

Much later she dreamed.  She was back in her old body with Celeste in
bed with him.  Their sex was extraordinary then her sweet voice said,
"Stop!"  He disregarded this to continue pursuing his pleasure.
Fingernails tore the skin from his chest.  Sweet pain.  He laughed and
hit her until she stopped fighting.  Then he rode her.  Like a whore.

Jolted awake she realized justice was served.  Her sobs rang out
through the forest.  Coyotes howled back in a sympathetic rhythm.
After a while she pulled herself off the ground.  Heading toward town,
toward life, she vowed to never again be a predator or victim.