From jwel@mindspring.com Wed Apr 16 21:29:41 1997 Path: news1.infoave.net!news-dc-10.sprintlink.net!news-dc-26.sprintlink.net!news-east.sprintlink.net!news-peer.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!sprint!cpk-news-hub1.bbnplanet.com!news.bbnplanet.com!news.mindspring.com!usenet 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 Organization: private Lines: 869 Message-ID: <33557bbc.171792780@news.mindspring.com> Reply-To: jwel@mindspring.com NNTP-Posting-Host: user-37kbnkv.dialup.mindspring.com X-Server-Date: 17 Apr 1997 01:25:14 GMT X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.1/32.230 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.