Curse of the Sacred Fountain -4- by Melanie Brown

Melanie Brown

Copyright © 2024

Part 4

“Hey, sleepy-head.”

“Mrrmmphgh.”

“You need to get up, honey. We have lots to do today,” said Mom from the doorway.

I rolled over and was about to say something, but she was already gone. And then I was hit with a sudden need to pee. I slid my legs out of the bed and discovered the nightgown Mom had loaned me was wrapped around my neck. Looking around the room, I noticed Riley had not only gotten up but her bed was made.  Oh jeez. Are we expected to make our beds?

I stood up and pulled my nightgown down to more or less cover me. I padded out to the hallway to find the bathroom. I stood for a moment in front of the toilet. I shook my head. I spent sixty-eight years standing to pee, and now I can only sit. What a crock.

After I stepped out into the hall, Mom saw me. “Oh good, you’re up. Come into the kitchen for breakfast. Don’t expect this every Saturday, but I made some scrambled eggs. Then take a shower. I’ll lay some clothes out for you.”

I padded down to the kitchen. Riley was seated at the kitchen table, finishing her breakfast. She looked up and grinned at me. “Mornin’ Nellie. We’re going to have fun today. Lots of shopping this morning, and then after lunch, Mom said we might go see a movie.”

I scooped some scrambled eggs and a few strips of bacon onto a plate. “Sounds like a full day.” I was being sarcastic, but I wasn’t interested in talking when there was food to eat.

Riley got up and went to the living room, and turned on the TV.  I had to keep dragging my hair around my neck to keep it out of my food. I thought maybe I should shave my head, but a thought in the back of my head cried out, “No!” And I have to say I’ve never had such pretty hair before. I’ll have to get with Riley to teach me some things. But then, she doesn’t know I wasn’t born a girl.

As I ate, I watched Riley dance around the living room in front of the TV.  Such unbridled energy! I should have that level of energy shouldn’t I? I need to stop thinking like an old man. I’m being an idiot. I should embrace this opportunity.

I touched my face. My skin is so smooth. I just woke up, and there’s no annoying stubble. I touched my lips, and I found them so soft and, dare I say, kissable? That thought made me smile. How long has it been since I’ve kissed someone? My wife died five years ago, and even then, we weren’t very affectionate.  Well, Joan was British, after all.

I shook my head at myself. I really need to get over my old attitude. I’ve been aware that I’m now a girl for several days, and there’s a part of my body I haven’t been able to bring myself to touch. I have to get over the idea that it’s not a child I’m touching. It’s me. I mean, I’m sure even natural girls explore their bodies.  Okay, I have played with my tits. They’re kinda hard to ignore, being out there in front and all. 

Still.

I kept watching Riley spazzing out in front of the TV as I finished eating.  She looked like she was having a blast, actually. Grinning, I set my fork down and skipped…yes, skipped into the living room.

I started flailing my arms around while jumping. I tried to match Riley’s movements. Oh my God, this was exhilarating. I haven’t felt this much energy since I was in high school. As we were both acting silly, we broke out in fits of giggles. If I’d known how, I probably should have put my hair into a ponytail like Riley.

As it was, my hair was in my eyes, my mouth and just everywhere. But I didn’t mind. Jumping around and acting silly was a freedom I hadn’t allowed myself since I was a child. It was intoxicating.

Mom and Dad entered the living room. Mom held her hand up in front of her mouth to cover her giggles. Dad just waved his arms slightly in frustration as he watched us.

In a pathetic, whiny voice, Dad said, “Come on, guys. I need the TV. Golf highlights is about to start.”

“Oh, we can’t miss that, can we?” I said with more than a hint of sarcasm. I stopped gyrating to catch my breath.

Riley stopped and rested her hands on her knees. “Seriously, Dad? Golf?”

“Hey, I watch it every Saturday morning. You know that.” Dad just couldn’t get that whine out of his voice.

“No cartoons?” I asked.

Dad sadly shook his head.

Mom clapped her hands a couple of times and said, “Come on, girls. Let’s get dressed. We have a lot to do this morning.”

Riley ran past me. “Yay! Shopping trip!”

As I walked past Mom, I said flatly, “Yay.”

Mom poked my shoulder. “Don’t be such a gloomy Gus. You’ll enjoy shopping.  It’s fun and it’s great therapy.”

I shook my head at her. “I’ve had fun before and shopping, isn’t it.”

Looking serious, Mom said, “Give it time.”

Riley hit the shower door and shouted, “First dibs!” She giggled.

I sat on my bed to wait my turn at the shower. Mom sat next to me.

Grinning, she said, “Looks like you were having fun out there.” She pointed towards the living room.

I chuckled. “Yep. I don’t know what came over me. I’ve never been one to act silly.”

Still smiling at me, she asked, “How did it make you feel?”

I stared at my hands for a minute. Finally I looked over at her and grinned. “It felt great. Like I could conquer the world. I watched Riley and just saw pure joy. And I decided I wanted that too. Before this…” I pointed at myself.  “… Before this, I wasn’t even allowed to act like that, even if I could.”

Mom put her arm around my shoulders. “Welcome to a brand-new world, munchkin.”

“Munchkin?” I asked, looking at her funny.

Mom laughed. “You’re not my stodgy old uncle anymore. You’re now my beautiful young daughter and I’ll call you munchkin if I want to.”

“I’m stodgy no more!” I said as I hugged Mom. “I want to embrace my new life!”

                    *

“Do I have to get my ears pierced?” I whined with my hands over the endangered appendages.

                    *

End of Part 4