[GTSKate]

Gentlemen, gentlemen….

Remember, besides having such incredible artistic talent, Mr. Matthews has been a storyteller of  silver/golden age talent!  Remember Sonya's admonishion that the injection Slade received was supposed to have been given in the buttocks for intramuscular delivery?

I do.

I have a hunch that Slade will have some side effects from receiving that injection into his bloodstream instead of …well, you know.  But no matter what, I have faith that Tetsuko will find a way to triumph, without having to gain any extra weight  😉

As always, I'm looking forward to a great story from DCM!
Thanks for giving it to us!

-Kate

[GTSKate]

I can’t make fritzcat wait….this whole thing from chapter 22 onward is his fault!

That being said, I’d like to thank Hi-Standard for the inspiration for Carolyn’s outfit in this next set of chapters. As I tried to think what you would design for a woman you KNEW was growing larger, I kept coming back to his concept of a dress with “flaps” that you could let out to make more space. I wish desperately I could remember the title to make sure he gets all credit, but I fear it escapes me. It’s the one with the woman that starts growing little by little, falling in love with a fella that just happens to be a millionaire.

You’ve always been one of my favorites, Hi-Standard!

Chapter 29

Alex was waiting in the van outside. On the trip to the lab she kept alternating between worried mother-hen behavior, and fury over Nicole cutting school. “…and if Dan hadn’t called me, what would you have done? I would have shown up after school and panicked that you and your brother weren’t there!”
Nicole cut her off, “What do you mean? Scott cut school too? That little devil. So you got him first?” Alex shut up in disgust that her message wasn’t really getting through. “No. Dan called me a little while after I got home this morning. He said I should wait for you at around noon. He was going to keep an eye on Scott. I didn’t believe him when he said I should wait for you, but he’s not usually wrong. I am so disappointed in you, Nicole. Your Mom would be furious if she knew you cut classes.”
Nicole sulked in the front seat. “She wouldn’t be if she knew I could graduate already. Besides, I HAVE to see her, Alex. I read something that gave me an idea today. And I want to talk to Jessie about it. It’s just too slow, trying to teach myself all about biology, chemistry, and physics. But Jessie already knows that stuff. Maybe if I talk to her, I can suggest something she hasn’t thought of yet.”
Alex digested what Nicole meant. “Are you sure? You want to tell Jessie about you and your brother? Jeff says that she’s been very stressed lately. Your news might not go over so well.” Nicole nodded. “I know. I know that it could take her focus away from Mom, but not if I can help! Alex, Jessie is still the only hope Mom has. I can’t learn everything fast enough. Each textbook I memorize only shows me how much more I need to learn. And I need the information Jessie’s already gathered.” Her eyes sparkled like ice. She took a breath to speak again and suddenly her eyes grew unfocused, as if she were seeing something else. Alex realized quickly that was exactly what was happening. “Oh Nic…I’m sorry.” She put a hand on Nicole’s and was surprised when her young cousin gripped it so tightly. “Nic…” Alex began to wince at the pressure Nicole was putting on her hand and sharply remembered that it wasn’t just Nicole’s brain that had been getting stronger.

A few moments later, Nicole’s eyes focused. “I’m more sure than ever that I have to tell Jessie. She’s feeling alone, I think. That’s what’s making her feel so guilty. She’s the only one that can help Mom, and she’s feeling all that pressure. But once she knows I can help; once she knows she’s not alone, then what I just saw won’t happen.” She turned to Alex, her jaw set and teeth clenched. “I won’t let her hang herself. She was swinging back and forth like a pendulum. Red hair; swinging; there was a chain around her neck. I think she was up in the catwalk of the auditorium. But she won’t. She won’t do it if I stop her.” Alex’s foot tensed on the accelerator, urging the van just a bit faster toward the labs. Nicole glanced in the back seat of the van and looked back at Alex with knitted brows. “What’s with the basket and blankets?” Alex regained her smile and started to tell Nicole about Jeff’s idea.

Meanwhile, Scott had finally run some excess energy out of his system. He flopped down on the grass next to the tree Dan had been leaning against, watching. He lay on his back staring up at the sky and the maple tree that was half-bald, but half brilliant reds and oranges. In the silence of the field, Dan kept one eye on his cousin and one eye peeled for anyone that might have seen the hyper-powered, hyper pre-teen. Scott looked up at Dan earnestly. “It’s going to happen soon. The trees are going to be empty in a couple weeks at most.” Dan took a long breath and sighed. “Scott, I’ll do everything I can to keep your Dad safe. He’s family. You all are.” Knowing that no one was watching them, Scott stood up and wrapped his arms around Dan, clinging for some kind of reassurance. The detective patted the young boy on the back. Dan would not show him that he had no idea how to stop the horrific scene Scott had described before.

Thinking that Scott was showing off, Dan said nothing as the grip around his midsection started tightening. As the pressure increased to almost painful limits, he tapped Scott on the back. “Ease up there sport.” When no release was forthcoming, Dan frowned and pressed at the joints of Scott’s shoulders. The youngster’s muscles yielded to the pressure points forcing a release, but Scott slumped to his knees still in the grip of his vision. His eyes stared vacantly, but he tried to articulate what he was experiencing. “Thunder; gunshots? They don’t sound right. Like snapping. More like an air rifle. Yelling. A lot of different voices. Too fast. I can’t see anyone’s faces. Running from something. Explosion; there’s fallout? Something’s falling. Raining? There’s water dropping everywhere.” As the vision released him, Scott took a few steadying breaths as if he’d been running hard during the whole thing. “I don’t understand yet. Every bit I get just seems worse. Where’s the part that helps?”
“Everything helps, Scott. Clues don’t stand up and announce themselves; you have to put them together like puzzle pieces before you get to see a clear picture.” Dan imparted a few words of wisdom of an investigative detective. “You got a bit more this time, though. We know there are a lot of people around. Whatever’s happening includes water or rain. And what sets it off are shots or an explosion. You’re doing fine.” Scott nodded, wanting desperately to believe Dan would know what to do when the time came.
“But we’re running out of time, aren’t we?”
Dan smiled. “Maybe. But today, we’re just running late. We’ve got a lunch appointment.” He motioned back towards the car and explained about Jeff’s picnic on the way.
Chapter 30

Alex and Dan reunited the brother and sister pair outside the labs. The kids spent the next hour comparing visions and searching for any clues on exactly when they would occur. Jeff came by shortly before two o’clock. He grinned and directed Alex and her charge and Dan and his to the lawn behind the building. The doctoral assistant explained that Carolyn was being fitted with her new outfit before he sprung the afternoon surprise on her. Alex spread out three blankets and put out some plastic plates and utensils. Jeff had set up two beverage coolers and after Alex put down the blankets, maneuvered the ten foot long box with the sub for everyone onto the middle one. “Now all that’s left is to get the guests of honor out here. I’ll go get ‘em.” He ran back inside, grinning all the while. Carolyn had gotten dressed for the first time in two days, wearing fashion that would be all the rage in Greek bathhouses. “Jeff, I appreciate you getting this..er…dress so quickly. I was starting to feel a bit embarrassed.”
“Oh, no problem, Carolyn. It’s got plenty of fabric; I’m glad we could still use it after your ..well…episode an hour ago.”
The giantess grinned wryly. “Episode. Nice way of referring to another sixteen inches. At least it was just a little one.” Jeff shrugged sympathetically. “Well, if you’re through with your morning calisthenics? I’ve got some lunch outside today.”
“Lunch? Geez, I hadn’t even thought about that. I’m getting so large…how am I going to…waitaminute. Outside? What’s the deal with that?” Carolyn narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the doctoral student with the innocent grin. “I just thought you’d enjoy getting some air. I mean, it’s not really that cold yet, it’s still pretty temperate. And it’s nice and sunny out. You should get some fresh air before the shields are installed anyway.”
Relenting, Carolyn looked around the auditorium. “Okay, I suppose. How am I getting out of here? Those doors are going to be a very tight squeeze.” Jeff motioned towards the back of the stage where the post between the double doors had already been removed. “You’ll have to crawl through, of course, but it shouldn’t be too bad. Now, get along. You never know if the squirrels out there will stage a coup before you get to the food. Gotta stake out your territory first.” Carolyn chuckled softly. “All right. Fine. I don’t know what you’ve got planned, but as long as there isn’t Channel 4 News on the lawn, what do I care?” The now eighteen foot woman got on her hands and knees and made her way carefully through the tiny doorway. Motioning her husband through before her, she envied the easy way he walked through the expanse. “I feel like Alice in the hall of doors, Jim. Able to see the lovely garden, but hard to squeeze my fat ass through to get to it.”

Jim smiled warmly. “My burgeoning wife, your ass is large indeed. But I would hardly characterize anything about you as fat.” Burying his grin as much as he could, he casually tossed the words that he knew would get Carolyn out that door faster than anything else. “Anymore, anyway.” And he ran for the lawn outside. Struggling to get the body part in question through the tight fit, Carolyn muttered, “You’d better run. When I get a hold of you…aw, who am I kidding. If nothing else, this growing thing has been better than any liposuction I could have had. Side effects include massive growth, firm muscles, and the ability to see over tall objects at a single glance.” With a final squeeze and push of her legs, Carolyn cleared the doorway and stood up at last.

“Alice, indeed. Juliet on her balcony probably didn’t have a view like this.” Carolyn noted absently that the building behind her was thankfully still taller than her own improved height by ten feet or so. The giant woman took a moment to admire the views her elevated eyesight offered before smiling at the scene of her family gathered on blankets for a late season picnic. “So, this is what Jeff was planning, eh?” Carolyn took a moment to appreciate having her whole family with her until she heard the bells of Burton Tower in the distance. “Wait just a moment. It’s only two o’clock. What are you both doing here so early?” She crossed her arms, forgetting that her mothering stern look was amplified by a mother just over eighteen feet tall.

It was Scott that broke the silence first. “I just couldn’t concentrate at school, Mom. We didn’t get to see you very long yesterday, and I missed you so much.” He shot those puppy-dog eyes at his Mom, and Nicole had a hard time not rolling her own eyes at his routine. But she held her tongue, since Scott’s angle was probably the best one for not getting into big trouble. Looking all the way to the top of her Mother’s head, Nicole thought that “big” trouble was an understatement. “I missed you too, sport. But that doesn’t explain how you got here.” She shared her stern look with her best friend and cousin. Alex was about to spill the beans when Scott gave one final tug on his Mom’s sympathy. “My stomach just felt rumbly all day. I thought I was going to throw up, so I told the school nurse that I was sick. She called home and Dan came and got me. I begged and begged until he brought me to see you.” Nicole almost gagged when her brother managed to get teary-eyed on demand, but Carolyn melted and reached down for her little boy. “Oh my poor boy. It’s okay. You’re with me now.” She hugged him gently as she stood up with him in her arms. Carolyn unconsciously cradled him like an infant, due to the massive size difference between the two. One hand covered all of his back, the other tenderly stroking his hair. Scott put away the water-works, knowing his Mom was distracted enough now not to follow up on the early time frame. Lunch was distributed, Carolyn taking up one whole blanket to herself, and the rest of the family sharing space on the other two.

After the food had disappeared, Scott kept Carolyn occupied by playing a modified hide and seek with his Mom. He would climb trees and let his giant mother search through the branches until she found him. His youthful giggles made the sunshine brighter in the afternoon. Jim took a hold of his daughter’s hand as she got up to join the game and pulled her back down. “Spill it, kid. Scott snowed your Mom good, but that doesn’t explain how YOU got here early.” Nicole’s brain worked at top speed to come up with something her father would accept, short of the truth. “Ms. Stevenson arranged for me to have a conference day with one of the Professors in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. I chose the Solar and Heliospheric Research Group; specifically, Jessie. Then I knew I could come without really skipping.”
Jim stared at his daughter, knowing something wasn’t quite right in what she was saying, but not really able to put his finger on it. “You sure you’re telling me the truth, Nic?” But, just as Scott could be ‘momma’s boy’ when he needed to be, Nicole was still ‘daddy’s little girl’ too. Her eyes softened as they always did for the most important man in her life. “I really wanted to talk to Jessie, Dad. And I wanted to see Mom. Was it really so bad?” She had a hard time bending the truth to her father, but she told herself it wouldn’t be so much longer before she’d tell him everything. Jim sighed and relented, knowing deep down that no father could resist a daughter.

“Hey, where’d Alex and Dan go anyway? They’ve been gone a while.” Jim looked around for the other normal sized adults in the party, only to see the empty blankets around the remains of lunch. Nicole smiled knowingly. “They slipped away about twenty minutes ago. I think they’re going home to do it.”
“Young lady!” Jim admonished his daughter. But his grin was just as large as hers, and he whispered afterward, “You’re probably right.” Father and daughter broke into laughter at the shared joke which brought the attention of the giant mother and tiny son now perched on his mother’s right shoulder. Carolyn knelt down to let Scott slide down her right arm. She reached out an enormous hand and rubbed his head with a couple fingers. “Feeling better, sport?” The youngest Prescott nodded happily, content to play with his Mom no matter what her size.
Carolyn looked down to see Nicole comparing her hand to her mother’s. She remained silent, hoping for a clue to what her normally guarded daughter was thinking. Nicole seemed to feel her mother’s eyes upon her though, because she turned her head to look way up into Carolyn’s gaze. Then she put her hand on top of her Mom’s and gave a pat. Carolyn breathed a sigh of happiness. “Don’t worry.” Nicole reassured her mother. “I’m not scared.” She might have said more, but Jeff came out of the doors and cleared his throat apologetically.

“Sorry to interrupt. Carolyn, I just got word from the engineers that we’ve scheduled for the shield installations. Manufacturing finished in record time, and they think they can begin work today. I know it’s not fair to drag you back inside after only an hour or so, but if they begin before four, then we might be done by tomorrow evening with an overnight shift.” He fidgeted nervously, obviously embarrassed that he was talking about hiding Carolyn away. “If you’d prefer, we could wait until tomorrow to install…”
Considering the alternatives; giving up the last sunshine she’d see for a while or growing larger while she waited an extra day, the choice was clear. “I hope auditorium 4 is as comfortable as you’ve been suggesting. Tell Veronica I’m coming in.” Taking a long look outside and sighing, Carolyn squeezed back through the tiny double doorway and shimmied her bulk through a hallway to a large room that had been cleared of chairs. The auditorium was smaller than her home of the last few weeks, but Veronica’s team had obviously been working hard to make it comfortable as Jeff had promised. The orchestrator herself waited near the dais to see Carolyn’s reaction.

“Anything else you think you’ll need, Carolyn? While the shields are going in to the other room, we’ll also be doing a conversion in there. So if you think of anything you need while you’re here, let me know. I’ll make sure we get a duplicate in there when we’re done.” Carolyn looked around the Spartan area and thought to herself that it resembled the dorm room she shared with Alex all those years ago, but was far more than she had right to expect. “No. No, it looks great, Veronica. Thank everyone for me. I really appreciate the trouble you’ve gone to.” Veronica waved off the thanks. “It’s no trouble for you, Carolyn. You’re the one inconvenienced here. We’re just trying to make it a little better.” She smiled up at the enormous woman, then excused herself to coordinate her crew in the other auditorium. Veronica left Carolyn to settle in to her temporary lodging. There was a makeshift bed of mattresses at one end of the room, scaled to Carolyn’s current size, a widescreen TV, and across the room, an entertaining area filled with beanbags and three conversation chairs. Scott immediately flung himself towards the pile of beanbags, but Nicole asked her Dad, “Can I go talk to Jessie now?” Jim shook his head. “Nic, I’m not sure now is a good time. I’m sure she’s got to be supervising some of the work in the other room.” Jeff appeared as Jim was disappointing his daughter.
“Actually, Jessie’s got nothing until the techs show up in 45 minutes. Why? Did you have any questions?” Nicole jumped on the opportunity. “Yeah, I do. It’s kind of important. Can I go talk to her?” Jeff shrugged and said, “Follow me. I’ll see if she’s on our planet for a change.” He winked and led Nicole back down the hallway Carolyn had squeezed through.

“So, what kind of questions do you have for Jessie? Anything that you’ve been learning in school?” Jeff made small talk as they walked the short distance. “Sort of.” Nicole replied. “I’ve got something very important to tell her.”

Chapter 31

Jeff knocked gently on Jessie’s office door, hoping she’d be in a receptive mood. He’d checked in with her a half hour ago when they got the news that the shields were ready for installation and she absently waved her approval. But Jeff had been worried that she stared at her desk without the usual vacant look. In fact, she had looked lost.
“Come in.” She called out. Jeff squared his shoulders and opened the door wider. “Jessie? Nicole had a few questions for you while you’ve got some time. Okay?” Jessie didn’t speak but looked at Nicole with the haunted look she wore so often when gazing upon Carolyn. She spoke softly. “What questions?” Nicole looked back at Jeff, biting on her lower lip. “Um, can I talk to Jessie alone, Jeff? I mean, not that you’re not smart and all, and I’m sure you could…answer my questions…but, I really wanted to ..uh…tell Jessie something um…about Mom. Woman stuff.” Jeff coughed and pursed his lips. “I see. Well, yes. I’m sure I have something else I can be doing. You two have a nice discussion, and I’ll come get you Doctor, when the installation team arrives.” He backed out of the room quickly, having had enough embarrassment in that area for one day.

Jessie stared more closely at Nicole. “Why did you need to get rid of Jeff?” Nicole took a deep breath and began to explain. “Because I don’t want that many people to know yet about Scott and me.” Jessie’s eyes widened in horror. “So you HAVE been affected? I knew it. I knew I should have…but Carolyn wouldn’t believe it. And I didn’t want to push. I’ve caused enough trouble.” Nicole protested. “No, no not trouble. Jessie, it’s not like that. Scott and I aren’t growing. But …look, let me start from the beginning…”

A half hour later when Jeff returned to the doorway, knocking tentatively, he was elated to see the fire back in Jessie’s eyes. “Possibly. You’re right though, it does match the aging pattern of a star. Where is it…” Her voice trailed off for only a moment while she rifled through papers and folders on her desk. “See this chart? This is a graph of her temperature as her growth accelerated.”
“Right, and I felt her hand outside; she was cool, almost too cool to the touch, but she said she was warm enough with just that toga on. I’ll bet if you projected it out, it would match Porphyrion’s estimated life cycle.”
Jeff frowned as the two females spoke so quickly back and forth, he could only grab bits of their conversation. He hated to interrupt, seeing as how Nicole had performed magic enough to wake Jessie’s spirit again, but he really needed the Doctor to at least supervise the beginning of the project. He also wanted her to check the shields before they committed all their hopes onto them. He cleared his throat again, and Jessie looked up, aware of his presence for the first time. “Jeff! Nicole just asked for a few minutes alone. Honestly.” He hid his smile, relieved that the old Jessie was reasserting herself. “Uh, Jessie, it’s been thirty-five minutes. I really need you in Auditorium 2, just for a while.” “Thirty-five minutes? Really? Damn.” She turned her attention back to the fifteen year old across her desk. “Nicole, stay here. Read the reports on my desk, and I’ll be back in an hour. Or less.” Jeff figured something was going on, but it was best not to stop Jessie when she was on a roll. “Come on, Jeff. Let’s get those shields done right!” She strode down the hallway, leaving Jeff to glance back at Nicole, wearing her most innocent face, and back again at the fiery woman he cared so much about. “I don’t know what you told her, Nicole, but thanks.” He closed the door and ran to catch up to Jessie, leaving Nicole to slowly grin at the silly seed of hope that was fanning hotter and hotter in the last half hour. Circling the desk, Nicole plopped down in Jessie’s chair and started reading pages as fast as she could, scribbling notes with her accelerated speed as she came across pieces of promising information.
“I think we’re going to make it, Scott. Jessie’s got so many ideas now. I think we’re on to something.” She whispered, knowing her brother would hear several rooms away.

[GTSKate]

AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!  <gasps for breath>  Heh…so very true!  What a great list!  Thanks for the laugh!
;D  😀

-Kate

[GTSKate]

(( You know, my World of Warcraft guild is going to be pissed I’m missing so much game time to try and finish this…. ah well. Their loss is your gain! ;D Here’s a few more chapters!))

Chapter 27

Nicole rose early and tried to sneak into the kitchen without waking Alex. But as she was coming down the stairs, her elder cousin was already stirring and caught sight of her. “Oh jeez, you’re up already? I’m not used to getting breakfast ready. Dan usually handles the coffee.” Alex quickly threw off the blanket she’d gotten tangled in and made a hurried dash for the kitchen.
“Relax, Alex. I’m just up early. I don’t sleep as much anymore.” Nicole smiled shyly, enjoying being able to share with someone other than her brother. “I thought I’d try to make breakfast.” Alex raised an eyebrow, a laugh on her lips. “And is that something your super-intelligence has taught you to do?”
“Well, no. But I’ve watched Mom do it before.” Nicole tried not to let on that she didn’t really pay attention when her mother cooked. She knew that French toast involved eggs and bread, and a skillet. But Alex winked knowingly and explained, “Everyone has their own take on recipes though. Why don’t I teach you mine instead? It’ll be close to your Mom’s I think. She’s the one who taught me to make it in college.” Nicole’s eyes warmed as Alex launched into a few stories of Carolyn and herself in their dorm days. Scott joined them as the French toast was being plated, having been awakened by the giggles from the kitchen.
“Do we have to go to school today?” He asked plaintively. “I really want to see Mom again. We didn’t get to spend a lot of time with her yesterday and besides! I want to see how much bigger she got!”
Alex’s eyebrows knit for a moment as she laid a second plate in front of Scott. “But you saw her…oh. You guys had visions during the night, didn’t you?” Nicole nodded through her mouthful of breakfast. “Did you get anymore out of it?” Nicole swallowed and licked her lips a moment before she admitted, “We both saw something new. Sort of. It was faster again. Blurred. I think I saw red hair; maybe Jessie? But I couldn’t really make anything out. I don’t know what it means.”

Alex pondered a moment, then disappointed Carolyn’s children slightly. “I don’t think it’s a good idea if you guys miss school. Your Mom would be upset with me if I started letting you off the hook.” She smiled to take some of the sting out. “How about I come get you right after school again, though? You can stay all evening, as long as Jessie says it’s okay.” Scott seemed to brighten a little and Nicole begrudgingly agreed. As breakfast was finished and Alex left the plates in the sink for later, she noticed the kids heading out the door empty-handed. “What, no books?”

Her response was a dry look with a smirk from Nicole’s steely eyes.

Back at the science buildings, Jeff saw the dark circles under Jessie’s eyes even while she slept upon the cot in her office. Sighing, he unplugged her phone and tidied some of her desk’s contents before pausing to watch her sleep a few minutes more. Satisfied that the woman he respected above all others was comfortable, at least, he slipped out the door to manage the things he could without her. Checking on yesterday’s emergency fabric requests, Jeff saw that Carolyn would be clothed by one o’clock, at least. Checking the evening records, he saw that there had been more photon activity that night. Before entering the auditorium, Jeff knew that he would see a larger Carolyn than the previous day. The double doors pushed open softly at his touch, revealing a Carolyn that made her husband lying upon her truly look like a slightly large teddy bear. Momentarily stuck staring at the naked woman taking up so much space on the stage, Jeff at least had the good manners to blush when Jim rolled his head to see another man staring at his naked wife.

“I might be a little jealous, except for two things.” Jim said in jest. “Two things?” Jeff queried? “One: that I know you have probably already looked at Jessie first this morning,” Jeff nodded, smiling with a chuckle. “and two: that it is my fault that my wife is naked to the world.” Looking down, Jim realized he had stolen the blanket that might have covered at least some of Carolyn’s attributes, but was now wrapped and twisted about his own form. Jim tried to get up, but Carolyn’s hand held him firmly in place upon her chest. “And some things never change, blanket hog.” She smiled down upon her husband. “Before you had the excuse of size, but really there’s really no excuse for you now.” She stroked his chest with the index finger of the hand that held him to her. Jim recognized that she was calmer than previous mornings. Carolyn saw the question in his eyes and bent her neck to kiss the top of his head. “I can’t change it, Jim. But I felt better having you with me all night. I guess I’m just resigned to it.” She laughed, shaking her husband all over. “Having you right where you are, I don’t even care that I’m stuck in my birthday suit here.”
Jeff joined in the laughter. “It’s okay. I’m going to be a doctor.” He ducked and headed back out as Jim threw his shirt like a football. “Yeah, a doctor of physics you quack!” Jim wiggled, implying that he needed to get down.

“…I must another way,
to fetch a ladder, by which [my] love
must climb a bird’s nest when it is dark.

But come what sorrow can,
It cannot countervail the exchange of joy
That one short minute gives me in her sight.”

Carolyn chuckled and gave her husband a gentle squeeze. “You need a ladder to reach your love at this rate. I wish you didn’t, but I’m glad you’re still sticking to it.” Her fingers continued to stroke Jim’s back as he fidgeted under her hand. “Angel, really; I’m glad you’re enjoying this, and believe me, I hate to break the moment, but I need to …well…it’s morning, sweetheart.” Sitting up, Carolyn put on a pouting face which seemed more innocent when she was near five foot, but at her current size of over sixteen feet carried with it a distinct undertone of sexy. She lifted Jim to the ground and then lay back, reclining on her elbows. “Do what you have to. But I suggest you hurry back. I might get a little cold here without you.” She gave her shoulders a little wiggle, knowing it would set her assets jiggling. “I might need a little …reassuring …this morning.”
Jim fled for the nearest bathroom, wondering where he’d left his pants when he got undressed. Then he realized it didn’t really matter. Carolyn was hardly going to let him put them back on for a while. The grin on his face got a little wider.

Chapter 28

Alex had returned to the house after playing bus-driver to clean up the morning’s dishes and tidy up a bit. Grabbing the dish soap from under the sink and testing the hot water, Alex returned the morning dishes to a state of cleanliness and into the cabinets. Heading for the living room, she was going to fold up the blankets she’d used last night when her attention was drawn to some black lines on the wall. Frowning, she thought, “Damn. What are those kids doing to …” Her own thoughts silenced as she realized that these lines were the ones Jim started making as Carolyn grew. Looking forlornly at the bottommost mark, knowing that her dearest friend had once been even shorter than that smear upon the wall, Alex put her hand against it and remembered looking down at Carolyn. “I guess those days are long behind us, huh Car?” Her hand trailed slowly up the uneven marks until they stopped just under her own head. Carolyn had disappeared from her home into the science lab just after that. “I don’t know how pal, but you’ve just got to come home again.” Pulling herself away from the reminder of things-used-to-be, Alex finished folding up the blankets against the sofa and sat down with the phone. Calling Carolyn’s number at the lab, she was a bit surprised when Jeff Connor answered. “Jeff? It’s Alex. I was calling for Carolyn. Isn’t she up yet?”
“Er…ah, well, yeah, she’s up. She and Jim are up. Um…you should probably call back later though.” Jeff seemed distinctly uncomfortable and Alex knit her brows in concern. “Is she okay? What happened last night?” She worried.
“She’s fine. In fact, er…I’d say she’s kinda frisky, if you know what I mean.” Alex could practically hear him blushing.
“Ah.” She understood. “Well, that’s good news, I guess. At least she’s doing something normal.” Alex let loose the breath that would have helped steel her against bad news. “I’m sure she’s not doing it normally, but just the act is good.” Alex stifled her laughter, knowing that Jeff would be blushing even harder at the conversation’s blunt nature. “Actually, I’m kind of curious how she IS managing…”
Jeff interrupted hurriedly. “Look, I think you should call back in an hour or so, Alex.” She thought she heard him turn away from the phone at the sound of distant laughter before finishing. “Maybe two…”
Unable to control her laughter anymore, she tried to speak through her giggles. “Wait! Wait, I’m sorry Jeff. I just…heh..well, never mind. Look, I just want to make sure it’s okay if I bring Nic and Scott back after school.” Alex calmed her chuckles, trying to smooth things over.
“Yeah. Sure. I don’t think we’ve got any tests planned today.” It was Jeff’s turn to smile as he had an idea. “Hey, why don’t you make a picnic of it? Carolyn can get outside the building for a couple hours as long as you guys stay on the back lawn of the place, and she can spend time with the family. You bring the dishes and stuff, and I’ll get some catering in here. Subway still does those ten foot long subs, right? Yeah…yeah, I’ll handle that. You just bring the kids. That’s a great idea, Alex! Right…okay….” And he hung up, already throwing things into motion.

Alex smiled and hung up on her end of the already-completed conversation. Jeff’s heart was in the right place; and maybe it would be good for Carolyn to see the outdoors for an afternoon. It couldn’t be good for her psyche to be trapped inside all the time. But as the receiver clicked upon its holding spot, Alex couldn’t help but remember Nicole’s vision of Carolyn bursting through the roof of the auditorium.

Meanwhile, at Scott’s school, the youngest Prescott could barely wait until the first recess bell rang. All morning he’d felt fidgety, moreso than normal for a young boy. All the frustration of the visions he had, the longing for his mother, all of it trembled beneath the surface of his skin making him unable to sit still for more than a few minutes. When the bell rang, Scott controlled himself just enough not to blaze past the other students out the doors into the playground. But it wasn’t enough to join in the kickball game that started almost the moment the doors open. He felt like the fidgeting was only getting worse, having to hold back how much faster he could have run around the bases, or how much harder he could have pitched the ball. When the bell rang, ending the fifteen minute liberty, Scott knew it wasn’t enough. Hanging back from the pack that was reentering the school all at once, the ten year old hid behind a trash can until the doors closed up again. Then he ran as a blur towards the trees at the far side of the playground. He didn’t know where he would head after that; maybe across town to his Mom. But a car was waiting for him as he emerged through the trees that separated the school grounds from the neighborhood road behind. The passenger side door swung open and Dan motioned towards his younger cousin.

“Get in. We need to go somewhere.”

Scott obeyed, startled that Dan knew exactly what he was going to do and a bit chastised at being caught skipping out on school. Dan’s dark eyes softened a moment as Scott buckled up. “I was once a ten year old too, Scott. And I know how I would feel if I were in your shoes.” Driving out towards the less populated area of Dixboro, Dan gave Scott a chance to expend a little energy in a place no one would be likely to see him. It was enough for the afternoon that Scott could run as fast as he could without fear of being seen, and that he had someone to talk to about everything.

Nicole stared out the window at the blue sky and cool November morning, wishing that there were recess breaks in high school. Most of her teachers had stopped trying to keep her engaged with the rest of the class and were content that she was far ahead of her classmates, but not causing a disturbance. She idly flipped through a few science texts that Ms. Stevenson had brought for her from the undergraduate library on campus. Nicole didn’t try, but the contents of the books were stuck in her memory even when she wasn’t paying complete attention. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of her mother, which is why it took a full two minutes for her brain to pause over something she read five pages ago. Her eyes took on that familiar hard look as she slowly turned the pages backwards to devote her full attention to what she’d already committed to memory. A study of photosynthesis was in front of her. She read:

“Look at the night sky, and you may notice that stars of different colors blaze out from the darkness. The color of a main sequence, or “dwarf” star is determined by its temperature: the hotter O, B, and A stars are shades of blue. The cooler K and M stars run from orange to red. Mid-temperature F and G stars are white or yellow. Our yellow sun, for instance, is a G star.

Despite the principal color of a star, the visible light it emits contains the full rainbow of the color spectrum. Photosynthetic plants on Earth rely on such visible light from our sun to produce food and oxygen. The photosynthetic pigment chlorophyll absorbs every color wavelength to varying degrees.

The most efficient photosynthetic wavelengths are blue wavelengths measuring about 450 nanometers. Photons, or packets of light energy, contain different amounts of energy based on their wavelengths, and shorter wavelengths contain more energy than longer wavelengths. Thus, the shorter blue wavelengths pack more of an energetic punch.”

(Text taken by the way from http://www.astrobio.net/news/article404.html which I recommend you read to make a few connections to Carolyn’s situation)

Although the article had some fascinating theories about discovering life on other planets, something was already making connections in Nicole’s brain. She had her head tilted at the angle that would have been familiar to Jessie and Jeff, but went unnoticed by her classmates. As the bell rang, she automatically arose, following the crowd and making her way to her next class unconsciously, but mumbling to herself. “How? It seems right, but where is the reaction coming from? Stars…main sequence…not a G…maybe K star? Temperature though…is she cooler to the touch now?” Even girls that used to be friends with Nicole gave her a wide berth in the hallways, not wanting to be associated with the “brain and her freaky space-outs”. Nicole should have been lonely, or even upset at the way everyone got out of her way in the hallway, but all she was really feeling was frustration at the one connection that seemed just out of her grasp. She couldn’t wait to go to the lab and see her Mom that afternoon. Looking up to see the hallway empty out with the passing bell, Nicole shrugged her shoulders and headed instead for the doors outside. Why wait when none of her teachers would really miss her in class now?

[GTSKate]

Always nice to have an invitation to cross the threshold into the Wishbone Universe!  Great to see you coming out of the shadows for a while, Mr.G!  Or is that me?  Hmmm.. . well, either way, it's nice to have some stories popping up again!  You've always had a way with the GTS-Goddesses!

-Kate

[GTSKate]

Time for another section. I think it’s good enough to post now. Getting closer to the end!

Chapter 25

Back in the minivan outside Alex waited until the door was shut and the kids were buckled in. Then she spun around. “Alright. Spill it. What is going on? You two couldn’t WAIT to come today, and then you didn’t put up any kind of argument about leaving. And what was with the spaced out looks you two had during your Mom’s growth? Earlier, I know I saw you moving faster than any kid should be able to Scott, and I would have sworn you were talking to him before he even left the building, Nicole. And why do you both look so scared?” She stared at them with growing concern as the fear on their faces was evident. Nicole took a deep breath and decided to start at the beginning. “Alex, Mom isn’t the only one changing.” She put up her hands right away in a stopping motion. “Don’t freak, please. There’s more. A lot more.” She glanced at her brother, who nodded, letting Nicole set the tone. “At first, Scott and I noticed that our senses were improving. We could hear Mom and Dad talking across the house. We could both see stuff a lot further than we could before. And then I realized that schoolwork was getting easier and easier. We talked about it, and if we heard something explained once, we just didn’t forget. But the last couple weeks, there’s been more. I knew when Mom was having growth spurts because I started seeing images flashing in front of me. They were too fast at first.” Scott nodded from the backseat and Nicole continued. “Inside, back there, I saw everything so clearly. It was slower, and I could see people more clearly; not a blur. I saw Mom, huge. I mean, gigantic. She was standing in the auditorium back there, but something was wrong. She broke through the roof, and she was yelling something. I couldn’t hear yet, though. She was so big, when she stood up the building only came up to her waist. And she was crying.” Nicole seemed shaken. Alex was looking at her with sympathy, not knowing how to comfort her.

Scott responded from the back seat in the silence. “I saw something too, but it was Dad. He was shouting into a cell phone, and then he got into the van, and…and…” His voice trailed off as he started shaking. Alex put a hand on his knee. “What did you see, Scott?” Somehow, Alex knew that these visions weren’t just daydreams. There was something so crazy in all this, that they had to be real. Scott wiped his nose and he managed to continue, “He kept yelling something into the phone, and then he swerved to miss something…and he crashed.”

Nicole’s eyes grew even colder. “Alex, Jessie’s experiment works. I don’t know how yet, but I think Scott and I can see the future. But you have to help us find a way to change it.” Alex stared helplessly into the faces of her young cousins. For the first time that Alex could ever remember, Nicole’s eyes grew watery. “Please. I don’t know what else to do. I just know that we can’t stop it by ourselves.” Alex put a hand on Nicole’s cheek and glanced to Scott. “We’ll try.” A hundred thoughts went flying through her mind. Carolyn was the one who was good at organizing things, not Alex. The only thing she could think to do right then was call Dan. She got his desk phone and left a message. “Puddin’? It’s me. Call me when you get this message, it’s pretty urgent. It’s about Scott and Nic.” Then Alex drove the kids to their home.

Dan met them at home, showing as much worry as he ever had. “What’s wrong?” And he waited for an explanation, seeing the kids safe in the van. As Alex and Scott and Nicole exited the vehicle, Dan took in everything. He looked for signs of injury and found none, then looked into Alex’s eyes for a hint. Alex motioned him inside first. He waited until Nicole and Scott flopped onto the couch, then pulled up a chair to sit opposite them. “I’m going to assume that you’re ready to tell me that you’ve been gaining enhanced senses.”
Nicole blinked. “You already knew?”
“I am a detective, you know. But Alex wouldn’t have said it was urgent if that was your only news. So I’ll ask again: What’s wrong?” Dan’s words may have sounded harsh, but his tone was all soft and sympathetic. He listened while Nicole and her brother spilled everything out again. Then the detective went to work.
“You said that you can’t hear anything in the visions?” He asked, making notes in his notepad.
“No, just images. And they still come in flashes, not like watching a movie. Kinda jumbled, but I can recognize the flow of time. It’s getting smoother though, each time well…each time Mom grows.” Dan nodded and gave a tiny, comforting smile. “Were there still leaves on trees, or were the trees bare?” Nicole replayed in her head what she could see but it was Scott that spoke first. “They were bare. But there wasn’t any snow yet.” Dan frowned slightly, knowing that with the unpredictable snowfalls there had been the last few years that still didn’t narrow the month down any better. Probably not later than January, but most likely not earlier than Thanksgiving either. “Think carefully. Was there anything else that might have indicated the date? Did you see a newspaper, or see a movie title? A license plate that had a renewal sticker? Anything?”

Nicole had her eyes shut tightly and Dan could see her trying to squeeze any piece of information she could out of her memory of the vision, but Scott was shaking slightly. He whispered softly, “Please, I don’t want to see it again. I just want to stop it.” Dan realized that Scott may be watching his father die each time he replayed the vision, and patted his head. “It’s okay, Scott. We’ll figure it out. Trust us.” Alex swept Scott into a hug.
“Just knowing something’s going to happen gives us a chance to stop it, Scott. You may save your Dad by seeing what you did.” And she gave him an extra squeeze that made him brighten at least a little. Alex released Scott and headed for the kitchen, intent on making some kind of dinner. She decided to make more than enough, on the possibility that Jim would come back, but in her heart she knew that he would do all he could to stay with his wife this night. Jim was becoming more and more restless at home. Alex knew that he was frantic that Carolyn would never come back to him.

Chapter 26

All night long, Nicole sat upright upon her bed, staring into the night, replaying the vision in her head trying to gain some hint, some clue of how to prevent the disaster it seemed to show. Was it at the same time as Scott’s vision? Were they related? And just how could Nicole stop her mother from becoming such a gargantuan giant? But no matter how she stared; no matter how she concentrated, the vision refused to become clearer. There were still blank spots throughout, and though it was slow enough to recognize some things, it replayed in her head still too quickly to capture any details beyond her mother’s size and location. Her ears strained for anything, but no sound could be gleaned. Helpless, Nicole smashed her fist into her pillow to release some tension.

Scott whispered from his room even though he knew that Alex, sleeping downstairs, wouldn’t be able to hear him. “Nic? Are you okay?” His voice was even, but Nicole knew that he was still shaken by the vision he kept seeing in flashes. She let out a slow breath to calm herself and reassure her brother. “I’m fine, Scott. I’m just frustrated. I want so much to find out how to stop this. I wish none of this had ever happened to Mom, but all I can see is her size getting worse. How are you doing, though? You seemed to have a rougher vision than I did. I wish I could trade you.”
“I don’t think I want to see what you’re seeing either, Nic. Up till now, all our changes were kinda cool, but I don’t want this anymore. Not if I have to see Dad….” Scott couldn’t bring himself to say anything drastic. Nicole rose from her bed silently and went to Scott’s bedroom. Her brother sat on his own bed, his knees drawn up to his chin, and he tried valiantly not to cry. But he was, after all, only a ten-year old boy whose mother had been away from him for almost a month, and who had seen what he thought may be the death of his father. Nicole hugged her brother, trying to do all she could to clear away a child’s fear of losing parents while ignoring the thread of that feeling within herself. Scott held on to his sister tightly, pretending for just a few minutes that she was his mother, promising to chase away everything bad. He couldn’t stop the tears though as both their bodies stiffened while new visions flashed through their minds.

Nicole closed her eyes tightly during the flashes that came too quickly to make sense of. Different than the first vision, all Nicole could grab from this one was a brief glimpse of red hair, swinging back and forth like a pendulum. Without truly knowing what this vision held, Nicole had a horrible feeling of dread that this one would get clearer and she would not like what she saw, anymore than she liked the first vision. Realizing that if she had a new vision Scott was likely to have had one too, Nicole held her brother tightly. “Okay? Something new, or more of the old one?”

Scott seemed to be taking this new vision a little better than the original, because at least he wasn’t shaking. “New…I’m not sure what, yet. It was so fast. And jumbled. I couldn’t make out anything. But I think I heard gunshots. And an explosion. I hate this, Nic. What good is it to see the future if we don’t know what we’re seeing?”
“It’ll get better, Scott. I’m sure it will. There must be time for us to figure it out.” She reassured. “All the people who have ever had visions; I’ve been studying them all. I think they all write them down in the hopes that people can prevent them. They just don’t have as much information as we do; or as much as we will. Alex and Dan will help us. We’re not in this alone, Scott.” Her brother seemed to ease some of his tension at that, happier that they had shared their secrets with their cousins at least. Nicole tucked the blankets securely around her brother again before returning to her own room. She stopped at the top of the stairs to see Alex lying sprawled on the couch downstairs. Nicole had to admit, it felt better knowing that Alex and Dan knew about the abilities she shared with her brother. She gave a brief smile that Dan seemed to know all along and wondered if he really did know everything like her Dad said he did. Settling back under her own covers, she wished he knew a way to solve all their troubles.

Back at the lab, Jessie stared at all the data from the last week’s measurements of their resident giantess. Putting her head in her hands, Jessie felt for the first time betrayed by her mind. Solutions were fewer and further between since Carolyn had arrived, giving a human face to her theoretical work. Realizing that real lives were being affected by all that she had done scientifically had shaken Jessie more than anything else in her life. Since seeing Carolyn’s family enduring such emotional trauma, the doctor’s once quick mind had slowed dramatically. She was second-guessing all her conclusions, unwilling to let her mind leap forward without analyzing every move, every theory for its possible ramifications. It was crippling her. There was some connection she was supposed to make, but couldn’t. Jessie’s lack of confidence was paralyzing her mind, but she knew that each day, the Prescott family was suffering for it. She would gladly have taken on any kind of punishment, but seeing someone else suffer for her actions was slowly taking the scientist to a monumental breaking point. Unable to hold still for long, Jessie rose from her desk and went out to the auditorium to stare at Carolyn’s sleeping form as she had every night for the last week. Jim slept comfortably upon the top of his wife’s enormous body, his head resting against her chest, lulled into rest by the steady sound of her heartbeat. The giantess slept, her jaw opened slightly, her loud breathing magnified by her size. One hand lay gently upon her husband, holding him safely against her chest, subconsciously reminding her not to roll over. Her body appeared to tremble slightly, but Jessie recognized the tell-tale signs of Carolyn’s growth. Her fingers upon Jim’s back elongated slightly and the giantess’ body grew a tiny bit larger. Her feet stretched closer to the edge of the stage front. The make-shift blanket that had barely covered from the giantess’ chest to thighs shrank slowly over her. Carolyn’s torso rose with each loud breath and her husband’s de facto bed lifted him higher as the flesh around him expanded.

Dr. James watched for hours, repeating quietly, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry…” She returned to her office as dawn brought light into the hallway outside the auditorium. She stared accusingly at her desk, seeing size graphs, photon concentrations and temperature charts blurring together but not forming a road map to a solution. Laying down upon a cot against the wall, she felt lost and betrayed, even as she fell into her fitful dreams.

[GTSKate]

A kind referal, thanks!  I'm afraid I wasn't all that prolific a writer, and so only have my two big tales, "You Just Might Get It" and "A Mother's Love".  I wrote a Wonder Woman fan-type piece once, and the "Jacquelyn and the Beanstalk" piece, but if I did anything else, only AlexG. knows for sure.  He's always been a gentleman about posting my stuff, though I can't remember doing any other pieces.  I remember working on a Santa Claus/Mrs. Claus story, but I don't think I ever posted it.  I'll have to go back and look through ancient diskettes.

I feel your pain, however, since it is harder to find gentle stuff!  I think many writers just don't believe there's any action in them.  Squeaky wheel gets the grease, and all that.  And nothing squeaks for attention like a giantess crushing New York….

Check out Nadie8's way-old site if it's still up.  Rapscalion had some great gentle-like stories.  And MaleKim had an excellent tale of the Victorian Age and a gentle GTS named "Vicki" that I always enjoyed.  Alex G. has, of course, posted his excellent tales here (and links in his post), and that famed lurker, Silent One, had some just wonderful stories in his day too.  (That Necklace story really was excellent, if I'd never said so enough.)  Mr. G's Wishbone series features some nice characters too, though they are quite immense.  Not fit to be called amazons, they are true giantesses in every sense. 

Good luck with the searching, and don't read too fast, or you'll be depressed when there's no more!

-Kate

[GTSKate]

And now, some mostly new stuff, at least for those of you who may have read this several years ago…

(Chapters 22-24)

Chapter 22

Jim gently worked his way around Carolyn’s hands and began up the length of her left arm. Since she was laying on her right side, her right arm would be difficult to complete. He made long, deep strokes up and down her left forearm, figuring that a ‘full body massage’ was in order. Every few strokes, he would stop and rinse the green dye from the washcloth and bend briefly to kiss his wife’s emerging natural skin tone. As Jim reached Carolyn’s upper arm, he was in awe of the muscle tone she now showed. Carolyn was never plump, since her original 5’ size didn’t permit her to carry much extra weight, but she also never had the definition that her body showed at 9’11”. At his comparatively small size, Jim could feel every muscle and tendon in her arm, and found himself growing aroused at exploring his wife’s giant body.
“Would be rather embarrassing to have her wake up now, wouldn’t it…” He mused. His tactile exploration continued. Both hands rubbed deeply across her relaxed bicep and across the valley to her shoulder. Carolyn exhaled deeply in unconscious pleasure. Jim looked over at her face, mildly hoping that she was at least dreaming of him, but continued his journey with the soapy cloth across her skin. Getting the underside of her arm was tricky, since her arm weighed as much as his leg, maybe more. Jim settled for sliding his arm in between her arm and ribs. As he reached the joining of her left arm to her body, he was sorely tempted to break the line and dive under the sheet covering her chest, but propriety won out. He continued along her collar, tracing the bone and the valley of soft skin at the base of her neck. He leaned into the strokes across the bone, and let up on the backstroke, beginning to sweat at being around his naked wife.
Gently caressing the skin with the cloth, Jim couldn’t resist running his lips up the side of her newly glowing neck, his breath hot against her already warm flesh. Carolyn’s husband took his time tracing her every facial feature, relishing the smoothness of her cheek and the ridges of the bones of her face. He was pleased to see the smile emerge from the green, and again had to stop to lavish kisses along the reddened lips that were big enough to cover his own mouth and chin. Apparently, Jim was too gentle around her left earlobe, since Carolyn gave a snort of laughter in her sleep and rolled to her back. Jim had to jump backward a few steps as Carolyn’s head rolled towards him. He took the opportunity to complete the journey he had just made in reverse on her right side.
Finally, realizing that he couldn’t clean off her back, Jim faced the decision of going to Carolyn’s legs, or peeking under the sheet. Standing at her side, Jim was astounded to note that lying on her back, Carolyn’s body rose as high as mid-thigh on his standing form. The siren call of her breasts still sang in his ears as he sighed and moved to her feet. He would have to be very careful here. Carolyn had very ticklish feet and being a ten-foot tall amazon would only make it worse, he knew. Kneeling next to her right foot, Jim began with the top side. His strokes went from the ankle to the toes, digging in deeply so as to minimize the tickle factor. As her pink flesh was revealed, Jim just couldn’t help staring at her toes. He’d never been a ‘foot man’ before, but there’s something about seeing toes as big as fingers that is very captivating. Her big toe fit into the palm of his hand neatly, as he scrubbed the nail clean. He repeated the capture of each digit before moving to the underside. The heel was easy, if you don’t count hefting a foot almost as long as an arm, and then the test began in earnest. Jim dug in firmly and went from side to side across Carolyn’s right foot, instead of taking the bigger risk moving up and down through the instep. He applied as much pressure as he could, not wanting her body to misinterpret and flinch.
Genuinely sweating from exertion now, Jim removed his shirt, leaving him only in the sweat pants he threw on after changing at home early in the morning. He decided to take a break by going up her right foot to her knee, rather than doing the left foot right away. Again, the tapered muscles of her lower leg kept Jim aroused as he used a cloth in both hands to stroke up the sides of her leg and join in the middle at the knee for the trip back down. He practically had to straddle her lower leg to reach the underside, and feeling the rock of muscle bunched at her calf almost made him lose control. As he rose to switch legs, Jim couldn’t resist the urge to compare his height to his wife’s. She hadn’t stood next to him since attaining her new stature. He lay down, feet even with hers, blushing at the size of her feet next to his. Jim looked over to see where he topped out, and blushed even more to see the graceful line of the sheet covering the downside of her breasts. If they were both standing, he would be underneath her nipples. Dangerous thoughts. He stood and moved on to her left leg and repeated the previous job, kissing her kneecap when he finished. He began again on Carolyn’s left foot, but had grown a little too confident in the job he had done thus far. As he began on her toes, a reflex jerk of her foot upset the tub of water and sent him roughly from his knees to sprawl on the floor. An aborted giggle awoke Carolyn from her slumber. Sitting up, she found her husband at her feet, a tub covering his head and chest and greenish water spilled all around.

Carolyn glanced around, trying to figure out what she had awakened to.
“You’re still very ticklish.” Jim’s comment echoed from under the tub covering him.
Carolyn wanted to be very mad at him to cover the fear she felt pounding in her heart, but seeing his boyish expression peek out from under the enormous tub covering him, she didn’t speak as harshly as she intended.
“You could have been seriously hurt doing what I think you were doing.”
Jim smiled his lopsided smile from the floor, his normally unruly hair matted down from the dunking. “Stop the lecture for my own safety. Surely with those giant eyes of yours, you can see that I don’t want to talk right now.”
Carolyn almost yelled until she followed his gaze towards the soaked sweatpants that clung to his skin and showed exactly how he felt right now.
Her eyes grew wider as she realized he was staring at her now-exposed, still-green breasts.
“I was a good boy. I saved the best parts for when you woke up.”
She didn’t know whether to scream at him, or back away, until he waggled his eyebrows at her. Carolyn broke down laughing and reclined again, letting her husband climb up to straddle her stomach. Jim reveled in the feel of her firm muscles bouncing him up and down as she laughed.

Chapter 23

Alex arrived at the high school to pick up Nicole and take her to see her mother. She waited outside the building while the buses cleared out the other students, taking them home to their ordinary lives. She slumped in the driver’s seat a while, and tried to take stock of the last few weeks. Carolyn’s growth had been so slow that it had lulled everyone into accepting her changes as normal. This last round had changed everything, and Alex realized how different things would have to be from now on.
“Nicole and Scott are going to be the most affected.” She pondered. “I know Jim and Carolyn will find a way to work things out; they’ve always been so good together. But my younger cousins will have to find new ground with their mother. Carolyn’s always done so much for them, it’s almost like she’s handicapped now. How ironic to be the most powerful person on the Earth, and not be able to do the simplest tasks. She can’t drive a car, hell, she can’t even fit in a car now; she can’t even make breakfast since she can’t stand up in the kitchen.”
Alex waited another ten minutes, then realized that if Nicole didn’t come out in the next few minutes, they would have to wait until Scott was out of school to go to the lab. She pulled the car into a now-emptied space, and headed into the building. She found Nicole in the counselor’s office, and was greeted by a woman who leapt to a wrong conclusion.
“Ah, good, Mrs. Prescott. I’ve been calling you all day. I’d hoped you’d get my messages. We need to discuss Nicole’s future schooling.”
Alex was both amused and dismayed to be mistaken for Carolyn. Hadn’t this woman ever met Nicole’s mother? She quickly looked to Nicole to see if she’d been hurt by the assumption.
“I’m not Mrs. Prescott, I’m Nicole’s Aunt Alex. I’m afraid Mrs. Prescott has been under the…uh, well, …she hasn’t been feeling quite like herself, so I’m here to pick up Nicole.”
Alex shot Nicole an ‘I-know-that’s-not-quite-the-truth-but-it-saves-time’ look as an apology. “We’re going to see Carolyn in the, uh, hospital.”
“Oh, I’m very sorry. Is it serious?” Asked the counselor.
“It may be. But she has some good people working with her, so I’m sure she’ll pull through.” Alex tried to wrap up the conversation by taking Nicole by the arm.
Nicole was willing to go, but as she turned with Alex, she said to Ms. Lockhart, “My Dad will call tomorrow and discuss the options with you. I’ll tell him about what happened.”
Nicole followed Alex out to the car. “I’m sorry, I know I’m a little late, but I, well, …never mind. I’ll tell you when I tell everybody, so I don’t have to keep repeating it.”

Alex worried a little at that. Nicole had become so secretive the last few months. It was more than just the furtive nature of a teenager, this seemed so much deeper. “I guess I’ll wait till you’re ready then.” Alex sighed. “But, now we’ll have to wait until your brother gets out before we can go to the lab.”
Nicole just nodded as she stared out the passenger window, buckling her seat belt. If the right person had seen her expression, he might have thought she looked just like Dr. James going into one of her ‘lost-in-thought’ looks. Since Alex was putting the minivan in gear and checking the road as she pulled out of the school parking lot, it went unnoticed.

Forty-five minutes later, as the bell sounded in the middle school the van had gone to, the doors of the building released a flood of hyperactive preteens into the afternoon. Alex turned her head to notice Nicole muttering something, but was distracted from inquiring about it due to the boy-sized torpedo that had suddenly changed course for the minivan. Staring at Scott oddly as he threw open the side door and jumped in, Alex raised her eyebrows. “That was …unexpectedly fast there, sport.” She finally caught the look that brother and sister shared and Nicole replied in place of her sibling. “Can we get to see Mom now? We’re just really…” Nicole’s voice trailed off as she saw the look from Alex.
“I’m not going to ask right now. Because you’re right: we need to see your Mom and make sure she’s okay first. But tomorrow at the latest, you two better have a good explanation for what I think I just saw.” Alex navigated the dwindling mob of middle schoolers released for the day and headed towards the University campus where Carolyn was secreted away. The silence stretched all the way to the parking lot, where the children shot out of the van, racing towards their mother’s building.
Alex only raised her eyebrows again thinking, “I think we’ve all been looking at Carolyn so much, we’ve missed a few other changes around here….”

Carolyn sat inside on pins and needles. Jim held one of her enormous hands in both of his own and kept patting it for comfort. “Angel, you’re their mom. You’ll see. They’ve missed you so badly these last few weeks. They’ll love you just the same.” Jim kept a steady stream of reassurances trying to still the trembling he felt in Carolyn.
“I shouldn’t let them come yet, Jim. I’m not even dressed properly. Wearing sewn-up blankets? This is ridiculous. Go out there and wait for them, Jim. Tell them…tell them something. But I can’t….I don’t want them to see me like this…” Her voice began to falter, but Jim turned to look up to her. For the first time, Carolyn saw a hint of the hardness that had somehow been hidden in Jim’s eyes all this time that normally came out so clearly in Nicole’s.
“No. I’ve been as supportive as I can, Carolyn, but I am not going to tell our children that you don’t want to see them. I can’t hurt them like that. And I know you don’t want to hurt them either. So get over the shock of your size and consider how hard it’s been for them not to see you every day. Consider how empty our house has been while you have been stuck here.” Jim’s voice finally released all the frustration he felt all the while he’d been showing a brave face. “Do you have any idea what it’s been like without you? We all get up and have breakfast in the kitchen, sharing small talk, trying to pretend like you’re just sleeping late. Scott, Nicole, and me for God’s sake! We…I …I need you Carolyn. In whatever size you are. We’re still a family, and we miss you. You’re what makes everything work in this family Carolyn!” Jim’s jaw clenched and the desperate need in his eyes made Carolyn ashamed.

The amazon Mrs. Prescott could only swallow down the lump in her throat and say, “I’m sorry.” Her voice grew hushed for such a large woman and she took her husband into her arms. “I’m so sorry. I love you all so much I didn’t want to be such a burden. I didn’t realize what it’s been…I love you Jim, you’re so important to me. And Scott and Nicole…I need them so much too.” The second generation Prescotts took that opportunity to come running down the aisle of the converted auditorium Carolyn was sitting in. Carolyn held out her other arm to her children and took all her family into her wide embrace at once. “We’ll manage. All of us. I promise I’ll do my best…” She took a moment to realize how large she had grown so far. Large enough to hold her family comfortably, and feel how much each one of them drew strength from her. She gave her precious bundle a gentle squeeze that made Scott laugh with glee and put smiles on all four faces.

Chapter 24

“This is cool! It bounces every time your leg twitches!” Scott sat upon Carolyn’s right leg, his sister mirroring his perch upon her left. Jim had slid down to her feet to use them as a backrest while he lay back, listening to Nicole explain her school news.
“Mom will play with you after, sport. But you’re interrupting your sister.” Jim admonished from his casual spot.
“Oh. Sorry Nic. It’s just cool…” Scott grinned with his wide-eyed innocent face, and Carolyn bounced her knee, sending her son into fits of laughter as he held tightly to the powerful thigh as if it were a barroom bullride. She winked, putting a finger at her lips. Giving her attention back to her eldest child, she motioned for Nicole to continue.

“…Well, I didn’t mean to imply that she was boring, and I’m glad she wasn’t mad, but then Ms. Stevenson understood, I guess. She said I had an eidetic memory. Which I looked up, and it’s not really photographic, you understand, I just don’t seem to forget anything I’ve read, I guess. So, she made me take a bunch of quizzes, and then talked to the principal. Then he called someone, and now I’m supposed to take some classes at UofM in the afternoon. If you and Dad say it’s okay, anyway.” Seeing her mother’s doubtful expression, Nicole added hastily, “I really want to do it though, Mom. It…well, studying all this science…I’m good at it. And it makes me feel like I understand what’s happening to you, at least a little.” Still young inside, Nicole stared at her mother with such a child’s need that it almost made Carolyn weep again. She bent her forehead to her daughter’s head the way she used to when Nicole had been smaller than her the first time around. “If it means that much to you, short stack, then okay.”
Nicole’s eyes sparkled and a smile crept out of her lips. “You haven’t called me that in a long time.” She whispered.
“You haven’t been small enough for me to say it in a long time. At least from my perspective.” Carolyn smiled back into those eyes that held such a power over her and felt a swell of pride at Nicole’s smarts. Scott giggled from her right side and made Carolyn realize that her pride wasn’t the only thing swelling at the moment. Fascinated, Carolyn watched as her family shrank just a little upon her. Her maternal instincts flared powerfully as she barely resisted the urge to grab them up into her arms again, to protect them from the shrinking. But of course, it wasn’t that Jim, Scott, and Nicole were shrinking, she was growing again. Alex watched from the back of the auditorium where she had stayed silently since delivering the children. She had never caught her friend growing before, and seeing the ripples of muscle dance under Carolyn’s skin was fascinating. Alex’s eyes darted from Scott’s playful bounces to Jim’s comforting squeeze upon Carolyn’s enlarging ankles. But she frowned when she saw the chilling look in Nicole’s eyes. There was such intensity that was so out of place on the face of a fifteen-year old girl. In fact, it looked a lot like the way Dr. James was studying Carolyn on the other side of the auditorium. Alex filed away that fact for the talk she would have with the younger Prescotts tomorrow. In the meantime, she came down towards her extended family to put a hand on Carolyn’s rising shoulder. “Hey cousin. The family that plays together, stays together, eh?” Carolyn looked over worriedly to see that she was not looking up to see Alex’s face by all that much, even seated. In fact, as she watched, her eyes grew level with Alex’s before her body stopped swelling. She drew a ragged breath to steady herself as her skin flushed red in shame. Surprisingly, it was Nicole that spoke first. “Don’t freak out Mom. You just grew a little bit, that’s all. Don’t go all Daryl Hannah on us.”

Carolyn was ready to argue, but then she frowned and looked down at her daughter. “What is that supposed to mean? Daryl Hannah?” Nicole shrugged and looked at least a little embarrassed. “Rampaging across the countryside kind of thing…like from ‘Attack of the 50’ Woman’, you know?” Jeff entered the auditorium from a hallway to find an ever-larger Carolyn smiling through the tears that were already drying upon her cheeks. Jim raised up to sit upon Carolyn’s ankles properly and said towards him,
“’My true love is grown to such excess
I cannot sum up sum of half my wealth.”

Carolyn stuck her tongue out at her husband replying, “I’m sure Juliet did not mean anything like this when she said that.” Holding the sewn blankets somewhat more awkwardly now, she turned her head towards Jeff. “I hate to bother, but I think the clothing fairy needs to visit again.” Smiling, the young man replied, “I’ll get someone right on that. In the meantime, we’ll see if we can’t figure out what the ‘sum of half your wealth’ is right now, Jim.” He tossed a 15’ tape measure towards Jim and retreated back the way he came. Alex noticed Nicole’s slightly vacant stare was matched on Carolyn’s other knee by Scott as the tape measure flew past them. She dutifully took one end from Jim and walked the length of her best friend’s form, pushing Carolyn into a prone position as she headed for the end opposite Jim. Sighing, Carolyn obeyed, letting the littler people around her control her movements for now. Once she stayed unmoving for a few moments, she tilted her head backwards to see Alex. “Well? Am I still covered by the tape measure?”

Alex shook her head, disbelieving the number between her thumb and forefinger, even though the evidence was stretched out before her. She had never contemplated a human being so large. “Yeah, you’re still in range. But…sheesh, Car. You’re huge.” She glanced up to see Jim’s angry expression and shrugged. “I’m sorry Jim, but 13’4” is HUGE! It’s not like we’re going to convince Carolyn that she’s only seven feet or something. No wonder you can look me in the eye from your butt, girlfriend!”

Carolyn just stared at Alex, still reclined upon the floor. “I think my brain hurts. I just can’t keep getting used to all these sizes. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to push everyone away, I …I just need some time by myself. It’s not so bad if I don’t have to compare my body to a normal sized person. Please understand?” Nicole leapt off of her mother’s knee and came over to her head. “We understand, Mom. Can we come back tomorrow though? Please?” Carolyn nodded and took Nicole’s hand in her giant one for a brief squeeze. Nicole smiled quickly, and leaned over to kiss her Mom’s cheek. “I love you, Mom.” Scott mimicked his sister on Carolyn’s other side quickly, then both children took a place on either side of Alex, leading her away. She frowned a moment, realizing she was being pulled, and called back to Carolyn. “Later, Car. I’ll see you later. Promise. I’ll take the kids home and call you later.”

Jim still sat upon Carolyn’s ankles and so she rose up from her back and gathered her husband into her arms. She sat him on her lap and held him tightly, whispering, “I love you so much, but I just need to be alone Jim. I can’t take this much longer. Seeing everyone shrinking around me; it’s scaring me and making me want to scream. There’s nothing to fight; nothing I can do. There’s all this strength inside me, and there’s nothing to turn it upon. All I can do is watch it happen, and I just can’t.” She squeezed Jim to her as if he were a teddy bear and he drew in a pained breath, cursing himself for allowing it to escape, even though the pressure his wife had brought was enormous. Carolyn immediately put him upon the ground and wrapped her arms back around herself. “Please Jim,” her voice trembled softly. “I don’t want you to be hurt because I keep remembering being small. I want to cry, and I don’t have any tears left. I want to lash out at anything, and I can’t afford to do that with anyone near me. I know it’s coming. Please go away before I hurt you…again.”

Jim watched his wife’s enlarged form rock back and forth and all he could do is tell her, “I can’t. I feel that same rage, that same sense of helplessness. You’re growing away from me, and no matter how fast I try to help you adjust, you just keep growing more.” He became more agitated and his anger started to show at last. Jim’s eyes finally took on the appearance that he had passed down to Nicole. “You want to scream?” He shouted. “So do I! I’ve spent twenty years keeping you safe, building a good life for us, and this starts tearing us apart! I can’t leave you, do you understand? I can’t walk away, even for an afternoon, or I’ll lose you!” Jim was pounding on a nearby chair, punctuating every frustration. His voice finally broke and he deteriorated into just pounding on the back of the chair rest. He struggled to tear the bolted chair from the floor of the auditorium as his anger flooded out. Carolyn’s heart wrenched in her chest as she watched her husband fall apart. Letting loose his frustration seemed to drain her of her own and she reached a hand over to casually use her strength to rip the chair from its mooring. As the resistance was eliminated, Jim threw the projectile ten rows away, letting out a howl of desperation. Jim stood in place, panting as the release of his anger drew away his energy. He glared at Carolyn for a moment, then dropped his head and calmed his breathing. “Fine. You want to be alone; I’ll go.” Carolyn put a giant hand upon his shoulder to stop her husband as he turned away from her. He stopped, but didn’t turn. “You won’t lose me, Jim. I need you just as much as you need me.” He nodded, but still did not turn. Finally, Carolyn relented and picked her husband up, hugging him back to her chest until he too, released his anger and wrapped his arms around her neck. “I need you to rage when I can’t. I still need you to tell me you love me, even though I’m an enormous wreck.”
Jim squeezed all the tighter around Carolyn’s neck.
“Forever. Just don’t send me away. Don’t banish me as Romeo from Verona. I can’t bear it even an hour. As long as I know you’re mine, I’ll face whatever I have to.”

From the other side of the auditorium, Dr. Jessie James watched unnoticed with tears spilling down her face. She whispered to no one in particular, “I hope you can still mean that when your wife is large enough to hold you in the palm of her hand.” She retreated back into her office, praying that the shields she had designed would arrive sooner than three days hence.

( more will come as I proofread and re-edit what I’ve written lately. Hope you’re liking it!)

[GTSKate]

(Chapters 18-21)

Chapter 18

“I don’t want to leave you like this, Carolyn. I could postpone the tour, or just cancel it. Joker’s knows we’re having some family problems, maybe they’d let me just release a publicity packet…” Jim came up with any excuse to stay with his wife, but they both knew that he should go.
“Jim, I can’t let you stay. I want you to be with me so badly, but I can’t be responsible for sacrificing your career like that. You need this tour. It could lead to some other publishing houses giving you a chance. You know you have to go.” Carolyn was comforted at least by the fact that her husband had not let go of her hand during the entire exchange. She stroked his hand gently, still astounded at the size of her hand in his.
Jim quoted bitterly,
“’Tis torture, and not mercy. Heaven is here,
Where Juliet lives;
…every unworthy thing,
Live here in Heaven and may look upon her;
But Romeo may not—he is banished.”

Carolyn sighed and touched her hand to her lover’s cheek, whereupon he grasped it and held it there, closing his eyes.
“O Fortune, Fortune! All men call thee fickle.
If thou art fickle, what dost thou with him
That is renowmed for faith? Be fickle, Fortune,
For then I hope thou wilt not keep him long
But send him back.”

“I know you have to go, and I’m probably being silly, but, you will come back, right?”
“How could you ever doubt that?” Jim’s soft eyes watered at the thought of parting from his wife. “I’ve said before, I’ll never lose you. Never.”
He stood up, pulling Carolyn to her feet, gazed slightly up into her eyes, then drew her close, holding her tightly resting his head upon her shoulder. She tilted her head, resting on his and heard him whisper roughly, “Never.”
When he at last released her, Jim strode from the room, not looking back, as if the sooner he left, the quicker he could return.

(back in the present)
Jeff Connor remarked to the bard, “I can see where your husband gets his inspiration from. You’re a delightful storyteller. Do you two really quote Shakespeare that much?”
Carolyn smiled. “Yes, I’m afraid we’re a little sappy that way. It is how we met, after all. When he spoke, I knew that he was the man I would spend my life with. Our kids think it’s kind of funny, too.” She gave a slight chuckle.
“I’m envious, I guess. I was so concentrated on science in high school; I never really paid attention in English Lit. Certainly not to the point where I could quote anything.” Jeff responded.
“Shakespeare is easier than you think, Jeff.” Carolyn’s teaching instincts came to the fore. “First you learn the story, then the flow, then individual scenes or stanzas. And there’s so much Shakespeare already a part of our everyday idioms!
“That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
Or
“Parting is such sweet sorrow…”
or
“The fault, Dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves…”
“I guess that last one strikes a little close to home.” Carolyn said with a wry expression.
She let out a long, slow sigh.
Just before the awkward silence could stretch much further, another member of Dr. James’ team poked her head in the doorway.
“Carolyn, you’ve got a phone call from Alex. Oh, and that new phone is set up in your room if you want to use it.”
“Thanks, Veronica.” Carolyn waved as she arose from her seat. She paused a moment to look down at Jeff, still sitting. “Thank you, too. For listening.” Jeff nodded and smiled. Carolyn walked down the hallways towards her recent home. She ‘harrumphed’ upon discovering that her ‘new phone’ was an old-style crank phone, where one spoke into the wall-mounted receiver and held the speaker to one’s ear. But at least it could be used more comfortably, unlike a regular phone that Carolyn had to continually shift from mouth to ear. She picked up the earpiece, feeling like she was using a toy phone and said, “Hi Alex.”

The cousins (in-law) chatted for a bit, putting Carolyn at ease. Alex had remained very concerned about her best friend, calling every few days.
“Ok, enough yakking. Let’s get to the heart of it. I’m hosting a Halloween party next week, and I want you and Jim to be there.”
“Alex, I can’t. You know that.” Carolyn rebutted.
“Yes, you can. Just take one little evening off from being a guinea pig, and come over. It’s just a few people from around the neighborhood, and I’ve got the perfect costume for you! I’ve even got one for Jim already. Come on, honey, you need to get out at least for the night. And it’s the perfect night! Who’s going to notice you on Halloween?”
Carolyn considered. She did always enjoy Alex’s Halloween parties, back in the days. And maybe Alex was right. Who would notice a giantess on Halloween?
“Well, maybe. But only if Jim wants to go, too. And only if Dr. James okays it.”
“Good, then you’re coming!”
Carolyn suddenly realized that Alex set her up.
“You already spoke to Jim, didn’t you.” It wasn’t a question. Carolyn shook her head slightly and felt a tug at the corner of her mouth.
“And the good Doctor as well. She says one night won’t make that much difference now. Of course, I eliminated all your excuses before I asked you. Saves a lot of time…”
Carolyn heard her friend snickering on the other end of the line and gave in.
“Fine. What’s my costume?”
“Nope. Not till next week. It would wreck the surprise. Speaking of surprises, Nicole has something to talk to you about! It’s kind of exciting, but I’ll let her tell you. Here.”
There was a pause, then Carolyn heard one of the best sounds in her life: her daughter’s voice.
“Hi Mom. How are you feeling?” Nicole asked tentatively.
Tears came to Carolyn’s eyes at the sound of her daughter’s voice, but she responded evenly, “I’m fine, sweetheart. I’m just feeling kind of…big.” Carolyn’s voice almost wavered, but she covered. “I miss you. Now, what’s this surprise Alex says you have?”
“It’s no big deal, Mom. I finished a test in Biology in twenty minutes, and Mr. Engelhardt said I had to come in after school for an additional test, and apparently it’s because I aced it, so he made me take another, but this one had stuff that he hadn’t talked about in class, so I tried to figure it out, and I guess I did, because he said I was in the wrong class, and now I have to take AP Biology and AP Chemistry at the same time with just me and Ms. Stevenson. They say I’m some kind of science whiz, and Ms. Stevenson was a little mad that no one said anything to her before this.”
In true teenager fashion, Nicole’s story had spilled out as one, long, run-on sentence, but her mother got the point.
“Nic, that’s fabulous! Congratulations!” Then Carolyn had a thought. “Do you want to take those classes, honey?”
“Oh, yeah. I think science is neat. I mean, it just makes sense, you know? The way things happen in cause and effect. I guess it makes me feel better, knowing there’s some sort of order in the Universe. You know, everything’s not one big accident?”
It was as if Nicole knew the right buttons to push to keep her mother from suspecting that she had “additional help” from the Universe.
They chatted a while longer, until Jeff came to get Carolyn and return to the main lab.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, Carolyn,” he broke in. “but Dr. James needs your assistance.”
“I guess I have to go, sweetheart. That’s Jeff’s polite way of saying they need to test me again. Before I go, do you know what costume Alex has picked for me?”
“Yes. And it fits you.” Nicole giggled. But remained mute as to the nature of the attire.
Carolyn sighed.
“Nicole, I love you. Tell your brother too. I love you both.”
Carolyn was halfway down the hall before she realized that Nicole had ended the phone conversation in a most unique way. It was the first time that Carolyn could remember Nicole not saying, ‘I know.’ Or ‘yeah’.

She said, “I love you too, Mom.”

Chapter 19

October thirty-first arrived with brisk temperatures and changing leaves, making the Michigan landscape alive with a beautiful mixture of red, yellow, and orange cascading from the trees. Wherever one walked, there was the comforting crackle of leaves underfoot, and the crisp, cool breezes whispered the coming of the long winter.
Carolyn stood in the front hallway of her home, having been picked up by Jim on his way back from the first book tour. She had to squeeze into the back of the once-spacious minivan after removing the rows of seats. Now, she stood silent, absorbing the altered feel of her home. Carolyn now stood at 7’4” and was grateful for the cathedral ceiling in the foyer.
Jim looked up at his giant wife, wishing he could wipe away the discomfort of her smaller house. He caught her eyes, and made plain his body language, which spoke of the desire to kiss her. As she bent down to kiss him, he turned the tables on her, and clasped his arms about her neck, shifting his body to force her to stand straight. Carolyn instinctively straightened, then recognized the move. It was the way they used to kiss before her growth, only now Carolyn was the taller. She smiled through the lip-lock, not breaking contact, and grasped her husband about the waist to support him. They stood, Jim held off the floor in his wife’s powerful arms, adjusting to the new, familiar position.
The old lovers broke a moment for a breath, and Carolyn shifted to put Jim down. He stopped her quickly. “No, don’t. I just want to stay here, like this for a moment.”
Carolyn sighed, but in her heart was happy to hold Jim forever.
Jim breathed in his wife’s scent deeply. “I don’t want to let go of you yet. I thought I would go crazy being separated from you for so long. And, maybe this isn’t what you want to hear, but I like how this feels, Carolyn. You’re so strong, and you surround me. It just feels…right, I guess. Warm.”
Carolyn laughed and changed her embrace. She held her husband close to her, wrapping her enormous arms about his shoulders and the small of his back, clasping him tightly to her chest. “I think that’s exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been so afraid that you wouldn’t…well…that I’d be too big, and you wouldn’t…” She couldn’t finish.
“Carolyn, you’ll never be too big for me. I’ll always love you, and I’ll always be here for you. We’ll find a way to be together, no matter what.” Jim whispered in her ear, and tightened his hold upon his growing wife.
Finally, Carolyn put her husband to the floor, to see the feet of her children emerging from Scott’s bedroom on the second floor. She looked up with a smile that spread to her eyes when she saw their delight at her return.
Carolyn had not let anyone visit her at the lab, fearful of letting others see exactly how she had changed thus far. She had seen the look on her husband’s face at her strength only a few weeks ago, and didn’t want to see it on anyone else. She was still so uncomfortable at her own appearance that she didn’t like to be seen by even her own family.
Scott looked over the railing at his gigantic mother, the top of her head only a few inches from the second floor, and in his understated way, said, “Wow! You are growing a lot!” Carolyn had no time to react to his statement, as he leaped over the barrier. In a lightning-quick motion, Carolyn caught her daredevil boy, almost before he’d had time to fall two feet.
He looked up at her from the cradle of her arms with a reckless smile. “I knew you could do it! Boy were you fast!”
Carolyn didn’t know whether to kill him, or to be flattered by his trust. She couldn’t know that Scott would have been able to use his own lightning reflexes to land safely, but she settled for breathing a sigh of relief as she placed him next to his father.
“Scott…” She tried to begin.
Scott hugged her around her legs (as he only stood to the top of her abdomen, now) and said, “I’m glad you’re home! I’ve missed you!” How could she argue with that? She tenderly stroked his head and replied, “I’ve missed you too, sport.”
Nicole had descended the stairs and stood next to her mother, her steel-blue gaze, for once, open and delighted at the sight before her. Carolyn moved her other arm to encircle her daughter, sensing the comfort her offspring felt at being with their mother again. Perhaps everything would be okay, at that.

Carolyn was beginning to adjust to the size of everything, relative to herself, when Alex emerged from the family room.
Carolyn felt dizzy as Alex walked up to her, smiling. She had never, ever seen Alex from this perspective, more than a foot taller than her closest friend, and it disoriented her so much, she had to sit right where she was.
Alex knelt instantly next to her sister-in-law. “Carolyn?! Are you okay?” The fear was evident on everyone’s faces.
Carolyn began laughing, her whole body shaking with the effort. She put an oversized hand on Alex’s shoulder to reassure her. “I’m fine, Alex. I thought I was adjusting okay, and then I saw you down there, and…I knew in my head that I’d be taller than you now, but I just wasn’t ready to see it, I guess.”
Alex snorted. “Scare the crap outta me, why don’t you. I’ll let you get away with it, but only because it’s Halloween.” Carolyn stood up again to embrace Alex, still marveling at her reduced size.
“Speaking of Halloween, where’s this costume of mine?” Carolyn stated.
Alex grinned. “It’s going to be perfect! Jim?”
Jim turned to his wife. “I have the pleasure of helping you with the first part of your costume.” He too, had that mischievous grin back on his face. He turned to his children. “Is the bath ready?” They nodded, sharing the look that seemed to be contagious.
“Bath?” Carolyn inquired.
“Just follow me, milady.” Jim pulled his wife up the stairs, reminding her to duck through the doorway. Alex called after them, “Nicole, Scott, and I will be handling the rest of the outfit. It will be ready when you’re done!”
Carolyn could hear a ripping sound coming from the family room as she ducked into the master bath. Looking down, she got a pretty good idea of what her costume would be when she saw the green dye in the water…

Chapter 20

Walking the short distance to Alex and Dan’s house for the Halloween party, Carolyn was astounded that Alex was correct. No one seemed to notice a giantess walking down the street on October 31. She turned her head to her husband and said, “So tell me again who you’re supposed to be?”
As one might surmise, Carolyn had turned green from her bath in the dye, and was wearing a ripped shirt and pants of Jim’s that truly was too small for her. The rips gave her just enough space to move comfortably, and still cover her modesty, though she felt a bit silly at being dressed as the She-Hulk. Jim had let his beard grow during the book tour, (at Alex’s request) and was wearing a studded leather halter, green boots and shorts, and an orange headband.
“I’m supposed to be Hercules! Okay, I’m not the most buff guy around, but at least I’m not paunchy or anything. I was going to be Wyatt Wingfoot, but Dan suggested that most people wouldn’t know who that is, not to mention it’s not much of a costume.”
“Never mind. I wouldn’t have known who Wyatt Wingfoot is either. So, who are Alex and Dan going to be?”
Jim chuckled. “I think you’ll recognize them easily enough.”
They arrived at 7:30PM, apparently the last ones to make it. Carolyn was greeted at the door by Batman (Dan) who gave Carolyn the once-over and broke character long enough to smile at her. Then he nodded towards the living room, where all sorts of decorations set the festive yet spooky tone for the party. Carolyn spotted Catwoman (Alex) at the far end of the room and snickered to herself. She also noticed the Petersons, (as Vampire and her victim) the Millers (as a renaissance lord and lady), Tim Paulsen and his partner, Bill Jackson (as a “harem girl” and sultan), and Tina Rodriguez with her fiancé, Dmitri Pavlosky (as a succubus and a red-faced devil).
Jim and Carolyn stepped into the room and began to mingle. Carolyn was a bit nervous at first, but seemed to relax as the evening went on. Dmitri had never met Carolyn yet, and so Tina was introducing them.
“Carolyn, I’m so glad you could come! You can finally meet Dmitri!” She pulled him away from a discussion with Tim and Bill. “Dmitri, this is Carolyn Prescott, and her husband, Jim, the writer.”
There was an awkward moment as Dmitri looked up and down Carolyn. She braced herself for an uncomfortable response, but Dmitri said, “We probably shouldn’t stand so close to each other like this. With your green body, and my red face, someone might think it’s Christmas, not Halloween.” He laughed, with that delightful Russian accent of his.
Carolyn breathed a sigh as she joined his laughter. The evening was going so well! No one made her feel out of place, or freakish. Kathy Peterson wandered over with a drink in her hand and greeted Carolyn and Jim.
“Hey, you two! Congratulations on the book, Jim! I hear it’s selling quite well, and I certainly enjoyed it!” Kathy’s weakness was romance novels, so of course, she was very familiar with Jim’s work. “Gosh, I almost felt like I knew Karen, your heroine.” She gave Carolyn a wink and a knowing smile. “I’m so pleased for you!” Turning to Carolyn, she said, “How are you feeling, Carolyn?”
Carolyn actually felt almost giddy with relief at how her friends and neighbors were reacting to her. They didn’t shun her, and no one seemed to feel uncomfortable around her. Except for the new perspective when speaking to her, it felt as normal as it always had in the neighborhood. “I’m feeling fine, Kathy. I was actually a little scared to come tonight. I just wasn’t sure I could be comfortable around people.” Carolyn admitted sheepishly.
Kathy put a sympathetic hand on Carolyn’s arm. “It must be very frightening, your body changing every day. But, Carolyn, like the saying goes, ‘size doesn’t matter’, you know? We’re still your friends, and if Bob and I can do anything for you, let us know, okay?” Carolyn smiled and gave her friend a quick squeeze in thanks. Bob came over, obviously a bit tipsy from indulging too much.
“Perhaps we should go, Bob appears to have seen too many ‘spirits’ tonight.” Kathy let the joke fall, as she was slightly embarrassed at her husband’s condition. She waved towards Alex and Dan, and pushed Bob in the direction of the door. Bob called over his shoulder to Carolyn, “So who are you supposed to be anyway? The jolly green giant?”
Everything in the room stopped for a moment as the guests either glared at Bob, or looked sympathetically to Carolyn.
“No. Not yet, anyway.”
Kathy looked mortified at Bob’s breach of etiquette, and came back over to Carolyn, after pushing him out the door. “I am so sorry, Carolyn. He’ll feel awful tomorrow that he said that.”
Carolyn patted her friend on the shoulder. “It’s okay, Kathy. I know he didn’t mean anything cruel. He always puts his foot in his mouth at parties.” She gave a brief smile downward.
“Still, his drinking is no excuse, Carolyn. I’m ashamed that he said it. I’m sorry.” Kathy still was horrified at her husband’s remark, but Carolyn really wasn’t too upset.
“Kathy, just knowing that you’re still treating me like the same old Carolyn is reassuring enough. In fact, if Bob hadn’t said something stupid when he’s had too much, then I would have been worried.” She smiled. Kathy started towards the door to take her husband home, and glanced back to Carolyn. Carolyn mouthed back, “It’s okay” with raised eyebrows to convince her neighbor, which seemed to mollify Kathy.
Carolyn realized that her hearing must be improving too, when after the door had closed, she could hear Kathy yelling at her husband as they walked away, “I ought to just let you pass out in the bushes and leave you there, I can’t believe you would say something so insensitive, and if you think that I’m going to stand by and let you do this ever again, you’ve got another think coming…” as her voice faded into the distance.
Jim pulled his wife’s cheek down to him as kissed her. “What was that for?” She asked.
“Because I love you. And because I’m proud of you for handling that well. Even if I did want to go outside and give Bob a beating for what he said.”
“You know, it’s actually funny, Jim. I’m really not upset with Bob. I mean, every time we have a neighborhood party, he drinks too much, and says something offensive to somebody. It was just my turn tonight. It’s all so normal, I guess it actually made me feel better.” She gave a laugh, and picked up her husband in their special embrace. “In fact, I feel so good tonight, so safe around my friends and family, that I don’t care who knows how strong I am!” She kissed her husband right there.
Gradually, they became aware of the applause by the other guests at the party. Jim and Carolyn smiled into each other’s eyes, and Carolyn put her husband down. She realized that they were the two tallest people at the party, and everyone had turned to see them standing a head above the rest of the group while kissing.
“That looks like a good idea to me!” Shouted Bill. “Maestro, some make out music, if you please.” As Dan put on a ballads CD, the lights were dimmed and couples partnered up to enjoy some less social moments at the party.
“Still afraid to come out, angel?” Jim whispered to his love as he ran his hand through her raven hair.
“I’ll go anywhere with you, my tiny knight.” Carolyn snickered.

The party truly broke up around midnight, with the couples exiting the door, and thanking Alex and Dan for hosting. Carolyn and Jim had said their good-byes from the couch, then got up to help with the clean up. As Carolyn arose from the sofa, everyone stopped to look at her. Alex had a worried look in her eyes when Carolyn glanced over to her.
“What is it, Alex?”
“Carolyn, you’ve gotten taller. Your head is almost up against the ceiling.”
Carolyn looked down, and finally noticed that her clothing had torn further, now barely covering her. Her head was dangerously close to the ceiling, and she realized how much smaller Jim seemed. Instead of coming up to her chin, he only stood as tall as the top of her chest.
Carolyn paled, then swallowed hard.
“I think I’d better go back to the lab now, instead of going home tonight.”

Chapter 21

Nicole and Scott awoke the next morning to discover a note from their father on the kitchen table.
“Last night, your Mom experienced a severe growth spurt.
It continued for a while into the night, so she’s gone back to the lab.
Have Alex drive you over after school,
Your mom could really use the support.
Love,
Dad.”

Scott looked worriedly over to his sister. Her eyes were as cold and hard as he could ever remember seeing. They softened when she met his gaze. “She’ll be okay, Scott. We’ll go see her after school. Come on.”
She hustled her brother out the door to the bus stop, knowing he would play with his friends until his bus arrived. The high school being closer, Nicole set off for her own classes. She was so preoccupied, she didn’t realize she’d forgotten her books until she’d arrived at school. It didn’t matter; she didn’t need them. She’d already memorized the contents a couple days ago.
Nicole’s teachers all noticed her distracted state, and some assumed that she was goofing off. Every time they asked her a question though, she always had the correct answer. Ms. Stevenson confronted her during her independent study in Science.
“Nicole, you seem unusually distracted today. Is something wrong?”
Nicole snapped herself to attention. “I’m fine. I’ve just been thinking.”
Ms. Stevenson nodded and asked her more questions relating to the last two chapters in Advanced Placement Chemistry, which Nicole answered perfectly, but distantly.
“Nicole, am I boring you?”
Since the question was asked in the same tone of voice as the others, Nicole had answered automatically, without thinking. “Yes.” Suddenly, she realized what had been asked.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Stevenson. I didn’t mean it.” Nicole panicked.
“It’s okay, Nicole. You did mean it. You’ve already read through the texts haven’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Nicole replied, tentatively.
“Do you understand everything you’ve read so far?” Ms. Stevenson asked.
“Yes, ma’am.” Nicole admitted, realizing that she couldn’t back down now.
Ms. Stevenson skipped to the trial exams, and asked Nicole questions at random. Nic answered every one correctly.
“Well, what are we going to do with you now, Miss Prescott?” Ms. Stevenson sighed. “Why didn’t you tell me before that you had an eidetic memory?”
“Because I didn’t realize that I did until now. So what happens next?” Nicole hadn’t planned on being this far ahead, and realized that whatever kicked her mother’s growth into high gear had probably caused this surge in her own brainpower. Still, maybe she could turn it to her advantage.
Ms. Stevenson pondered the possibilities open to Nicole. Perhaps, being in Ann Arbor, there was a chance she could get her enrolled in some university courses right away. Nicole, meanwhile, was thinking of the visit to her mother this afternoon.

Jim had stayed with Carolyn all night, leaving only briefly early in the morning to leave a note at home for the kids and change clothes. He called Alex before going back to the lab to arrange to have the kids picked up and driven to the lab after school. He walked back into the huge arena that had become Carolyn’s home away from home, and sat down next to her sleeping form. The tear-tracks were still on her face, dried, and Jim rested his back up against her, as he traced his hand gently down her cheek. He hadn’t been able to sleep, worried about his wife. Carolyn had cried herself to exhaustion as she grew bigger and bigger, until her body, spent from the incredible growth, lulled her to sleep.
Jim gazed from one end of her massive body to the other, taking in the almost ten feet his wife had become. As he sighed and continued caressing her cheek, she unconsciously drew him closer, her hands holding him as a teddy bear. Jim marveled at the size of her hands. They were still so delicate and her fingers tapered, but one hand’s span covered nearly his entire chest. He bent his head down and kissed her hands clasped over his chest, frowning only slightly at the taste of the green skin dye still on her. Perhaps he could clean her up while she was still asleep. After all, she had ripped her “costume” to shreds growing out of it last night and was covered only by a king-sized sheet from her chest to her knees. Jim chuckled briefly at the sight of his immense wife still colored green from head to toe.
Jessie came in the room in time to hear the sound and from Jim’s expression deduced what caused it. “She does look a little strange in that color, doesn’t she?” A half-smile turned up the doctor’s lips as she took in the sight of Jim, for all intents and purposes, trapped against his wife’s covered breasts by two enormous hands. “And yet, you look so content there. Comfy?”
Jim had to grin in response. “I think there are more men out there than would admit that would love to trade places with me right now.” He sobered then, thinking that Carolyn would wish to trade places with anyone too. “Jessie, what happened? Why did Carolyn experience such sudden growth?”
Dr. James looked almost embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Jim. I didn’t expect her body to react like this. I knew her rate of growth would accelerate, but I didn’t think that it would happen in spurts. As long as Porphyrion’s radiation continues to travel past Earth, Carolyn’s body will continue to absorb it and grow. I’ve been trying to develop a shield the last two weeks that will block it, but I couldn’t get it done quickly enough.”
“Don’t let her fool you, Jim, she got one done plenty quickly. Dr. James already has a prototype shield being manufactured. It should arrive in three days.” Both heads turned to see Jeff Connor joining them in the converted auditorium. He turned to Jessie. “Engineering just called to confirm shipping today. The sheets will arrive in three days and can be installed here that day. I’ve scheduled some techs to cover it. And before you ask, no, they don’t know about Carolyn. They only know that we’re experimenting with radioactive conductivity. I’ve also scheduled for Carolyn to be in auditorium 4 that day. Veronica and her staff are converting it as we speak, but it will take them two days to completely secure the room for Carolyn to use. Veronica is planning to accommodate Carolyn at up to three times her present size, just in case.”
Jim looked slightly relieved at Jeff’s announcement. That Jessie’s team was trying so hard to help Carolyn, and still hide her changes from anyone that could leak it to the media was comforting. He glanced quickly up towards Carolyn’s face to see if she had heard, but she was still asleep.
Jessie nodded. “She’ll probably sleep for a few more hours, Jim. Her body needs the time to recover the energy she used up growing, and her mind can certainly use the break too. She’s emotionally wiped out, which will help keep her asleep.”
“Good. I’ll have time to clean her up a bit.” Replied Jim.
“Do you need a hand getting out of there?” Jeff offered.
Jim crooked a smile at the two doctors. “No. Just get me a tub of soap and water, and a dozen washcloths or so. I’ll work my way out.”
Jeff snorted a laugh as he turned to fulfill the request. Jessie’s smile faltered as her guilt tugged at her. “Jim, I’m sorry I couldn’t have stopped this. I know it changes everything. She won’t be able to get in a house again, or a car, and even if I can stop her growth, I’m not sure what else I can do. She’ll still be a giant. Life won’t ever be normal for her again.” Jim studied the smaller woman’s face. Her eyes held such a haunted emptiness. There were lines around her eyes that hadn’t been there when she introduced herself less than a month ago.
“That’s an awful lot of guilt for someone who only just became the head of this project a few months ago.” Jim prodded.
“I’ve never been good at apologies. I didn’t really work on social skills as a child, so I’m not saying this right.” The doctor took a deep breath to settle herself. “Jim, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and Carolyn and your kids. You’re a really great family, and you deserve better than what’s happening to you. I just keep thinking that if this project had never been created, that you wouldn’t be in this mess.” A tear formed at the corner of Jessie’s eyes, but her control wouldn’t let it drop. “When I was young, I never thought about the consequences of my research or how it would affect people. I just thought that learning was all that there was. My parents were uncomfortable around me, and let all kinds of doctors study me, test me, and I grew up in labs where I didn’t really see the ‘real’ world. I learned about science because I wanted to know how things worked. I didn’t consider anything past that.
When I met Carolyn, I felt in the pit of my stomach the way Oppenheimer must have felt when he saw the results of the hydrogen bomb tests. He theoretically created hydrogen energy to be a positive thing, but when he saw the mushroom cloud put into reality for the first time, he quoted, ‘I am become death, the destroyer of worlds’. Do you understand what I’m saying Jim? I wasn’t just a junior associate researcher on Project:Nostrodamus, I gave them the idea for it. I’m the one that theorized that Michel de Nostrodame was making accurate predictions because he was tuned into the wavelengths of the cosmos. I’m the cause Carolyn’s suffering, because I didn’t think about what could happen when a human was exposed to stellar radiation, even by accident.” Jessie’s voice broke at last, and a single tear escaped her control. She fled the room before Jim could say anything, unable to face him any longer.
Jim stood enveloped in Carolyn’s gigantic hands and arms silently. He wanted to blame someone for his wife’s distress, but Jessie? The facts swirled about his mind, trying to find a pathway that pointed to reason.
“No. I can’t accept that. What happened to Carolyn was an accident. No one could have planned for the consequences of the collector bursting like it did. Hell, it didn’t even have consequences until four months ago. Jessie’s not to blame for this.”
“She told you, then, didn’t she?” Jeff asked as he reentered the room with cleaning supplies. He could see the conflict on Jim’s face and heard the last muttered.
Jeff wheeled the cart with the tub near Jim until they were separated only by the wall of Carolyn’s arms. The young researcher looked more serious than Jim had ever seen. Jeff always seemed to be smiling, chasing away tension, but now he was filled with concern and love?
“Six weeks ago, Jessie was going over the original notes from the project, still trying to puzzle out why there hadn’t been an explosion when the original collector burst. She hadn’t ever known about Carolyn until she discovered her name in Dr. Kelley’s footnotes. She was horrified when she read his one-sentence reference to Carolyn Parker. She spent two weeks just tracking down your wife, fearing something horrible. We knew that Porphyrion’s radiation had been hitting Earth for almost three months by that point, and Jessie was terrified that Carolyn might be dead. When she came back to the lab after meeting the two of you, she locked herself in her office and cried for two hours. It broke my heart, but not as much as the fact that she’s only slept three hours a night the last month. She gets by on as little as possible. She even moved into her office full-time. She sleeps on a cot in there and hasn’t left the lab since then.
Jim recognized the signs of a man deeply in love, who has never admitted it to the object of his affection. He realized that Jeff was trying to protect Jessie. “It’s OK, Jeff. I don’t blame Jessie for this. I was there too, I know it was an accident. Besides, she didn’t design the original collector, she’s said that. I want someone to blame, but not Jessie. Even having someone to blame won’t change what happened, and there’s no one better than Jessie to have working on fixing it.” He dunked a washcloth in the soapy tub and began lovingly stroking the green from his wife’s oversized fingers. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a lot of ground to cover, and you’ve got a doctor who needs a hanky.” He winked at Jeff knowingly.

As Jeff walked through the doors to the stairs towards Dr. James’ office he thought, “Is there anyone who can’t tell I’m in love with her?” He sobered momentarily at the realization that Jessie probably couldn’t.

[GTSKate]

(Chapters 13-17)

Chapter 13

Carolyn no longer could deal with her situation. Her body shuddered and the tears began, as she couldn’t hold herself together any longer. She cried with all her soul. Jim embraced his wife; gently rocking her back and forth as her despair overtook her. Dr. James could see his pain at his helplessness darken his face. Carolyn sobbed into her husband’s shoulder; “It’s never over. Just when I think I can deal with this, there’s some horrible turn.” She trailed off, wracked with pain from a broken heart.
Jim tried to comfort his wife, his own pain at seeing her so defeated welling up inside. He held her even more tightly, one hand cradling the back of her head, stroking her hair as he whispered in her ear.
“Carolyn, we’ll get through this, I promise. I’ll never lose you. I can’t. I wouldn’t know what to do without you. Come on, angel. Please stop crying, I can’t bear it.
‘And yet I wish but for the thing I have.
My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.’
You’ll be all right, you’ll see. I love you, Carolyn.”

Carolyn’s sobs stopped, but her tears continued. Spent, she whispered, “Please, no more wishes.”
Doctor James felt horrible at being the bearer of such news. “Carolyn, I’m so sorry for all of this. But I want to help, if I can. I’d like you to come to my lab, so that I can find out more about your condition. Maybe I can find a way to stop what’s happening to you. Please, let me help.”
Carolyn didn’t answer, so Jim turned his head and pleaded with the Doctor. “Please. Help my wife.”

That Saturday, Dr. James officially made Carolyn a part of Project:Nostradamus when the growing woman was brought to the lab and introduced to the other members of the project. Dr. James started by running a complete physical on Carolyn: tests for coordination, endurance, hearing, sight, taste, and muscles that Carolyn never even knew she had. Mentally exhausted, Jim and Carolyn finally went home, with the assurance that Dr. James would check in with them again when she and her team had a chance to evaluate the results. Meanwhile, Nicole’s birthday party was the next day, and Carolyn insisted on continuing with life as normal.
Jim had been astounded to see his wife’s new abilities during the tests, but was very worried about her state of mind.
“Are you sure about the party tomorrow? That’s going to be a lot of strain, with seven teenagers running through the house.” Jim said to his wife.
“No, I’m sure. I need to do normal things. I have to believe that Jessie can help me. I have to.” Carolyn fidgeted with some ribbon in her hands.
Jim moved to his wife, and tenderly embraced her. As he held her close, feeling her relax in his arms, Jim’s mind was awash with the images of the weekend. Carolyn effortlessly holding up almost 600 pounds above her head; Jim’s wonder at how such soft, silky skin could resist the scalpel that tried to get a sample; Carolyn’s endurance as her heart pumped steadily while she ran for 5 hours then returned to a normal resting rate within ten minutes. Through it all, Jim could clearly see unease on his angel’s face, and her fear at her super-human feats. He squeezed her more tightly, knowing he couldn’t hurt her, wanting her to feel his devotion despite her changes. Meanwhile, up the stairs, and at the end of the hallway, in Nicole’s bedroom, Scott and his sister were having a talk about other changes.

“They’re still having the party. But I can hear how wrung out Mom is. Should we try to talk her out of it, Nicole?” Scott asked his sister.
“I heard too. But, no, I don’t think so. I think she’s right. She needs to have some “normal stuff” time. You didn’t tell them anything, right?” Nicole’s head was slightly cocked throughout the hushed conversation, and her eyes unfocused, as Nicole and her little brother listened to a discussion between their parents that no ears should have been able to hear from that distance.
“I didn’t say anything yet.” Scott replied.
Nicole stopped eavesdropping from across the house and turned to face her brother sitting on the bed beside her.
“Scott, we can’t tell them anything. Or anyone else, either. Mom and Dad would be terrified if they knew we were changing too.” Nicole said. “You know how broken up Mom is over what’s happening to her. If she thought something was happening to us too, she’d lose it. Besides, I don’t want to distract that Dr. James from helping Mom. We’re not growing like she is.”
“What DO you think is happening to us, Nic?” Scott waited for a response from his older sister with an inquisitive intelligence beyond his ten years.
“I listened to the explanation that Dr. James was giving Dad a couple days ago, and I think we’re being affected by the same stuff that’s causing Mom’s growth. Remember, she had her ‘accident’ before we were born. I think that because we’re made up of half-Mom and half-Dad that those solar waves aren’t affecting us as strongly as they are her. Instead of making us grow or get stronger muscles, it’s strengthening smaller things, like our senses. It’s why we can hear them across the house, see smaller details and stuff.”
“Is that why Mom’s meatloaf tasted so bad last week?” Scott grinned.
Nicole smiled, sharing the joke with her brother, “I’m not sure if it was an overdeveloped sense of taste, or it just sucked.” She and Scott fell to their backs on the bed, laughing.
A few moments later, they heard the sound of their parents coming up the stairs. Carolyn and Jim stood as twin towers in the doorway. “What’s so funny, you two?” Carolyn said, smiling at her children’s joy.
The pair looked up at their questioning parents, and both started laughing again.

Chapter 14

The next day began with an unexpected (and unwanted) gift for Carolyn. As she and Jim arose and kissed good morning, she discovered to her dismay that she now matched her husband’s height. She released Jim from her embrace quickly and closed the door of the bathroom behind her. Jim sighed and thought, “It’s going to be a long day.”
Scott awoke, fascinated as he was each morning at the power of his senses, able to see clearly instantly, to smell the French toast his father had begun preparing downstairs, and able to hear his mother crying in the master bedroom. Upon hearing her attempts to ready herself between her stifled sobs, he thought, “It’s going to be a long day.”
Nicole awoke with much the same awareness as her brother, and realized that at long last, she had turned fifteen years old. She smiled at the thought, but sobered a little at her mother’s distress.
“Come on, Mom. You can make it through this. I know you can.” Nicole whispered, half-hoping that her mother could hear her encouragement.
“She will, and we’ll help. Happy Birthday, Nic.” Scott whispered from his bedroom.
Nicole smiled more broadly. If nothing else, their heightened senses seemed to bring Nicole and her brother closer together at an age when they were supposed to fight like cats and dogs.
“Thanks.” She replied. “Race you downstairs for that French toast!”
She and Scott tore out of their bedrooms instantaneously. Nicole used her temporary advantage of age and size to muscle past her brother on the stairs and narrowly beat him to the kitchen.
Jim heard the flurry of activity and figured the kids had made an appearance at last. With a flourish, he placed a plate of French toast and sausage in front of his daughter as she sat down, saying, “Happy Birthday Nic!”
Scott sat next to his sister at the kitchen table and said, “Why is Mom upset this morning?” before he realized that he shouldn’t have said it. Nicole shot him a look.
Jim looked quizzically at his son. “How did you know she’s upset, sport?”
“Because otherwise she’d be down already, right?” Nicole covered, hoping it would be enough.
Jim sighed. “Right. Well, I’d love to tell you that we had a fight or something, but it’s just the usual. Your Mom grew again last night. She’s the same height as me today, and I’m afraid it’s kind of a milestone size for her. She’s just not comfortable with herself yet, and it’s up to us to help her with it.” He said as he placed a second plate in front of his son.
Scott happily shoveled a forkful of French toast into his mouth, at the same time saying (somewhat unclearly, due to the breakfast food), “Sometimes, I don’t get her. I thought she’d be happy she’s getting taller! I mean, she always wanted to be bigger, now she is. It doesn’t change the fact she’s our mom. I still love her anyway.” He continued to imitate a steamshovel with his sausages.
Carolyn had come down the stairs in time to hear her son’s affirmation of devotion. She came up behind him and ruffled his (always) unruly hair. “I guess sometimes I just need to hear that, sport.” She squeezed him affectionately from behind. Carolyn turned to her daughter and smiled. “Happy Birthday, Nicole!”
Nicole bashfully smiled back at her mother, and stood up. She deliberately rounded her chair to stand face to face with Carolyn. “Thanks, Mom.” She embraced her mother tightly, as Carolyn felt a comforting motherly moment. She stroked her daughter’s long black hair, so much like her own, and marveled at the way Nicole made her feel right.
Two years ago, Nicole was just beginning to mature, and was almost the same size as her mother. Carolyn had watched her daughter fondly as the two of them found new ground in their relationship. Mother and daughter shared jokes as Nicole slowly had begun to rise above Carolyn’s height. Nic had mentioned a few times the awkward feeling she had about being taller than her mother, and Carolyn had always laughed that she was her father’s daughter. But now, standing a full head taller than her child again, Carolyn was almost grateful that she had grown. There was nothing in the world that felt like holding her children in her arms.
Jim’s eyes twinkled tenderly at the sight of the two women he loved best in the world, then winked at his son. “I’d ask if the two of you wanted more syrup with that French toast, but there seems to be enough here already.” He deadpanned.
Carolyn and Nicole broke apart and looked each other in the eye, then mimicking one another turned to their favorite man, right eyebrow crooked, lips pursed, and hands on hips.
“Shut up and cook.” They said as one, then shared a glance and laughed as Carolyn joined her family for breakfast, feeling at ease for another day at last.

Meanwhile, inside her laboratory office at the University, Dr. Jessie James was going over the data from Carolyn Prescott’s day of tests. She was currently comparing that data to Porphyrion’s activity over the last four months.
“Incredible…just incredible. That her body could react like it has to ambient solar radiation is just amazing! And yet, our own sun, Sol, has been absorbing most of the radiation waves from Porphyrion relative to Earth’s position…” She trailed off, as her brain began making connections.
Her graduate research assistant, Jeff Connor, walked in the door to the sight of his professor frozen in thought, slouching in the huge leather chair behind the desk, frowning (which she always did while her brain separated her from the conscious world). Papers and graphs were strewn over the top of her desk, and she was leaning to the right, with her head balanced on the eraser tip of a pencil against her forehead. He tipped his head down to hide the amused grin on his face at the sight. Dr. James was a brilliant scientist, but her one eccentricity was that most of her research was in her head. She was so often lost in her thoughts that many grad assistants declined a posting in her department, thinking that she must have a cold personality or too harsh. Jeff knew better though. He could see through the outward image, to understand that Jessie’s genius just couldn’t keep up with language. She couldn’t speak fast enough to catch up to her brain’s leaps of knowledge, and she couldn’t write fast enough to take notes that would lead others through the maze of her discoveries. He had gotten quite good at following her mind, at least enough that he could transcribe her notes to a mostly understandable level. He knew that the appearance she presented now could only mean that her mind was making those light-speed connections in another problem.
Jeff waited patiently for Dr. James’ consciousness to catch up with her brain, standing in front of her desk. He knew that although he was standing right in front of her, she probably didn’t know he was there. Finally, after five minutes, he tried clearing his throat. Jeff didn’t want to disturb her, but she had a team meeting in the research room in two minutes, and if she didn’t move now, she’d be late.
“Shit.” Was all she said, as the pencil dropped to the desk.
“Excuse me?” Jeff replied, afraid he had offended her. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Doctor, but…”
“Jeff! How long have you been there? Wait, never mind.” Jessie said, in that speed voice that Jeff recognized. Her mind was indeed about three steps ahead of her mouth. Jessie held up her hands in a “halt” motion. “Call the Prescott’s right now, and get Carolyn back to this lab ASAP. I don’t care what you have to say to her, but she has to get back here right away.” Jessie was a flurry of activity, stacking papers in a particular order (Jeff’s influence; she was at least trying to recreate her thought processes), and starting and stopping sentences too quickly for Jeff to even begin to guess what she landed on.
“Professor, what is it?” Jeff tried to get her to slow down enough for her mouth to catch up.
Dr. James closed her eyes, clamped her hands to the side of her head and took a deep breath. “So far, Carolyn Prescott’s growth has been caused by ambient solar radiation primarily released from the collapse of Porphyrion.” She said quickly. “Those waves have traveled across the galaxy and been mostly filtered by the time they reach Earth by passing through other stars, which absorb some of that radiation. The biggest filter, though, has been our own sun, Sol. Through the last four months, Sol has been between Earth and Porphyrion’s position.” Her hands flew in front of her body as she tried to demonstrate what she was saying, “But as we exit summer and enter autumn and winter, the Earth’s position puts the Sun behind the planet, and Porphyrion’s waves will be hitting the Earth first, without that filter. In fact, Sol may even act as an amplifier, reflecting some of those waves back on the Earth…get it?”
Jeff was getting over the initial shock that she had gotten through the explanation all in one breath, when his own mind started putting the pieces together.
“Shit.” Was his own response when he realized that Carolyn Prescott was going to start growing a lot more, and faster as winter approached…

Chapter 15

Back at the Prescott household, Nicole was unveiling the gifts she had gotten from her brother and parents. As she ripped aside the last of the wrapping paper on her new chemistry set, she joyfully looked up at her family. “You got it! I wasn’t sure you would!” She eyed the contents listed on the back of the large box appraisingly.
“I was surprised that you would ask for it in the first place, Nic. When did you get this passion for science?” Carolyn started, finding the opening she needed to discuss schoolwork with her daughter.
Nicole looked up from her inventory to recognize the unspoken question in her mother’s question. As she searched for a way to divert Carolyn’s curiosity (which could lead to a revelation of the new abilities she and Scott were gaining, something Nicole definitely did NOT want), the phone rang.
“I’ll get it.” Jim arose from the sofa to pick up the phone.
Carolyn eyed her daughter suspiciously. “Nic, I’m just a little concerned that you don’t seem to have any homework this year. You either, Scott.” She turned, including the son that was trying to sneak away. “Are you both doing OK in school? You’re both involved in a lot of extra activities, the play, hockey, and I don’t see you doing any homework ever. I’m worried that you’re taking on too much, and you might be overwhelmed.” She gazed into her daughter’s eyes, looking for an answer.
Carolyn stared at both her children, noting the physical traits they had received from their parents. Scott had gotten her eyes, a deep honey brown, but Nicole had gotten a mystery. Her eyes were blue, like her father, but whereas Jim’s eyes were an inviting sky-blue that advertised his emotions clearly, Nicole’s eyes were an icy-blue, guarded and steely. Carolyn couldn’t read them at all.
Nicole was trying to quickly think of an answer that would satisfy her mother’s curiosity without jeopardizing the secret she shared with her brother. Just when it appeared her mother would brook no more hesitation, Jim set the phone back on its cradle and announced, “Carolyn, we have to leave for a while.” His normally dark complexion had noticeably paled and his eyes pleaded with his wife to come without question.
Carolyn puzzled over her mate’s expression. “But, the party…” she started.
“…Will still go on, Alex and Dan will help. But we have to go somewhere, now.” His tone was insistent, and still curious, Carolyn followed him out to the garage.
Jim looked over to his children. “Nic, I’ll call Alex from the car, and she and Dan will be over shortly.” He tried to smile, reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.”

Nicole noticed his pronoun use, ‘“I’ll” be back, not “we’ll” be back.’ She turned to her brother to find out what he thought, and saw his own face paled like his father. “He really does look like a carbon-copy of Dad with Mom’s eyes.” She thought to herself.
“What’s up?” She questioned.
“I focused really hard, like you said, and I could hear the other end of the phone.” Scott began.
“So?” Nicole prompted her brother.
“That was Dr. James’ assistant, Jeff. He says that Mom has to come back to the lab immediately because she’s going to start growing a lot bigger any day now.” His voice quavered.
Nicole grew still, as she realized Scott was about to say something that neither of them really wanted to hear. “How much bigger?”
“She could become the next 50’ woman, he said.”
Nicole sat, stunned. Up until that moment, neither child had truly believed that their mother could grow so huge. Nicole’s expression darkened, her eyes filled with more steel than ever. She had to learn more about what was happening to their mother, or the lab would take her away. And Nicole decided she was NOT going to lose her mother to some science experiment.

Chapter 16

Alex and Dan played gracious hosts, but Nicole’s friends could see she was distracted. They were also a little disappointed that they didn’t get to see how big Mrs. Prescott had gotten, as well. The party became a muted affair, everyone going through the motions of having a good time, but the event ended far sooner than it normally would have, had everything been as it was five months previous.
Meanwhile, at the University of Michigan lab that Dr. Jessie James called her office, the elder Prescotts were being greeted with grim news. Jessie explained her theory, and wanted Carolyn to stay for the next few months. This would be the time of the greatest changes, according to the doctor, and she wanted to be able to catch any as they happened.
“Please, I know this sounds heartless, but if I’m to have any prayer of understanding how your body is changing, and to be able to stop it, I have to be with you as it happens. And, since any equipment I would need to analyze you is here, it’s the most logical place. I can’t exactly set up shop in your home.” Dr. James pleaded.
Carolyn shook her head adamantly. “I can’t! I just can’t give up my life to live in some lab as a test rat! These last months, our family has grown so close! I feel like we’ve all had a chance to really appreciate what we have, and I can’t give that up when we’ve only just gotten it!” She banged her fist on the table for emphasis, and then pulled back her hand like she had received a shock. Everyone had jumped at the noise, which sounded like a gunshot, but Carolyn was horrified to see the cracks in the marble surface where she had struck.
Carolyn pulled her arms to her side and sat very still. Jim reached his hand out to her shoulder, but she shrank from his touch like a chastised schoolgirl. He deliberately grasped her hand in his own and held it until she met his eyes from under her brow of her bowed head.
“Don’t be afraid, angel. I’m still here.”
“I can’t…please…” She whispered.
There was an uncomfortable pause, until Dr. James spoke. “I’m not here to hurt you, Carolyn. I only want to help. I will do everything I can to stop your body from changing much more, but I can’t promise anything. I hope that I can do something before you’re forced out of your own house. But please, at least stay tonight. Maybe I can get some comparisons done on your body chemistry and get a theory going on how to help.”
Her eyes were so sincere, that Jim and Carolyn relented.
“I’ll go explain to Nic and Scott. I’m sure they’ll understand angel. They’ve been just as worried about you as I am. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”
He rose, still searching his wife’s face for a glimmer of the woman who was in command of every situation with an iron will. Jim was disappointed and a little afraid at not finding her.

That night, the Prescott household was a quiet one, as everyone pretended to be asleep. Jim lay in his bed, alone for the first time since he was married, missing his wife, no matter what size she was. Scott was staring at the ceiling in his room, listening to neighborhood sounds, stretching his burgeoning ability, but for the first time, he was afraid. His mother’s growth was no longer just a curiosity; it could take her away from the family. Away from him. And Scott realized just how much he still needed his mother to hold him and tell him things would be all right.
Nicole sat in her desk chair, staring out the window. Glaring at the star that had caused so much upheaval in her family. Her steel-blue gaze was shining her hatred toward the heavenly light that was drawing her mother further away.
Mothers and daughters share a bond that is difficult to explain: It is adversarial, but there is no closer bond on Earth. Nicole’s eyes grew as dark as the cloud that passed in front of her enemy, and she turned back to the chemistry set that was now set up on her desk. She carefully drew a razor across her fingertip, and dabbed a drop of blood onto a slide. The war had begun, and Nicole had learned, to win at war meant you had to know your enemy.

Chapter 17

The sun arose the next morning, failing to bring comfort to a family that had not slept the whole night. Carolyn, although her body was not fatigued, was mentally exhausted at not being with her husband for the first time in twenty years. Jim cursed the sun, red-eyed at his lack of sleep, for just being a sun, since he was not feeling gracious toward heavenly bodies at the moment. Scott had spent the night listening to his father restlessly tossing, and his sister scratching notes on paper. Nicole had begun an ambitious project, which the dawning of the sun made her realize she was woefully unprepared for. As the darkness had deepened, Nicole began teaching herself all she could from observing her own blood sample. By morning, she had discovered that there would be no quick fix for her mother. To learn all that she needed, Nicole realized that it would take her several years of study, and high school science was not going to keep up with the knowledge she needed. So, she reached a decision. She quietly called out to her brother.
“Scott?” She whispered.
“Morning Nic.” He replied, in the same hushed tone only the two of them could hear.
“Scott, this is going to be more long-term than I thought. I think I need to do something drastic.”
Scott sat up in bed. “What do you mean? You’re not going to tell that doctor about us, are you?”
“No, not THAT drastic. But I need to reveal a little more of my smarts if I expect to learn what I need. I’m going to let them think I’m a science whiz. A real geek.” Nicole smiled slightly, “Will I damage your school reputation too badly if everyone thinks your sister is a nerd?”
“Gee, that IS drastic. You would sabotage your own popularity?” Scott asked.
“I have to if I’m going to skip some science courses. I need to get to college level stuff quicker than they’d ever let a freshman get there normally.” Nicole would be sacrificing her high school social life and potentially allowing herself to be ostracized to help her mother.
Scott considered. “Well, it would be worse if you were my brother, but since you’re a girl, I guess it wouldn’t be too bad. It means I’ll have to be a jock, though.”
“Like that’s a problem for ‘Mr. Sports’.” Nicole snorted.
And so, the campaign began in earnest.

Two weeks later, Dr. James was once again lost in thought at her desk. A vacant look in her eyes made the casual observer think she had “checked out without the baggage”. Carolyn had become restless in the lab proper, and so had gone in search of some conversation from the Doctor. She stood in the doorway (by now at 6’10”) and cleared her throat. There was no response from the slouched figure behind the desk.
“Excuse me, Dr. James?” Carolyn ventured.
She turned at the chuckle behind her to find Jeff Connor, the doctor’s assistant, smiling up at her.
“I’m afraid you won’t get through to her for a while. That’s her ‘lost in thought’ look. And for her, it really is lost. I don’t think she could find her way back to her consciousness if her coat was on fire.” He grinned again. “Can I help you with anything?”
Carolyn sighed. “I guess I just felt like talking to somebody. My husband is on a book tour for the next few days, and I usually would have gone with him, but I just couldn’t face going out like this.”
Jeff nodded. “I understand. Look, why don’t you join me for a cup of coffee? I’ve got some time until she comes out of that anyway.” He jerked his head in the direction of the oblivious Professor as he led Carolyn to the kitchen area.
As they sat down and Jeff poured them each a cup, Carolyn glanced knowingly over at the young man who seemed to understand just when she couldn’t take any more tests and casually inquired, “So, how long have you been in love with Jessie?”
Jeff coughed on his coffee and looked over sharply. “It’s not that obvious, is it?” He nervously pleaded.
Carolyn smiled. “No, only to someone who saw her husband looking at her that way once. And remember, my husband writes romance novels. It’s an occupational hazard to recognize love.”
The young scientist sighed with a wistful smile. “I admire her a lot. I guess I realized a few months ago I was in love with her, but she’s much older than I am, and, well, I don’t want to seem like some puppy dog chasing after her. Besides, I don’t want to jeopardize our working relationship with some silly schoolboy infatuation.”
“So, you’ve never said anything?”
“No. I’m not sad though. I get to spend every day with her, sharing her love of science. She couldn’t have been anything else in this world. She has to know how things work, has to see all the connections between cause and effect in the universe. It’s one of the things I’m drawn to about her.
There’s so much I love about her. Not least is her mind. Did you know that Jessie is a genius? When she was a child, she set the academic world on its ear. At the age of 8, she took a standard IQ test, and scored 277. Marilyn Vos-Savant is acknowledged as having the highest score ever recorded on an IQ test, and she only scored 228.”
“If Jessie scored that highly, why isn’t she ever mentioned in the news? Why haven’t I ever heard about her?” Carolyn wondered.
Jeff snorted. “Because she scared the pants off the intellectual community. There were those who said that she just guessed the answers, or she must have cheated, or some crap like that. Then there were those that claimed she was an idiot savant because of her, let’s say, brain pauses. When Jessie thinks, her mind works so quickly, making so many connections, or examining so many possibilities, she just can’t keep up vocally. Then, when she would try to explain what she had been thinking of, her teachers couldn’t make the leaps between conclusions to understand. It was so frustrating for her that she finally stopped trying to explain. The university lets her do pretty much whatever she wants, because they can’t understand what she’s proposing. They don’t really care, since she always produces some incredible research.”
Carolyn pondered this insight into her only hope. Then she asked, “Jeff, why couldn’t she explain better?”
“Try teaching a two year old how to do algebra. Before he could learn algebraic functions, he’d have to learn multiplication and division, and before he could learn that, he’d have to know how to add and subtract, and before that comprehend tens, hundreds, thousands. He’d have to know how numbers are organized. And of course, before that, our two-year old would have to understand what a number represents.
If all that isn’t overwhelming enough, now try, when, before you even start, the two-year old says he has learned all that he can, and refuses to see that there’s more to learn. That’s how Jessie feels when attempting to retrace her research for others.”
With a mighty sigh, filled with longing, Jeff pulled himself from singing the praises of his professor and desire, and asked, “So, tell me about your husband. You said you recognized the look of love from your husband as well?”

Carolyn began a tale, as epic as any ballad sung by a bard. Jeff listened, enjoying her telling of a classic love story, enraptured as the wordsong approached modern day.
“Before last week, Jim and I had not been apart since our wedding. Even when the passion had dimmed, we were always together. And although I desperately want him here to comfort me, I can’t be that selfish. He’s got a successful book out, and if we want to plan for the future, he’s got to stay employed. That means book tours, signing autographs and smiling for the pictures. I just didn’t think the pictures would look as good with me in them like this.” She glanced down at her enormous body, thinking back to five days ago, when they parted…

[Author]

Posts