Heather's story part 10

Heather's story
By Varian Milagro


Chapter 10

That night, when the girls arrived at Todd’s and Kirk’s house, the door was answered by an unshaven man dressed in sweats and a Lakers jersey.

“Hi, you must be Heather and Abigail. I’m Byron. I rent this place with Todd and Kirk.” He took a step backwards. “Come in and I’ll let them know that you’re here.”

They stood in the living room while Bryon disappeared down the hall. He returned a minute later and said, “They’re still primping.” He leered at both of the girl’s chests for a moment. “Can I get you ladies something to drink?”

Heather folded her arms over her breasts. The jacket she’d borrowed from Abigail covered her arms and upper chest, but Byron’s lustful gaze made her feel exposed and dirty.

“We’re fine.” Abigail thrust her chest out slightly.

“Yes, you are. I’m not sure what you see in Twinkle-dee and Twinkle-dumb, but I might have to figure it out. You’re both amazingly beautiful.” Byron looked away and said, “I’m going to go back downstairs and finish watching the game. You’re welcome to join me or wait here.”

The girls stayed upstairs. As they waited, Heather realized that the magnetic pull that she felt whenever she was near Kathleen was back. It was coming from the hallway that led to the bedrooms. It had a slightly different feel to it than Kathleen’s and after a few minutes it started growing closer. As Todd and Kirk entered the living room the force split in two, one anchored to each of the guys.

She quickly forgot about the new link as the girls weren’t the only ones who’d had makeovers. Todd’s hair was cut into a faux hawk. Kirk’s hair look like it had grown and now fell into his eyes in a swoop. They both wore skinny jeans and sleek dress shirts, but Todd wore a skinny leather tie and Kirk’s shirt was unbuttoned far enough to show off part of his hairless chest. Their fragrant cologne filled the air.

No one spoke for a few seconds. The silence started to become unbearable, making Heather want to turn around and leave.

“Wow, you two look amazing,” Todd said, finally. He rushed over to Abigail, giving her a hug and a kiss before stepping back and appraising her. “I love your hair. The pink looks amazing. And where did you get this Snow White t-shirt? It’s freakishly cool.”

Heather didn’t catch Abigail’s reply, her attention was fixated on Kirk as he slowly approached, his eyes riveted on hers. Her desire to leave faded the closer he got.

He took her hand and spun her around, her tulle skirt flaring out as she twirled. “You’re really rocking the Goth look, girl.” He lifted a section of her hair. “Purple is so you.”

She was drawn into his embrace, like a swimmer in a whirlpool. He kissed her quickly and then held her in his arms.

“I like your hair cut,” Heather said as she looked up into his eyes.

“Thank you.” Kirk let go of her in order to feel his hair. “Todd and I went to Jacque’s Hair Design today. I was thinking of getting my ear pierced, too. Want to stop by Adorn on the way to the restaurant?”

“That sounds awesome, but there’s not enough time,” Abigail said. “We’re supposed to be at there in a half hour.”

“I told you we should of had them come over earlier.” Todd swatted Kirk’s shoulder playfully.

“What about tomorrow? We’re helping out with a garage sale until two, but we’re free after that,” Abigail said.

“Perfect,” Todd slipped his arm through Abigail’s. “Come on, girlfriend.”

Kirk took Heather’s hand in his and then led her to the car. As they drove to the restaurant she wondered about the changes to Todd and Kirk. There weren’t the only guys at church who had stylish hair. There were several guys who had their ears pierced and a few that had tattoos. It certainly wasn’t encouraged behavior, but no one was going to get banished over an earring. It was the timing that bothered Heather. When she’d made them kiss, had she changed their sense of style, too? It seemed like too much of a coincidence.

Despite arriving at the Golden Palace five minutes early they were the last to show up. In addition Jennifer, Nora, Rita and Janet, Zoe, Hanna, Michael and Laurie were there as well. They sat at a large round table close to the entrance. It was big enough to seat 12 and had a glass lazy susan in its center for sharing dishes.

Michael and Laurie were recently engaged. He had a rugged quality from spending a lot of time outdoors. She was a homebody who loved to cook. He was lean and wiry. She looked soft, but with curves in the right places. She nearly always wore a smile on her face. She was the type of person who always found the good in people. Michael was a bit of a misogynist and a definite homophobe. They counterbalanced each other.

Zoe was an outgoing blonde. She wore her hair long and straight. She worked at the church like Heather, but they rarely saw each other. Zoe was part of an outreach program that offered food and shelter for young women living on the streets of Cheyenne.

Heather didn't know Hanna that well. She's started coming to the church last year, but had already been in two stage productions the church had put on, playing a sheep in a recreation of the nativity last Christmas and court jester in a play about King David over the summer.

All eight jaws dropped when the four of them approached the table, their eyes mostly on Heather and Abigail. Who could blame them? It was the kind of reaction that Heather had been expecting. One of the most conservative girls at church just walked in dressed like a purple haired Goth walking next to her best friend who was looking like a sexy pink haired punk. No one at church dressed Goth. Everyone there assumed that people who dressed like a Goth were into devil worshiping and people who dressed punk were into premarital sex and heavy drug use.

“Satan is skating to work today,” Zoe said.

“What is happening to your family?” Janet said quietly.

“Did you two lose a bet?” Michael said.

“Well, you two certainly clean up nice,” Laurie said to Todd and Kirk.

“I know that I said that I’d never wear makeup and I was really mean to everyone at church who did. I don’t know what to say, except I’m sorry,” Heather said.

“You know, April Fool’s day was on Monday,” Rita said.

“Are you setting us up? Is someone filming us to see how we react? Are they going to show it at church tomorrow night for a laugh?” Michael asked. “I better not see myself on that Youtube thing.”

“We’re trying out new looks is all,” Abigail said. “Personally, I think Heather looks amazing.”

“You certainly went all out,” Janet said to Heather. “You’ve never been one to do anything by half measure.”

“You’re not going to become a strippers like Becky and Victoria are you?” Zoe said as she picked up her menu.

“What’s this?” Janet said, a look of alarm on her face.

“You haven’t heard?” Laurie said. “Madeline Grant ran into Becky and her mom, Jackie, on Saturday. She said that they were both smoking and dressed up like prostitutes. They’re both working at a strip club in Cheyenne and so are Victoria and her mom. Mrs. Grant and the rest of her family are going to start protesting outside of the strip club this weekend.”

“Oh my God,” Rita said.

Based on the looks on the faces around the table most of the others hadn’t heard about Vicky’s and Rebecca’s new profession.

“We should include them all in our prayers,” Janet said. “Guidance for our sisters in faith who have fallen so far and protection for the Grants as they protest outside that horrid institution.”

When it looked like Janet was about to lead them in a group prayer Heather started thinking up excuses to abruptly leave the table. She nearly leapt out of her seat when Hanna let out an ear piercing squeal.

“Oh my gosh! You brought Mr Whiskers!”

“Shhh!” Abigail said.

Heather shoved the cat’s head back into her purse. “Stay hidden,” she hissed at him.

Janet picked up her menu. “I’m really craving some Almond Chicken. Is everyone okay eating family style?”

After ordering their food the conversation turned to Rita. They were sad that she was moving away and everyone let her know who much they were going to miss her. Heather was delighted that she was no longer the center of attention.

So far the evening had gone better than she’d feared. Not that she wasn’t eager to stay. She felt like a freak. She and Abigail looked so out of place amongst the modestly dressed Christian girls in their demure, pastel clothing. She was looking forward to going back to Abigail’s and hanging in her room for the rest of the night. She’d had enough of being in public for one day. Dinner couldn’t be over fast enough for her.

They were nearly finished with their meal when Heather noticed the people at the table next to them were browsing through a thick songbook. She was hoping that no one at her table would notice; all she needed at the moment was someone trying to goad her into singing Karaoke. While everyone at the table had been nice and polite about her and Abigail’s new looks, there were other people in the restaurant that she’d caught staring. Her nerves were on edge and the desire to use magic was growing.

A woman at the next table held the book out to Rita. “Do you want to look at the songbook?”

Heather wanted to blast the woman with a magical bolt and turn her into a rat.

“Thank you,” Rita said as she took the book from the woman. “When does it start?”

“You can sign up in the back room right now,” the woman said. “But the singing doesn’t start for another 20 minutes.”

Michael held up a small plate. “Anyone want the last crab puff?” When no one responded he slid it onto his dinner plate.

“Now’s your chance, Jennifer,” Nora said as she glanced at the songbook in Rita’s hands.

“I’ve told you before that I don’t do Karaoke.”

“Why not?” Nora said. “You sing better than half the people on the radio.”

“I tried Karaoke once and I got so nervous I almost puked. No thanks.”

“We’re going to sign up,” Todd said as he grabbed Kirk’s hand and led him into the next room.

Heather groaned to herself. She didn’t want to hang around for Karaoke. Now they were going to be at the restaurant for another half hour at least. If wasn’t for Rita leaving the next day she wouldn't even have come.

“How are you going to become a professional singer if you won’t even do karaoke?” Zoe asked.

“That’s never going to happen,” Jennifer’s shoulders sagged. “At least I can sing at church without getting too nervous. That’s better than nothing.”

“Well, at least you get a choice,” Nora said. “I’d love to be able to dance professionally, but my parents forbid it.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you shouldn’t be complaining,” Rita said. “Your dad is the campaign manager for Congresswoman Lumman. You get to meet so many influential up and coming republicans. I’d kill to be in your position.”

“Like I care anything about that,” Nora replied. “I can’t pursue my dreams because my dad thinks having a dancer in the family will hurt his political career.”

“I’d kill to have your opportunity,” Rita said. “Do you know how hard it is to rise in politics? Without the right connections it’s almost impossible. I was just making some headway at Senator Marrasi’s local office and now I have to move to Seattle. Home to a bunch of libtards and potheads.”

“Sometimes I just want to run away and join the circus,” Hanna said.

Rita gaped at Hanna. “A circus? Really?”

Hanna’s cheeks flushed a bright red. “Did I say that out loud?”

“Yes,” several people said simultaneously.

“What would you do at the circus? Acrobat? lion tamer?” Abigail smiled naughtily. “Sword swallower?”

“Forget I said anything.” Hanna poked at a half eaten egg roll with her fork. “It was just a stupid fantasy I used to have when I was little.”

Abigail grabbed Heather’s hand under the table and gave it three light squeezes. “I’ll be right back.”

“Um...I’m...I’ll be back too.” Heather followed Abigail outside.

Once outside Abigail removed a cigarette from her purse and then lit it.

“You dragged me out here so you can smoke?” She watched her friend take a deep drag, wanting desperately to join her, but the specter of being labeled a smoker by her friends loomed over her.

“No, just taking advantage of the opportunity. I wanted to tell you that I think you should use your magic on Jennifer.”

“Are you crazy? Why would I do that?” Heather lifted Mr Whiskers out of her purse. He ran up her arm and sat on her shoulder.

“You’ve heard her sing. Don’t you think that it’s a waste that she’s too scared to sing in front of strangers? You could fix that for her.”

“I’ve been using magic way too much as it is. I need to use it less, not more.”

“You’ve been given this amazing power. Why not use it to help out your friends?”

“And what if I screw up again, like I did with your mom?”

“But don’t you see? That was because you were repressing the magic. You have more control when you don’t wait until it explodes out of you when you’re upset. You did okay with Jimmy, Donna and Chloe.” Abigail took a drag on her cigarette. “Besides, I like smoking with my mom.”

“Hmm, I’ll think about it.” She held her hand out toward Abigail. “Let me have a puff.” She took a drag and then said, “What I really want to do is leave. As soon as the guys are finished singing let’s get out of here.”

Abigail lit another cigarette.

“I didn’t want the whole thing.”

“Too late,” Abigail said. “You’ll just have to smoke with me now.”

“You can be so annoying sometimes.” Heather took a long drag, feeling her anger fade as the smoke flowed into her body.

“I’d like to spend more time with Todd.”

“Let’s watch a movie over at their place then. You can get your Todd time and I can hide under a blanket.”

“Okay, but I still think that you should use your magic to help Jennifer.”

After finishing their cigarettes Heather hid Mr Whiskers in her purse and then they rejoined the others in the dining room. The table had been cleared while they were gone. Janet and Zoe were looking at the food bill, trying to figure out who owed what.

“If you’d have told me that you were going out for a cigarette I would have joined you,” Nora said.

“I didn’t know that you smoked,” Abigail said.

“I didn’t know you smoked either,” Nora said. “Anyone else here a secret smoker?”

Zoe raised her hand sheepishly. “I smoke sometimes at the mission.”

“All sorts of revelations tonight,” Janet said as she squinted at the four smokers.

“Why do you smoke at the mission?” Heather asked. It struck her strange that Zoe only smoked while working for the church’s outreach program.

“It’s hard to get most of the girls to talk to me. They’ve lived on the streets and see me as some rich, over privileged princess who is only there to tell them that they’re going to hell for being sinners. Sharing a cigarette with them puts them at ease and gets them to open up to me.”

The instrumental music that had been playing over the restaurant’s speaker system suddenly cut out and was replaced by the voice of middle aged woman with a slight Chinese accent. “Good evening and happy Friday. Karaoke will begin in a few minutes. If you would like show off your vocal talent please sign up, there is plenty of spots left. If you’ve already signed up please make your way to the Green Dragon room.”

“We’d better get back there,” Kirk said as he stood.

“We’re pretty close to the top of the list.” Todd said. “Anyone else coming?”

“I’ll listen, but I’m not singing,” Jennifer said.

Everyone at the table followed Todd and Kirk into the back room, which was big enough to hold a decent sized wedding reception. A few dozen tables filled the main body of the room. A long bar and small stage stood along opposite walls. Most of the tables were empty. They pushed two together near the middle of the room and sat down.

A few minutes later a skinny Chinese man wearing a shiny blue suit and a permanent smile walked to the stage, picked up one of the microphones and then read off of a couple of 3x5 cards in a thick accent, welcoming everyone to Karaoke night and announcing the ground rules.

As the man talked Heather considered her earlier conversation with Abigail. She agreed that Jennifer had a wonderful talent and that it was a terrible shame that she was too afraid to let most people hear it. Heather wasn’t quite as sure that it was up to her to fix it with magic.

She’d been taught at church that all magic was evil, that power that didn’t come from Heaven came from Hell. When she’d changed her brother and sister it hadn’t felt evil, it had felt good. She’d used it to save them from their evil sister, Bethany. That wasn’t evil was it?

The whole thing reminded her of the parable about the talents. A steward had been given a vast sum of money while his master was away. When he returned and found that the steward had done nothing with the talents he’d been given, the master had become angry, the lesson being that people shouldn’t waste their talents. It was the duty of the faithful to use what had been given to them to help others. But did that include magic? It seemed more like an evil curse than a talent.

Heather turned to Abigail, “I’m going to call Donna. Come get me when it’s the guys’ turn to sing.”

Once she was out of the restaurant she let Mr Whiskers out of her purse. He stretched his back and then rubbed up against her leg. “Stay close,” she said as she entered a phone number on the prepaid cell phone.

“Hello,” Donna said. It sounded like she was standing in the middle of a freeway.

“How are you? I’ve been so worried about you.”

“Hang on a second. Jimmy, can you turn down the TV?” The background noise diminished. “That’s better.”

“Are you okay? Are you safe?”

“Everything’s fine. We’re staying in real crappy motel. They only had one room left in it's totally disgusting. The bed is like a rock and it smells like someone was smoking in it. Tomorrow night we’re going to spend a little more money and get a better room.”

“I want to ask where you are, but it’s probably best that I don’t know,” Heather said. “It good hearing your voice and knowing that you’re safe.”

“We sold the car. I hope you don’t mind. Jimmy was worried that Bethany might be able to use her mind powers and make someone in the transportation department track us with traffic cameras. I told him he was being paranoid.”

“I don’t mind. How’s the driving going?”

“Good, we switched out every few hours. The new car has an ipod plug in so we can listen to music over the car speakers while we drive. Luckily Jimmy and I love the same music.”

“That’s great to hear. Tell Jimmy that I love him. I’ll call you again tomorrow. I’ll keep my phone on me. You can call anytime. I love you.”

She ended the call and then stared at the phone. Her thoughts returning again to Starshine’s words, “Call me.” If only Bethany hadn’t snatched away the business card before she’d had a chance to read the number. As she concentrated on her dream the number 3 popped into her mind. It was quickly followed by a 4 and then a 7 and a 0.

Abigail poked her head out the door. “Todd and Kirk are up next.”

Heather put the cat back in her purse as she followed Abigail into the restaurant. A trio of women were singing, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” moderately well. Once they finished the emcee called for Todd and Kirk.

The guys ran to the stage and then launched into Bruno Mars, “Just the Way You Are.” As they sang, they alternated between gazing at Heather and Abigail and at each other. They finished to loud cheers from their table and a smattering of applause from the others. Heather rejoiced that she’d finally be able to leave, but then, as the guys were returning to the table, the emcee announced Jennifer’s name.

Jennifer’s eyes went wide with panic and then narrowed as she sought out a culprit. “Who signed me up?”

Everyone acted innocent.

“Look like we have cold feet,” the emcee said. “Give Jennifer hand to encourage her.”

People at the neighboring tables started clapping and stomping their feet. “Sing, sing, sing,” they shouted.

Jennifer walked to the stage, her face growing red. She took the microphone from the emcee and then began singing “Hallelujah”. The redness spread down her cheeks to her neck and her hands shook violently. Her voice was pretty, but was hampered by hesitation and uncertainty. Halfway through the first chorus she stopped singing, said “sorry” into the microphone, and then ran from the stage, tears pouring down her face.

“Nice going, brainiac,” Kirk said as he slapped Todd’s shoulder.

Todd shrugged. “I thought that she was exaggerating about the stage fright.”

“I’ll go see if she’s okay,” Janet said as she stood.

“No!” Abigail blurted. “Heather will go. She knows exactly how to make this all better.”

Janet sat back down. “Okay, but let me know if there is anything I can do.”

“I will.” Heather said as she kicked Abigail under the table.

She picked up her purse and headed the way Jennifer had fled, eventually finding her in the women’s bathroom, hiding in one of the stalls, her suede boots visible beneath the stall door giving her away. The smell of vomit hung in the air.

“Are you in there, Jennifer?”

“Go away.”

“You sang really nice. Everyone was enjoying it; you didn’t need to stop.”

“That’s what everyone says, but it doesn’t help. I know I have a good voice, not that it matters. It doesn’t stop me from wanting to vomit whenever I sing in front of strangers.”

Heather was still pretty sure that using magic was wrong, but maybe the good of helping her friend outweighed the bad. “If you could get rid of your stage fright instantly, like magic, would you want to be a professional singer?”

“I love singing and I’ve always wanted to be a real singer, but I it’s never going to happen, not with my stage fright.”

“Well, if somehow it magically wasn’t scary anymore would you want to be a solo singer or sing with a band?”

“I always dreamed of having my own band, one with my name in the band’s name, kind of like “Buddy Holly and the Crickets”, but I wanted a cooler name than Jennifer Ulrich.”

“Okay, I think I can handle that. Why don’t you come out now?”

Jennifer opened the stall door and then exited slowly, timidly. She wiped at her tears, smearing mascara over her face. “I must look like a mess.”

“Don’t worry about that right now. Concentrate on the type of singer you want to be.” Heather grabbed Jennifer’s hands and concentrated.

Heather’s body pulsated with erotic power as the magic flowed into its newest victim. Jennifer’s posture straightened, holding her head a little higher, a look of confidence appearing on her face. Her cheeks lost their pudginess, transforming her face from cute to disarmingly pretty. Her lank, dishwater blonde hair removed itself from its ponytail and fluttered about her head before turning a rich auburn and styling itself into a hip looking updo. Her inoffensive, practical clothes became a pair of tight jeans, strappy heels, fitted t-shirt and a sleek leather jacket.

“How do you feel about Karaoke now, Jennifer?”

“I love Karaoke. You know me, any excuse to get up on stage and sing. You’d think I’d get sick of it since I do it for a living, but I never do.” She checked her makeup in the mirror. It was perfect. “We should get back out there. I don’t want to miss my turn.”

Heather looked at her own reflection, finding it strange and foreign, but at the same time, comfortingly familiar. Thinking back to her self image of just last week, the purple hair and dark makeup was disturbing and shocking, but so much had changed since then and she rather liked her new look. It fitted the new her.

Janet held the bathroom door open for Heather. “When we’re around others can you be sure to use my stage name? I don’t want to confuse my fans.”

“Okay,” Heather said, not that she knew Jennifer’s stage name.

When they entered in the karaoke room a middle aged couple was mangling “I got you babe”. The audience was a little larger. Most of the people in their group were looking at their phones.

Heather stopped walking as she remembered the numbers that had come to her after her call with Donna: 3, 4, 7 and 0. Not nearly enough to make a phone number, but it was a start. She focused on her dream and Starshine in particular, hoping that more numbers would pop into her mind. After a couple futile minutes she gave up and reflected on her call with her sister. Something about their conversation had been off, something Donna had said about music.

Abigail sidled up to Heather “Is everything alright? How are Jimmy and Donna, they aren’t fighting already, are they?”

Heather realized what was bothering her. “Oh my god. That’s it. Donna said that she and Jimmy liked the same music. They hate each other’s music. They argued about it all the time. Donna loves Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and One Direction. Jimmy is obsessed with Dubstep.”

“Maybe their taste in music is changing like yours.”

“Maybe, but I didn’t mean to change their taste in music, what if something else changed to?”

“Something like…?”

“That’s the problem. I don’t know. I didn’t mean to turn Chloe’s hair blonde or Mr Whiskers hair black. What if I changed other things about them besides just their taste in music?”

Abigail took Heather’s hand in hers. “You worry too much. You always do. They’re going to be fine. Personally, I’m glad you changed my taste in music. Gospel and classical were okay, but they’re kind of boring. I can’t wait to really start exploring the punk and rock scene."

“I hope you’re right.”

“Of course I am.” Abigail frowned as she scrutinized Heather’s face. “Your lashes look amazing; they’re so long. Did you use magic while you were in the bathroom?”

“I turned Jennifer into a professional singer.” Heather fluttered her eyes, trying to feel a difference in her eyelashes. “She had horrible stage fright before, remember?”

“No,” Abigail said with a pout.

“Do you remember begging me to use magic on her earlier tonight?”

“I remember saying you should use your magic and not bottle it up, but I wanted you to make it so Nora could be a dancer,” Abigail said. “When you use magic on the others, I want to be there so I’ll remember what they used to be like.”

“Others?” Heather said, a frown creasing her brow.

“Yeah, you could help all of our friends. Rita is leaving tomorrow so you should definitely do her tonight.”

“You won’t give up will you?”

“You could grant everyone’s wishes. It’s selfish to keep it to yourself.”

“I’m not some genie in a bottle.” Heather said, feeling herself getting frustrated. She took a deep breath to calm herself. “What’s Jennifer’s stage name?”

“Rose Thorne.”

“She sings gospel hymns under the name Rose Thorne?” Heather asked.

“Alternative Christian rock.”

“So, I changed the type of music she sings? Great. It’s too dangerous to use magic when I don’t know what I’m doing.” Heather felt the magic rise along with her anger. “I need to clear my head.” She turned and walked toward the exit.

When she exited the restaurant and was hit by a wave of smoke coming from the smoking area, making her want one. She pulled Mr. Whiskers out of her purse and petted him while puzzling over her magic. It always came at a cost, mostly due to her lack of control. If only she knew what she was doing. She needed to get a hold of Starshine.

No! She didn’t need that witch. She needed to be rid of the magic, not learn how to use it. She needed Pastor William.

After a few minutes of petting, Mr Whiskers leapt to her shoulder where he laid down, his head next to her ear. His purring had an amazing calming effect of her. Almost without thinking she pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Janet stepped outside just as she exhaled a bunch of smoke, making her want to crawl under one of the cars.

Janet approached, waving at the smoke from Heather’s cigarette. “Can we talk for a bit?”

“Uh, okay.” Heather dropped her cigarette and then crushed it with her shoe.

“I’ll come straight to the point,” Janet said. Her expression was a mix of worry and compassion. “I’m very concerned about what is happening to your family. I grew up in the church and I’ve seen plenty of people backslide into sin, but never a whole family at the same time and never so quickly. I was concerned when your mother started smoking and dressing provocatively, but now both you and Bethany are doing the same. It is very troubling.”

“Bethany?” Heather started to panic. Janet had always referred to her sister as Elizabeth, just like everyone else at church. “When did you see my sister?”

“Sunday night. She showed up at our door unannounced, saying that she needed to talk to William. I don’t know what they talked about, but she didn’t stay very long. Which was just as well; she was dressed like a streetwalker and acted very rude.”

“Did Pastor William decide to go on his vacation after she left your house?”

“Yes, actually.”

“That bitch!”

“Language, Heather!”

“Sorry,” In a near whisper she said. “Do you believe in magic, Mrs. Henning?”

“You’re talking about real magic, aren’t you?” Janet said, looking at Heather warily. “Yes I do. William brought me along on one of his exorcisms and I saw things that have no other explanation.”

“Do you think that all magic is evil?”

“If it isn’t from God, then it is evil. Why do you ask?” The wariness on her face turned to dread.

Heather lowered her gaze. “I think my sister turned me into a witch. There was this weird ceremony with chanting and five pointed stars. It gave me magic and I’ve used it on people. I didn’t mean to, but I changed them.”

Janet took a step back from Heather.

“That’s why I want to see Pastor William so bad. He can help me. I know that he can.”

“William would be able to help you. That is true.” Courage fought for control on Janet’s face. “He will be home late tomorrow night.” She paused and chewed her lip, looking like she was trying to make a decision. After a half minute she said, “Would you like to stay over at my house tonight? You’ll be safe with me and you’ll see William as soon as I do.”

“I’d like that,” Heather said. “Abigail wanted me to use magic on everyone here. Grant them a wish or something like that. I didn’t want to do it, because I was afraid that it was wrong. Now I know it is.”

“You know, it might not be a good idea to go back inside and face anymore temptation. Let’s leave now. I’ll call Abigail when we get to my house and let her know that you’re safe.”

“I kind of wanted to hear Jennifer sing.” Heather didn’t like the idea of abandoning her best friend, but she trusted Janet’s wisdom.

“She’ll be singing at the church tomorrow night and on Sunday. My car is this way.”

Heather followed Janet to a brown Kia Soul. “Just curious, but what would you have wished for?”

“That’s easy. I’d wish to be pregnant. William and I have been trying for so long to have a baby. I’d do anything to become pregnant.”

Heather froze. “Anything?” A spasm rocked her body.

“Are you alright?” Janet asked.

The idea of Janet being pregnant suddenly consumed Heather, which made no sense to her. She’d never been that interested in children. She’d never babysat or ever helped out in the church nursery. It wasn’t like she had a problem with children in general, but she wasn’t obsessed with babies or the idea of motherhood like some of the women in the church, especially the ones in their twenties who’d recently married. It was all they ever talked about it and now it was all that Heather could think about.

“I’m going to help you become pregnant.”

Janet smiled. “And how do you plan to accomplish that?”

“Like this.” Heather’s hands felt like they were being controlled by someone else as they covered Janet’s womb. When the magic rose to the surface it felt different than it had every other time she’d used it. It felt dark. It felt alive and in control. It felt like it had a plan of its own.

“What are you doing? If this is some kind of joke it’s not in the least bit funny.” Janet tried to back away, but could not pull herself free from Heather’s touch. It was like they were fused together.

“Don’t fight it,” Heather said softly.

Janet’s body relaxed, but fear was still written all over her face. “Please don’t do this.” Her expression changed as the magic entered her. Her mouth went slack and her eyes became unfocused. “What are you doing to me?”

“Preparing your body for the baby that will soon grow inside it.” Heather said, not knowing where the words were coming from and hardly caring. Her body felt amazing, almost as good as it had when Abigail had touched her.

Janet shrieked, her body convulsing in pleasure. “Yes, yes, I accept. Ready my womb for his seed.”

And then she changed. Her hips swelled followed by her boobs. The rest of her body shed weight until it looked like she’d lost a couple dress sizes, giving her an enticing hourglass shape. Her face changed as well. Nothing drastic. Her skin looked softer, her hair fluffier and a little longer, her lips a tad fuller and her eyes a bit larger. She looked like an airbrushed photo of herself.

A towering voice that sounded like rocks in a garbage disposal spoke inside Heather’s mind. “You have done well my pet. Accept my gratitude.”

She was blasted with a wall of pleasure and with it a euphoria that make her weep and laugh with rapturous joy. Her body sang a song of pleasure that reached heights she’d never dreamed possible. It was more than simple sexual pleasure. It was all encompassing, filling her body, mind and soul, dwarfing an orgasm like the sun dwarfs a lightbulb. She didn’t know how long it lasted. When she regained her senses she noticed that she was still standing next to Janet outside of the Golden Palace, which meant that it was still Friday night.

“Thank you,” Janet said as her hands rubbed her lower abdomen. “I’m honored to be chosen. I will strive to be the best mother possible.”

“You’re welcome,” Heather said, still a little dazed. She pulled out a cigarette, needing one after the unimaginable pleasure she’d just experienced.

“Can I have one of those?”

“I didn’t know that you smoked.” Heather handed over a cigarette.

“I don’t.” Janet accepted a light and then dragged heavily on the cigarette. “I’ve never smoked before.” She emptied the smoke from her lungs and then took another long drag. “The thought of smoking was suddenly so appealing.”

“It looks like you’re enjoying it.” She watched Janet exhale a large plume of smoke into the night air as she lit her own cigarette.

It was strange, she didn’t feel that guilty about turning Janet into a smoker. It was nice to smoke with others and she’d always liked Janet’s company. She wondered what Pastor William was going to do when he found out that Janet smoked. She hadn’t become a lifelong smoker like Katherine had. This was her first cigarette; it just looked like she’d been smoking for years. Would Pastor William freak out or would he take it in stride, like Gordon had with Kathleen? When he cured Heather of her magic would his wife go back to being a non-smoker? Would Heather? Would Mr Whiskers turn white again?

“Thank you for the cigarette,” Janet said. “I never knew that they tasted so great. I can see why people smoke now.”

“You’re welcome,” Heather said with a big smile on her face. She pulled Mr Whiskers off her shoulder and held him in her arms, petting him while he purred in satisfaction. She felt like purring herself.

Janet took another puff and then looked at her dwindling cigarette. “I’ll have to pick up a pack or two on my way home. Did you still want to come over to my place?”

“I think that I’m going to stay here.”

“I think that’s a good idea. You should bless the others as you have blessed me.” Janet’s hands roamed her body, gliding over her breasts, down her sides and then between her legs. “I’m so damn horny right now. I’m going to jump William as soon as he walks in the door.”

Heather watched Janet drove off and then set Mr Whiskers on the ground to remove her jacket. The night air felt good against her skin and she didn’t care that half of her breasts were on display. Breasts were beautiful gifts from above and they should be shared. She stuffed her jacket into her purse, picked up Mr Whiskers and then walked to the restaurant, not caring if anyone saw him. If someone had a problem with her cat, they were going to have a problem with her.

The crowd in the karaoke room was a tad larger. A mother and her two daughters were singing “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen. Abigail rushed over before Heather made it halfway to the table. She grabbed Heather’s arm and pulled her back toward the door.

“You forgot to put your cat in your purse.”

“I didn’t forget.”

Abigail scrutinized Heather’s face before moving on to her cleavage. “There’s something different about you.” She sniffed the air. “Oh my god, you’re so mean. You had a cigarette without me.”

“Sorry,” Heather said, despite feeling anything but. “Come on, let’s sit down with the others.”

When they sat down all of the girls wanted to see Mr Whiskers. At Heather’s urging he allowed himself to be passed around the table, giving everyone a chance to pet him.

Ten minutes later the emcee called for Rose Thorne. Jennifer took the stage and sang, “Spirit in the Sky”, beautifully. Several groups of people entered the room from the restaurant, drawn in by Jennifer’s wonderful voice. When she finished singing the room erupted into applause, several people shouting, “Encore.” Jennifer walked straight to the signup list and signed herself up again, repeatedly.

Heather smiled as she compared Jennifer’s earlier performance to the one she’d just finished, feeling all tingling with pride. She’d done that. All these people were cheering Jennifer because she’d shared her magic. Imagine what she could do for the others.

Heather leaned over and whispered in Abigail’s ear. “You were right. I’ve been selfish.”

Abigail’s eyes widened. “You’re going to use more magic tonight?”

“I’m going to do what you asked. I’m going to use my magic to make their lives better.”

“Awesome,” Abigail said.

“We’ll start with Nora. Go invite her outside for a cigarette break.”

Heather retrieved her cat from Zoe and then followed Abigail and Nora outside. She hoped the voice would reward her for using her magic again. She wanted more of that kind of pleasure and at the moment she do anything to get it.

Abigail handed out cigarettes once they made it to the small glass enclosure that served as the restaurant’s outdoor smoking area.

Once everyone's cigarette were lit, Heather said, “Nora, if you could be a professional dancer, what kind would you want to be?”

Nora took a drag off her cigarette and then chuckled to herself. “I love all types of dance. As long as I can move my body to music and make a decent living doing it I’ll be happy.

Heather let loose the magic, focusing on Nora being able to make lots of money dancing. Her knees buckled as a magical beam struck Nora in the chest and a lightning bolt of pleasure shot into her pussy. Nora’s body stretched, gaining height as pounds fell away, going from a five-two butter ball to a five-nine swan. Like Jennifer, Nora’s posture changed, but where Jennifer took on an air of confidence, Nora was all grace. As she changed, Heather felt a prickly sensation on her lower back, like a handful of tiny spiders were crawling over her skin.

“This is a strange request, but could you show us a couple dance moves?” Heather asked.

Nora stuck her cigarette in her mouth, held her hands out to her sides, and then performed a perfect pirouette. The other two girls clapped appreciatively. Once they finished their cigarettes Heather and Abigail stayed outside while Nora went back into the restaurant.

“That was so amazing to watch,” Abigail said. “She’s so tall now. Wow!”

Heather ignored Abigail’s enthusiasm. She didn’t have the patience for it at the moment. “Go tell Rita that I need to see her. After her I’ll do Zoe.”

As Abigail walked away Heather sat down on a small bench, more than a little disappointed. Using the magic felt great like always, but it had been nothing like when she’d been rewarded by the voice. She didn’t know who or what he was, but he’d referred to her as his pet. She’d let him lead her around on a leash for another taste of his pleasure.

A few minutes later Rita walked outside. “Is everything okay? Abigail said that you needed to talk to me.”

“I know that you’re sad that you’re moving, but what if you could work for one of the United State senators in Seattle? What are their names again?”

“Washington’s senators are Patrick McMurray and Martina Hatwell,” Rita said with a sneer. “You do know that both of them are tax-them-dry democrats, right?”

“Oh.” Heather nibbled on the end of her thumb for a moment.

“Was that it? Any other political facts you need?”

An idea sprang into Heather’s head. “You could be a spy!”

“What are you babbling about?”

Heather unleashed the magic. “I’m talking about solving your political problems. You’re now the assistant director of Senator McMurray’s Seattle office.”

“But he’s a tree hugger,” Rita said and then let out a moan. Her face looked lost in pleasure.

“And you’re a mole for the republican party,” Heather said, trying not to moan herself. It wasn’t easy. The magic was doing wonderful things down below. “You’ll gather intel on the democrat’s agenda and you’ll use your cunning to seed doubt into the minds of his supporters, corrupting from within.” She felt a sharp pinch in each nipple as she cut off the magic.

“That’s brilliant!” Rita shrieked. “I can’t wait to get started.” She now wore a pair of sandals, a knee length hemp skirt and an organic cotton blouse. Her purse, which was now more of a satchel and made out of burlap, was covered in buttons with sayings like, “Don’t assume my Gender”, “I think therefore I’m liberal” and “It’s 420 somewhere”.

Heather watched Rita walk back into the restaurant with a mix of satisfaction and further disappointment. She was proud of her solution to Rita’s problem, but still disappointed that the pleasure she’d received had once again been merely orgasmic. After a few minutes of brooding she picked up Mr Whiskers and looked him in the eye.

“I’m being greedy, aren’t I? I should be happy that I can help my friends. Any pleasure I receive should be secondary.”

Mr Whiskers meowed back at her.

“It’s just that I can’t stop thinking about how good it felt to be rewarded by that voice. I wish you’d felt it too, so you’d know what I’m talking about.” She set him on her lap and petted him as she waited for Abigail and Zoe.

Heather didn’t even gave Zoe a chance to speak before she used the magic, walking up to her as soon as she and Abigail exited the restaurant and letting her have it, focusing on her having an easier time bonding with the girls at the mission.

The change happened quickly. In a matter of seconds Zoe, the conservative christian girl, was no more. In her place was a woman who looked like she’d spent years living on the streets, surviving by whatever means necessary. Her clothes consisted of a worn pair of sneakers, camo pants and a tight shirt that looked like an oversized sports bra, leaving most of her torso bare. A large pair of hoop earrings hung from her ears. Her makeup was sparse and her cheeks looked like they’d spent many long hours being exposed to the sun and wind. She held herself in a way that looked like she was ready to run or fight at any moment. Her arms were decorated with several tattoos a smattering of small red marks.

“Yo, one of you girls got a cigarette I could bum?” Zoe said.

“Do you still work for the outreach mission in Cheyenne?” Heather asked as she handed over the pack and lighter.

Zoe lit her cigarette and then let it hang from the corner of her mouth. “Damn straight. Them’s my peeps.”

“You should smoke quickly,” Abigail said. “Rose will be singing again soon and I don’t want to miss a second.”

“You know it,” Zoe said. “This place about to be turnt.”

“Can you give us a moment alone, Zoe?” Heather asked. Once Zoe was out of earshot she whispered to Abigail, “She’s the last one.”

Abigail looked saddened. “But there’s still Hanna, Laurie and the three guys.”

“I’m not in the mood anymore. I might be willing to do some more tomorrow, but right now I just want to go home and crawl in bed.”

“You should at least do Hanna,” Abigail pleaded. “I already told her that you had a special surprise for her.”

“Fine, whatever.”

Once Zoe finished her cigarette Abigail followed her back into the restaurant and then reappeared with Hanna a minute later.

“Tell her what you told me,” Abigail said.

Hanna hesitated, looking nervously between Abigail and Heather.

“Relax, neither of us is going to judge you,” Abigail said as she rummaged through her purse. “We all want what we want.” She pulled out a pack of cigarettes. “Want one?”

Hanna made a face. “I don’t smoke. But I’ve always thought it would be cool to be a circus clown.”

“Easily done.” Heather said.

Hanna clothes suddenly exploded with color, her pants split just below her waist, the bottom half becoming a pair of rainbow thigh highs and the top half changing into a pink skirt covered in colorful polka dots with a white petticoat peeking out from beneath. Her shirt stayed white, but its neckline plunged as her breasts swelled. A pink bow sat at the base of her bountiful cleavage, like her breasts were a gift to the world. Her lips plumped and her cheekbones raised, giving her a delicate heart shaped face. Her face was framed by a mass of multi colored curls. Red hearts decorated both cheeks and the tip of her nose.

“You’re one sexy clown,” Abigail said.

“Don’t I know it,” Hanna struck a pose. “You should see me when I’m performing my after hours show. I go all out.”

“I’d love to see that,” Heather said. Between the magic and Hanna’s new tits she was having trouble standing, her legs feeling like jelly.

“Want to see a neat trick? Hand me your cigarette.” Hanna took a puff off Abigail’s cigarette and then blew a series of smoke rings, which floated away from her in a line. She took another quick puff and then shot a single smoke ring straight through all the others. “Pretty neat, huh?”

Heather and Abigail applauded.

She handed the cigarette back to Abigail. “I know a couple more tricks, but I don’t want to smoke all of your cigarette.”

“I have more,” Abigail said.

“I try to keep my smoking strictly to my act.” She took a step toward Heather, gazing intently at her face. “You’re eyebrows look wicked. Are they pierced?”

“It wouldn’t surprise me,” Heather said.

When they rejoined the others they found that the celebration had changed from a Rita goodbye party to a Rita and Hanna goodbye party. Hanna was taking a Greyhound to Nevada on Saturday to meet up with a traveling circus.

Several people were dancing in front of the stage, most notably Nora who moved with a breathtaking grace. Laurie was talking with Zoe while Todd, Kirk and Michael were taking turns arm wrestling. Hanna produced a bag of balloons and started making balloon animals, much to the amusement of a group of teenage girls.

When Jennifer took the stage she brought down the house. People flooded into the room from the dining room, abandoning their meals. When she finished singing she immediately launched into another song, having signed up multiple times in a row, something that was normally against the rules, but no one seemed to care. The night became a mini Rose Thorne concert. The room continued to fill with people as Jennifer sang until it was standing room only.

At quarter to eleven the emcee announced that there would be one more song before closing. The crowd booed loudly.

Jennifer took the microphone from the emcee. “All good things must come to an end. But as one day ends another begins and I’ll be singing tomorrow night at Grace Church. The show starts at 6.”

Everyone cheered.

Once the show was over everyone hugged Rita and Hanna goodbye. The guys gave Heather and Abigail a ride back to their place and then invited them inside. Heather declined at first, but then Todd said that they had a couple bottles of wine and Abigail gave her a “please let’s stay” look. What Heather really wanted to do was crawl in bed and sleep for a week. She’d been up for over 17 hours and the prior night’s sleep hadn’t been that great. Still, Kirk was awfully cute and she longed to kiss him again. The last time they’d kissed she’d been too anxious to properly enjoy it. At the time she’d been terrified of losing control of her magic; at the moment she could hardly care less.

While Todd led the girls down into the basement, Kirk went to check in on their roommate, Byron. Heather and Abigail sat down on the couch while Todd grabbed the wine and glasses from behind the bar. Mr Whiskers curled up on one of the love seats. Todd joined them a minute latter with two bottles of Merlot and four wine glasses.

“You know, if you two scoot over a little I can sit by Abigail and Kirk could sit by Heather without splitting you two up.” Todd said as he poured the wine, filling the air with fermented grapes. “That way it will be boy, girl, girl, boy.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to be boy, boy, girl, girl? You two looked awfully cute together up on stage,” Abigail said. “Maybe we want to see you two kiss again.”

“Speaking of which, you two never did kiss for us on Thursday,” Todd said as he sat down.

“It’s settled then, You and Kirk can make out on that side of the couch and I’ll keep Heather all to myself.” Abigail slid her arm around Heather’s waist, pulling her close.

“Kirk’s my roommate. If I want to kiss him I can do it whenever I want.” He slapped the empty space next to him. “Now slide over here next to me, girlfriend.”

Abigail turned to Heather.“Sorry, I’ve been summoned,” She scooted over to Todd.

“Byron’s asleep,” Kirk said as he entered the room. “I locked the door to the basement to be on the safe side.” He picked up two wine glasses off the coffee table and handed them to Heather and Abigail.

Heather slid closer to Abigail to give room on the couch for Kirk. “I’ve never drank alcohol before.”

“I snagged it from my dad’s wine seller.” Kirk said. ‘Let me know what you think.”

Abigail took a drink. “It’s pretty good.”

Heather took a small sip. “It’s nice.”

She set her glass on the coffee table. She hadn’t really liked the taste of the wine. Abigail had told her it was something of an acquired taste. Her parents drank wine with dinner occasionally and had let Abigail have her first taste several years ago.

“You can smoke in here,” Todd said. “We don’t mind.”

Abigail drained her glass. “I think my mouth is going to be too busy to smoke.” She kissed Todd.

Kirk set his glass of wine next to Heather’s. “I think she has the right idea.”

Kirk placed his hand on the side of Heather’s face and then kissed her gently on the lips. She returned the kiss and his gentleness was quickly replaced with an exciting intensity. His tongue slid into her mouth and she accepted it eagerly. His kissed much differently than Abigail. There was strength and determination in his kiss. His hands moved behind her head and pulled her mouth even deeper into his, like he wanted to swallow her whole. She slid her hand under his shirt and explored his firm hairless chest with her fingers.

Heather broke the kiss when she heard the sound of a zipper. She watched Abigail pull Todd’s cock free from his pants and then run her tongue along its length.

“That’s looks like fun, doesn’t it,” Kirk whispered in Heather’s ear.

She ignored him. He was correct that it did look hot, but it was also out of character for Abigail. Just a week ago she would have turned several shades of red just at the mention of words “blow job” and now she was performing one right in front of her.

Noticing that she had an audience, Abigail let Todd’s cock slip from her mouth. “You have to try this Heather. It’s better than I imagined.” She sucked Todd’s erection back into her mouth.

Kirk placed Heather’s hand on his crotch. “I’m game if you are.”

She resisted the urge to yank her hand away, the smile of Kirk’s face giving her strength. She squeezed gently, afraid that she might hurt him. His smile broadened as the lump beneath her hand became even lumpier. A naughty, sexy thrill flowed through her belly and down between her legs.

She squeezed harder.

Kirk’s face lost the smile, but was replaced with a soft moan.

She squeezed again. His cock continued to swell.

She looked at Kirk’s face. His eyes were half open and his mouth hung open. She looked over at Abigail. Her head was a pink blur as it bobbed up and down on Todd’s erection exuberantly. She grabbed a glass of wine with her free hand and took a big gulp. It still didn’t taste that good, but it warmed her throat. As Kirk’s cock stiffened in his pants, her womanhood grew warm and damp.

She unzipped his fly and pulled him free. It was the first penis that she’d ever touched. A milky liquid sat at the tip of his cock, calling to her. She sank to the floor, kneeling before him as she ran her hand up and down his length, loving the silky feeling of his veiny skin as it slid over the rigid muscle beneath. Yet, she hesitated. Did she really want to do this? Even with all that had happened to her recently--smoking, using magic, being intimate with Abigail--she still wasn’t sure that she was ready to have sex, oral or otherwise.

“I’m sorry,” Heather said softly.

She jumped back and nearly knocked over the wine when Todd leaned to the side, his head right next to hers.

“It’s a crime to waste such a perfectly good erection.” Todd dove on Kirk’s cock, engulfing half of it with his mouth.

Kirk placed his hands on Todd’s head and let out a moan as he guided him up and down his manhood. “You’ve got an amazing mouth, dude.”

Heather picked up Kirk’s wine and drank it while watching Abigail suck Todd’s cock while he sucked Kirk’s. It was horribly erotic and made her all the hornier. She finished Kirk’s wine quickly and then poured herself another. It was starting to taste good and her inhibitions were melting away. Unfortunately her resolve lasted longer than either of the guys.

Kirk was first to blow. He screamed out, “Oh, fuck” just as his body went rigid. Todd made a few moaning sounds and then quickened his pace. Just as Kirk’s body started to relax, Todd’s stiffened and Abigail started sucking loudly. Heather grabbed the bottle and drank from it, mad at herself for sitting out of all the fun.

She fished a couple cigarettes out of her purse, lit one, handed it to Abigail, and then lit another for herself. She took another pull from the wine bottle before handing it to Abigail.

“Does it taste better than the wine?” Heather asked.

Abigail responded by slipping her tongue into Heather’s mouth. In addition to the wine and tobacco she caught a hint of saltiness and musk.

“That was almost worth the wait,” Todd said once the girls stopped kissing.

“It’s probably better that you stay here tonight since you’ve been drinking,” Todd said. “You’re welcome to our beds. We’ll sleep on the couches.”

“Heather and I can share a bed,” Abigail said. “We’ve been sleeping together in my bed all week.”

“Have you now?” Todd said with a lecherous grin.

“Behave yourself,” Kirk said as he rolled his eyes. “You’re welcome to my bed.”

They stayed up for another half hour, listening to music and finishing off the wine. When Kirk showed them to his bedroom the girls had to hold onto each other otherwise they were liable to fall over. Once the girls entered his room, Kirk said goodnight and then slipped into Todd’s bedroom, closing the door behind him. The girls stripped to their bra and panties and climbed into bed. Mr Whiskers nuzzled up against Heather's side.

“I’m sorry that I turned your boyfriend gay,” Heather said as she petted her cat. The room was turning slowly in a counterclockwise direction. She closed one eye and it came to a stop.

“He’s bisexual if anything,” Abigail said as she snuggled up against Heather. “Besides, I think they might have been into each other for a while now and were just afraid to admit it.”

“Maybe.” Heather gave Abigail a kiss and then closed her other eye, hoping that sleep would come quickly and without any strange dreams.

Heather's story - chapter 11