The Rival

Chapter 1
Chapter 1

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Chapter Description: A woman uses her boyfriend's youth ray without permission.

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"Tom, don’t you ever think of... settling down?" Suzy smiled, a quizzical expression on her face as she looked at her lover across the elegant dinner table. They were at the end of another romantic dinner date at one of their favorite restaurants. It wasn’t the first time she had brought up the subject, and, like many of their evenings out, the conversation seemed always to drift to the inevitable topic.

"Suzy, we’ve been through this before. You know how I feel."

Exasperated, Suzy huffed. "Oh, don’t tell me you’re going to lecture me again on my ’headstrong nature’ and ’lack of caution’" Tom was always criticizing her for jumping into things and letting her curiosity get the better of her, but as a professional news woman, it was her job!

Suzy, a wheat colored blonde with a beautiful face and striking figure, was a top reporter, always on the television, or globe trotting on one exotic assignment or another. She loved her job but at age 36 she was starting to worry about her biological clock - and she wanted to marry Tom in the worst way. She really did love him!

"Look, Suzy, you almost got yourself killed last year covering that story. If it weren’t for the police finding you at the last minute, you wouldn’t be here now."

"Hey, that story got me the Pulitzer Prize! I’d do it again in a second!"

"You see! That’s just what I mean! You’re too reckless, too headstrong - I’d be worried sick if we were married. It’s bad enough as it is! What if you had children? You can’t just consider the consequences for yourself - what about other people that care about you?"

"Hmmf! Who do you think you are? My father? I’ve got my own life and I’ll live it just the way I want! I don’t care..."

"Just listen to yourself!" said Tom. "That’s not a mature adult talking! You have to take responsibility for your actions. Sure I want to settle down and get married - and you know I’m crazy about you! - but I need to be sure whoever I choose is ready to commit to it!"

Suzy sat back and breathed a sigh of frustration. She had been dating Tom for - what was it now? - eight years, off and on. The two were the perennial "society couple," everyone’s favorite dashing pair.

Tom, dark and handsome, was one of the most eligible bachelors in town. In fact, according to Metro Magazine he was The Most Eligible Bachelor, subject of a cover story about his exciting biotech company he started from scratch. He sold part of it to Japanese investors last year and cashed out $35 million plus options for much more. The firm, YouthGene, was a leading innovator in genetic research and application. Rumors were swirling that he was on the brink of a startling new discovery that would turn the market upside down. Tom was very well known and since making it big last year was a constant target of every young woman in town.

Speaking of which... "Tom? Tom, is that you?" The beautiful redhead beamed as she crossed the room to greet Tom, her sexy body poured into the latest designer dress, which perfectly complimented her exquisitely made up face, long crimson tresses, and expensive but tasteful jewelry. Every male eye in the room seemed to be riveted on the strikingly lovely woman with the bright, intelligent smile.

Suzy sighed and put on a wan smile as she watched the ravishing young woman lean across the table to plant a kiss on her date. The redhead straightened, then smiled at Suzy. "Oh, Suzy! I didn’t realize it was you! How nice to see you!"

"Great to see you, too Monique." said Suzy, lying through her teeth and wishing the foxy young redhead would somehow vaporize instantly.

"Sorry to barge in, Suzy. We’ve just got to discuss a few work details. I’ll only be a second!" smiled Monique, as she leaned over to speak with Tom, her lovely breasts almost spilling out of her dress.

As Monique engaged herself in animated discussion with Tom, Suzy warily regarded her rival. Suzy knew her well - in fact, who didn’t? As a reporter, Suzy had often written about Monique, how she was, at only 27 years old, by far the most successful young venture capitalist in the Valley, and how her well timed investments and prescient market timing had helped Tom make his many millions. She was extremely intelligent, resourceful, driven to make a deal, and rumored to be not above using all of her substantial feminine wiles to get her way. Lately Tom was often seen with her at business functions, power breakfasts - and now everyone in town was abuzz with the latest rumors of some huge new deal afoot between the two.

Her polite smile fixed coldly on her face, Suzy regarded the sophisticated redhead. How do I hate thee? thought Monique. Let me count the ways: she’s beautiful, smart, rich, successful, completely full of herself, a spectacularly successful career woman at an age when most other venture capitalists were still running spreadsheets and schlepping coffee. Monique’s success had already translated into all the material trappings one could conceivably want - a beautiful house with more bedrooms than she could possibly use (even with her rumored skill at providing EVERY service for her clients) filled with servants, antique furnishings, a top notch art collection, and classic cars.

But Monique seemed to really focus her money and attention on clothes, her slinky designer outfits beautifully complimenting her sexy frame, which most males agreed was by far the best work of art in her collection. Tonight’s outfit was no exception, a simple strapless red dress perfectly highlighting her shock of red hair, the short skirt accentuating her long shapely legs.

One particularly irritating aspect of Monique was her breasts. M’s size 36D breasts were beyond reproach, absolutely flawless, an exquisite matched set that always were... THERE! Perky, perfect, and in your face, they seemed somehow to be always insinuating themselves into the conversation. Added to all of her other advantages they seemed completely unfair - like fate’s one last twist of the knife.

Suzy hated people like Monique (and Monique in particular) with a passion. While Suzy felt she had to struggle on her (relatively) meager salary, Monique seemed to flit from one spectacular success to another. Even seemingly minor details were irritating, like Monique’s hair, which was always immaculate - while Suzy had lovely corn silk colored hair, she had to constantly fight the frizzies. A mere mortal like Suzy felt she was always lurching from one busted scheme to another, while everything Monique touched seemed to come out perfect!

And to top it all off, Monique was almost 10 years younger than Suzy! Life was definitely not fair!

Finally, Monique finished her conversation with Tom and wriggled off to her table. "Hmmf!" sighed Suzy, "I don’t know why you have to spend so much time with that... that Monique person!"

"Why Suzy, you’re not jealous by any chance, are you?" Tom was grinning. He hadn’t seen this side of Suzy before.

"Who? Me? Jealous? Not at all!" Suzy feigned surprise, "It’s just, well, she’s so... young! She can’t have that much experience to offer! I just don’t know why you have to give all your business to her! What’s wrong with all the other investment firms?"

"Why honey, I think you ARE jealous! Honestly, Suzy, here I always thought you were this modern independent woman - a free thinker! Remember, you’re the one that always insisted we should each continue to date other people. You’re not getting possessive on me now, are you?"

"No, it’s just... Oh never mind!" Suzy really didn’t want Tom to get the idea she felt at all threatened by Monique. "Let’s just stop talking about her! Besides, we need to get out of here - didn’t you say you had to swing by your office? Why don’t you get the check while I go to the ladies room?"

Suzy was washing her hands in the bathroom when Monique suddenly appeared next to her. Looking up into the mirror at herself and the sexy redhead, Suzy was shocked at how different they looked, especially standing side by side. Suzy was still a very good looking woman, but compared to Monique, she really looked much older! The fluorescent lighting seemed to highlight all of her little wrinkles and sags, while Monique’s flawless skin and perfect body appeared to glow with youth!

"Hi Suzy! I didn’t get much of a chance to talk to you earlier."

Oh no, thought Suzy, I’m not falling for her tricks! "So I noticed! You were much too busy with my date!"

"Hey, Suzy. Don’t take it so personally! Now, Tom and I have been working a lot with each other, but..."

Suzy, who never believed in mincing words, cut in sharply, "Look you carrot topped hussy! You stay away from my man, you understand? Tom and I are serious about each other, so butt out!"

Monique wasn’t intimidated in the least - she loved a good fight! The sultry redhead shot Suzy an amused glance and grinned, "Hmmm... You seem so defensive, my dear! You aren’t worried about a little competition are you?"

"I’m telling you to get out of our lives! Scram!"

Monique turned her sexy body, aiming her ample breasts at Suzy, and spoke in an amused but deadly serious voice. "Why Suzy! I don’t think you know me very well! Let me clue you in." She leaned close to Suzy’s face and whispered. "If I want something - anything at all! - I’ll get it! And that includes your precious boyfriend!"

"Bitch!" snarled Suzy.

"Sucker!" smiled Monique.

Infuriated, Suzy turned in a huff and stormed out of the room. Although she didn’t mention the incident to Tom, it was quite a while before she finally calmed down. Sitting in Tom’s Mercedes, she was quiet during the whole ride to YouthGene.

********

Later, at his office, Tom quickly finished up his calls. Suzy was always curious to see the latest technology at YouthGene, and tonight was no exception. Tom gave her a brief tour through the research room with the latest gadgets the R&D boys had put together.

"And here’s the piece de resistance!" exulted Tom, gesturing at large object that looked like a ray gun from a grade B science fiction movie. "This baby will really put YouthGene on the map!"

"What does it do?"

"Here. Take a look!" Tom picked up a small cage containing a laboratory mouse and placed it in front of the ray gun. He threw a switch and a humming noise emanated from the contraption. After about 30 seconds, he shut off the switch and picked up the cage, holding it up for Suzy to inspect.

"So? It’s still a little mouse. Is there supposed to be some difference?"

"Can’t you tell? Now it’s a SMALLER mouse - it’s gotten younger!"

"What??" Suzy’s eyes popped open! He was right! The little mouse was now noticeably smaller and less mature looking. This was incredible!

"It’s the fountain of youth, Suzy! What people have been seeking from time immemorial! Just think, if we can perfect its use for people..."

"Wow! Have you actually tried it on anybody yet?" asked Suzy.

"Oh, no way! We’ve got a long way to go before we can do that - FDA approval, SEC reviews. It’s tough enough just using it on lab animals now what with all of the animal rights people around..." Tom suddenly stopped and pulled a small buzzing pager from his pocket. "Oh, sorry, Suzy. I’ve got to go return this call. You can just wait here if you don’t mind. I’ll be back in a few minutes." He paused and looked at her with a serious expression, "Just don’t touch anything! Keep that curiosity of yours in check for once in your life!"

"Me? Touch your machines? Of course not!" harrumphed Suzy.

Suddenly Suzy was alone in the room with the youth ray. Hmmmm... she thought, looking at the machine with intense curiosity, and thinking of how old her reflection looked next to that stupid redhead’s. She sure could do with just a little bit of youthening! Just something to take away a few of her wrinkles. If she was quick about it, she could grab just a few of the rays before Tom returned. Just a short bust couldn’t do much harm...

Impulsively, Suzy rushed over to the machine and quickly threw the switch on the ray gun, then jumped in front, catching the rays on her body. After she counted off a few seconds, she quickly ran back and shut off the machine!

Suzy paused for a moment, her heart pounding like mad! What the heck have I done? she thought. If Tom saw her using the youth machine he’d have a fit! After his warning tonight, they’d definitely be through! What had she been thinking of? She quickly ran into the bathroom to check herself. Suzy sighed with relief as she looked in the mirror - no change! All of her little wrinkles (laugh lines, she reminded herself positively) were still there! Tom would never know she’d played around with his equipment! Whew!

As Suzy came out of the bathroom, she bumped into Tom, who was returning from his phone call. Suzy was so tense she almost jumped in the air.

"Hey, are you all right?" asked Tom, noticing her nervousness.

"Oh, sorry! I guess it’s just been a long day! Let’s get out of here!" smiled Suzy.

Later, as she was preparing for bed, Suzy checked her reflection in the mirror again. Still no change! Too bad - she was hoping to be just a little bit younger. It must not work on people, she thought. Well, maybe she wouldn’t be as young as that stupid Monique, but at least Tom would never find out about her little adventure. She went into a dreamless sleep, thinking the little incident was over.

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The next morning, Suzy felt funny as she got out of bed. Sitting up and stretching her arms, her sleeves covered her hands! Hopping out of bed, her nightgown trailed on the floor as she ran to look in the mirror. Looking at her reflection, her mouth fell open in shock! "Oh no!" she thought. "I’ve shrunk!" She was only about 16 years old - a regular teenager! Her little breasts barely pushed out against her oversized nightie, and her open mouth and little upturned nose looked so innocent! The youth ray really DID work! She HAD gotten younger - TOO MUCH younger!

G-gosh! Now I’m really in trouble! thought Suzy. Tom will definitely kill me if he sees me like this! If he found out I fooled around with that youth ray he might be through with me for good! And that stupid sexy Monique would be there ready to pick up the pieces! Suzy shivered when she thought of how the two of them would look together now - she would be like Monique’s little sister! She had to grow back! But how?

She decided she would try to sneak back in to YouthGene and somehow find an antidote before Tom figured out what happened to her. With a sudden inspiration, Suzy rushed over to her computer and sent an Email:

Hi Tom:

Something’s come up - I’ve got to go out of town to cover a big new story, probably be gone a few days.

My sister called - my niece is doing a story for her high school newspaper on entrepreneurs, and really wants to interview you. Would you mind? I’d really appreciate it as a special favor. Her name’s Sally Morrison and she’ll be coming in later this morning.

Thanks!

Suzy

Later that morning, after a little clothes shopping, Suzy arrived at YouthGene. She had spent an hour in the "Junior Teen" section of the department store and really looked the part of an earnest young high schooler. Suzy was wearing a loose sweater and a pleated skirt and her corn silk hair was tied back in a girlish pony tail. Trying to avoid triggering any suspicion by Tom, she even used a young girl’s flowery perfume, lip gloss and bright cosmetics. Checking her reflection in a store window, she looked just like a cute little high school cheerleader!

Riding up in the elevator she was struck by how big everything seemed - she had shrunk some 5 inches and was now a little over 5 feet tall. Luckily, the receptionist had already read the Email and let her go right in to Tom’s office.

"Hi, Mr. Johnson! I’m Sally Morrison! It’s so nice to meet you!" Suzy smiled up at Tom, playing the part of an eager young teenage girl. So far so good, she thought - Tom didn’t seem to recognize her!

"So, young lady, what can I do for you?" asked Tom, smiling down at the cute little teen.

Suzy fidgeted nervously as they both sat down - it felt so funny to see Tom so much bigger and more mature than herself! "Er, well, I’m, like, doing a project on successful people - ones that, like, started their own companies or made a lot of money. I think you know my aunt, Suzy, so she suggested I talk to you."

After a brief overview of YouthGene, Suzy led the conversation to what she was really interested in - the youth ray! Tom offered to take the young girl back to see the new invention, and obligingly arranged another demonstration, showing her the amazing effect the ray had on the lab mice.

"Wow! That’s really incredible!" said Suzy. "How young do they get?"

"Well, it varies depending on the subject. Take this one for example." Tom picked up a small cage - the same one he used last night. "This little mouse was experimented on yesterday. When we started he was a fully mature mouse, but look at him now!"

Suzy’s eyes popped open wide - the young mouse had now regressed to a little newborn baby mouse! The teeny little lab animal was curled up in a fetal position, a hairless little ball, its miniature eyes closed tight. "Gosh! It’s so tiny! W-what’s gonna happen to it?"

"Well, if we leave it, it will keep getting younger and smaller until it simply disappears from sight - it’ll just vanish!" said Tom, smiling down at the cute teenager.

Suzy gulped. This was a lot worse than she thought! She tried not to betray her panic. "Um, gee, is there any way to make to, like, stop them getting any younger? Or to make them older again? Like, y’know, make them grow back to the way they were before?"

"You mean an antidote? Yes, we’ve been working on that. There is one, but it’s quite expensive." he picked up a small vial of pills and showed them to little Suzy. "These concentrated growth pills are the only thing that will work. We’ve found that in most cases taking one of these is enough to completely reverse the process."

Suzy took the vial and looked at the little pills intently. She had found what she needed! It was right in her hand! Now, if only she could sneak one out of the bottle...

But Tom reached over and casually plucked the vial from the little teen’s grasp. "I have to put these back now - they’re so valuable we can’t let them leave this room." He placed them on the table and smiled. "Well, I think that’s all the time I can give you today, young lady. I have get back to work."

Suzy thanked Tom for the interview and excused herself. Riding down in the elevator, her thoughts were a panicky jumble - what was she going to do now? How could she get her hands on the growth pills? And was she going to continue shrinking just like the little baby mouse? Suzy shivered as she remembered the tiny hairless baby mouse curled up in its cage. What were the consequences for her? Maybe she would eventually turn into a little baby or even disappear completely!!?

 

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