Intentional Accidents

Chapter 2
Fresh

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Chapter Description: Immediately Victoria sprang from her bed and rushed into the bathroom. She was shocked--in a good way--to see not the reflection she had seen yesterday, but instead the image of a girl of fifteen, a Freshman rather than a Senior, staring back at her.

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"Wake up, sleepyhead! You’ll be late for school."

Victoria groaned at the sound of her mother’s voice and pulled the covers over her head. Another day of the same-old same-old...Guess even Hope has abandoned me.

But then there came an unexpected voice after her mother’s.

"Yeah, your mother’s right. Hurry up and get dressed so you don’t miss breakfast." The voice was masculine. Gentle. Warm.

My father’s voice...

Immediately Victoria sprang from her bed and rushed into the bathroom. She was shocked--in a good way--to see not the reflection she had seen yesterday, but instead the image of a girl of fifteen, a Freshman rather than a Senior, staring back at her. Victoria gawked at her youthful figure and its somewhat reduced assets for several long moments before she finally noticed the clammy feeling between her legs. Looking down, she saw that she was still wearing the Hopes, and that they were definitely wet.

It had worked. It had actually worked.

Not wanting her parents to see her in moist babywear, Victoria shut the bathroom door and slid the thing off. Examining it, she quickly noticed that three stars had faded off the front...and she was three years younger. As she had guessed, the glistening stars on the Hope products were directly connected with her age.

Mystified, Victoria disposed of the enchanted underthing and observed herself in the mirror again. She had worn her hair somewhat short at fifteen, which, coupled with the natural fire-hued curliness, gave a pretty cute effect. Her bust was much less busty, but more pert and controllable, which she found herself liking. She was a bit thinner in some places, the hips and backside in particular. And of course, she had lost a few inches, taking her back down to 5’6’’. Somehow Victoria didn’t mind, though. Quite the contrary, she was feeling rather euphoric.

Her mind was racing with thrills as she took a quick shower. The excitement was understandable: her father was his old self again; she wasn’t on those depressing anti-depressants anymore; she didn’t have to do any boring odd-jobs to help support the family.

Then again, she would have to do most of high school a second time. But that wouldn’t be so bad, Victoria reasoned. She still knew everything she’d learned, so she’d be able to breeze right through it. There was, of course, the matter of relationships. Did she still have the same friends she’d had the first time she was 15?

This brought up other questions. Was it 2008, or 2005? Did she go back in time, or was this some new reality crafted by the power of Hope? And what about her family, were they younger too?

Toweling off, Victoria walked back into her room and examined her wardrobe. There it was, her school uniform for Meadowbrook High, in fifteen-year-old size. With a chuckle she laid it out on the bed, and then opened her chest-of-drawers to get some panties. Upon opening the drawer, Victoria was startled to find Hopes in a neat stack beside the real panties. It seemed that, whatever the circumstances, her parents knew that Victoria wore these things. But they probably just believe I use them for bedwetting protection; I shouldn’t say anything about their magic, Victoria reasoned.

Dressing quickly, Victoria raced downstairs to see her father and mother laughing together at the breakfast table as they ate. She felt like crying, seeing her dad back in action, but fought back the tears; nobody would likely understand them. Looking up from a bite of his French toast, Victoria’s father spoke up.

"There you are. Thought you’d never come down. Hurry up and eat, if you’re late for school I’ll be late for work," he said with a wink. Of course, Victoria realized, I can’t drive yet so he’s gotta drop me off. She laughed softly and sat down to a breakfast of her mother’s dynamite omelet/hash brown/bacon/biscuit combo. Beats a Grand Slamwich any day, thought the beaming girl.

As she ate, Victoria wondered what had become of her brother. Thomas was in the 7th grade, as far as Victoria knew, but she didn’t see him at breakfast.

Puzzled, she asked: "Hey dad, where’s Tommy?"

Her father, looking equally puzzled, replied, "Well, he took the bus to school like he always does. I don’t mind driving you, of course, but once you get your permit maybe I’ll take the passenger’s side." Victoria chuckled. I guess some things haven’t changed. "Yeah, and when I have my full license you’re giving me the Cadillac, right?" she teased, eliciting sarcastic laughter from him.

The car ride to school was short, but meaningful to Victoria. For one thing, she had time to sort things out. It actually was still 2008, but her parents hadn’t gotten any younger, and they didn’t recall her being any older...which, she decided, was probably for the best. Tommy was still in grade 7, and 13 years old, as he’d always been. Victoria thought it was odd that Tommy was now only two years her junior, but was at least relieved that they didn’t go to the same school; she’d always considered him very immature. One big question still lingered in Victoria’s mind as her father made the last turn toward Meadowbrook High: who were her friends in this new reality, and were any of them more than friends?

Her father’s car pulled up alongside the school. Victoria was ready to settle into her new life, looking every bit the Freshman that she now was. She found herself actually excited to have a new start, especially now that her father was back with her. The giddy young teen looked at the school entrance, then back at her dad.

“Have a great day, Vicky,” he said with a smile. She returned the smile, actually glad to have someone call her Vicky again. “I will,” she responded happily. “Love ya, daddy.” After exchanging a kiss on the cheek with him, she hopped out of the car, waved as her father pulled out of the school’s lot, and then hauled her backpack along with her into the high school. This was going to be a good day.

***

This is not a good day...

Victoria was sulking a bit as she sat at the lunch table. She had been so hopeful we she first arrived, but one thing after another had gotten in the way of her good mood. For one thing, her first class of the day was Spanish. Victoria had always experienced trouble with foreign languages, and it didn’t help that she had only taken German in her original reality. She felt completely out of her element, halfway through the academic year without any clue what was going on in the course. Of course, she had tried to remain positive, reasoning that the day would get better.

Unfortunately, it didn’t. Next in Victoria’s schedule was Gym, and despite her love of volleyball she found herself having trouble. In her previous life, she’d spent her first three years of high school doing Cross Country jogging and Volleyball as team sports, toning her muscles and getting her into true athletic form -- and she was really good, having been MVP for the Volleyball team in their last season. But now, even though her mind knew exactly how to play it, her body didn’t. Victoria found herself losing her balance a lot, being clumsy with her legs and weak with her arms. At one point she had a chance to make what she knew was a perfect shot, but her arms missed their mark and the ball struck her in the head before plopping to the floor, joined shortly thereafter by Victoria herself. She was embarrassed, falling on her butt in front of everyone and struggling to rise due to the vertigo and fatigue. As she sat rubbing her aching hind quarters, she heard some fellow students laughing at her misfortune. Almost on the verge of tears, she opened her eyes to see a familiar face, someone reaching a hand down to her.

“Are you alright?” the pretty brunette inquired. Victoria blinked, then took the girl’s hard and was helped to her feet. “Yeah,” Victoria responded, “I’m okay now. Thanks.” The kind girl grinned. “Anything for you, Vicky.” It quickly dawned on the rejuvenated redhead who her Good Samaritan was: Madison. When the girl began to walk away, the name “Maddy” on the back of her team shirt confirmed Victoria’s suspicion. Eager to cling to anything or anyone familiar, Victoria called after her: “Hey Maddy, wait up!”

Together they returned to the dressing room and had a friendly conversation as they got back into their uniforms. Madison had been Victoria’s best friend in her original life; they had met Sophomore year on the Cross Country team, and soon connected on many levels outside the realm of sports. They’d been like sisters, and it seemed that connection was one thing that hadn’t changed. As they talked, Victoria noted that Madison was younger as well, and happily deduced that her other friends must also have adapted to this new world Hope had made for her.

“You actually weren’t half bad at volleyball, Vicky,” urged Madison as they left the dressing room. “You should really consider joining the team.” Victoria laughed at the irony of the situation, managing to say “I’ll think about it.” They parted ways once they reached the commons, and Victoria walked gleefully to her next class, reflecting on the state of affairs. Madison was as friendly as ever, but didn’t seem to recall either of them being any older. Some classes seemed difficult at the moment, but it was really just a matter of getting settled. It appeared that Victoria would have her friends, her father, and a stress-free life...all thanks to Hope.

But now, as she sat alone at a bland lunch table eating bland cafeteria food, Victoria was having second thoughts about this new life. When the lunch period started, she had approached the table where she usually sat, and saw most of her old friends there. Smiling, she had said “Hey, Tabby” to the tallest of them, only to earn a questioning glance in response, followed by “Um, it’s Tabitha...and who are you, exactly?”

Victoria was about to explain herself, but upon a closer look she realized that all the people at the table were Seniors. She knew all their names, and she considered them friends; however, none of them remembered who she was at all. Intimidated by their stares, she fell silent and walked somberly to an empty table. Why are they still Seniors? Maddy was a Freshman too...

With a sigh, she took a seat and tried unsuccessfully to ignore her confusion. She’d been sitting there for a solid ten minutes when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw Maddy. “Oh, hey.” The brunette sat herself down beside Victoria, and frowned upon noticing her friend’s morose expression. “What’s the matter, Vicky?” she asked with concern. The muddled Victoria forced a smile. “It’s nothing, really. I’m just a little confused...some people I thought were my friends just don’t seem to care anymore.”

Maddy nodded. “Yeah, I know what you mean. It’s one of the unfortunate transitions of high school...your old friends can sometimes drift, finding new cliques and new people. But hey, you make new ones. Like me, for example,” she finished warmly. It wasn’t exactly accurate advice for the situation, but the reassurance of Maddy’s friendship did make Victoria feel better.

The day went on. Things were starting to look up after lunch period was over: Freshman Algebra was pie for Victoria, and the rest of the core classes as well; she and Maddy actually had a Bio class together, which was a real pick-me-up. By the time the dismissal bell rang in her final period, American History, she was feeling much more confident. Victoria realized that it would be difficult in some ways to adjust to this new life, but now it seemed the pros would outweigh the cons: easy coursework, a great friend, and a complete family at home were all things to be happy about.

As Maddy sat on a bench outside the school, waiting for her mother to arrive and pick her up, there was an unexpected twist. Someone familiar approached and sat down next to her: tall, handsome, jet-black hair, and a grin that could make a girl melt. Jake Harper...

“Victoria,” he began, “I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but honestly...I really like you.” Her heart stopped. Jake Harper had been her last boyfriend before Hope came into the picture. Unlike the ones before, he had seemed to be really sweet; however, Victoria’s past experiences with boyfriends had told her that they only liked her for her body, and even though she didn’t expect Jake was one of those types, she had ended the relationship early out of fear. And now here he was...still a Senior, still incredibly attractive...somehow knowing who she was, and caring about her.

She looked up at him and blushed. “Really?”

“Yeah, really. And it took some doing, but last night I had a personal talk with my parents, and I convinced them to let me date younger girls like you. You’re just so mature, not like the others, and that’s what really attracts me to you. They understand that.”

Victoria nodded, dazed by his handsome words and handsomer looks. “Uhuh...?”

“So, I know we haven’t been on a real date yet, but it’s a Friday night, and I was wondering if you’d let me pick you up to do something tonight.”

Mind and heart racing, she couldn’t contain her excitement. “Yeah, that would be awesome!”

Jake nodded, chuckling. “Great, great. I’ll give you a call around seven, let you know what I’m able to work out. It’s gonna be a good time.”

Soon her mother’s car pulled up alongside the school, and Jake waved to Victoria as he headed off to his own car. The redhead tossed her backpack into the trunk, climbed into the car, and reclined dizzily in her seat.

“Had a good day?” Victoria’s mother questioned.

“Yes,” she replied dreamily. “A very good day.”

***

That night, Victoria waited anxiously for Jake’s call. She’d dolled herself up, wanting to look her best for him. On a deep level, she hoped that in this reality she could make up for how she hurt him, breaking up with him even though he hadn’t made any false moves. Now she believed that he was different from the rest, that his was a love even the age bracket couldn’t stop. Tonight would be wonderful, she knew...a night with someone genuine, someone who respected her.

The call finally came; she waited to pick it up until it rang twice, trying not to seem too excited.

“Hey Victoria.”

“Hey Jake,” she replied shyly.

“Ready for tonight?”

“Yeah, I really am! What did you have in mind?”

He chuckled. “Well, here’s the deal. My parents have been out of town a while, so I have the house all to myself. I can come get you, bring you to my place, we can have some drinks...“

“Wait, what?”

“Huh? Oh, I mean, y’know...”

“Listen, Jake. First of all, I’m a minor, so I can’t have any ‘drinks.’ And also, I thought you said you had a ‘personal talk’ with your parents last night about me. But just now you told me they’ve been out of town for ‘a while’...so, what, you have your personal talks over the phone or something?”

“Now hey, calm down baby, I just...“

“And now you’re calling me ‘baby’ -- my name is Victoria, Jake! Christ, I can’t believe you...I thought you were different...”

“Come on, I am different. I like you for who you are.”

“Well, guess what? I’m a virgin. That’s part of who I am too, and I don’t intend to...”

“Look, seriously. Just lemme bring you to my place and show you what I’m made of. I’ll be gentle...it’s your first time, and I know how to deal with first-timers by now. So are you in?”

*click*

Victoria fell back on her bed, frustrated. How could he do that? Not only did he try to make a move on a minor like her, he’d apparently done it before...numerous times! She started to sob as she thought about it more. He had seemed so true, so caring...the prick! Trying to get me to think he loved me for my personality...he was like all the rest, he only wanted... Tears rolling freely down her cheeks, Victoria buried her face in her pillow, not wanting her parents to hear the sobs.

Eventually she sat up, sniffling, then looked at the mirror on her wall, observing what it was about her that Jake and all the others wanted: a fresh, natural beauty; a tempting set of breasts, just the right size for her frame; a pure, untouched virginity, waiting for some hammer to smash it. She began to cry again, fearful that men would continue to make attempts on her chastity; that perhaps this cycle would never end, and she would never meet a man who was willing to wait.

Just then, the crying stopped. Victoria looked over to her dresser, staring at it for a minute before slowly getting up and approaching it. Carefully opening the drawer of delicates, she reached underneath the normal panties and gently slid out of pair of Hope panties. She looked down at it with a sad fondness, its fifteen stars shimmering in the starlight trickling through her window’s glass.

I’m so tired of dealing with men like that. They can’t just wait for me to be ready, they all want me now.

Removing her pricey jeans and modest underwear, Victoria slid on the Hopes, once again reveling in their magical comforts, but remaining serious.

So...if they can’t wait, I’ll make them wait. If this is what relationships are like, I guess I’m not ready to be a woman. I have to escape from all this...I have to go back.

Victoria slipped off her top and changed into some long pajamas. Entering the bathroom, she washed off the makeup she had put on for Jake, knowing it would be the last time she would wear real makeup for a while. She took a long drink of water, wanting to make sure the Hope would work overnight, and then climbed into bed, curling up under the warmth of her covers.

Life will be better when I wake up. A simple life, where love is pure and honest...Yes, I want that.

Wearied by the tears of the evening, and hopeful for tomorrow, Victoria drifted off to sleep.

Her mother cracked open the door, concerned that her daughter hadn’t come down to dinner. Seeing that she was asleep, after having spent the entire evening in her room, the knowing parent realized that Victoria was troubled. She approached the bed and gave the redheaded teen a soft kiss on the cheek. “Sleep tight, Vicky,” she whispered. With a weak smile, she exited the room, and after peeking in on Victoria one last time, she closed the door.

Only minutes later, there was a silent flow beneath the sheets. The world begin to twist and churn around Victoria, and she along with it. Three stars vanished forever, and as they left they took several things with them.

***

The girl in the bed had a fuzzy dream just then. She was in a bright field, a patchwork of clover, running freely upon the springy earth. Before her she saw a glassy lake, vast and calm. Approaching it, she bent down and looked at her reflection. There was an amazing clarity in the lake, and as she gazed at it, she inexplicably saw her entire body at once, clear as crystal. The girl she saw wore only a white tee shirt...with a bra beneath...and a comfortable looking undergarment.

She felt a wetness, presently, and then a wave of rapture, followed by a numbness. Fixed in place, perfectly still except for her eyes, she saw herself regressing, with childhood the eagerly anticipated result.

The girl watched attentively as she grew shorter, inch-by-inch, taking half a foot from her by the end of it, leaving her an even 5’0’’. With each inch of height, more and more physical maturity abandoned her. Her hair became a softer, brighter red, growing from its short, executive cut to a more girlish length, where it pooled around her shoulders in cascading curls. She felt the pert, blossoming bust beneath her shirt begin to deflate; her bra contorted into a training bra as volume and tone melted away from each breast. Soon she felt no support at all in the area, nor anything to be supported. A glance at her shirt confirmed it: her chest appeared flat and nubile, few traces of womanhood remaining beneath the tee. What curves she had in the hips and legs receded, leaving the slender aspects of youth in their place. There was a fierce jolt then, a searing coldness beneath her pantie (which, she now noticed, looked more juvenile in its design than before), and then a relaxed tickle which faded into nothing. Now she knew there was no going back: she had retreated backwards through puberty, no longer the beginning of a woman but instead the end of a child. She marveled at how young she looked, her face appearing bright and cheerful, her lithe limbs brimming with energy, her privates snugly fitted in Hope. Twelve silvery stars glimmered on the pantie, leaving no trace of the three that had disappeared. The girl smiled, then felt numb once more. Her eyelids drew themselves closed, and she floated once again before the mirror-like lake before slowly slipping into it, becoming as one with the reflection before her.

In the bed beyond the dream, a preteen’s nightshirt bore the name “Vicky” in glistening text; when she awoke, she would find it hard to describe herself by any other name.

 

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