Codependency.

Sam was toddling near Vanessa while she was walking slowly and held the boy by the hand. Though her youthful pace she used to have once, fast and confident, was gone because her body felt heavier and wearier, Vanessa was still a bit bothered of needing to slow down a bit, so the little Sam won’t fall behind and to clutch his tiny and sticky palm to make sure that he won’t trip.

Of course, being pushed in a stroller was not yet passé for Sam at his current age, but the place, they headed to, wasn’t far from home, all they needed was to cross the road and after all it would be quite embarrassing for Sam.

“Sammy, are sure it’s the exact house that you’ve seen glowing yesterday?” – Vanessa asked the tot and looked downward right into his eyes, waiting for answer.

“Yeth” – he said. His facial expression looked as serious, as a toddler could make it look.

Vanessa knew the owner of the house across the road, not well though. Property was owned by Erica, a woman that looked to be in her mid 20-ties. She never introduced herself to the local community much, so no one of their neighbors knew much about her. “Friendly, but not friends” – was the common type of attitude in this community and it seems Erica followed it quite well, smiling softly and greeting people when she’s being passed by. But even by this standards something felt “off” about her, she rarely let anyone into her personal life at all or cared about her neighbor troubles or, at least, bothered herself to imitate interest during small conversations she used to have.

She was rarely seen outside her house, so people usually think she works online and just not the type of person who’s fond of hanging out with others. So, Erica never had any conflicts with anyone to speak of, with Sam and Vanessa too though.

Due to that fact she wasn’t a person who came to mind when they thought abought someone who could use a curse against them.

On the other hand, they didn’t really know much about her, just like everyone else, and she keeps her life in a secret, so it makes her suspicious. After all, there was something… strange with her over all, something you feel, but couldn’t point your finger at…

Vanessa stood on the porch and rang in the doorbell. Sam held her hand. His grip tightened a bit, when they heard that the door started to open.

They looked at the silhouette that appeared in front of them.

Young woman, who stood in the doorway, had a height slightly above average, a nice, toned figure, which seemed a bit surprising, acknowledging the fact how rare she was seen outside of her house. Her ample breasts were contained by a bra, which cups was right on the borderline between C and D size, area down her waist, divided from her upper part by svelte waistline adorned with firm, flat stomach, also provided something to amuse with: her pleasantly round, full, but at the same time pert bottom formed a configuration of a heart symbol turned upside-down and somewhat reminded of a juicy fruit and legs – long and shapely.

Her long face, framed with blonde curls, that reached below her shoulders, – smooth, without a single noticeable wrinkle, had appealing high set cheekbones, straight, neat nose, rosy lips, maybe a bit less full, than it should be to consider them “sexy” by modern standards, thin eyebrows, high forehead and prominent, perceptibly broad chin, which gave her a bit masculine look, but at the same time didn’t let her look less attractive by any means.

“Hi, Erica” – Vanessa started. Looking at the young and beautiful girl in her prime, she felt how the realization of her plight deepened, not long ago she was even younger than her, but now the age gap between the two of them seemed huge.

Vanessa thought for a second: how should she start the conversation, so it will lead to the main question? “Have you put a curse on me?” - didn’t seem right. “I’m actually much younger, don’t you know anything that could make a person age in a matter of days? Maybe something that may be tied to YOU?” – also. “Nice to see you, bitch, make us how we used to be!”, definitely not. Any of those sounded like it may lead Erica to claim, that Vanessa is crazy, close the door and call the cops.

She realized, that between her and Sam only she was the one reliable now, due to how much Sam’s age was reduced, so she has to be the one to take action, to hold the responsibility for their fate. 

Unnoticeable for herself, she clutched Sam’s tiny hand tighter and ungrudgingly continued: “I wanted to talk with you. There’s one thing we re-eally need to discuss. I hope, it won’t take much of your time”.

Erica looked at Vanessa with a bit of a noticeable mistrust. Her blue eyes, glanced at the pair as if she was checking the car for damage. There was something in those eyes, which gave her stare that icy, even slightly piercing look.

 “Okay, then just come inside, I think there’s no need for you and your baby boy to stand outside on the porch” – Erica said with a hint of pretended guileless in her voice.

Sam cringed unwillingly at the words “baby boy” as it reminded him of his current predicament. He needed something that might help him fight the feeling of embarrassment. As they walked inside the house, Sam unbeknownst to himself slipped a thumb inside his mouth, that soothed him.

He didn’t have much to say about his impression of Erica, he just realized that there’s something “spooky about that lady”, as if he sensed it in some kind of aura around her. Sam no longer knew such words as “aura” anymore, though. The last reduction in physical age of his body and the reality he existed in, or to be more precise, used to exist in, really did a thing on his mind too. He forgot some complicated words at all, if someone reminded him of them, he couldn’t comprehend the meaning and the effect was getting worse as time passed.

Inside, Sam looked around. He hasn’t notice anything suspicious, everything just seemed to be in its place, except Sam was once more reminded of his condition – everything seemed so LARGE! It soon became not so obvious, how small, how feeble he has become once he and Vanessa came out of their house, well, until now! Yes, on the street he was amused by how huge and strong the palm of his (once, let’s be honest, and now not so) petite girlfriend has turned. The palm, that he had to clutch tightly, to prevent falling down on the ground, if he will trip off. Yes, he had to look up at his Gwan… at Vanessa if he intended to say something to her, and even by turning his cherubic, chubby face up he won’t be able to see Vanessa’s, only her big arm, her rotund tummy, or the chin and jowls of the aged woman, so to make eye contact with Sam, she would have to crouch down, despite the slight pain in here aching knees. Yes, his steps were unbelievably small and the ground seemed so close to his head as he gazed down. But only in comparison with the furniture in the guestroom Sam was able to realize what a pathetic creature he was turned into, because even the simplest things, designed for the use of adult people, appeared gigantic to him!

Looking up at Vanessa, to see her reaction, he noticed her concern with something, that stood on the table in the middle of the room. But Sam wasn’t able to see what was on top of it. He hugged her leg, seeking comfort and buried his face into it, hiding from Erica’s presence, that now became the main source of embarrassment and fright for him.

As for Vanessa, when she entered the guestroom she hasn’t seen anything special for her own taste. The furniture and design seemed pretty plain and even generic. There was one exception, though. The crystal ball, that stood on the table in the middle, between the couch and sofa. The crystal ball looked pretty much like the one that Christina had.

Turning her head to Vanessa, Erica said, her serious demeanor changing and mouth forming a subtle, but wicked smile: “Oh, that precious item, the best purchase of mine during this year. Yes, I was able to see all the struggles my two little preys went through in the last four days. You’ve noticed the changes and that’s why you came to me, am I right?”

For a second, Vanessa lost her talent of speech, that phrase thrown into her face, was the most unexpected thing to come, her knees wobbled and she could feel the toddler clutching on her leg even tighter, while looking at the strange lady over his shoulder.

“So, you’ve done it?!” – she said.

Erica noticeably suppressed a giggle and her voice a gained a new teasing notes and some kind of a mocking pronunciation: “I’ve done what?! I don’t get it ~granny~, maybe Mr. Tinklepants can tell you? What? You’ve got no clue, aren’t you?! Don’t make me wait, say it!”

Vanessa was stricken with sudden change in Erica’s attitude: from pretended guilelessness to avowal and playing with her “preys”, the way cats do it with mice.

Unexpectedly, Sam was the first who spoke up:

-          Tuwn us back! How it us’ta be! I need to be big and ‘Netha need ta be young ‘gain!

-           Oh, such, a talker, aren’t you? - Erica said laughing, - Most of your peers only could master 2-3 word sentence, don’t worry your little head about it, though. As spell gets more powerful you’re going to be just like any other toddler. That’s quite fascinating isn’t it?

Erica continued to take the mickey out of Sammy as she was talking with that smarming tone of hers, looking down at him, leaning forward a little and holding her palms on the knees:

-          But you know what?! It’s very impolite to interrupt, when grown-ups are talking to each other. If I were your mum you’d be already sent straight to your room.

The corners of her mouth bent into a wry smile once again. Erica raised her glance at Vanessa and continued her speech, which now clearly wasn’t purposed for Sam’s ears:

-          You’re only a little kid and don’t know any better, though. It’s your granny’s job to raise you right. By the way, let’s listen to her, maybe she wants us to know her opinion?

At this moment, Vanessa has regained her talent of speech after the shock of Erica’s revelation. Her voice was small and soft. She spoke slowly.

- Erica… please, make everything how it used to be… I know you can. I’m also sure, that you aware we both used to be 22… Just let us live our lives…

- Why should I? – Erica smirked, - What will you do if I won’t do as you ask me? Call the police?

She guffawed and continued her speech.

-          They’ll think: “Granny’s having her episode, such a pity she isn’t capable to have a custody over her grandson anymore!”

Erica rubbed her eyes, pretending to whine.

She was acting so immature! It was hard to believe, actually, how visibly mature woman, who made fun of the Sam turned toddler, played the ape, more befitting for a first grader. It could be easily seen how much she enjoyed herself doing so.

-          Erica, I beg you, listen to me, I and Sam… both of us haven’t done anything bad to you. Why have you done it? – Vanessa said, fighting back tears, - And how?

-          Ok, you both, take a seat on the sofa. I’ll return in a minute. – said Erica, before she walked out of the door and entered the corridor.

While she did so, Vanessa noticed how she sexually swayed her hips. Erica hasn’t such style of walking before, but now she did it almost like a model on a podium. Not only she swayed her hips more, than usual, making her luscious derriere shake, but she also stepped with assuredness and peacockery, making a show out of her long and shapely legs, covered by tight jeans.

Since there wasn’t present any men to speak of, most likely it was intended for Vanessa. It must have been an outgiving: “Look at me! Look how sexy I am! You’ll never be as lovely as me, because you’re the old hag here!”

Also, Vanessa, only now, thought that Erica was greeting them wearing nothing under her tight-hugging T-shirt. The coldness, that morning breeze brought made her nipples harden and visibly protrude underneath the thin fabric.

Vanessa took her seat on the sofa. Her muscles, finally, relaxed.

Her legs became a little floppy, because of stress, so, it would be more correct to say, that Vanessa plopped into sofa. Her adipose rump squashed the material underneath her and made the cushioning effect, so she wasn’t aware that sofa wasn’t as soft, as it appeared to be. Vanessa’s heavy-set and quaggy thighs spread out, squeezing against each other and making her body (already massive enough) take up even more surface underneath it, and her numerous belly rolls wobbled underneath her shirt.

She leaned on the back of the sofa, straightening her spine. Meanwhile, Sam came to her and climbed on Vanessa’s lap. He took his place on her thigh, which now seemed enormous to him, facing her.

He was quite afraid of what’s coming next and uncertainty about it made him nervous. That made him seek for some comfort, so he started to act clingier towards Vanessa. He hugged her as tight, as he could as if he tried to wrap his tiny hands over her tubby waistline and soft drum of belly.

Vanessa, for her part, hugged the boy in response. He noticed it. Sam started to feel himself more secure, being squeezed between her soft forearm and big, squeezable stomach.

Distracted, Sammy didn’t notice at first, how a small trickle of urine gushed out of his wee-wee (that’s how he would call this part of his body now, due to his diminished vocabulary), soaking the front padding of his disposable undergarments, which were designed to contain his pees and poos he’ll have to make. 

Pulled out of the comfort, that Vanessa’s embrace provided for him, by the disgrace of wetting himself, boy was able to stop it, but the damage was already done.

Soon, the warm dampness, he sensed, disappeared, but his diaper became a little swollen, but it couldn’t be very noticeable, because of how small was the volume of liquid it had just absorbed.

“I… I pee-peed… That’s bad. Granny… I mean, Nessa, praised me for going potty just earlier that morning. I thought… that’s just “in case”… that I’m still a big boy and I feel like I have to tinkle anyway. Bad. Have to tell Nessa” – Sammy thought.

He started to sob softly, because of embarrassment. Sam found some courage to mumble in half in normal tone- half whine: “Gwanny, I need pod-“

But he was interrupted.

Finally, Erica walked in.

“Oh, you cannot believe how sorry I am for interrupting such a tender moment!” – she quoted in a sarcastic tone.

She held a tome in her hands. It looked ancient. With yellow and brownish colored pages under the black cover made out of leather, which was worn out by the years.

Erica sat on the couch, facing the pair. She started speaking:

-          Well, since you’re my smartest test subjects, let’s say it like that. You know, like the mice, that found the exit from labyrinth sooner, then others did it. You both the first ones, who contacted me, before the spell gained full power over your lives.

-          So, the book has something to do with it?! – said Vanessa.

-          It’s a spewwbook! – Sam intruded in the conversation.

Erica winced at the comments, being noticeably irritated.

-          Hush, I’ll explain it to you, when the time comes of course. You’re going to forget it anyway. So, let me tell all about the “spellbook” like you’ve said, Sammy. But, I’m going to tell everything from the start.

Erica sighed, then continued:

-           First of all, my real name is Ulrica, not Erica. I was born in year 1914. In German Empire. I’m not sure if you know, that such country existed, since only God knows what do they teach you in American schools.

Vanessa immediately became slack-jawed. Same for Sam.

After a couple of seconds which the three spent in awkward silence, Vanessa muttered:

-          That means… You’re more than a hundred years old!

-          Yeah. You’re right. I look good for someone that age. About 25 and not a single day older. – Erica said, proud of herself. She continued: - I won’t tire you with all the details about life I used to have once. All you need to know about it to understand how I got the book, that I hold now, is the fact that I have met my beloved Fritz in year… like 1938, or 39. We fell in love and quickly married.

Fritz was tied to Waffen SS and Ahnenerbe… Wait a second, you know what that means do you?

Vanessa nodded.

-          Okay. I just had to be sure. So, he had an opportunity to take a part in different expeditions, because of his job. While we spent our time in Norway, he found this book in the basement of old monastery. Fritz spent a lot of time studying it and wrote his findings in a notebook. He also told me about it a lot, he was so proud of it… so… so devoted to his job. He hardly controlled himself, talking to me about his findings.

Jesus, I’ll never find another man like him…

Then, I was informed, that he is dead. Fritz… he was killed on the frontline. Nothing longer held me tied to normal life, because I had the key… the key to eternal life and eternal youth. With Fritz’s notes I was able to use the spell, that was written here. I fled from Germany using the rat lines. Plus, I was able to change my age now, so it was easier to hide, since no one looked for a little girl, whom I appeared to be with the help of this tome.

And now I’m here.

Erica stopped talking.

This story sounded crazy. Unbelievable. But since everything, that happened to Sam and Vanessa for the last few days could be described so, they believed immediately.

-          But… I still cannot understand… Why have you done something as harsh as this to us. We just lived our own lives. – Vanessa said.

-          How can I explain it?! Ok. Gimme a second. You know, now I have everything a lot of people wished for: eternal life and youth, power to control other lives, change the reality, surrounding us, itself. Of course, my powers have their limit, but it is still a power beyond people’s comprehension. So it just makes me see others like my toys. You don’t have to blame yourselves, you just happened to live close to me, nothing more, really. – Erica answered calmly, the last part sounded sarcastic, though.

-          Pweaasse! Ewica! We’ll give anything to be ouwwthelves ‘gain! – Sam interrupred them, whining.

-          Hush, sweetie. – Erica started, - You don’t understand that I don’t need anything, aren’t you?  It’s a pity your small head cannot comprehend such things anymore and it’s getting only harder and harder with every passing minute, alas. I can solve any problem with money with the help of my dear clients. You know, some people can pay me a ton of bucks for tricks, that even modern plastic surgery cannot do. It’s not to mention other possibilities of my magic.

Vanessa needed some time to think about Erica’s speech. Then, she realized, that there were some questions left. So she questioned:

-          Wait, but why it’s been going like this? I mean… The surroundings… The reality all around, I mean, changed only one time in 2 days, while the change in our age happened every day. Why?

-          Oh, I like the way you think. Really smart aren’t ya? Even as an old crone. I mean, you never were the bright one, between the two of you, but now you seem like a lot more acute, than even your companion here. Lemme explain, my skill of manipulating the power of the tome is still not as perfect as I wish to. So, without close contact with you, there might be things like this. The curse was not supposed to be working so, but it makes all even more interesting.

Once again, Erica and Vanessa’s conversation was interrupted by Sam. Both looked at the toddler, who jumped from the older woman’s knee in impatience, his tiny sneakers with velcro straps hit the floor with loud sound. Vanessa was afraid, that the boy may slip and fall, hurting himself, but he was able to maintain the balance, then with reddened face, fists clutched tightly in impotent rage and aggressive stomp on the floor, he started to shout:

-          It’s not faiww!!! It’s not faiwrw! It’s no-ot fa-a-a-iwww! Tuwn us back, you, doo-doo hea-ad!

Tears were running down his face.

Erica threw a glance at Vanessa, then looked at Sam and smirked.

Then, smirk turned into thin grin, grin turned into full pledged smile, then, into laugh.

Inadvertently, Sam only made his predicament even more humiliating.

Vanessa put her hand on the boy’s shoulder gently.

-          Sweetheart, it’s impolite. Stop the tantrum this instant, please – she said in a convincing tone, because the “granny” part of her mindset kicked in.

-          You’re so cu-ute! Ha-ha-ha! Sorry… can’t help it, that’s hilarious! Oh, how the mighty have fallen – Erica said, when she calmed down a little.

Eventually, her tone changed into the strict one:

-          Sammy, that was very rude! You can’t believe how disappointed in you I am! Your granny should be embarrassed for your attitude beyond your imagination! If I were her, your fate would have been an immediate spanking, until your bottom is red, then making you apologize in front of the “nice lady”, walking home and no candies for you for the whole day!

Sam, gathered up involuntarily. The urge to cry started to build inside him. He was scared. It was hard for him to understand some complex words, that Erica used, but the fact that a “grown up” talked to him, using her strict tone, making her voice sound louder and was clearly disappointed in the way he was acting was enough to make him frightened and ashamed, sending shivers down his spine.

Yes, that’s because he was a “good boy” actually, at least his granny used to say it a lot and he didn’t want to upset her.

Erica noticed it.

-          Oh, don’t cwy-y! Auntie Ewica just overreacted a bit. Come on sit on my lap, I won’t bite I pwomise – she suddenly cooed in a sugary sweet voice.

Sam was disorientated by the change in attitude and clearly didn’t want to sit on the lap of a person who was the cause of his and Vanessa’s unpalatable state, so he stood in one place and didn’t react to Erica’s suggestion.

Then, she repeated, this time in aggressive way:

-          I said “come and sit on my lap”! It means, you should do it instantly, otherwise I wouldn’t be this kind and simply will erase your memory completely. I hope you realize I have enough power to do it, don’t you?!

Boy reacted immediately, since he could say Erica really could do such things and he won’t have any awareness of ever being “big boy” anymore, if she’ll decide to make her threat a reality, so he rushed to her and started to climb on her knee.

She patted his bottom, as she grabbed him in her hands and disposed him on her lap, helping him to reach the destination.

Erica noticed something and smirked once again.

Sam realized that there was a familiar feeling around his neither body region – his diaper felt warm and damp, it became less noticeable with time, because all the liquid was quickly absorbed by the material, but it was becoming more swollen and Sam’s bulge under his toddler trousers grew larger at the same time.

Just like earlier, when he accidentally peed his pants a little, only in current situation he must have emptied his bladder completely. The torrent he released made the diaper reach its full capacity.

Sam was horrified that he didn’t even notice it and that his flagrant lack of bathroom training seemed to be found by his tormentor.

Boy was trembling.

He used to know that he had to tinkle, but after he was frightened by Erica’s demeanor, then by her suddenly grabbing him to lift and place on her knee, he couldn’t hold it and peed himself, without noticing.

Sam felt an urge to cry, his lower lip began to tremble. In his throat, the whimpers began to form.

Suddenly, Erica gently wrapped her thin arms around the boy’s miniscule body, hugging him and spoke in a saccharine “baby voice” once again:

-          I think some little buddy just had an ac-ci-dent… Sammy can you tell me who do you think it is?  Hm?! Who had just tinkled himself?

-          Oh, I’m sorry… We still have a lot of job to do on the front of potty training. I mean, don’t you worry, I’ll change him once we get… - Vanessa started to patter, looking slightly ashamed by the occasion herself, only to be interrupted by Erica:

-          Hush, Nessa! I want to hear precious Sammy’s answer.

That second, Vanessa realized that new conditions really make her mind work the other way. She didn’t know what exactly made her tongue pronounce those words. Sam used to be an adult, it was completely Erica’s fault that he just wet himself. She shouldn’t advocate for herself or Sam, nor should she try to assure Erica that’s “everything’s okay”.

Meanwhile, Sam tried to hold on as long as possible, but as he was quickly losing it, even such infantile answer as “Don’t know!” seemed adequate for him, so he said it immediately after Erica stopped Vanessa from talking further.

Unfortunately, it seemed to only delight Erica even more. Impudently probing and squeezing the telltale bulge of Sam’s diaper through the fabric of his pants, she objected:

-          Oh no, I don’t think so! As far as I can see, you peed without even noticing it, don’t you, snookums?! The only reason why you’re blushing, why you’re turning your face away from me, why you’re pouting, gosh, it’s so darn cu-ute~, is because I noticed it! So, can you tell me what does it make you, Sammy? A big boy? Or a..?

-          Yeth, big boy! Me made it in da potty ta’day! – Sam timidly objected in response.

Obviously, his statement didn’t have the intended effect.

-          Hahaha, didn’t think the spell already has make you fall THIS low! I had the impression, that you’ve got at least a teeny-tiny pee-wee small bit of dignity left, alas, I was wrong! Okay, sweetgums, lemm’e explain: only ~occasionally~ making your poo-poo’s to the potty, instead of your comfy di-dee thingy, doesn’t make you a big boy, they usually make “it” on the toilet all the time, but a B-A-B-Y! I explained it as good as possible for your silly little head, so it won’t ache from too much “gwown up thingies”, snookums.

Not being able to see the mental tormenting of Sam, Vanessa interrupted:

-          Erica, what are you trying to show us, treating Sam like this? Can’t you see that you’ve already stripped us of our true selves, so he can’t even give you any proper answers?!

-          You’ve got the point, but you’re still not exactly right. I mean, both of you have your memories of how it all used to be. But look at poor Sammy here – can you believe he ever used to be an adult? He’s losing his let’s say it, “previous” self, he’s forgetting different kind of things that used to be a part of this status. No, I should say, Sammy and you are losing your previous selves. It’s not so obvious in your case, but your mind is changing too, you know? Maybe you’ve noticed it?

Vanessa stared at the floor nervously, clutching her one palm with the other.

Erica continued:

-          Anyway, you’re going to lose it all. You’re going to adjust to the reality despite of how much you’re clinging to what you used to be. That’s what I’m trying to say.

-          So, what? – Vanessa’s husky voice had an ignorant tone, but mostly due to the void opening in her soul, rather than due to the actual ignorance.

-          In case you wouldn’t choose different fate for yourselves.

-          You mean?! – Vanessa muttered with a dim glimmer of hope in her eyes.

-          Let me offer you a different approach, it’s not going to be about your return to old selves, as I have already said, I’m not going to do it, but it’s about a suggestion that you might be interested in another way to spend your new lives.  I’ll explain: you, Nessie, of course, dislike the “new you”, your body is unattractive, even for your old boss with lust for, let’s say, mature and fuller “gals” with a lot of pasty and saggy flesh and stretched skin, yielding under the invasive touch of his palm (Vanessa shrugged uncomfortably at the comment and hoped Sam wouldn’t understand). It’s also less agile and less healthy, than it used to be once. But what if we aim for more? I’m talking about, hmm.., over 90-ty years old maybe?!

Erica’s glance turned a little fiercer. A hint of sadistic enjoyment was obvious for anyone who could see her eyes. Vanessa winced.

-          I… I don’t…

-          Let me continue, sweetheart… As I pointed earlier, you are not satisfied with what become of your body, but maybe you’ll be eager to trade it for a terrific old one? Just imagine – fragile, bony, nearly deaf, nearly blind, senile and pinned to the bariatric bed for the rest of your life, which actually means not very long period. You won’t need to take care of what’s left of your former boyfriend, you’ll be the one taken care for. And you know what? You won’t remember you ever had other life, it’s gonna happen anyway, despite my actions. The only choice you’ve got is – will it happen right now or will it take some time. You’re slowly losing it, Vanessa, haven’t you noticed?

-          I… I’ll think… No, I’ll turn it down!

Erica quickly put on the pretended surprised expression.

-          Oh, why?! What happened?! You sounded like you disliked your predicament so-o mu-uch just a minute ago! Okay, I heard you. But you are not the only one who couldn’t come in agreement with the new life he’s got now. What about Sammy? He hasn’t his choice yet, but I can help him make one. Isn’t it nice to have a choice, sweetie?

Sam, who silently sat on Erica’s lap all that time, trying to not let the sobs be heard by his capturer, secured by her slender arms.

The moment he heard her voice addressing him, he looked up to meet her glance with his and winced, due to the involuntary shivering it sent down his spine. The spongy garment between his legs only made this feeling lost longer, both because of how it restricted the movement and how it reminded of humiliating accident just some minutes prior.

-          So, do you hear what choice I left you, Sammy?! – Erica repeated.

-          I wan’ be big! Not want anytin’ ewse! – he answered in a surprisingly confident tone for a scared toddler.

-          Shhhh, listen to what I offer you first, who knows, you will agree. Hmm, so what was I thinking about?

-          ‘Bout makin’ me big?!

-          Hahaha, I’m sorry, sweetie!  I like your persistence, but I’m afraid that I’ll have to disappoint you, because being given a choice is not always about having exactly what you wanted. You must know it already, if you really used to be big boy, isn’t it? So, Sammy, just look at you, you are growing up so fast! In no time you’ll be able to go potty and wearing training panties, isn’t it cool?! But know what?! I can make the time go just a tiny, teeny-weeny bit backwards, so you’ll be a little smaller. Hm, wait a second maybe not so-o-o little bit as you may have hoped… How about a 1-year-old? Or 6 months? Maybe newborn, straight out of maternity ward? Oh, wait a second, I know what’ll be perfect! In mommy’s tummy, how does it sound, Sammy?

-          Me in tummy?! How???

-          That’s not the real question. It seems you still don’t believe how powerful my magic is. It could bring you a-all the way back, if you understand. Truly beyond anyone’s comprehension. But most importantly in this case: who’s going to be your mommy? I have the answer – it’s going to be me.

-          No! No! Don’t wan’ you!

Seeing, that the tantrum is starting again, Erica grabbed Sam under his armpits and replaced him on her knee, this time, the way he would be facing her.

-          Shhh, calm down, sweetgums. Let’s try a different approach. So, honestly, do you think I’m pretty?

-          Yeth…

-          Of course, I am, sugarplum! But that cannot be said about Vanessa anymore, isn’t it?! She’s so much older than me, that means a lot less beautiful, a lot more fat, sweaty, simply uncool after all. Just look at me. I can see you eying my boobies and, you know what? I won’t remind you that “my eyes are up here”, not only because I know you’re so short now and because I like when someone pays my “gals” some attention. I’m also aware that, even though, you’re certainly have been weaned by now, you’re not so far from age when breasts are a source of nourishment, aren’t you? Just imagine them as your own personal milk jugs, those moments of me and you bonding during breastfeeding, when your humble little mind will be completely covered by the fog of pure ecstasy and comfort. Look at my slender arms, they are so soft… Imagine them holding you, cradling you, tickling you, changing your dirty diaper and even… hahaha… spanking your little bum sometime, if you’re naughty, too. You’ll have the privilege of my beautiful face greeting you every morning! I am the eternal youth itself after all! I may even let you grow up, you’ll start living anew, you’ll met someone like your little redheaded classmate, plenty of them, maybe, but still, I’ll remain the constant in your fate.

-          NO! You’we no gonna tange it!

-          Okay, I’ll just find some another “willing participant” then. If that’s your final decision we’ll start the transition. Vanessa?

Vanessa looked at the floor, then turned her gaze upwards, back at Erica.

-          Yes, I agree to be Sam’s grandma. This way we’ll be together, at least.

Erica stood up, gave Sam back to Vanessa and took the tome in her hands.

She turned some pages, then started to read in a sing-song tone.

The language that was coming out of her mouth, sounded somewhat familiar to both Sam and Vanessa, maybe because it was Latin. At the same time, some words sounded completely alien amongst the others and they differentiated from each other too. They were probably from some other several languages.

As Erica was reading the spell, that will do they finishing touch and put an end for those past lives of them, Sam and Vanessa felt the changes happening in their heads.

Sam began to lose his memories, pretty soon, university, dates, school, grades, kindergarten – all a 2-year-old couldn’t have a taste of yet, simply vanished, leaving only a silly little boy, who loves his granny, where the remaining parts of 22 years old student’s mind used to be.

Erica looked at her work, checking for results.

She spent a few seconds staring at them, before she realized – everything went just as planned. One quick glance was enough to understand that.

Vanessa’s eyes had lost the hints of some youthful gleam in them, which looked out of place before, given her mature body, and Sam’s seemed to be the same as any other toddler’s.

It worked…

After a moment, Vanessa looked around. Her expression a bit puzzled. She just experienced something, which almost felt like a migraine and she currently was a bit confused, as if she had something in mind, but forgot and no longer could point what exactly. Sam wriggled uncomfortably on her lap, leaning closer to her round stomach. If she managed to ask him: “What’s wrong?”, he wouldn’t be able to tell her anything, not only due to his limited skill of talking, but also because he had the same confusion, which wouldn’t let him understand what was the reason of sudden anxiety.

Erica decided to be the first to say something:

-          Vanessa, everything okay? You just went silent for a few seconds. Are you feeling alright?

-          Yes, I’m okay. I guess… Just lost the thought for a moment… Hmm… Yeah, it wasn’t so much important if I forgot. – Vanessa answered.

Erica had to suppress a giggle.

-          Also, Sammy is suddenly squirmy… - Vanessa said, a bit puzzled.

-          Might be because of the diaper, you haven’t checked it, yet?

-          You were right, he’s drenched! Oh, don’t worry sweetie, I’ll change you, when we get home. It seems, we’ll have to leave, Erica. – Vanessa said, after she squeezed Sam’s diaper bulge.

-          It’s okay, don’t worry about it.

After the pair of aged woman and her grandson, finally left, Erica sat on the couch and slowly sipped wine. A wicked smirk appeared on her face, when she reminisced about her latest mischief and the missed opportunities about it.

In this exact moment, she felt a slight chill running down her spine, as she had a sensation, that someone is looking at her. Turning back, she saw a thick, fuchsia colored cloud of smoke, which didn’t have any smell at all.

In a matter of seconds, it become less thick and vanished completely, leaving only a figure of woman, who appeared to be in her mid 20-ies behind.

-          Who are you?! – shouted Erica. She knew something wasn’t right. People usually don’t appear out of nowhere. And if the tome, that bends the reality and time can exist, then probably she is looking at someone, who exploits magic too, right now.

-          You can call me Beatrice, if you want. Nice to meet you, Erica. – said the unwanted guest in a calm tone, as if there wasn’t anything unusual in her visit.

Now, that she has a chance to take a closer look, Erica started to examine appearance of a woman, who appeared out of fuchsia smoke.

Beatrice was radiant. She had Mediterranean features -  long and narrow skull, olive skin, hazel colored almond eyes, straight nose. Her dark brown hair, thick and luxurious, reached her shoulder blades. At her medium height, she had a voluptuous and curvy body – full and large breasts, round and tight ass and a waist-hip ratio to die for.

She wore a dress, made of thin black fabric, that had a long sleeve, deep V-neck that shown a lot of cleavage and a hem, which only came to her mid-thigh, revealing her slim legs.

-          Who are you and what are you doing in my house?! – Erica repeated her question, her voice had a bit of tremble. After all, it was the first time she saw anyone else who used magic.

-          Average mortals, usually call the folk of mine – the witches. I don’t have anything against such naming. And I came to take one thing from you, because it shouldn’t belong to you. – said Beatrice.

-          What are you talking about?!

-          The Tome. My apprentice told me she spoke with people who seemed to be influenced by its power. It just happened, that I’ve been looking for it for a very long time. It was lost and it could do a lot of truly evil things in wrong hands.

-          Why do you think I’ll give it to you?! – Erica asked a bit provocative, but in truth she could feel the goosebumps appearing on her body.

-          You’ll have to, Erica. It’s either you give it back voluntary or I’ll have to show you that true magic involves more, than just exploiting power of the ancient artifact…