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Deviation Actions
Literature Text
I made my way back down the hall to Greg’s room and closed the door tightly behind me. Inside, Shelly was still sitting and looking over him.
“Hey.” She gave me a smile before returning to her vigil.
I sat down on the bed and patted Greg’s foot. “Any change?”
She shook her head. “You?”
"No." I then proceeded to tell her about the talk with Wanika. Shelly must’ve got the same idea I did, and no sooner did I finish my story did she jump up and go for the closet.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“His pearl is in the closet with his stuff... it must be here, the FBI agent outside said it was...” The clothes, denim jumpsuit included, were hanging from the rack. Shelly dug through the closet and found the tub with Greg’s stuff in a plastic bag. His wallet, house keys, and watch were all there. In a seperate bag, sealed with duct tape, his pearl was secured.
I picked it up by the plastic bag, not the pearl itself. Though I knew that only Greg's enemies got shocked, I wasn’t going to risk it. Carefully, I brought it over to Shelly and she took it into her hands.
“Okay... here we go.” Shelly used a pen that was on the nightstand and cut a hole, pulling the plastic bag open and rolling the pearl into her hand. She then held it over Greg, and blew on it slightly. Though the pearl glowed briefly, I wasn’t sure if it was the lights in the room or the pearl itself.
“Did it do anything?” I asked.
“I’m not sure.” She blew on it again, but there didn’t seem to be any difference. “Turn off the light and close the curtains... please?”
I did so, and then went back to the end of the bed. “Try again.”
Shelly blew on the pearl and I could see it glowing slightly, but nothing seemed to be happening. “Nothing?”
“Put it on top of him. Belly button or something.”
She did so, but again there was nothing.
“Anything?” I asked.
“Nothing... what else can we do, Michelle?”
I shook my head. “It’s a shame we can’t get your nana or your mother here. Someone who knows more about the Neptune Pearl...”
“What about Xalia?” Shelly asked.
“Who?” I asked. Then it hit me. “The sirane... the girl with the black scales, right?”
Shelly nodded. “She’s an expert... but how long would it take to get a hold of her... and would she want to come this far ashore?”
“Probably not...” I remember her being very shy, and incredibly reluctant to come ashore at all. To bring her this far ashore would be neigh impossible. “Maybe we just need time.”
“Possibly.” Shelly sighed and rubbed Greg’s foot warmly. “In the meantime, maybe a little time out for him is good.”
Just then a silly thought hit me, and I chuckled, though I didn’t know why I should.
“What’s so funny?”
“I just thought that Greg might say something here... how we’re pouring over him and he’s just losing weight by not eating.”
Shelly got the joke. “Maybe. I should go down to the cafeteria, but I don’t want to leave yet.”
As if by magic, someone knocked on the door. It was the FBI agent, and standing behind him was a nurse. “Greg’s not awake, is he? The nurse was here with a meal tray.”
“I’ll take it,” Shelly said.
“Shelly, you’re not a patient...”
“It’s okay,” the FBI agent gave a nod and the nurse brought it in.
The nurse placed it on the long table and set it up so that it could be put over Greg, but then left it near Shelly instead. “You’re going to be here all night, aren’t you?”
Shelly gave a nod.
“All right sweetie, I’m sure he’ll be happy knowing that you didn’t leave your side, even for supper.”
“Thanks,” I said to the nurse.
“Don’t mention it. In fact, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t.”
“You got it.”
She gave a smile and then left.
“I wonder if they’re get curious... a man in a coma, and yet he doesn’t miss any meals...?” I asked.
Shelly laughed. “Well, this is Greg we’re talking about. He'd eat through his nostril if it meant missing a meal.”
As my own stomach was getting rumbly, Shelly later convinced me that I should go find my own supper. However, the FBI agent stopped me at the door.
“You’re not leaving, are you?”
I shrugged. “I was thinking about it... why?”
“As far as the FBI is concerned, your part in this mission is over. But as long as Mr. Claxion is unconcious, we’d like you to be very careful and do whatever you can to remain human.”
“So do I,” I said. “I don’t exactly enjoy all the bad press.”
“Nor do we on your behalf,” he replied. “All the same, if you are to go outside, stick to the bus or take a cab. Only drive around by yourself if you have a driver, okay? After everything today, we’d like to avoid your being seen like that, for at least a week if possible.”
I nodded. “Okay, I’ll be careful.”
Well, since Summer couldn’t be seen in public, I would have to do my best to keep human in the limelight. I found it very odd that it was cloudy and sprinkling outside of the hospital and yet blue skies elsewhere, but I figured it was better not to draw attention to it. Maybe nobody else would notice?
I reached into my pocket to find my bus pass, but it then occurred to me that I had never brought my wallet with me, only carrying my cell. I dialed up Agent Wright.
After a brief conversation, I met up with the driver of the van who had brought Shelly and I to the hospital. The driver, Agent Wilson, was ready to move in case of emergencies, and was anticipating my arrival. I found him in the parking ramp at the other end of the skyway that connected the hospital to the ramp, and the van was nearby, parked in a handicapped spot with a sticker.
“Can you bring me across town, to the house? I don’t have my wallet, and I’m getting hungry.”
“Wright gave me orders to remain here in case of anything, but as long as you keep Summer hidden away, I can give you bus fare.”
Reluctantly, I nodded. “It’ll have to do. After all you guys have done today, I’ll do my best to stay out of the sun.”
“Please do.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, retrieved a $10 and handed it to me. “Bus fare, not supper.”
“Got it. Thanks.”
“Welcome.”
Though I would’ve loved to keep the money and ignore him completely, I wasn’t a fool. It was very difficult for me to forget that being Summer was what got me into this mess today, and now that the FBI was sucessful in giving me my freedom back, I had to keep up my end of the bargain. I waited at the main enterance to the hospital, and soon the bus came and headed down 66th Street.
After one transfer, I soon made it back home and went inside. I was fortunate - it wasn’t too hot outside, and the bus didn’t make any emergency stops. Using the code for the garage, I had to go in that way as I didn’t have a key.
I might’ve gone in to take a nap at first, even though I was hungry. I don’t quite remember what I did right away. The house seemed very quiet, and after everything that had happened that afternoon, I felt both exhausted and relieved. Finding a TV dinner, I put it in the microwave and, once it cooled a bit, was able to relax.
I laid down on my bed in my bedroom and was about to close my eyes when the phone rang. Grunting, I answered it.
“Michelle? It’s Dr. Chase. Can you give me an update?”
I did so. After all had been conveyed, he sighed deeply.
"There's no chance he might wake soon, then?"
"I'm not sure what it means, doc. He channeled a lot of electricity through him."
"Even Greg doesn't know all of his pearl’s secrets, I have to hope he’ll come around soon. It'd be nice if he could find someone to unlock those secrets. For now, though, we need to wait I guess."
"I guess... though I'm sure Shelly won't enjoy it."
"No, I suppose not."
Since there wasn't much else to talk about, I told Dr. Chase if anything changed he'd be the first to know. I put on a movie and tried to chill out for awhile.
I have no idea what movie I watched. I might've slept through the entire thing.
Shelly's phone call was what brought me back. I scrambled around the couch and found it, answering.
"Michelle? You still awake?"
"Sure, Shelly." I checked the clock on the cable box. Nine thirty? "Do you want me to pick you up?"
"No, the FBI said they didn't want you driving around by yourself..."
Nice to know you listened to the agent too, Shelly.
"I'm planning on staying here anyways. The nursing staff has been so kind. They offered to bring me a bed of my own, but I opted instead for a big comfy recliner to sleep in. I've got a blanket, I'm wearing Greg's slippers... they're wonderful, nurses."
"That's the rumor," I smiled.
"I haven't heard from anyone except the doc... did you give him the room number?"
"Yeah, I did,” I confessed. “Though I feel bad not telling Greg's folks about this... surely something like this would be hard to keep a secret forever."
"Well, you've kept Summer a secret for so long... and I've been able to keep my fins safe too."
I nodded. "But neither of us have ever been in the hospital, Shelly. Something like that usually ends up on Facebook."
"You haven't posted anything?" she asked.
I shook my head. "No, not a thing. You?"
"Nope. I've ignored a lot of messages. People are asking questions, but I just said that I've been at home."
"I've ignored my phone. I was watching a movie all afternoon." I glanced at the tv, trying to figure out which one it was by the menu, but instead it was on a screen saver. "Haven't done anything since I came home from riding the bus."
"Oh, okay." Shelly paused a moment. "Say, I think I might let Emina know about this, if that's okay? She might know something more about the pearl."
"I think you should. Any information we can gather on this, the better."
"Great. I'll call you in the morning, unless anything changes."
I yawned. "Sounds good. Thanks for the update."
"You and I are both good at keeping secrets, so we'll do our best to keep Greg's too. Keep that in mind, and sleep well, okay?"
"You too, Shelly. Thanks very much."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Click.
Though the house seemed far too quiet to sleep, I put a CD into the stereo and let it play while I wound down and slept. Since the power was on and the air conditioner was running, I slept quite comfortably, despite my worries over the course of the day and the hopes that Greg would get through this without any serious trouble.
While I was sure he was okay - I mean, even the doctors thought he was healthy and uninjured - the worry kept at me until my subconcious took over.
I took the bus to the hospital the next day. Shelly refused to leave his side for anything. We spent most of it discussing what we knew about the pearl and its powers, which was like discussing how a lightsaber works. Neither of us learned anything new, and as Greg wasn't waking up, nothing changed.
It was a quiet day, sitting and watching Greg sleep. The FBI continued to watch over the place, and nothing seemed to change. About seven o'clock, I took the bus home. If anything, the sky was now clear. Greg had been in a coma for a day and a half, and I continued to follow the orders of the FBI agents. Somehow, I couldn't shake the thought that we weren't doing enough.
Finally, dawn came and I got myself cleaned up for the day. After a bowl of cereal and a cold shower, I figured I'd wait for Shelly to call me before disturbing her on that Sunday morning.
Though I knew better than to touch the coffee maker, I was the only one around, and if I wanted my cup of cold coffee I would have to do it myself. I added the coffee to the filter, poured in the cold water, and hit the button.
I guess you all know how to make coffee...
Long story short, I was all set to pour it out and add a few ice cubes when Shelly finally called. With my oven glove on, I held the caraffe in one hand and answered the wireless phone with the other.
"Hey Shelly."
"Michelle? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah." I started to pour out the hot coffee. "What's up?"
"It's been really weird around here all night... I had some strange dreams, and... I think Greg might be worse off."
"What? How?"
"I feel like we're doing something wrong... I can't quite explain it..." She sounded nervous.
"Please, try."
"There was this glowing light in the room all night, and I didn't want to bother the nurses, but I still got to sleep..."
Just then, I felt a warm burn on my leg. I had overflowed the coffee cup! I could feel my hands tingling. I might've yelped, but I had made a serious mistake.
"Shelly... oh my goodness..."
"What?"
Just then my fingers expanded and began to swell. I was transforming! My fingers, growing wider by the second, immediately let go of the phone and caraffe. I could only watch as my hands expanded into tires before my eyes.
"Michelle? You there?"
I tried to turn on the cold water with my tires, using the left tire to knock the lever on the faucet, but it was too late. I quickly ran for the wall with the fridge and cabinets on it, and lost my balance, wincing as I grew longer in length. As I braced myself against the refridgerator, I hoped that I would trigger the release for the ice machine, but I wasn't that lucky right then, and soon the sensation was over. I had finished transforming into Summer. Abating my fears that the kitchen was demolished, I checked my mirrors to discover that I hadn't destroyed anything except the caraffe that had fallen to the floor - as it was, I barely fit into the kitchen.
"Michelle? You still there?"
"Shelly? I... um... spilled the coffee..."
"You what? I can barely hear you..."
"I spilled the coffee!" I practically yelled at her, even though I didn't want to. Sure, I felt silly, but not as silly as I'm sure I looked.
"Oh no... in the kitchen or the garage?" Shelly's voice sounded distant from the phone on the floor, so I had to listen carefully. I still have no idea where my ears are as Summer, even to this day.
"The kitchen!"
"Um... what can I do? Anything?"
"I'm not sure... hang on, okay?" According to my headlights, I was looking up at the crown moulding, not the fridge, and thus I concluded that I was above the ice machine. So, I carefully released my brake, hoping I would roll a little backwards. Though I couldn't move far, it was just enough for my left front tire to catch the button for the ice machine.
Suddenly the contents of the machine slid out onto the floor and towards me. None of them struck me, nor did they come even close to my rear tires. I could feel a little cold air, however, and secretly hoped that it would be enough.
"Summer? Um... what was that sound?" Shelly asked.
"The ice chute on the fridge! Shelly, what happened last night?"
"I'm not completely sure, but I think Greg's pearl was talking to me last night."
"What? The pearl spoke to you?" I asked.
"Yes, I'm sure of it!"
"What did it say?"
"That's the thing... I'm not sure."
"Um... great." I sighed, as a final ice cube emerged from the fridge as my weight shifted. It kicked into another ice cube on the floor, and struck against the rubber on my right rear tire. Now I was feeling the cold. "Hey... I think I got lucky after all."
"What are you saying now?" Shelly asked.
"I said I think I'm changing back."
"Oh... great!"
Sure enough, that one ice cube was enough to make it happen. However, it wasn't the best dismount, for all intensive purposes. As my body grew shorter, I later slipped and fell backwards, landing flat on the floor before my legs and arms returned. I might've landed on several ice cubes, and I had a sore chest when my hands reappeared.
On my left hand was the sole oven glove, still there even though I had worn it for protection from the heat. Fail, girl.
"Summer?"
I brushed off the several ice cubes that had stuck to my shirt, and then slid across the floor to the phone. "Shelly? I'm back."
"Good. Is the floor all wet?"
"Yes, covered in cold coffee and melting ice cubes," I said with a chuckle. "Should I come by after a few? You can tell me what happened in person?"
"Can I trust you to bring a cup of coffee with?"
I chuckled, smiling brightly. "Maybe I shouldn't risk it. In fact, I think I might call in backup first."
"Backup? Who do you know that knows about you in town?"
Suddenly I realized Shelly was right. Though I had a few coworkers that I trusted, I hadn't yet trusted any of them with Summer. Even Greg’s friends didn’t know about her. No, I had nobody other than Shelly as a driver.
"I'll have to catch the bus... guess I'll be a good hour."
"Why an hour? It's a forty minute bus ride..."
"I have to mop up first," I replied quickly.
"Right," Shelly giggled. "Maybe you could bring breakfast?"
"Actually..." I looked up towards the door to the garage, where Greg's keychain was hanging. "Do you think Greg will mind if I drive his car?"
"Yes," Shelly replied.
"He'll have to be okay with it this time." I stood up onto my feet. "I'll be along as soon as I can."
"See you soon."
“Hey.” She gave me a smile before returning to her vigil.
I sat down on the bed and patted Greg’s foot. “Any change?”
She shook her head. “You?”
"No." I then proceeded to tell her about the talk with Wanika. Shelly must’ve got the same idea I did, and no sooner did I finish my story did she jump up and go for the closet.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“His pearl is in the closet with his stuff... it must be here, the FBI agent outside said it was...” The clothes, denim jumpsuit included, were hanging from the rack. Shelly dug through the closet and found the tub with Greg’s stuff in a plastic bag. His wallet, house keys, and watch were all there. In a seperate bag, sealed with duct tape, his pearl was secured.
I picked it up by the plastic bag, not the pearl itself. Though I knew that only Greg's enemies got shocked, I wasn’t going to risk it. Carefully, I brought it over to Shelly and she took it into her hands.
“Okay... here we go.” Shelly used a pen that was on the nightstand and cut a hole, pulling the plastic bag open and rolling the pearl into her hand. She then held it over Greg, and blew on it slightly. Though the pearl glowed briefly, I wasn’t sure if it was the lights in the room or the pearl itself.
“Did it do anything?” I asked.
“I’m not sure.” She blew on it again, but there didn’t seem to be any difference. “Turn off the light and close the curtains... please?”
I did so, and then went back to the end of the bed. “Try again.”
Shelly blew on the pearl and I could see it glowing slightly, but nothing seemed to be happening. “Nothing?”
“Put it on top of him. Belly button or something.”
She did so, but again there was nothing.
“Anything?” I asked.
“Nothing... what else can we do, Michelle?”
I shook my head. “It’s a shame we can’t get your nana or your mother here. Someone who knows more about the Neptune Pearl...”
“What about Xalia?” Shelly asked.
“Who?” I asked. Then it hit me. “The sirane... the girl with the black scales, right?”
Shelly nodded. “She’s an expert... but how long would it take to get a hold of her... and would she want to come this far ashore?”
“Probably not...” I remember her being very shy, and incredibly reluctant to come ashore at all. To bring her this far ashore would be neigh impossible. “Maybe we just need time.”
“Possibly.” Shelly sighed and rubbed Greg’s foot warmly. “In the meantime, maybe a little time out for him is good.”
Just then a silly thought hit me, and I chuckled, though I didn’t know why I should.
“What’s so funny?”
“I just thought that Greg might say something here... how we’re pouring over him and he’s just losing weight by not eating.”
Shelly got the joke. “Maybe. I should go down to the cafeteria, but I don’t want to leave yet.”
As if by magic, someone knocked on the door. It was the FBI agent, and standing behind him was a nurse. “Greg’s not awake, is he? The nurse was here with a meal tray.”
“I’ll take it,” Shelly said.
“Shelly, you’re not a patient...”
“It’s okay,” the FBI agent gave a nod and the nurse brought it in.
The nurse placed it on the long table and set it up so that it could be put over Greg, but then left it near Shelly instead. “You’re going to be here all night, aren’t you?”
Shelly gave a nod.
“All right sweetie, I’m sure he’ll be happy knowing that you didn’t leave your side, even for supper.”
“Thanks,” I said to the nurse.
“Don’t mention it. In fact, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t.”
“You got it.”
She gave a smile and then left.
“I wonder if they’re get curious... a man in a coma, and yet he doesn’t miss any meals...?” I asked.
Shelly laughed. “Well, this is Greg we’re talking about. He'd eat through his nostril if it meant missing a meal.”
As my own stomach was getting rumbly, Shelly later convinced me that I should go find my own supper. However, the FBI agent stopped me at the door.
“You’re not leaving, are you?”
I shrugged. “I was thinking about it... why?”
“As far as the FBI is concerned, your part in this mission is over. But as long as Mr. Claxion is unconcious, we’d like you to be very careful and do whatever you can to remain human.”
“So do I,” I said. “I don’t exactly enjoy all the bad press.”
“Nor do we on your behalf,” he replied. “All the same, if you are to go outside, stick to the bus or take a cab. Only drive around by yourself if you have a driver, okay? After everything today, we’d like to avoid your being seen like that, for at least a week if possible.”
I nodded. “Okay, I’ll be careful.”
Well, since Summer couldn’t be seen in public, I would have to do my best to keep human in the limelight. I found it very odd that it was cloudy and sprinkling outside of the hospital and yet blue skies elsewhere, but I figured it was better not to draw attention to it. Maybe nobody else would notice?
I reached into my pocket to find my bus pass, but it then occurred to me that I had never brought my wallet with me, only carrying my cell. I dialed up Agent Wright.
After a brief conversation, I met up with the driver of the van who had brought Shelly and I to the hospital. The driver, Agent Wilson, was ready to move in case of emergencies, and was anticipating my arrival. I found him in the parking ramp at the other end of the skyway that connected the hospital to the ramp, and the van was nearby, parked in a handicapped spot with a sticker.
“Can you bring me across town, to the house? I don’t have my wallet, and I’m getting hungry.”
“Wright gave me orders to remain here in case of anything, but as long as you keep Summer hidden away, I can give you bus fare.”
Reluctantly, I nodded. “It’ll have to do. After all you guys have done today, I’ll do my best to stay out of the sun.”
“Please do.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, retrieved a $10 and handed it to me. “Bus fare, not supper.”
“Got it. Thanks.”
“Welcome.”
Though I would’ve loved to keep the money and ignore him completely, I wasn’t a fool. It was very difficult for me to forget that being Summer was what got me into this mess today, and now that the FBI was sucessful in giving me my freedom back, I had to keep up my end of the bargain. I waited at the main enterance to the hospital, and soon the bus came and headed down 66th Street.
After one transfer, I soon made it back home and went inside. I was fortunate - it wasn’t too hot outside, and the bus didn’t make any emergency stops. Using the code for the garage, I had to go in that way as I didn’t have a key.
I might’ve gone in to take a nap at first, even though I was hungry. I don’t quite remember what I did right away. The house seemed very quiet, and after everything that had happened that afternoon, I felt both exhausted and relieved. Finding a TV dinner, I put it in the microwave and, once it cooled a bit, was able to relax.
I laid down on my bed in my bedroom and was about to close my eyes when the phone rang. Grunting, I answered it.
“Michelle? It’s Dr. Chase. Can you give me an update?”
I did so. After all had been conveyed, he sighed deeply.
"There's no chance he might wake soon, then?"
"I'm not sure what it means, doc. He channeled a lot of electricity through him."
"Even Greg doesn't know all of his pearl’s secrets, I have to hope he’ll come around soon. It'd be nice if he could find someone to unlock those secrets. For now, though, we need to wait I guess."
"I guess... though I'm sure Shelly won't enjoy it."
"No, I suppose not."
Since there wasn't much else to talk about, I told Dr. Chase if anything changed he'd be the first to know. I put on a movie and tried to chill out for awhile.
I have no idea what movie I watched. I might've slept through the entire thing.
Shelly's phone call was what brought me back. I scrambled around the couch and found it, answering.
"Michelle? You still awake?"
"Sure, Shelly." I checked the clock on the cable box. Nine thirty? "Do you want me to pick you up?"
"No, the FBI said they didn't want you driving around by yourself..."
Nice to know you listened to the agent too, Shelly.
"I'm planning on staying here anyways. The nursing staff has been so kind. They offered to bring me a bed of my own, but I opted instead for a big comfy recliner to sleep in. I've got a blanket, I'm wearing Greg's slippers... they're wonderful, nurses."
"That's the rumor," I smiled.
"I haven't heard from anyone except the doc... did you give him the room number?"
"Yeah, I did,” I confessed. “Though I feel bad not telling Greg's folks about this... surely something like this would be hard to keep a secret forever."
"Well, you've kept Summer a secret for so long... and I've been able to keep my fins safe too."
I nodded. "But neither of us have ever been in the hospital, Shelly. Something like that usually ends up on Facebook."
"You haven't posted anything?" she asked.
I shook my head. "No, not a thing. You?"
"Nope. I've ignored a lot of messages. People are asking questions, but I just said that I've been at home."
"I've ignored my phone. I was watching a movie all afternoon." I glanced at the tv, trying to figure out which one it was by the menu, but instead it was on a screen saver. "Haven't done anything since I came home from riding the bus."
"Oh, okay." Shelly paused a moment. "Say, I think I might let Emina know about this, if that's okay? She might know something more about the pearl."
"I think you should. Any information we can gather on this, the better."
"Great. I'll call you in the morning, unless anything changes."
I yawned. "Sounds good. Thanks for the update."
"You and I are both good at keeping secrets, so we'll do our best to keep Greg's too. Keep that in mind, and sleep well, okay?"
"You too, Shelly. Thanks very much."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Click.
Though the house seemed far too quiet to sleep, I put a CD into the stereo and let it play while I wound down and slept. Since the power was on and the air conditioner was running, I slept quite comfortably, despite my worries over the course of the day and the hopes that Greg would get through this without any serious trouble.
While I was sure he was okay - I mean, even the doctors thought he was healthy and uninjured - the worry kept at me until my subconcious took over.
I took the bus to the hospital the next day. Shelly refused to leave his side for anything. We spent most of it discussing what we knew about the pearl and its powers, which was like discussing how a lightsaber works. Neither of us learned anything new, and as Greg wasn't waking up, nothing changed.
It was a quiet day, sitting and watching Greg sleep. The FBI continued to watch over the place, and nothing seemed to change. About seven o'clock, I took the bus home. If anything, the sky was now clear. Greg had been in a coma for a day and a half, and I continued to follow the orders of the FBI agents. Somehow, I couldn't shake the thought that we weren't doing enough.
Finally, dawn came and I got myself cleaned up for the day. After a bowl of cereal and a cold shower, I figured I'd wait for Shelly to call me before disturbing her on that Sunday morning.
Though I knew better than to touch the coffee maker, I was the only one around, and if I wanted my cup of cold coffee I would have to do it myself. I added the coffee to the filter, poured in the cold water, and hit the button.
I guess you all know how to make coffee...
Long story short, I was all set to pour it out and add a few ice cubes when Shelly finally called. With my oven glove on, I held the caraffe in one hand and answered the wireless phone with the other.
"Hey Shelly."
"Michelle? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah." I started to pour out the hot coffee. "What's up?"
"It's been really weird around here all night... I had some strange dreams, and... I think Greg might be worse off."
"What? How?"
"I feel like we're doing something wrong... I can't quite explain it..." She sounded nervous.
"Please, try."
"There was this glowing light in the room all night, and I didn't want to bother the nurses, but I still got to sleep..."
Just then, I felt a warm burn on my leg. I had overflowed the coffee cup! I could feel my hands tingling. I might've yelped, but I had made a serious mistake.
"Shelly... oh my goodness..."
"What?"
Just then my fingers expanded and began to swell. I was transforming! My fingers, growing wider by the second, immediately let go of the phone and caraffe. I could only watch as my hands expanded into tires before my eyes.
"Michelle? You there?"
I tried to turn on the cold water with my tires, using the left tire to knock the lever on the faucet, but it was too late. I quickly ran for the wall with the fridge and cabinets on it, and lost my balance, wincing as I grew longer in length. As I braced myself against the refridgerator, I hoped that I would trigger the release for the ice machine, but I wasn't that lucky right then, and soon the sensation was over. I had finished transforming into Summer. Abating my fears that the kitchen was demolished, I checked my mirrors to discover that I hadn't destroyed anything except the caraffe that had fallen to the floor - as it was, I barely fit into the kitchen.
"Michelle? You still there?"
"Shelly? I... um... spilled the coffee..."
"You what? I can barely hear you..."
"I spilled the coffee!" I practically yelled at her, even though I didn't want to. Sure, I felt silly, but not as silly as I'm sure I looked.
"Oh no... in the kitchen or the garage?" Shelly's voice sounded distant from the phone on the floor, so I had to listen carefully. I still have no idea where my ears are as Summer, even to this day.
"The kitchen!"
"Um... what can I do? Anything?"
"I'm not sure... hang on, okay?" According to my headlights, I was looking up at the crown moulding, not the fridge, and thus I concluded that I was above the ice machine. So, I carefully released my brake, hoping I would roll a little backwards. Though I couldn't move far, it was just enough for my left front tire to catch the button for the ice machine.
Suddenly the contents of the machine slid out onto the floor and towards me. None of them struck me, nor did they come even close to my rear tires. I could feel a little cold air, however, and secretly hoped that it would be enough.
"Summer? Um... what was that sound?" Shelly asked.
"The ice chute on the fridge! Shelly, what happened last night?"
"I'm not completely sure, but I think Greg's pearl was talking to me last night."
"What? The pearl spoke to you?" I asked.
"Yes, I'm sure of it!"
"What did it say?"
"That's the thing... I'm not sure."
"Um... great." I sighed, as a final ice cube emerged from the fridge as my weight shifted. It kicked into another ice cube on the floor, and struck against the rubber on my right rear tire. Now I was feeling the cold. "Hey... I think I got lucky after all."
"What are you saying now?" Shelly asked.
"I said I think I'm changing back."
"Oh... great!"
Sure enough, that one ice cube was enough to make it happen. However, it wasn't the best dismount, for all intensive purposes. As my body grew shorter, I later slipped and fell backwards, landing flat on the floor before my legs and arms returned. I might've landed on several ice cubes, and I had a sore chest when my hands reappeared.
On my left hand was the sole oven glove, still there even though I had worn it for protection from the heat. Fail, girl.
"Summer?"
I brushed off the several ice cubes that had stuck to my shirt, and then slid across the floor to the phone. "Shelly? I'm back."
"Good. Is the floor all wet?"
"Yes, covered in cold coffee and melting ice cubes," I said with a chuckle. "Should I come by after a few? You can tell me what happened in person?"
"Can I trust you to bring a cup of coffee with?"
I chuckled, smiling brightly. "Maybe I shouldn't risk it. In fact, I think I might call in backup first."
"Backup? Who do you know that knows about you in town?"
Suddenly I realized Shelly was right. Though I had a few coworkers that I trusted, I hadn't yet trusted any of them with Summer. Even Greg’s friends didn’t know about her. No, I had nobody other than Shelly as a driver.
"I'll have to catch the bus... guess I'll be a good hour."
"Why an hour? It's a forty minute bus ride..."
"I have to mop up first," I replied quickly.
"Right," Shelly giggled. "Maybe you could bring breakfast?"
"Actually..." I looked up towards the door to the garage, where Greg's keychain was hanging. "Do you think Greg will mind if I drive his car?"
"Yes," Shelly replied.
"He'll have to be okay with it this time." I stood up onto my feet. "I'll be along as soon as I can."
"See you soon."
Michelle's narration now extends to the second day for Greg's hospital stay. Throw in a little accidental change mixed with Michelle driving Greg's car and we've got a chapter.
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Kind of a fun series with the accidental automotive TF... No room in our kitchen for even a Fiat or a Mini Cooper!