Seasons of Change - Springtime of Youth 6b

    Fortunately Jeremy after a long trip had managed to make it back to the apartment. It was fortunate that is father was already asleep. He was not prepared to handle anything else after what had just transpired. Not even bothering to change out of his dirty clothing and slipped into his bed. He just wanted to fall asleep and forget about everything tonight, but sleep was elusive. His mind would not let him escape his problems so easily.

    He messed up. Clutching at the pillow, Jeremy could only groan in frustration at what he had done. It was so childish to throw a tantrum like that in front of Melissa. Getting all emotional he had lashed at her and ran away despite everything she done for him. He even claimed to want her by his side, but when she offered it up he got scared and ran away. It was so utterly pitiful display that Jeremy just wanted to die. The look on her face showed how much his reaction hurt her. But when he thought whether she would forgive him for it, the loathsome feeling only got worse.

    She would definitely forgive and smile again. That just made it worse for such a wonderful and affectionate person to be in love with him just felt too unreal. He always shoved such worries aside trying to simply enjoy being in her company. That maybe this was something he deserved. But now he felt woefully inadequate and her offer only filled him with greater dread. It was too much for someone like him to accept all at once and in the confusion he lashed out at her.

    Melissa was too good for him. He was certain of that now more than ever. Someone with as promising future would completely abandon it for a loser like him was ridiculous. Accepting that she was on a break from college to travel was one thing. That she even decided to stay awhile to be with him was a happy stretch. But that she would go a step further to live together was absurd. How could she simply abandon everything else to be with someone who hasn’t even graduated from high school? Much less she wanted them to be staying together at Ms. Winston’s house too.

    Ms. Winston had been a good teacher to him. She was even more than that to him, he’ll admit. The care and patience she gave him was warming and welcoming. Since his own mother died, Ms. Winston was the only female he felt emotionally close. He admired her so much. That is why he tried to not disappoint her to be worthy of the effort and support she took to help him. It was even through her that he even met Melissa. The debt he owed Ms. Winston seemed to only growing more. Tonight just reminded how his time with Melissa seem to keep preventing him from taking time to properly show gratitude to Ms. Winston To burden her further by staying in her place, even if she could accept such arrangement, was asking too much of her. He did not want to burden her any further the person close to a mother for him.

    But he couldn’t abandon his father either. The man was an emotional wreck since the accident. His father was a man that inspires Jeremy. But between the medication and drinking, he was a far cry from it. Despite the verbal abuse Jeremy suffered daily, it was not enough for him to abandon his father. The man was not able to get over the disability and death of mother. Jeremy believed his mother would want him to try and look his father. If Jeremy left him, there was no telling what might happen. He needed to stay here to keep his father out of trouble. That was the right thing to do wasn’t it, he asked not expecting any reply.

    Eventually sleep finally took him, but it was a restless sleep. The sound of the doorbell woke him up. Slowly rising up he realized that it was morning and he could hear the sound of his father grumbling elsewhere in the apartment. The doorbell must have woken him up. Already he was starting to yell at Jeremy to do something about it. Hoping to avoid stirring any more of his father’s anger, Jeremy got up and headed to the door. When he opened it up the person he found standing there surprised and frightened him.

    “Ms. Winston,” Jeremy muttered.

    “Good morning Jeremy,” Margaret greeted him politely.

    “What are you doing here?” He asked even if he suspected a few reasons.

    “I am here about last night. There are some things I need to discuss with you about what happened.” She answered while adjusting her glasses.

    He suspected it was something about that. Undoubtedly Ms. Winston and Margaret must have had a discussion after his outburst. One of them would inevitably try to get in contact with him about it. But he had hoped for some more time to settle his feelings. But worse, he did not want them here. His father was already riled up and he was afraid what might happen if they met especially with Ms. Winston.

    “This is really not an appropriate time,” Jeremy tried to say before he got a determined look from her.

    “It cannot wait,” She stated adamantly, “There are things you need to know.”

    “I can’t,” Jeremy shook his head.

    He needed to get her to leave now. This situation was bad, he did not want to see the two of them clash.

    “Please Jeremy, this cannot wait.” Margaret told him forcibly putting a foot forward to prevent him from trying to close the door.

    But while Jeremy struggled with whether he wanted to force her away, the voice of his father rang out from inside the apartment.

    “What is with that draft? You stupid fool, are you trying to waste the heating?”

    Jeremy visibly flinched at the yelling. Margaret, however, only gazed sternly over his shoulder in the direction of where the voice originated. Before he could stop her, she stepped into the apartment and headed inside with an angry look.

    “Ms. Winston, what are you doing?” Jeremy managed to stammer.

    “Sorry Jeremy, but I cannot ignore this.” She replied back.

    Reluctantly to forcibly stop her, Jeremy could only follow behind. Unfortunately they barely made it further into the hallway before the imposing figure his father stood before them. He had a scruffy beard with a broad body that was a mix of muscle and fat. The clothing he wore was dirty and covered with alcohol stains and worse. Given the smell of alcohol he was likely inebriated, which was bad since he was a lot more active compare during when he was on his medication.

    Just seeing the father was already making Jeremy wanted to slink away. But he could not abandon Ms. Winston who stood unflinching before the man. Jeremy wanted to yell or beg her to leave, but he found his voice completely gone. The fear his father instilled in him after all these years made it difficult to do anything but simply watch and dread what would happen.

    “Are you the reason of all this commotion?” He demanded while scratching himself.

    “Yes, I apologize for coming unannounced. My name is Ms. Margaret Winston and I am a teacher of Jeremy at North Danvers High School.” Margaret introduced herself.

    Scowling at her, he muttered, “Is that stupid boy in some trouble again? Probably failing classes like the idiot he is.”

    Jeremy cringed at hearing his father talk. But her voice quickly pulled him out of that sadness.

    “Mr. Hale with all due respect, Jeremy is not stupid. This young man has shown great promise and kindness that I cannot tolerate you disparaging him.” She even raised her voice at the father.

    “Shut up,” He glowered at her angrily.

    “As his father you should not treat your own son so-“

    Margaret’s protested was interrupted by Mr. Hale’s fist. The sudden attack caught both Jeremy and Margaret by surprise. Decking her across the face the glasses went flying across the room while she fell crumpled onto the ground. Before she could even recover from it, he stepped forward and delivered a kick straight into the guts. Margaret went tumbling back a bit sprawled on the ground and heaving from the pain.

    “Stupid hag, don’t think you can lecture me about my runt.” He growled before stepping forward.

    “That’s enough,” Jeremy protested putting himself between them.

    “What are you doing idiot?” Mr. Hale demanded angrily.

    “Don’t hurt her, if you’re going to hurt anyone than hurt me.” Jeremy yelled back.

    “Fine, I was going to do it anyway. I had it up to hear with you lately.” Mr. Hale shouted before he threw a punch at Jeremy.

    It connected and sent Jeremy almost to his knees. His father was not hold back and taking the opportunity to vent the frustration on him. Despite the pain this was fine for Jeremy even as his father continue to rain punches down on the son. He dared not attack his father back instead trying to feebly defend himself while slowly moving them away from the prone Ms. Winston. Jeremy could only hope that with his father’s attention fixated on him that she could somehow escape.

    Even as his father rained blows down on him and yelling profanity, Jeremy could not look away from her hoping the father did not hurt her too badly. She was still trembling on the ground and he feared given her age that there might be some serious injuries. But to his surprise, there was something strange going on with Ms. Winston. Hands were clenching into fist looked more like she was trembling in rage. This made Jeremy worried that she might do something foolish. But when she lifted her head up to look at him, Jeremy’s eyes widen in shock at what he spotted.

    It was not the look of fury that was etched across the face, but her eyes. The usual brown eyes of Ms. Winston were now shining with a violet glow. A glow that he found very familiar as it reminded him of Melissa with that same coloration.

    Slowly sitting up, Jeremy was shocked to notice a sudden shifting in the front of her shirt. This was because something underneath was starting to shift. Unexpectedly he saw what looked like shapes of Ms. Winston’s breasts lifting up against the front. It was like they had suddenly gotten firmer. That seemed ridiculous to occur, but that what it looked like to him.

    Hard as it was to focus on Ms. Winston with his father’s beating. Jeremy could not avert his gaze at what he was seeing happening to Ms. Winston. Slowly she got up to her feet, but was still heaving heavily. Little by little she started to walk toward them. Jeremy desperately wanted to yell her to run away, but he found himself helpless to do anything but endure the beating. It shocked him to see Ms. Winston looking taller with each and every step she took to them. At first he thought his eyes were playing tricks, but then he gradually noticed how the sleeves were revealing more of the arm. The bottom cuffs of the pants started to climb upward. Even her stomach showed after the shirt pulled away. It was incredible to witness this phenomenon happening before his eyes he could not understand what was happening to his teacher.

    With another step her shoes started to break. His gaze immediately looked down at the footwear starting to tear apart from the growing feet. Each step stressed them even more until she finally stepped free from the confine shoes and continue to walk forward barefooted. Jeremy gasped at the sight before he turned upward to see the clothing too starting to rip apart. Not just because of her growing stature, but her body was started to swell with muscles. The once thin limbs bulged with muscles that tore apart the fabric and the pale complexion was taking a fairer tone.

    Even her hair which was dark and graying seemed to be changing coloration too. They were growing thicker and fuller with radiation reddish gold streaks replacing the faded strands. Soon her entire hair had become luxurious mane of color even while she continued to grow larger. Worried that she might be exposed naked to everyone, Jeremy felt a small relief when he saw the sport top and bottom that were revealed as the outer clothing tore apart. But now looking at the striking figure rising up behind his father, Jeremy realized who it was that had now emerged before them.

    It was Melissa Winston.

    Jeremy could not believe it. But he could not deny it. Looking at her there was no denying this was Melissa even though it was Margaret previously. He had so many questions, but he did not even know where to begin. But the one thing he did realize was the look of utter rage that remained etched on her face while she stood over them.

    Mr. Hale was about to throw another punch when she grabbed his arm. He angrily turned around to see who was interrupting him before spotting Melissa. His eyes gradually widened in surprise at her sight, but he did not have long to gaze. Her free hand still clenched in a fist went straight into his gut. He choked in pain at the blow before she tossed him away from Jeremy.

    “You will not hurt him in front of me.” Melissa yelled at him.

    “Who the hell are you?” Mr. Hale managed to choke holding his stomach.

    “His girlfriend,” She said before grabbing him by the collar and pressing him up against the wall.

    “So you’re that stupid broad he has been gushing all over. Why would you want that stupid boy?” He struggled against her grip.

    “You will not call him that!” She growled pressing him harder.

    Mr. Hale struggled to protest, but could not. The sheer brute strength that Melissa exerted was too much for him and it was getting harder to breathe. Amazing enough she was even able to lift him up slightly off the ground with his feet barely dangling above it.

    “Jeremy is not someone for you to abuse and disparage. I will never allow you to do that. Do you hear me?” Melissa insisted the fury in her eyes only growing more intense.

    Mr. Hale could make feeble grunting noises in response.

    Melissa could not contain her rage any further when suddenly she felt someone wrapped their arms around her waist trying to hold her back.

    “Please that is enough, stop it.” Jeremy begged her.

    Hearing Jeremy made Melissa snap out of her rage and she dropped Mr. Hale. Looking down she saw his arms clinging to her in an attempt to stop her. Slowly the burning rage that was bumbling up inside started to fade and she started to relax. Feeling her relax, Jeremy slowly released his grip and stepped back while Melissa turned around to face him.

    “I’m sorry about everything,” Melissa said looking rather dejected, “But you cannot stay like this. You cannot help him.”

    Jeremy was silent for a moment, looking at his father and back to Melissa. 

     “Please, let’s just go.” Jeremy admitted to her.

    She quietly nodded and the two of them left the apartment. No words were exchanged between them until they were both seated in the car. It took Melissa a bit longer to adjust the seat again to fit her size. But after both were seated, she folded her arms over the steering wheel and rested her forehead down on them.

    The two sat there silently for a moment, before Jeremy finally had to ask, “Melissa or Ms. Winston, what is going on here?”

    “Just call me Melissa like this.” She said not even lifting her head up.

    “Melissa,” He repeated the name feeling strange and foreign now, “I don’t understand how you are also Ms. Winston?”

    “I am cursed. Well Margaret is the cursed one. I’m just a byproduct of that curse.” Melissa replied wearily.

    “That doesn’t make any sense,” Jeremy protested.

    “The Mushfen Witch,” She simply stated.

    Jeremy felt a shiver at that name. The dreaded boogeyman and local legend that been used to haunt the children for generations. Even he heard many stories and rumors that were circulated around about her, but never would he imagine she actually exists. But after witness that transformation Jeremy guessed there were many things that he did not know or understand.

    “When I, Margaret, was young the witch cursed me. The curse would force me to alleviate the suffering of those around me. It cannot be denied and it would even help if necessary to accomplish it.” She explained.

    “So that is why Ms. Winston keeps helping people.” Jeremy exclaimed.

    “It is an eternal penance for her youthful indiscretions,” Melissa said sadly.

    He never would have imagined that the reason for it would because of some supernatural curse. But it did explain the sometime uncanny ways she could suddenly appear to help. It made Jeremy feel sad for her. The look of weariness must have been from the burden of always going around helping others. He could not imagine how she endured for so long like this. But it did not answer the question entirely.

    “Than what does that do with me?” Jeremy questioned.

    “Back at the prom, Margaret wanted to help you. She was desperate, but no matter who she tried there was no one who would dance with you. In desperation she fell into despair hoping for any way to allow you some happiness that night. The curse reacted and I, Melissa, emerged that night.” She continued.

    Jeremy could not believe this. He could not believe his teacher had transformed into stunning amazon to give a dance partner for the prom. This was too strange even for the shows that he watches and one of them was a magical girl one.

    “Afterwards, Margaret thought that was it. But when you visited the next day and the transformation occurred again. She realized that things were not yet resolved. So we tried to help you, the turmoil that gripped you was like nothing we ever experienced. I thought that by making you more confident in yourself, it would be enough for you get away from that father. But we, I messed up.” She lamented sadly.

    “So everything Margaret told me about you was a lie?” Jeremy asked her.

    “Yes, it was a fabrication to keep you from realizing the truth. Margaret was scared at how you might react at finding out the truth. Much less the scandal of a teacher getting involved with a student would be trouble for both of us.” Melissa sighed.

    “But you were not concern about it.” Jeremy noted with what she said.

    “I thought it was fine, if this helped you. Believe me that I love you and that I want to do anything possible to help you. Since I’ve known you my love has been burning even if Margaret denies it. It just I thought it was fine to lie long as you was happy. But I guess I was wrong.” She admitted.

    “I’m not happy about being lied to by either of you.” Jeremy grumbled scratching his head.

    “It is okay to hate us for it. We deserve it for betraying that trust you had given to both of us.” Melissa turned to gaze at him with unhappy eyes.

    “But I am touched at how you much both of you cared for me.” Jeremy admitted reluctantly.

    “We never intended to hurt you.” She confessed.

    “I believe that,” Jeremy agreed before he started to chuckle a little, “though it is rather funny.”

    Melissa looked puzzled at Jeremy and asked, “What is so funny?”

    “I’d never imagine that my girlfriend would also turn out to be my teacher and magical too. Guess I really hit it on the nail with that gift.” Jeremy laughed at the thought.

    “Guess you really hit the jackpot.” Melissa smiled back at him.

    “But does that mean Margaret…loves me?” Jeremy inquired a bit nervously.

    “She does love you, but as your teacher she wanted to keep it strictly professional. That and she felt much too old to consider such affections to you. But with me, I have no reservation of expressing and showing my love.” She tried to explain.

    “That is rather confusing,” He groaned it made his head hurt.

    “Just know that we both love you, but we just have different ways of expressing it.” Melissa said.

    It was still confusing, but Jeremy guessed he could accept that explanation. They were the same person it seemed they had different ways of thinking. This explained why he felt the two of them shared a lot of similarities. He initially assumed their different attitude was a result of age, but now it was something a lot stranger all together.

    “But what happens now?” Jeremy asked while gazing up at the ceiling of the vehicle.

    “That I don’t know. If you want to break up, I can accept it. But regardless I don’t want you staying with your father anymore. Even if you don’t want to admit, he is no good for you.” Melissa begged him.

    Closing his eyes, Jeremy thought about it. Earlier he would admit that the idea of abandoning his father seemed ludicrous. But now he was not so certain. After seeing his father assaulting Ms. Winston and Jeremy felt disconnected from his father. Maybe seeing that made him finally admit how his father would likely never return to the way things was. Nonetheless, Jeremy did not want to risk anyone else he cared about again to the danger that his father presented.

    “I once admire dad, but that man is long gone. Guess I was being stubborn to admitting it.” Jeremy reflected sadly.

                “It is hard to see a loved one become like that,” Melissa agreed.

                “But where would I go?” Jeremy wondered.

                Looking away, Melissa reminded, “Margaret still has plenty of room in her place. So she would more than happy to let you stay there for the time being.”

                “But I don’t want to be a burden,” Jeremy complained before Melissa just waved her hand.

                “Please if it was a burden then it wouldn’t come up in the first place. She wants to help you. I want to help you. So please let us do anything to help you.” Melissa asked him earnestly.

                Gazing into her violet eyes, Jeremy relented, “I guess then please take care of me, both of you.”

                “That is great, so before we go is there anything you want to grab?” Melissa noted with a nod to back at the apartment.

                “But my dad is still there,” Jeremy muttered not exactly looking forward to another encounter.

                Flexing her arm to show off the biceps, Melissa smiled, “Are you forgetting your super girlfriend?”

                Jeremy could only laugh at her gesture. It felt good to laugh, somehow the burden he never realized that been weighing on him seemed gone. But when he looked to her, he noticed a trace of melancholy in her eyes still that betrays her enthusiasms.

                “If you would keep me as your girlfriend, regardless Margaret will always be willing to support you too.” She admitted sounding a bit nervous.

                It was rare to see her so flustered, but Jeremy admitted it was rather cute. She did bring up a good point on the matter of their relationship. Realizing that Melissa was in fact his teacher made things a lot more complicated than he ever expected. Just trying to reconcile the two of them was kind of hard seeing as how different in appearances and attitude. But gazing at Melissa with her concerned look, Jeremy did not want to let either of them go.

                “I don’t think it is a healthy thing to have a relationship built on deceit.” Jeremy stated with a sigh.

                “You’re right,” Melissa agreed with a disappointed look.

                “So let’s just start all over again without any of those lies anymore.” Jeremy offered to her with holding his hand out.

                Melissa’s face suddenly light up as his offer and smiled. The look on her face was magical like the night they shared together at the prom. It even made his heart race a bit.

                “So please let me be your boyfriend, Ms. Winston…or is it Melissa?” Jeremy botched the last part.

                Taking his hand, Melissa pulled up close and kissed him. The move surprised him, but Jeremy did not resist and the two shared the tender moment together.

                When they parted, she smiled, “Melissa is fine. Just make sure to keep our names separate.”

                “This is going to take some getting used to.” Jeremy admitted sheepishly.

                “Don’t worry. We got time to work it all out.” Melissa laughed her happiness was radiant.

                Jeremy could not help but share in her laughter too. The two of them afterward headed back into the apartment to gather what little belong Jeremy had remaining. His father seemed to have scampered off and Jeremy found himself a bit disappointed at the fact. While Melissa moved the stuff into the vehicle and gathered her dropped items left behind. Jeremy left a note for his father should he returned. Taking one last look at that place that been his home for much of his life. Jeremy felt a twinge of sadness before left his key behind and headed outside to join Melissa back in the vehicle.

                The ride back was uneventful. Melissa had Jeremy moved his stuff into one of the spare bedrooms in the house before excusing herself. While he was busy setting things up, Jeremy was surprised at seeing Ms. Winston coming in to check on him. She was wearing a different set of clothing than last time, but looking a bit anxious to see how he was doing.

                “I am regretful about everything that happened with your father. That was not my intention of getting your hurt because of me.” She apologized.

                “I should be the one apologizing. Seeing you get hurt made me realize how hopeless he had become.” Jeremy admitted back to her.

                “Still though this is what I wanted, it must still hurt separating from your father like that.” Margaret noted with a sad look.

                “It hurts, but not as much as seeing you get hurt. After everything you’ve done for me I am truly grateful for all you’ve done.” Jeremy smiled.

                “You should be thanking Melissa. She has done the most for you.” Margaret corrected.

                “No,” Jeremy refuted putting a hand on her shoulder, “Even before that prom night, you’ve been helping me so much. And after that you’ve done even more, I don’t think I’ll ever repay you for this.”

                “Just please become happy and prosper.” She asked of him.

                “I will,” Jeremy said before resting his forehead against Margaret’s, “And thank you, Margaret.”

                Margaret felt her face flushing a bit at the gesture, before she pulled away. Her heart was starting to race a bit in excitement and cheeks were bright red.

                “Please save such things for Melissa, I am still your teacher.” She stammered the urge to change was stirring inside.

                “Sorry, guess there are something we still need to work out. Besides, I won’t be a student for much longer.” Jeremy chuckled a bit.

                Smiling at his chuckle, Margaret agreed, “Don’t worry. We got time to work it all out.”

                Jeremy was right about not being a student for long. Just barely a week later the school year had finally come to a close. The commencement ceremony was held and Margaret was there to cheer him upon receiving his diploma. It was a bit sad that there was no sign of his father at all among the crowd, but Jeremy was happy at least Margaret was there for him. The two of them afterwards got in the car together and headed back home.

                Along the drive, Jeremy admitted, “Hard to believe I managed to graduate.”

                “You shouldn’t be,” Margaret replied while she drove, “You passed all your tests and grades were sufficient to graduate.”

                “I just meant thinking back when we first met. At that time it seemed likely I would have to repeat a year.” He reminded her.

                “You’ve come a long way from that point. I’m proud of you Jeremy.” Margaret praised him.

                “Thanks, I definitely could not have done it without all your support.” Jeremy agreed.

                “You’re welcome. And now that you are no longer a student, you shouldn’t feel awkward about spending more time with Melissa either.” She reminded him.

Since he moved in with Margaret, she had yet change into Melissa again. When asked about it, Jeremy admitted to focus on graduating before handling the matter of the relationship. But now that the matter of graduation was settled, he had no more excuses. Margaret was not trying to push him on the matter, but she was curious about what he was thinking.

                “Yeah, but are you okay with this?” He asked a bit curious.

                “If you need her, then that is all that matters. We both just want you to be happy and there are things I admit she can do better.” Margaret gave him a warm smile.

                “I’ll keep that in mind. Summer is going to be interesting.” Jeremy admitted.

                “Don’t worry about your future just yet. Enjoy some times to have fun.” Margaret told him.

                Jeremy just quietly nodded while he thought about it. The two arrived at the home shortly and Margaret opened the door up for him. Jeremy simply stood for a moment while he looked at Margaret standing there by the open door before him.

                Smiling again at him, she said, “Welcome home Jeremy.”

                “Thank you, I’m home.” Jeremy returned the smile.

                With that they both entered the home together. Just as Margaret entered her eyes flashed violet before the doors closed behind them.

Epilogue –

                Mr. Hale stumbled down the sidewalk in a drunken haze. Since Jeremy had left, he had no one to vent his frustration upon anymore. The ungrateful brat had just abandoned his own father to run away with some crazy muscle lady. Thinking about it made him feel aggravated.

                Even drinking could not make him forget about the pain and humiliation he suffered at her hands. If he ever got the chance, he definitely repays them both. Taking another swig of the bottle he grumbled at it being empty before tossing it at some nearby pedestrians that were looked at him worriedly.

                The bottle missed but still shattered nearby. The pedestrians quickly ran away from the disorderly drunk and that suited him just fine.

                “Stupid boy, stupid broad,” He rambled drunkenly, “don’t think you’re better than me.”

                He started to move forward, before he noticed there was standing in his way. His vision was already getting fuzzy, but he could tell she had a nice rack. Licking his lips hungrily, he reached forward to grab them but she caught his wrist. Before he could protest he felt a swift blow and blanked out afterwards.

                Watching the disgusting drunk collapse onto the pavement, Katelyn dusted off her hands. She had heard there as drunk drinking in public and causing a disorder. After seeing him try to attack some civilian with a bottle, she could not contain her disgust at his conduct. Such scum of societies could not be tolerated.

                Stepping over him, she wandered off into the night. Surely there were other malcontents that needed a swift beating of justice. Still looking up at the stars she noted that summer would be coming soon. A smile crept on her lips as she thought of the better times to come until then she had work to clean up the streets of all these scum.

                Still, she wondered if that mystery from a few weeks back might be revealed. Katelyn was looking forward to seeing Margaret Winston again. Not to mention that Melissa too. Summer was definitely going to be an interesting and curious time for certain, she mused now that spring is ending.