Holiday Credit

Lifting a hand to the back of her neck, Dr. Eve Djuric pressed it deep into the side of her toned neck. Squeezing and rubbing in tight circles while her other hand rested on her tablet. Dancing across the screen like a piano while she finished editing the email. 

To: Amanda <athornhill@excelsia.edu

From: Eve <dosa@excelsia.edu

Subject: Carrol Comm. Group Grant

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Mandy,

I agree with you, the project has reached a critical point. I have asked the board to go forward with the Grant request. 

Best,

Dr. Eve Djuric

Dean of Counselling and Social Work

Excelsia University

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“I can’t wait for break to ACTUALLY begin.” She said to no one in particular. 

Laying her tablet on her desk, she rose to her feet and walked over to her electric kettle. Taking the carafe and walking into the lobby, she began filling the vessel with water from the fountain and idled by looking around her quiet surroundings. Through the window looking over the quad, Eve could see a bubbly brunette walking towards the building, waving at some friends with a carefree smile. 

Her jaw tightened and she rolled her eyes, returning to her office. “Ariel, Ariel, Ariel.” She said softly, feeling her teeth grinding on one another as she grumbled. “What a way to end the week…” She walked back into her office, pausing by her door.

Arching her eyebrow, Eve walked over to her safe. Kneeling she spun the tumblers until she heard a comforting click. There on the lip of a shelf was a thick case. Flipping it open and counting a series of sealed ampoules, each one alternating between red and green caps. She let her fingers slip into the two empty slots left over from her staycation last weekend. 

Pinching a green tipped cap from its foam prison, Eve walked over to the glass cabinet behind her desk and pulled out her tea set. A deep blue tray with a cute matching set. Plain white ceramic with little blue cross accents and bands running along the edges of each usable surface.

Eve smiled, wondering if the princess had made it inside the building yet. Setting two places, one by her couch, the other on the other side of the low table by a chair. Eve pulled the cap from the ampoule and deposited its contents into the bottom of one of the cups. Looking down, she reached out and gingerly twisted the still empty cup’s handle towards her desk so she could keep track of it. 

As the screeching of the cup in the saucer began to fade, there was a knock on the door. Through the thin blinds stood Ariel, completely relaxed while idling on her phone. Each step to the door felt like climbing a staircase, and as she opened the door it was taking every ounce of self-control to keep her expression neutral. 

“Hiya Doc! Got a minute?” Ariel said, barely acknowledging the professional woman with a glance as she turned off the screen and slipped it under her lumpy jumper. “You excited for break?”

Stepping aside, Eve let the woman enter. She watched the girl stride through her office, flopping into the chair nearest the door. “I had something I wanted to run by you.” Eve clicked back towards her sofa, holding her hands behind her back as Ariel spoke. “Daddy has had a wonderful year at work, and I was hoping to ask him for a donation to Excelsia.” 

Eve felt her body relax, lightening as she bent forward, pouring tea into each cup. “You’d like a favour then, in return for your generosity.” Inwardly screaming as she slid the special cup towards her guest, she gestured to the matching containers on the tray. “Sugar? Lemon?”

“Both!” Ariel chirped, placing her hands on her lap. “Can I be honest? I’ve had an incredibly hard semester, I could use some extra credit.” She said sweetly, scooching closer to the edge of the seat. “Not like, straight A’s or nothing. Just… a boost.”

Eve winced as Ariel’s grammar hung in the air. Lifting her own drink to her lips, she let tendrils of rooibos swirl in her sinuses before taking a sip. Sitting on her sofa, she narrowed her gaze. “I see.” Ariel sat there, smiling dimly across the table towards Eve. The older woman tilted her head, her cheeks separating into a smirk before slicing into a broad toothy smile. “I’m afraid I can’t just…give you Extra credit.” 

Ariel’s dull grin faltered, her eyes pinching shut. Eve leaned back, crossing her legs. “However, there may be something we can do. If you’ll agree to help me with a special project I’ll give you enough credit to give you a shot at valedictorian.”

Ariel’s expression twisted, frustration, confusion, but also a bit of curiosity. “What would I have to do?”

Eve gestured to the steaming cup resting in front of the young woman. “Actually, it’s a study. You don’t have to actually do a thing. Just consent to the occasional observation and go about your day.”

Ariel’s eye’s widened and her chubby cheeks burst into a dull smile. “Okie dokie!” She pulled the cup up to her lips and took a sip. “Oooh, this is really good! What is it?” Ariel greedily drained the cup, and set it on the saucer again.

Eve shifted forward, leaning and resting her chin on one of her hands. “Rooibos, red tea.” Ariel fidgeted subtly, brushing a lock of black hair out of her eyes. Eve scrutinized the girl, ‘Is she breathing faster?’ She thought.

“So what do I have to do?”

Eve smiled, barely moving a muscle. “Nothing. Just stay with me for a few days while I document how you adapt.”

Ariel’s knee’s were bouncing, but she could see the changes beginning. Her hands were bouncing a bit, the cuffs were sitting differently on her hands. “Stay…with you? But I have plans?”

Eve smirked, her knee’s pressing against one another as she felt her pulse begin to race. “Plans change sweetie, no going back” She rocked her feet forward, watching as Ariel’s head seemed to sink lower and lower. Her already lumpy sweater swallowing her diminishing frame. 

The older woman watched hungrily as Ariel’s tight jeans were drawn upwards as the coed shrank. “Wha- what do you… what is happening to me!?” Her hands disappeared into the sleeve’s of her jumper. Eve was entranced, barely aware of the dual thuds as Ariel's canvas trainers crashed to the floor below. 

“Well sweetie, this is a bit of a private study. And in case you haven’t realized it yet…” Eve licked her lips, “…I’m shrinking you.” 

Ariel lifted her hands, and the jumper sleeves drooped, revealing her impossibly tiny hands. Eve smiled as she saw the darkness of the soles of Ariel’s tiny feet settle onto the edge of the chair’s seat. “Shr-shr-shr-…” 

Eve nodded, and stood, looming over the now tiny coed. “Mm hm. Shrinking.” Folding her arms under her bust, she clicked around the chair. “Well…shrunk I guess now.” The outfit enveloping her quarry began to tremble as Ariel curled inwards. “So here’s the deal: You’re going to stay with me over break. You will secure not only the donation you tried to extort, but also your fathers support for a research grant we’re applying for. And…” Bending forward, she poked Ariel’s button nose. “…you’re going to start taking your studies seriously. Be a good girl, and I will grow you back. In a week.”