Classroom changes, Umako chapter 4

Umako Classroom Changes: Chapter 4

As the weeks passed after the Event, life began to return to normal, or more accurately, to settle into a new normal. However, things would never be the same as before. 

Many changed people could resume something close to their everyday lives, with various accommodations required for their new physical forms. For others, the change was more disruptive. Some folks who worked with their hands found themselves in new forms, such as a harpy, which had no hands. Others found mobility to be the issue. For a person who was now a mermaid, the challenges on land were much the same as if they had developed paraplegia. The available supply of wheelchairs quickly sold out, and there was a months-long waiting list for more.

Some people discovered they had simply become too large for their work environment. This indirectly affected Umako’s father on the day of the change. He was away on a business trip that day, and his flight home was cancelled because the pilot was now a centaur and could not fit into the cockpit. Along with many other travellers, he was stuck in the airport for several days before finding space on another flight.

—------------------------------------------------

When Umako heard that her Poppa was finally able to get home, she was thrilled. He had seen her new form on a video call, but she couldn’t wait to show him in person. She ran to the station to meet his train from the airport.

As Poppa exited from the arrival door, Umako rushed up to greet him. In her hurry, she bumped into several other people in the waiting area, knocking them all to the ground. There were surprised shouts and muttered curses. Umako stopped and turned around, blushing beet red with embarrassment.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she cried, reaching down to help a man on the floor get up. “I'm not used to how large I am now.”

“Damn monsters,” the man grumbled, swatting her hand away, “They should lock you all up in a zoo.” He stormed off without further comment.

Umako was stunned at the man’s reaction. It wasn’t as if she had deliberately knocked him down. Tears welled up in her eyes. A woman Umako had also bumped into saw how upset she was. She took Umako’s hand and looked her in the eyes with a sympathetic smile.

“Don’t mind him, dear,” she reassured Umako. “I know it was an accident. Some people are just grumpy. That was no excuse for him to call you a monster.” The woman’s kind words calmed Umako down.

By this time, Umako’s father had reached her.

“Are you all right?” he asked Umako, a look of concern on his face. He stood a little apart from her, unsure how to approach this being that used to be his little girl, who was now towering over him.

“I am now, Poppa,” she smiled. “I’m so glad you’re home!” She picked her father up and cradled him like a baby.

“Umako,” Poppa said, surprised. “You’re so big and strong now.”

“I know, isn’t it wonderful?” Umako gushed.

“Uh, well, “ Poppa hesitated, “I was pretty shocked when I saw you on video chat the day of the Event. Obviously, many people around me had changed, but somehow you don’t think of it happening to your own family. I’ve been worrying about how you really felt about it.”

“I couldn’t be happier,” Umako smiled, “Sure, it’s going to take some adjustments, but I’d never want to change back.”

“Well, if you’re happy, then I’m happy for you,” he concluded.

Umako carried her father out of the station.

“Shouldn’t you put me down now,” Poppa asked.

“I’ve got a better idea,” Umako replied, swinging her father onto her back. “Hang on tight.”

Her father shouted in surprise as Umako started to trot.

“Put your arms around my waist and wrap your legs in front of me, Poppa. It’s going to get a lot faster.”  Umako started to gallop. Poppa hung on as tight as he could. He started slipping a couple of times, and Umako had to use her hands to move him back into position. She covered the 3km to home in under 5 minutes.

“Whew,” Poppa declared as he slid down from her back, “that was quite a run.”

“I wanted to show you how fast I can run now,” Umako beamed, breathing quickly. “Isn’t it great!” Her skin glowed, and her hide glistened with sweat. “Wasn’t I good, Poppa?”

“Yes, dear. Very impressive,” Poppa replied, his legs unsteady beneath him.

------------------------------------------------

School was slowly returning to normal, and students who could attend were encouraged to return. There had been some discussion about segregating the demi-human students or even requiring them to be home-schooled. Still, ultimately, it was decided that keeping the students in their original class groups as much as possible would be the least disruptive approach.

Umako was happy to get back to class and see all her friends. She was especially thrilled to see her mermaid friend Aya rolling into the classroom; she had been able to get a wheelchair before they sold out. Aquatic species like merfolk and scyllas would get terrible skin rashes if they were out of water for too long. Luckily, the authorities had made the nearby swimming pool available and lowered it to an appropriate temperature. The students who required it could go for a quick swim there during breaks to keep their skin in shape.

The school did what it could to make every class available on a live stream for students unable or unwilling to return to the classroom. Leira, who had become a sexually mature lamia, availed herself of this service. She could physically attend class with her serpentine body, but she found that her pheromones were so potent that none of the boys in the class concentrated on their schoolwork when she was present. Even the strongest deodorant wasn’t able to mask her scent. Being a naturally shy person, she was mortified by all the male attention. When her parents heard what was happening, they insisted she attend remotely.

There had been a significant change in the power structure of the class mean girls. Scorpion girl Akiko was the new leader of the clique. The former leader, Masuyo, had moved to sidekick status since her inexplicable change from queen bee to drone. Masuyo now ranked below even the girls who were still human. Although her human part still looked the same, the phallus she had developed made the others question whether she was still a girl. 

Akiko was not above flaunting her newfound power against the other students. She even went so far as to sting a boy who called her a freak. Fortunately, she didn’t cause him any permanent harm, but it did give him severe pain and temporary paralysis. Her action triggered a major incident at the school. The authorities were called in, and the boy’s parents considered pressing assault charges. Principal Sato managed to defuse the situation. Akiko was given a one-week suspension and required to wear a heavy leather cover over her stinger at school. The principal called all the demi-human students to an assembly where she warned them that any future abuses of their new-found abilities would not be tolerated and would lead to their permanent expulsion from the school.

------------------------------------------------

One day, shortly after the school re-opened, Umako was walking home from school with Aya when a centaur boy approached her. Umako recognized him as the one who had been rubbing up against her the day of the Event. She hoped he wasn’t planning to repeat his clumsy courtship attempt.

“Hi, Umako, isn’t it?” he asked. He seemed hesitant, almost scared.

“Yeees,” Umako answered cautiously, “Can I help you?”

“I’m Yukio,” he said, “I’m the guy that was bothering you in the gym the day we changed.”

“Oh, I remember you,” Umako said coldly, giving him a stern look.

“Yeah, about that…,” he said, “I just wanted to apologize. I’m not really like that. Something came over me that day. It was all so strange, and all these feelings overwhelmed me. Something about your scent just drove me crazy and clouded my mind. I’m truly sorry. Please don’t hold it against me. I think you’re very pretty. I don’t want you to hate me. I wish I could take it all back.” The words came out so fast at the end he was almost babbling.

Umako’s first reaction was to tell him to leave her alone. But when she saw his sad-puppy look, she softened. Many students had gone a bit wild that first day, and he hadn’t done anything that terrible. Besides, he was kind of cute.

“It’s ok,” Umako told him, “Let’s just forget about it.”

“Really. That’s great. Thank you so much,” the boy gushed, “Well, uh, see you around,” he added as he trotted away.

 “He’s got it bad, got it bad, got it bad, he’s hot for Centaur.” Aya sang to the tune of Van Halen’s ‘Hot for Teacher”

“Don’t be silly,” Umako replied, “He was just embarrassed about the other day.”

“Trust me,” Aya countered, “We mermaids have a unique talent for recognizing when a guy is hooked. That boy is thirsty for you. I’ve seen how he looks at you when you’re not watching.”

“Well…, he is cute, and his apology was charming, in a geeky sort of way.” Umako mused with a little smile.

“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” Aya said, surprised. “What about Hiroto?”

“Hiroto and I are something of a situationship,” Umako said, “We’ve both confessed we like each other, but he hasn’t asked me out. I’m not sure where we are going.”

“Besides,” Umako continued, “Has the Event changed everything about relationships? Should I be dating someone of my own species? It would be nice to date someone who I could look in the eyes without bending over, who could keep up with me on a walk without gasping for air and who I wouldn’t have to worry about accidentally crushing. What about the future? Nobody knows if mixed species can have children or what those children might turn out like.”

“Oh, please,” Aya replied with a sarcastic grin, “You’re just thinking about how big a horsecock Yukio must have, aren’t you?”

“Don’t be crude,” Umako scolded, “Still… a girl has to consider ALL her needs,” she blushed.

“Oh, but this is all silly,” Umako declared, “Why would he be interested in me?”

“What are you talking about?” Aya demanded. “Have you looked in the mirror since the Event? You’ve changed a lot, and I don’t mean just the horsey bits. No offence, but you used to be kind of doughy. Now you’re really buff, with those 6-pack abs and bulging biceps. And let’s not overlook how nicely your titties have come in.” Umako noticed Aya getting a dreamy look on her face.

“Well, maybe,” Umako allowed, “but that just comes with being a centaur. I haven’t been working out any more than before. Besides, I’m no more swole than any other centaur girl.”

“Pick me up,” Aya said, “I want to tell you a secret.”

Umako didn’t know what Aya wanted to say, but she complied, picking Aya up from her wheelchair and cradling her in her arms with Aya’s face next to hers.

“I think you’re hot,” Aya whispered. She threw her arms around Umako’s neck and gave her a long, deep, sensual kiss.

Umako was so startled she almost dropped Aya.

“Aya! I, umm,” Umako sputtered as she returned Aya to her wheelchair and stepped back, blushing.

“I like you a lot, Aya,” Umako said hesitantly, “But not like that. I’ve never thought of you that way.”

“Don’t stress about it,” Aya assured her. “I saw an opening, and I went for it. It’s a mermaid thing. We’re kind of spontaneous.”

“But you have a boyfriend,” Umako protested, confused about what might be happening.

“I sure do, and I love him,” Aya answered, “But he’s cool with me having some ‘friends with benefits’ as well. I could probably get him to join us if you’d like.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Umako protested, blushing even redder.

“Relax,” Aya assured her, “There’s no pressure here. I’m just putting it out there.”

“Okay…,” Umako said, “So we’re just good friends, right?”

“Yeah, sure, bffs, however you want it,” Aya assured her, “But when you get tired of the clumsy attempts boys call lovemaking, remember I know moves that will blow your mind,” she added with a lascivious grin. Hearing Aya try to sound seductive made Umako giggle. Aya was no more experienced than any of her peers.

They parted as each headed home. Along the way, Umako pondered what had occurred. She had never considered herself anything other than hetero, but Aya's kiss had been exhilarating, and she couldn't stop wondering what sex with Aya would be like. She was too embarrassed to discuss it with anyone, but she had been unable to masturbate since she became a centaur. She literally could no longer reach that part of her body. Perhaps Aya could help her get some satisfaction again. At least when doing it with a girl, there wouldn't be any fear of getting pregnant. 

—-----------------------------------------------

Several days passed without Yukio making any further attempts to talk to Umako. She was more aware of him watching her after Aya had pointed it out, but when she looked at him, he always turned away or acted as if he was busy doing something. 

Umako began to doubt Yukio’s interest in her. She decided she had to find out, one way or the other. After school, she waited for him along the road he usually took home. She saw him coming and trotted up to him, blocking his path.

“Umako,” he said, surprised, “This isn’t your usual route.”

“I know,” she said with a severe look, “I’ve thought some more about our conversation the other day, and I’ve decided I’m not ready just to forget your actions on Event Day.”

“Oh,” Yukio whispered, terrified of what may come next.

“That’s right,” Umako said, grinning, “I think you need to buy me a big bowl of ice cream to make up for it!”

Yukio melted with relief and returned her smile. “I’d love to. When would you like to collect it?”

“I’m not busy right now,” Umako replied.

“Well then, my lady,” Yukio said with a slight bow, offering his hand, “May I escort you to the ice cream emporium?”

Umako took his hand, and they started towards the gelateria at a trot. Umako sped up to a canter, Yukio keeping pace with her. “This is nice,” Umako thought, “Hiroto would never be able to keep up with me at this speed.”

—-----------------------------------------------

At their pace, it only took them about 10 minutes to cover the 3 kilometres to the store. The after-school crowd was meeting for treats and gossip, and many customers were at tables on the sidewalk, enjoying the sunshine.

Umako spotted Serass sitting alone at one of the sidewalk tables, intent on a large bowl of ice cream. She wasn’t sure if she should acknowledge Serass or pretend she didn’t see her. Frankly, she had been somewhat scared of Serass since that night when a winged Serass appeared in her bedroom window. Had that actually happened, or had it been a waking dream? It seemed so surreal now.

Serass decided for her by calling out and beckoning her to come over.

 “Hey there, horsey girl. I see you’ve decided to upgrade boyfriends,” Serass teased her with a shark-toothed grin.

“Uh, well…” Umako replied, “Yukio is just buying me ice cream. I wouldn’t call him my boyfriend.”

“Whatever,” Serass shrugged, “I think he suits you better than that human you were so worried about.” She resumed eating her ice cream. Umako looked at the bowl curiously.

“What is that flavour,” Umako asked, “I don’t recall seeing anything like it before.”

“It’s San Marcos Cake,” Serass replied without looking up, “It’s my favourite. I suggested they start carrying it”. Umako mused that Serass wasn't the sort you could say no to. What she called a suggestion the proprietor probably took as a command.

“It looks delicious. I’ll have to try it,” Umako said, “Well, I won’t keep you from your treat any longer.” she added self-consciously as she backed away. Serass didn’t respond; she just continued shovelling in the frozen delicacy.

Umako told Yukio she’d like a double scoop of San Marcos Cake in a waffle cone, so he went to the take-out window to order. A few minutes later, he returned with identical cones in each hand and proffered one to Umako. She took a bite and declared it delectable. She turned towards where Serass had been sitting, wanting to compliment her taste in ice cream, but Serass was no longer there.

The couple walked down the street, holding a cone in one hand and holding hands with the other. Neither of them noticed Hiroto watching them from inside the restaurant.