A Fruity Experince p1 Extended preview

A Fruity Experience.

Peggy ran her fingers along the glass. “So, this thing will really cause me to inflate?”

Beth slowly nodded her head. “Yup. It is a new special drink we have here at Potion’s R Us. It reacts with a fruit you have recently eaten, causing the juices to expand outward.”

“That is so cool.” Beth rolled her eyes. “I am going to take it.”

Beth took the bottle out of Peggy’s pale hands. “Ok, then follow me, miss.” Beth sighed as she walked toward the front of the store.

As Peggy followed the strange-looking woman, she couldn’t help but ask, “Are you alright? You seem awfully down for someone in such a bright and colorful outfit.”

Beth walked behind the golden counter. “I’m fine. I just had a horrible experience a few days ago.” She sighed. “Let’s just say I am inclined to get this sale right.” She typed on the monitor, and Peggy shivered as a chill ran through her body and into her very soul. “Ok, we are good.”

“Wait.” Peggy blinked her green eyes. “This is free?”

Beth slid the bottle across the counter. “Sure, I guess. I am tired of trying to explain what just happened. Enjoy, ma’am.”

Peggy snatched the potion. “I will.”

“Oh, and one more thing. Take this in moderation. . .” Beth sighed as she realized Peggy was already gone. “Hugh, well, she might have to learn the hard way. I just hope Mr. Gongsel won’t take that out on me as well if there is a giant blueberry or raspberry on the news.” Beth stretched her arms. “Well, I should go and see what else my boss is cooking up. Preferably before he considers me late and tries to test one of the potions on me. Hugh.”

***

Peggy slipped into her apartment and smiled. “Well, this is really going to spice things up tonight.” She clutched her hands around the glass bottle. “Troy will be so surprised when I spring this on him.” She giggled. “I can’t wait to see him react to my skin turning a bit green and red. Getting a little bit juicy. This is going to be a fun night.”

She walked to the fridge. “I have quite a selection for tonight as well.

Blueberries. Raspberries. Grapes.” Peggy smiled. “Why I don’t know where to start. All I know is I will knock his socks off.”

She rolled her eyes as her phone vibrated in her pocket. “Ugh, what now.” She pulled out her phone and raised it to her ear. “Hello?”

“Peggy, we need you to come into work.”

“Umm, you do know it’s my day off, right?” She tapped her fingers on the side of the table. “I have had this week sectioned off for my vacation for months. You people knew that I was going to be gone this week.”

“But everyone else is busy, and the systems are fucked. We need you.”

“I’m sorry, but. . .”

“If you don’t come in, you are looking at a pay cut or possibly someone taking your place. Now get your ass in here.”  The line went dead.

Peggy threw her phone across the room. “It took me so long to set up a date with Troy.

What the hell am I supposed to do?” Her eyes fell upon the glass potion and a smirk formed on her face. “Hmmm, I don’t think they will want me to stay that long if I come down with the blues.” She giggled and picked up the bottle. “I will have my fun yet. But first, I need to make sure I have the right fruit.” She made her way into the kitchen. “Would my boss freak out more if I turned blue or green? Hmm.”

She pulled out a grape from the fridge. “Well, considering I want to save everything but this for Troy, I guess I will use this to get out of work.” She threw the small purple fruit into her mouth. “Mhhmh.” She then shut the fridge and grabbed the glass bottle. “Ok, let’s get this started. Hmm, I actually don’t know if I should use this now or wait.” She scratched at her chin. “That Beth woman said something as I was leaving that Potion’s R Us store. I wonder if it had to do with the directions.” Peggy shrugged her shoulders. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter.”

She popped off the cork and took a few gulps. “Phew.” She took a deep breath and set the bottle down. “That stuff really has some kick. Now to hurry to my job and scare the living daylights out of my boss so I can hurry home and have a fun-filled evening with Troy.” She giggled as she walked to the door. “He won’t believe his eyes when he sees me.”