Forever Young: Blessing or Curse (Always Young Trilogy) (7 page)

 As
she drove to the Institute, she tried not to second guess. Good grief, she’d
already made her choice. Would she feel such uncertainty every time she took
the pill?

When
she stepped from her Hyundai onto the asphalt, again she averted her eyes from
the tragic spot. She started to walk, but her legs shook even more than the day
before. It was almost as if they were telling her to go back to the car and
drive home. She’d taken the pill only once. If she stopped now, maybe she’d be
normal. If she continued on instead, she placed herself in danger of
contracting cancer or some other kind of disease. Then again, wasn’t growing
old a disease? 

Remember,
Mom,
she told
herself. Her mother’s plight was reason enough to reach out and press the
doorbell. From now on, she’d not question her decision. Head high, Dorrie
smiled at Roman when he answered, then followed him to his office. She’d
reaffirmed her decision and that was that. No more pondering and obsessing.

Each
day, as Dorrie took the pill in Roman’s office and allowed her appearance to be
documented, she ignored her negative feelings. It had to be all right. She felt
fine, in fact, more energetic than ever. Even her aches and pains had started
to disappear.  

After
a month, the wrinkles began to fade, as did the veins and cellulite on her
legs. In another month’s time, her gray hair reverted to a vibrant blond
without dye.

Roman
smiled with approval, as he lined her up for another bikini shot where she’d
previously stood in her lumpy body. When his eyes raked her figure, she still
felt embarrassed, but at least now she didn’t also feel ashamed. In a different
lifetime, Larry had glanced at her like Roman did now. Her heart ached at the
reminder.

“Where’s
that happy smile?” the cameraman coaxed.

Shaking
off melancholy, Dorrie turned her lips up. Nothing could be gained from
dwelling on her losses. A lifetime of promise lay ahead of her, even if it
didn’t include Larry.

Roman
administered another pill in his office. After the taping had finished and the
cameraman had left, he said, “You’re progressing on target. Tomorrow I’ll give
you alternate IDs and credit cards with your actual name, but a later birth
year.”

Dorrie’s
spirits soared when he handed her the cards, evidence the pills were really
working.

As
the changes advanced, Dorrie’s hair shone, her skin grew soft and supple.
Instead of size fourteen, she went down to a seven. What a pleasant
transformation from saggy to firm. How could she have hesitated to take this
marvelous pill?

Before
long, three months had passed. After another taping session, Roman shot her an
assessing glance. His wide smile told her he was pleased with the results.
“You’re ready for the next step, Dorrie. Tomorrow, you’ll be my assistant.”

Since
she’d lived in semi-isolation during the reversion process, it would be a
welcome change to mingle with others in the light of day. Starting work in a
new persona would be fun, almost like a college student on the first day of
class. At last she could do something constructive besides cataloging and
admiring her looks.

She
smiled back at Roman. “I’m looking forward to it.”

***

On
Wednesday morning Dorrie couldn’t keep the spring from her step as she strode
to the side door of the Institute. Roman met her downstairs and rode up with
her in the elevator. When they arrived at his office, after administering the
pill, he handed a small bottle to her. “I’m leaving the pills in your hands
now. This will hold you down the rest of this month and through June. Remember,
to take one each morning. I’m sure I don’t have to stress the importance of
staying on the regimen.”

“I’ll
definitely do that.”

He
then led her through an adjoining door to a smaller space. Dorrie glanced
around the room and smiled, taking in the slate colored office furniture, state
of the art computer, blush colored wall coverings and matching carpet. Her
surroundings seemed a dream come true, as were her looks. She’d work extra hard
to show appreciation for what Roman had done for her.   

“You
like?”

“How
could I not? It’s gorgeous.”

Dorrie
eagerly listened as he described the equipment she’d use, along with the other
aspects of her job.

Unlike
the old-fashioned transcription machine she’d grown used to, the digital one
here didn’t require tapes. Roman’s words magically sounded in her earphones by
means of an onscreen computer program.

The
Institute’s other software didn’t match any she’d used before, yet contained
the usual commands, so it shouldn’t be hard to figure out.

“Ready
to start?”

She
nodded. “Bring it on.”

Roman
only dictated a few letters to begin with, which she found easy to master.
After a stress free morning, she meandered to the company cafeteria for lunch.
Fumbling in her purse for her wallet, she balanced her tray with the other
hand. A bump from behind made her tray almost topple, but she righted it in the
nick of time.

She
turned to see the cause of the commotion. A dark haired twenty something girl
flashed a smile. “Sorry.”

The
warmth in the girl’s eyes made Dorrie smile back. “No problem, nothing lost.”

Maybe
it was her new brave self, but suddenly Dorrie found herself adding, “Do you
have anyone to sit with?”

“No,
I’m kind of new here. I’m Kelly Kingston.”

“So
am I.” She laughed. “No, that’s not what I meant to say. I’m Dorrie Donato. I’m
new here, too.”

Kelly’s
infectious laugh followed. They found an empty table on the side and laid down
their trays. As they talked, they connected on a subliminal level as if they’d
known each other forever. Dorrie would have liked to share more about her
exciting job, but unfortunately couldn’t divulge any of the incidentals. That
was a secret she mustn’t share, though she was burning to do so. She wondered
what Kelly would think when she found out. Hopefully, she’d not be offended by
the evasion, and they’d stay on speaking terms.

A
few days later Roman stopped by Dorrie’s desk to say, “You’re off Monday for
Memorial Day. Tuesday, be here bright and early for priming on the Forever
Young news conference following right afterward.”

Her
smile vanished. Though she’d been shot endless times by cameramen and
photographers, she’d never experienced a live broadcast. If she made any kind
of mistake, thousands, no, millions, might see it. Would anyone she knew be
watching?

Catching
the terrified look on her face, Roman patted Dorrie on the shoulder. “Don’t
worry, sweets, you’re gorgeous. It’s almost a waste of money, given your
natural beauty, but I’ve ordered a hair stylist and makeup artist for you.”

“Thanks.
If I look that good, it’s because of you, Roman.” She owed him so much she
could never repay him.

“Nonsense.
You had the raw material to begin with.” He flashed a smile, which would have
melted her heart if Larry didn’t still own it.

 Roman
went on to instruct her about her role, saying, “The before-and-after film and
photos will provide a major portion of your role.”

Dorrie
grimaced at thought of how she’d looked before.

Roman
smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. When they witness the results, you’ll be
more than vindicated. Your stint will be simple. Smile, turn around a few
times, say a few words, and look pretty.”

The
old Dorrie still cringed at the thought of people staring at her. She needed to
get over that. She had nothing to be ashamed of now. She looked young and
pretty, like when she and Larry had dated. The thought sliced a fresh cut in
her heart. How could she get used to being without him? She dare not think of
Larry or she’d bawl.

“Is
there a problem?”

“Just
a little stage fright. I’ll get over it, I’m sure.”

She
better. Compared to what Roman had given her, what he wanted in return wasn’t
much.

***

Saturday,
Larry’s friend, Keith Nash, called to see how she was doing. After a mental
debate, she chose to fill him in. “You better sit down. You will not believe
what I’m doing.”

“I
know you, Dorrie. It can’t be that insane.”

“Oh,
yes it is. Now promise to keep an open mind and not tell me to go straight to
the nuthouse.”

She
explained about the pill, then held her breath and waited for his reaction.

After
dead silence, he whistled. “That is way too sci-fi for me, Dorrie. Maybe my
brother, Steve would go for it. He loves all that far out stuff; but hey, I
don’t mean to take this lightly. This is real, isn’t it? I’m surprised you’d
even consider such a thing. Monkeying around with your chemistry isn’t the
wisest course of action, unless for medicinal purposes.

“Plus,
if I remember correctly, your track record isn’t the greatest in the world when
it comes to substances. Even two drinks put you under. I can’t imagine what
that pill would do to you.”

Dorrie
laughed nervously. “I got drunk once in my life from a few drinks at a party
and you won’t let me live it down. I swear you were feeding me doubles.”

“No,
I wasn’t, dear heart. Face it, you can’t handle booze.” 

“That’s
neither here nor there. I really believe this Forever Young pill is a good
thing, and I haven’t gone into the experiment lightly. Though I started the
regimen for health reasons, because of my Mom’s osteoporosis, I must admit the
cosmetic changes are a tremendous bonus.”

He
sighed. “I see where you’re coming from, but I’m still not convinced. Hell,
it’s your body and your choice, and it’s not for me to criticize. Dorrie, I
sincerely wish you the best, and hope this experiment works for you. I’ll even
watch your commercials and root you on.”

“Thanks,
Keith, I appreciate your support. Now, maybe you can tell me what you’ve been
up to. Knowing you, I’m sure it’s a lot as usual.”

***

As
Roman passed his assistant, he felt a stir. Working in close proximity to such
a knockout presented an exhilarating challenge. He generally preferred keeping
dalliances non-work related, but could make an exception in her instance.

Of
course, not everyone who took Forever Young would achieve such spectacular
results, but the pill would take care of that. Once the customers were hooked,
they’d not desire anything but the next dose. Unwelcome, perhaps fatal side
effects might occur for a minority, but nothing was perfect. The benefits would
outweigh the risks involved.

Roman
strode to the walk-in closet and donned the waiting cream colored satin shirt,
suede pants and matching boots. After a glance in the mirror, he nodded with
approval at his angelic looks, the best and only legacy he’d inherited from his
no account father. That’s where the resemblance between them ended. He lived
his own life.

Anticipation
shot through him as he stepped to the wall safe and entered the combination.
Soon he’d do what he loved most. His reward would be the admiration in the eyes
of his audience.

He
dialed the special phone line and confirmed his readiness.

“Okay,
then. Get over there and do your shtick. I’ll be watching.”

Roman
knew he would. Nothing escaped the man’s eyes, thanks to the unobtrusive
devices blanketing the building. Though others might be chagrined by such
scrutiny, Roman felt comfortable in their presence.

“You
won’t be disappointed.”

He
clicked off, and headed out. His pulse and steps quickened as he stepped out
and rounded the corner in the hallway. By now the finishing touches should be
done, and Dorrie would be ready for the world to see.

At
the far end, he knocked and gained admittance to the special salon fitted with
sinks, counters, swivel chairs, hair dryers and hair grooming accessories,
along with full length mirrors and a dressing area.

The
hairdresser and makeup artists had skillfully performed their duties, enhancing
but not overshadowing Dorrie’s fresh and innocent qualities. Her shoulder
length honey colored hair sparkled with vitality. The subtle variations of eye
shadow deepened the depths of her warm brown eyes.

All
those were but appetizers to the main dish, an exquisite body barely contained
in a buttercup colored bikini. Dorrie’s specially designed costume, while
illustrating the pill’s power, emphasized her womanly attributes to advantage,
setting off her taffy colored hair, caramel colored eyes, and legs long enough
to bring a man to ecstasy in their embrace. The sight made the blood rush to
his head, as well as another portion of his anatomy.

Self-conscious,
like a young girl, she flushed at his appraisal, and eagerly reached for the
turquoise Oriental wrap from the wardrobe mistress. Dorrie wasn’t used to her
new skin, but had all the time in the world to make the transition. For now,
shyness added to her appeal. Every man in the room would dream of erasing that
innocence.