Blindsided 06

Looking over at Shar, Robbie nodded as he shovelled another spoon full of yoghurt and granola into his gaping mouth. She was rabbiting on about some difficult client who was visiting the salon later that afternoon. Something about her having a big head and never being satisfied with the final result. In truth, Robbie wasn’t listening. He had more important things on his mind, like the fact he’d woken up to find a huge pair of tender breasts attached to his chest. It didn’t help that he still felt exhausted.

Initially sleeping well after crashing out on Shar’s couch almost as soon as he lay down his head, he'd woken up at 5 am after a strange dream. Once again finding his body feeling alien and wrong, he'd struggled to find a comfortable position and couldn't get back to sleep.

“Looks like someone’s hungry,” Shar commented as she watched Robbie lick his bowl clean. “Would you like some more?”

“Err… sorry? What did you say?” Robbie replied, looking up with tired eyes.

“I asked if you wanted another portion,” Shar said with a smile. “You look hungry.”

“Oh, erm… yes. If you don’t mind?” Robbie answered before picking up his empty bowl and passing it across.

“It’s no problem,” Shar said while taking the bowl from his outstretched arm. “So, what do I call you anyway? I don’t even know your name!”

Robbie looked down at his smooth hairless legs, which were showing through the gap of the fluffy white dressing gown he was wearing and felt ridiculous. “It’s Robbie,” he announced in a soft voice.

“Robbie, cool,” Shar said, nodding her head as she poured some more granola into his bowl. “Well, thanks again for yesterday, Robbie. I know you had a bit of a bad day, but I’m positive having a trans person representing the salon will be a massive help to business.”

Robbie's mouth fell open in disgust. “I’m not trans,” he blurted out, causing Shar to turn and raise an eyebrow. “I’m a man.”

“Oh, I see,” Shar replied in a surprised voice, glancing down at the two protrusions sticking out the front of his dressing gown before turning back to her task.

Embarrassed, Robbie folded his arms to try and hide his chest. “I didn’t… I mean… I don’t know who put those there… I mean… It’s complicated,” he stuttered before lowering his eyes, realising he must sound like a crazy person.

Turning, Shar placed the bowl back in front of the red-faced man. “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. It’s also none of my business. You don’t owe me an explanation,” she said before turning back to the sink to start the washing up. “I read this article recently. It was about karma and how if you help just one person in need and they reciprocate, the world would be a better place. That's why I helped you, yesterday. So, while you're here if there’s anything else I can do to help, all you need to do is ask.”

Turning his head to one side, a wry smile crossed Robe’s lips. “You wouldn’t happen to have some old clothes I could borrow, would you? Perhaps a pair of jeans and a jacket?”

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“Thanks for the clothes and all your help, Shar, but I guess it's time for me to hit the road,” Robbie announced as he stood smiling at his generous host.

Dressed in a t-shirt, a hoodie, and a pair of trainers, he felt far more comfortable in the familiar clothing. Granted, the shorts were much shorter and tighter than what he was used to, but beggars can’t be choosers, he’d thought to himself after failing to fit into any of the other pairs of pants Shar was willing to give him. At least with the cap, he’d placed on his head without asking, he could now hide his girly hairdo until he could get his head shaved.

(See image 11)

“You’re welcome, Robbie. It’s like I said, the clothes are old. I would have only ended up throwing them out anyway,” she replied, looking down at the strange person opposite her. “Oh, talking of clothes. What do you want to do with the outfit you were wearing yesterday?”

At the mention of the humiliating frilly black dress and ramped shoes he'd been forced to wear the previous day while sitting by the fountain feeling sorry for himself, Robbie shuddered. “Throw it out, donate it to a charity shop, or burn it for all I care,” he announced while shaking his head. “I don’t want it!”

“Well, ok then,” Shar replied before retrieving her purse from the table. “Here, take this. It’s all I have, unfortunately, but have it.” She added while handing Robbie thirty pounds.

“Thank you,” Robbie said sincerely, taking the money and placing it in his jacket pocket. “I’ve got your details. As soon as I get home, I’ll wire you double. I promise.”

“Great, I know you will,” Shar replied before looking up at the clock. “Well, so long then, Robbie. Sorry to hurry you, but I need to go and open the salon.”

“Oh sure, ok. But Shar, before I go. Do you know what today's date is?” he asked, worried about the answer he'd receive.

“It’s the 12th of April,” Shar answered while a confused look crossed her face. “Is everything ok?”

“Erm… yeah, tip-top,” Robbie frantically answered, suddenly realising that he’d lost three weeks of memories. “Well, bye then,” he added before ambling towards the door.

Shellshocked and still incredibly uncomfortable within his own skin, Robbie strode towards the bus station. Now with money in his pocket, from there, he could at least get on a bus headed for London, where he could see a doctor or perhaps call the police. It wasn’t a great plan, but it was all he had. It at least gave him back some feeling of control.

With every step he took being accompanied by the unnatural feeling of his breast jiggling up and down (having stubbornly refused to wear a bra earlier), Robbie’s plan lasted all of ten minutes before he heard his phone beep in his pocket. Ducking into a shop doorway, he looked down at the screen to discover a new message had been sent.

GOOD MORNING, MY LITTLE SUNFLOWER,

I TRUST YOU’RE FEELING RESTED AS WE HAVE A FUN DAY AHEAD OF US.

JUST OFF NEW STREET, YOU’LL FIND GRANDMA’S ATTIC. GO THERE AND ASK FOR TINKERBELL. BUT DON’T BE TOO SLOW NOW! REMEMBER TIME IS NO LONGER YOUR FRIEND. TICK TOCK!

Accompanying the message was a picture. A picture of himself lying naked in the hotel room he’d woken the previous day. But that wasn’t even the scariest part! That honour went to the arm holding a syringe, injecting him with some unknown dark liquid.

Bringing up his hands to cover his mouth, Robbie let out a muffled scream as his tired mind searched for answers. Why was this happening to him? And what could anyone possibly have to gain by doing it?