Chapter One: The Little Thief

She had been careful in picking out the house. The house appeared to be locked secure with only one exception. A small bathroom window left slightly open.

Thanks to some special stolen pills she was able to slip into tight places lately. Now appearing to be a very cute little girl she had dressed in pants and had her t-shirt tucked in. The finger gloves served to protect her hands from the cold and not to leave fingerprints just in case.

The ladder was easy to obtain and move from the house next door. Amazing what people forget after putting up lights she thought wickedly. With the ladder set in place an hour before she was ready now.

Carefully she climbed the ladder and lowered herself feet first. One of her sneakers touched the top of the toilet lid and she put her full weight on it.

Everything was silent which was very good. No barking or yipping dogs and most of all no alarms going off.

Taking a risky single step leap she landed on the floor and ran out the door. Quickly she went up the steps to check the master bedroom.

With Christmas so close people kept all kinds of money lying around. With practiced routine she searched the drawers and found a small stash and then she looked under the bed. The top of the closet was out of reach for now, but maybe if she had time she would come back. After her first few jobs using the Ar pills she learned her smaller body could get into hiding places a lot better after she took an aP Pill.

As always she used a pillow case to gather up the cash, watches, and various small devices worth a little money. She wasn't worried about the homeowner coming back yet because she had hours before he returned.

She took note of the computer, TVs and DVD players she get on her second run. She leave the front door unlock, but wouldn't use it to exit. A little girl going out alone might attractive unwanted attention. With the fence in the back it was unlikely anyone would see her.

She looked in other hiding places and found very little. When she came to the living room she stopped for a moment. A Christmas tree was there with presents all around it. It was odd because most of the presents where in carrying tubs if the person was about to move them somewhere else.

He is having gift opening part somewhere else this year. She thought and looked up at the man whose house she broken into.

She considered taking the presents, then decided not to after all. She would leave the Grinch to stealing Christmas as he does every year on the TV.

The weather outside had turned much colder and snow started to fall. The little thief noticed and realized she was running behind on her routine.

She wanted to leave before she could leave tracks in the snow.

Chapter Two: The Accident

Going back to the bathroom she climbed up and over the window's edge. Her bag of stolen stuff was still inside and she pulled on it. The pillow case snagged on something and she gave one last pull. The bag suddenly became loose and she lost her balance.

The ground rushed up toward her and then darkness. The rock under the first snow had knocked her out and the flakes were coming down hard as she stayed there unmoving.

Mr. Samuel Bodhi came home to a mess. Thinking a wild animal got in he looked around carefully and noticed something was missing. In fact several things were missing.

Samuel sighed as he realized with a little shock he been robbed. Wondering how they got in he searched every way in or out. The open bathroom window was letting in an awful cold draft.

Looking out the window he saw a ladder he didn't know and something at the base of ladder. An odd lump in the snow with familiar sides to it. Going outside and walking through his yard. The snow was still coming down and starting to build.

The lump came into view and at once he recognized one of his pillow covers. The sack looked bulky and the feeling of hopefulness filled his mind. Maybe the thief dropped it in his haste to get away.

Picking up the sack he found a sight that made his heart jump with horror. A little girl almost turned blue from cold had been under the sack and she had a very nasty bump on her head. A rock just by her head was the source of her injury.

Samuel remembering what his mother taught him since she was a former nurse reached out for a pulse.

Her body felt cold, but there was a heartbeat still. Lucky for her he thought the heavy sack landed right on top of her keeping her warm.

Gently Samuel picked her up and her limp form felt very light in his arms. Carefully he carried her inside and put her into his bed. He checked for frostbite and found none. He had to get her warmed up and fast he knew. Stripping her out of her wet cloths and leaving just her panties on. He piled the clothes aside after quickly searching the pockets. The bottles came as a surprise and he knew what he had rescued from freezing to death.

Laying several blankets on top of her Samuel cranked up the heat and left the room with the clothes to dry them when she awoke.

The ladder he thought must belong to the guy next door and laid it over on his neighbor's side of the fence. The pillow case and stolen items he returned inside. The bathroom window he secured with a padlock on the inside. Samuel double check every way in or out and then he decided to fix something to eat in the kitchen.

Crystal moaned a little and felt very warm. Her head ached something fierce and she felt a little stiff if laying on something hard.

Slowly she opened her eyes and saw a dimmed room with nightfall outside.

Had she laid down and fallen asleep on the job she wondered for second. Then the memory came back of her climbing out. If the homeowner found her what must he thought at first Crystal reasoned.

Chapter Three: Meeting Sam

Crystal pushed the mountain of blankets and saw with a little horror she was almost naked. What kind of freak's house had she broken into in the first place? She asked herself.

The room spun and Crystal felt a little dizzy. Putting her hand to her head she found a bandage and thought vaguely he gave her medical help. It would also explain the stripping of her clothes in order to keep her warm.

Crystal looked for her clothes and saw them on the floor by her bed. They had been dried and folded nicely by the bed. Quickly she searched the pockets and found her bottle of pills gone.

No problem she thought. Simply sneak out and make a run for the car she told herself. There was a spare key just under the bumper and take one of her back up pills before this man knew she was gone she thought out.

Noises from the kitchen told her where the homeowner was and from the back room she crept out. She peaked in the kitchen and saw his backside to the open doorway where she was. Here was her chance for the front door.

Crystal dashed for the front door and it opened easily enough, but a chain lock at the top had stopped it from opening wide. Worse a bell had been attached to the door. It rang loudly and all noise from the kitchen stopped.

Crystal wasted no time and dashed by a figure as he came to the open doorway. The side door was sealed in by a dead bolt and Crystal acting like a wild animal trapped went for the bathroom.

She shut the door and locked it just as Sam came into view.

"My dear, there is nowhere to run too. " Samuel said firmly and tried the door knob. It was locked firmly, but he had a trick to it. He pulled a mini screwdriver out and started to work on it.

Crystal saw the window then the padlock and all hope fled out of her thoughts. The bathroom doorknob made a click and it opened.

Samuel stood there like a tall father figure and Crystal feared the worst.

"Took me an hour to clean up and hide some of my things again. " Samuel said giving a lecture to her.

"Please, my daddy made me. " Crystal said making her eyes fill with tears. It was easy since she was really scared. Maybe she thought he didn't know what the pills could do.

"I take these to be your Flintstone vitamins then. You think they put a warning on them like warning super strength dose or something. I know they help you grow up in a hurry. " Samuel said and watched as the little girl attempted a quick grab for them. It was easy for him to hold them out of her reach.

"This is kidnapping. " Crystal accused after she stop trying to get her pill bottle back.

"You got the napping part right, but I could say I'm holding a little thief until I decide what to do with her. " Samuel said smiling seeing the girl sway a little.

"Oh…..my head. " Crystal said and trying to steady herself.

"Too much excitement after that nasty bump to the head I think. What is your name by the way? " Samuel asked putting the pill bottle into a deep pocket.

"Cry….Crystal. " Crystal said and felt his arms catch her as she lost balance.

"You can call me Samuel, Sam or jailer if you like. " Samuel said with a small smile and carried the girl out and back to a bed in a spare room for guests.

Chapter Four: Getting Sick

Crystal head was hurting so much and she felt a little confused or could it been Samuel's actions so far.

"I make you a deal Crystal. You stay here with me until after Christmas day is over so that gives you time to heal and the pill bottle will be yours again on my honor. Besides that bump on the head is a risk since there is no telling what could happen if you use an aP pill? " Samuel asked knowing she wouldn't risk a sped up infection or worse. Wounds could heal with the pill, but sped up inflection could be fatal.

Crystal nodded and felt very sleepy after her little escape attempt.

Morning came and Crystal awoke in the bed not knowing if what happen was real. One look around the room and she knew it had.

She heard voices from the front of the house and figured Sam was talking to someone. Here was a chance to escape or perhaps a rescue.

Making a quick dash for the front door she stopped dead at the sight of Samuel talking with a police officer. He must have changed his mind during the night or something and all she could do was stand frozen like a statue.

"Who do we have here?" The officer said noticing the little girl and bandage around her head.

"My daughter Crystal and as you can see she had a little climbing accident. She is my little monkey. " Samuel said not missing a second in answering the opened question.

"Well, young lady have you seen a woman with the same pretty color hair and eyes around as you? " The officer asked not expecting an answer. The girl looked to be very shy.

"You know officer I think that is the thief right there. I bet if you check the cookie jar your find little fingerprints all over it. " Sam joked and the officer chuckled. Crystal felt her heart miss a few beats.

"I let the cookie police know about her. Well, Mr. Bodhi you will call me if see a woman in the area as I described. Funny she would leave her car abandon, but maybe she left it behind on purpose. Anyways I have to sign off on towing it away. Merry Christmas and good day to the both of you. " The officer said and left the doorstep.

Samuel locked the door behind him and turned to see Crystal breathing hard.

"Let me get a look at that bump shall we?" Samuel said and sat on a lazy boy chair. Crystal walked over to him and he carefully unwrapped the bandage.

"You are lucky I should think. I found you in nearly a foot of snow with that bundle of goods on top of you. Another hour and be frozen little girl. " Samuel lectured and Crystal felt real guilt and shame like she use too as a child.

She figured to be the guilt and shame of being caught and nothing more.

"The wound is healing nicely and already the bump is smaller. Good thing you were out like a light when I cleaned it. Now for your bath because frankly my dear you been in those clothes too long. " Samuel said and started to pull her shirt off.

Crystal screamed with shock and backed away.

"I'm not getting naked in front of you. " Crystal accused and held her shirt with both hands.

"I have a niece dear. Nothing I haven't seen before. If you think you can manage you have my full permission to wash yourself. I get out some of my nephew's spare clothing since you don't mind wearing pants. He is a little older then you are now, but I think with a belt they will fit nicely. " Samuel said and waved her away.

Crystal walked out backwards and went slowly toward the bathroom door. After locking it Crystal got everything she needed.

The one good thing to come out of this was the bathtub looked very big to her now. Crystal filled it up with warm water and relaxed her stiff body into it.

A quarter of an hour passed and Crystal had stopped splashing around so much. There was a knock at the door and then a click. Crystal figured he just used that mini screwdriver again. The sliding doors to the shower were good cover for anyone in the tub.

"Your new clothes to wear, my lady. Breakfast will be ready in a few more minutes. " Samuel said not looking at her and left in the same fashion.

Crystal stayed in until her stomach rumble loudly. She was dressed and had her semi wet hair tied back in a pony tail by the time she sat at the breakfast table.

A measly bowl of chicken soup was waiting for her and what look like milk in her glass.

"Am I to eat this?" Crystal asked ignoring her hungry for a few more seconds.

"Until I think you are ready for stronger food. It's a little harder to throw up soup and you need your milk. You're a growing girl. " Samuel answered and winked on his last comment.

"What do you mean?" Crystal asked after taking a spoonful.

"You were out in the cold and just recovering from the shock. Your immune system been weaken and you might get sick if you are not already coming down with something. " Samuel replied and had a concern look on his face.

"I'm fine even through you like to keep it warm in here. " Crystal answered with a nasty tone and saw Samuel's face go into a worry expression.

"This room is a little cold to me. I think you might have a temperature. " Samuel said in turn and got up from his seat to get a thermometer.

Crystal protested at first, but Samuel suggested the other way to get her body temperature and she agreed to have it in her mouth instead.

"The reading is at 99.9 degrees my dear. I want you in that bed watching cartoons after your done eating. " Samuel ordered and put the thermometer away.

Crystal seeing no choice decided to go to bed anyway. There was a restless feeling, but she knew that to be normal. Having the body of kid tended to do that to a person. The one useful thing she found in the guest bedroom was an old Game-boy someone left behind. It helped pass the time after her afternoon nap. Supper came in the form of more chicken soup and Crystal went to bed that night early.

Samuel woke up in the middle of the night to find a certain child standing by his bed, looking flushed, hot, and sweaty at the same time.

"Sam, I don't feel so good. " Crystal said once she got him awake.

"Guess I will be taking that Christmas vacation sooner than I thought. " Samuel said picking up Crystal and taking her back to her bed.

"Sam, how did you know I get sick?" Crystal asked and very curious.

"My mom is a nurse or former nurse now. She looks after two grandchildren most of the time. My older sister's kids of course. " Samuel said laying the girl down gently.

"The jeans have to come off, but your shirt can stay. I am going put a light blanket over you and get some juices to drink. Dehydration right now is your worst enemy. For both our sakes I hope you don't start vomiting or get diarrhea. " Samuel said already stripping her small pair of jeans off.

"Couldn't wait to get my pants off? " Crystal joked and as an adult it would of earned her a grin from any man.

"You know us guys. " Samuel said pulling the sheet up to her neck. The little exchange of jokes was the first signs of starting to trust each other.

Samuel left and came back with apple juice in a child size cup.

"Drink this when you want. I'm going to see if there is any medicine about for children. " Samuel said quickly and left to go find something to help her.

The next few days were a blur of memories for Crystal. She remembered playing the Game-boy and blush a little when the sponge baths came since she was weak as a kitten. She had to be topless for the baths and looking at her flat chest made her feel small. The throwing up wasn't as bad as she thought, but Samuel had cut her hair to shoulder length so he wouldn't have to hold it back for her.

Three whole days later and she woke up feeling better, but still weak. Samuel was no further than a hear shot from her room during this time.

"You dropped a little weight, but I think you have recovered. We are still a few days away from Christmas day. " Samuel said coming in with more juice and some scramble eggs.

"Sounds good. " Crystal said starting too really like this new position in life, but the adult life offered a lot more independence for her.

"There is something else you should see. " Samuel said and turned on the TV. An Adult picture of Crystal was on the screen.

"It is not known at this time if she is still in the area. But police have issued a warning to look out for this scam artist and thief with the holidays being so close. " The newscaster's voice filled the room as they watched.

"I guess someone talk or maybe a slow day for the news. Our little area doesn't get much excitement. " Samuel said muting the audio on the TV.

"Wonder what they say if they knew I was just a little sick child now? " Crystal asked a teasing tone in her voice.

"She may be consider contagious do not attempt to capture yourself. " Samuel said Crystal giggled a little at the small joke.

"I'm feeling better. " Crystal said eager to get back on her feet.

"Good, I could use some little help with the chores. " Samuel said and left her alone with her breakfast.

Chapter Five: Home Life

Crystal wasn't big on cleaning, but she felt had to repay him at least for the medical attention he gave her. Somehow she knew he was right about saving her life. There was a strange affection for him she couldn't explain. Crystal thought about Florence Nightingale Syndrome and disregarded right away. It was a stupid way to fall in love with a person.

He didn't even her trust she thought and got up from her bed. To make a point to herself she went to the front door without being seen and much to her surprise opened it. Cold air drifted through and she could be gone before he knew it.

Crystal looked back and saw no sign of Samuel then out into the real world. She was suddenly very scared and intimated at how big it was.

"Go ahead and run if you like. I won't call the cops on you, but I say you're my daughter if I get a call about a lost child. I will be sure to mention you bumped your head and might have wandered off. " Samuel said from kitchen doorway.

Crystal figured he must have been in the basement all this time before coming up. The cold air was a dead giveaway to an open door somewhere.

"No, just wondering what the weather was like. " Crystal said closing the door and feeling safer already.

"Cold and something a recovering girl shouldn't expose herself too. " Samuel said stepping forward and making sure Crystal was still warm.

"I doubt I would have gone anywhere wearing a t-shirt and no shoes. " Crystal said seeing what she was dressed in.

"I would insist you get dress and even help you pack if that was your true desire. " Samuel said and looked about the room.

The house was messy, but not dirty after the days of neglect.

"Hard to believe only two people are staying here. " Crystal said seeing some order was needed in this chaos.

"Well, we have work and I got some fixing up to do before the big holiday hits. " Samuel and started by picking up his discarded clothes.

Crystal helped as much as she could. To help pass the time she told him little stories of her life. The rich spoil girl who parents didn't show much love or affection and only cut off her money when she got to spending too much.

Crystal explained she fell in with the bad crowd to make money and how some of her first jobs went. It was more then she had told anyone.

Samuel revealed his own past and some trouble he got into when he was younger.

"I'm no honest man myself. I still get pirate stuff from the internet. I have to admit I had sticky fingers once too. " Samuel said.

"I never understood how anyone can steal something if there on the internet to be downloaded by anyone. " Crystal said puzzled by the whole fuss she heard from time to time.

"Greedy copyright companies and so on. I live alone and don't' have much time for TV watching. I find it easier to download all my favorite shows. " Samuel said and gave her look with a sparkle in his eyes.

Crystal had to keep from laughing. He liked the idea of being a Robin Hood type person. There was a smile on her face.

"Sometimes I forget your really are an adult. I guess I'm still seeing you as that helpless little girl I puck from the snow. " Samuel said and looked away shaking his head.

"I never did thank you for that or any of the stuff you done for me. " Crystal said in a timid tone.

"Well, I did considered turning you in for what you were, but I realized I didn't really know who you really are and besides it is close to Christmas now. I know those pills are illegal to use so you would be stuck as a little girl. You would be in one of those special homes or detention centers by now. " Samuel said and not holding back any truths from her.

Crystal went on thinking about this in silence. The next days were filled with routine and polite conversations.

Chapter Six: Meeting the Family

Christmas Eve came and Samuel mentioned they were going to spend the next day at his younger sister's house. His younger sister had no children, but his older sister would bring hers along.

Crystal wasn't sure how she would like spending Christmas Day as a child with a family that wasn't expecting her.

The day came and they spent nearly all morning putting presents in Samuel's car. The drive over felt very long for Crystal, but they arrived. Crystal acted like the shy child when the door came open. A younger woman then Samuel answered and smiled.

"We have just about eaten everything. " A motherly tone came from somewhere in the background. Crystal peered out from Samuel's legs and saw a group of people around a small kitchen table. The older woman had to be Samuel's mother and the man with balding hair was his father. The woman across the table had to be Samuel's older sister. The living room where they had entered was a boy a little older then she was with a baby girl totting around the room.

When they noticed Crystal a funny look came into their eyes.

"I bought along a guest. Her mother had to work and I got stuck with babysitting. " Samuel said and step aside so everyone could see Crystal.

Crystal waved and everyone greeted her almost at once.

Samuel's nephew wanted her to play a game with her, but all the adults said she needed to get something to eat first. Crystal ate and answered questions that Samuel's mother asked to her.

Samuel was left alone with his parents and siblings while Crystal went into the living room to take up an offer of a game. She wasn't very good, but decent enough to play along.

The baby everyone called Bree was funny to watch and play with. She went around the entire house looking at things and often enough playing with things for a few minutes at a time.

Before long it was time to open presents and much to her surprise Crystal found a few boxes address to her. Samuel claimed they were from her mother, but that was just to get his family to believe the story he gave them.

Crystal most childish gift turned out to be a cute doll to play with. Most of the other little gifts were useful travel accessories.

"Your family must move around a lot. " Samuel's mother commented after the gifts were opened.

"They Do. " Crystal answered shyly. His mother must suspect my so called mother and Samuel are seeing each other Crystal thought looking up at the gentle face.

Before long the gifts were loaded away in the cars and it was time to go home.

Crystal had missed her afternoon nap and fell asleep in the car. There was a vague memory of being carried to her bed then it was very late at night when she awoke.

Crystal found Samuel working on a new HD DVD player he got as a gift. Already he setup everything and was going through programming it for time then date.

"That was fun. " Crystal said referring to the party as she came into view. Sitting by the man she had come to know and trusted now. A few days with him and she felt she could put her life in hands again.

"I thought you like it. There is one last gift. " Samuel said and pulled out a certain plastic bottle of pills with a Christmas bow on it.

"That time already. " Crystal said taking the bottle and checking inside. The red and blue pills were all in there. She thought he might have removed all the aP pills or pulled a trick like tossing all the pills out leaving her an empty bottle. It turned out he wasn't one to trick people.

"It's midnight Cinderella. I made a deal and kept it. I can drop you off at a bus station or something before you change. The cops won't suspect a girl after she got her ticket. Unless you rather run the risk of hoping on an airplane or getting your car from the impound lot. " Samuel said and there was longing look in his eyes of sadness.

"Bus station, but you buy my ticket. Once I'm changed I can hop aboard with no troubles. " Crystal said planning her getaway.

"If you need help or just a place to stay for the holidays there is a spare key under the gargoyle statue. " Samuel said not sure he trusted her with that bit of knowledge.

"Maybe next year I might. " Crystal said closing her bottle and looking at him. How she wished to be adult right now and settle down here with him. Her adult face was too well known as her child's face was a perfect disguise. Few had hardly ever seen her in or out this house. Most of them had been other children.

The moment passed and Crystal ended up watching a movie that night.

Chapter Seven: Bus Station.

Crystal thought about taking a little extra with her that morning when she packed, but decided against it. Another few days and it would be New Year's Eve. Crystal decided this year it would be a new start for herself. She could make a better life for herself where she didn't have to steal if she didn't need or want too.

Samuel took her inside and bought a ticket for one adult. So the lady in the booth didn't think he was abandoning a girl he made a small comment to his daughter about not saying goodbye until her mother was back from the restroom.

Crystal stayed close and noticed a few cops around to keep the peace. Soon they were passed the busy crowds and in the back of building where the buses were waiting.

"I leave you here to scamper away into the restroom and change. " Samuel said with a wink kneeing down to whisper and hand over the duffle bag.

"Thanks for the ticket and all. " Crystal said and giving him a hug after taking the bag from him. He waved goodbye and she did the same.

Crystal went into the bathroom as a child and found a private stall. She was alone for the moment and decided now was the best time. Stripped naked and standing in her new adult shoes took a pill. The changes happen fast and Crystal grunted a little as the growing pains came. The usually changes happen to her. Her hips were becoming wider and her breasts were growing in at an alarming rate.

She took only one pill to become a teenager. Another one would send her all the way back to adult self, but she couldn't risk being spotted now so close to true freedom. Her teenage face looked so much alike her own it was danger to be this old, but risk worth taking.

A teen age girl about eighteen walked out dressed and ready for a long trip on a bus. Crystal looked around for Samuel, but he didn't stay to see her off. Crystal knew he still her as a little girl even if she was much older.

Crystal found a seat shared only by two others. The person next to her was a young woman with a little boy on her lap.

Crystal relaxed when the bus finally pulled away and out of this area.

Chapter Eight: Returning Home

Crystal enjoyed her new freedom and spent New Year's Eve in a bar. Guys did try to pick up the young college girl, but she fended them off.

Crystal got herself a cozy apartment and worked for once in her life. It was hard at first, but she stuck with it trying to make a good life for herself.

Months past and she read in the paper that Samuel had won some scratch off lottery and didn't have to work anymore now. Crystal considered going back, but thought better. He might think she was greedy little teen come to seduce him or something.

Crystal found herself going to parks and playgrounds to watch parents playing their kids. How she started to envy the children and lives they lived. There was always a mommy or daddy around to take care of things.

The weather grew colder and soon it was almost that time of the month for Christmas. Crystal had few friends and none of them close. She thought returning home to the family, but that welcoming wouldn't be a good one for her.

Samuel came to her mind and an idea she had for a long time came back to her.

Crystal took a cab and after paying a small fortune she paid off the driver. Once he was out of sight she found the spare key still under the gargoyle statue.

Crystal walked in and found the house pretty much the way she remembered it. The big screen TV and little updates were the only new additions she could spot.

Crystal sat on the big sofa and waited. A few minutes later a car pulled up and Crystal went to see if it was Samuel. It was him, but the car appeared to be the same make and model she once drove.

Crystal went back to her seat and waited for Samuel to come in.

He didn't see her at first and sat two bags of food on the counter before he turned to see an unknown teenage girl sitting on his sofa.

"I'm sorry miss, do I know you?" Samuel asked a little confused and worried.

"Maybe this will help. " Crystal said and put a pill into her mouth. Soon there was a small girl in clothes far too big for her new size.

"Crystal! My dear. What has it been an entire year? " Samuel said coming over and sitting in the lazy boy not far from where she was.

"Nearly and nice car by the way. " Crystal said a little embarrassed now for being here in his life again.

"It's yours or it was. I picked it up from a nice police auction a few months after you left to remind me of you. I don't know if you heard I won a little money and could give the car back to you if you like? " Samuel offered and smiling widely.

"I heard. That's okay by the way. I really don't need the car. I made a life for myself that involved honest work. " Crystal said seeing his eyes dance.

"So what brings you back to my place if you don't need help?" Samuel asked seeing Crystal thinking very hard before answering.

"I was wondering or just curious what you think about having me as your daughter for a while? " Crystal asked sheepishly.

"I would love too, but what bought this up? " Samuel asked and sounded curious.

"My own family disowned me after some trouble I got into. I live my life alone with no one to trust and no family to turn too. This house here as been more of home to me than any place I ever been. " Crystal explained and pulled out a carefully cut pill not half the size it once was.

Samuel saw the pill and noticed the size.

"At your current age and the size of that pill I say your end up around two years old if you are very lucky. " Samuel advised.

"I figured it will make me into a baby, but no less than in six months old if I'm right. I want to see what life is like as a baby. " Crystal said and stared at the little piece of a pill.

She had prepared for this moment and even had all the money she earned with her in her purse for future things like diapers.

"I love you. " Crystal said and put the pill into her mouth. Her body regressed after a few moments and she slipped completely out of her clothes. Crystal stood up in the nude to look down at herself.

She was very short and chubby and the changes didn't stop there.

She dwindled down through her toddler years and soon found herself on all fours unable to stand anymore.

The changes stopped and she saw Sam smiling down at her offering to pick her up. He carried her to a mirror and showed what she looked like.

Crystal saw a nearly bald head covered only by wispy hair with a very chubby body below a short neck. Samuel was holding her like a real baby and Crystal saw what a cute sight she made.

Chapter Nine: A Year Later

Using the money Crystal earned and bought with her in her purse Samuel was able to buy many needed baby items. Samuel had the spare room changed into a nursery and done it in a theme for an older child for later years.

Crystal almost two years old again was the best little toddler a parent could hope for. Life wasn't as perfect as either wanted it, but they got along.

"Sam, what did you do with those pills? " A toddler Crystal asked in her very squeaky voice and at the moment not wearing any clothing. The house was very warm and lately Crystal had to taken to running around in the buff.

"There is a safe located under the floor of my closet. I seal them up in there so we could use them again if needed. Should I go get a very small piece of a pill and make you into a newborn? I wouldn't mind because I could get you to wear clothes. " Samuel teased and Crystal looked down at herself.

She had that toddler's belly still. A cute little pot belly that stuck out, but unlike most toddlers she was fully potty trained and didn't need much looking after. She had come to hate diapers since she started to walk again.

"I don't need diapers anymore and they make me waddle like a duck. " Crystal said and knew her voice was sounding whiney again. He teased her a little about not wearing anything.

"I think it is cute when you waddle. At least you don't go nudist all the time. I'm happy when company comes to visit or we go out. I get to dress you up. " Samuel said picking up the toddler and seating her across his lap. Crystal's little head resting on Samuel's shoulder.

"You never spank me for it. " Crystal said and knew if she got too spoiled or head strong about something silly a smack came to her bottom. The tough love was something she knew she needed.

"This is unlike sneaking a few cookies from the cookie jar or refusing to wear something when we are in a hurry. You still wear your night pull-ups and I can count on you being dress when someone comes over or we going out. " Samuel explained why he did certain things.

"I do miss you rubbing baby lotion on me. " Crystal said and giggled as remembered what it felt like.

"Such a naughty little girl you are. See if Santa doesn't put a little coal into your stocking. " Samuel teased and remembered way she bucked her body when he rubbed the lotions in during her countless diaper changes.

He even seen her touching herself or rubbing a little lotion herself when she thought he wasn't looking.

"I want to be older this year. " Crystal said quickly and waited. "How would I explain your sudden growth spurt or the sudden vanishing act of my step daughter?" Samuel asked standing her up and looking into her eyes.

"Just for a little while then I can go back and maybe be a little older each time. " Crystal explained she really liked being his little girl, but needed some time knowing what it felt like being teenager or even a woman again.

"One week and you change out of sight from me. I feel guilty enough already. " Samuel said and he oddly eager to see Crystal as a teen or even better as a young woman.

"We still have a few weeks till Christmas I want to older after supper. " Crystal said and sat back down to slide off the sofa.

A pain in her kidneys told her to make a quick trip to the bathroom. A stepping stool for small children and normally in place for her would help her up.

Like any good little girl she washed afterwards and went back to her room. It was strange room to be in for it seemed two children shared it. One a baby and the other an older child. A large crib big enough to hold a four year old girl, but easy enough to climb out of and a large bed Crystal liked to use for her afternoon naps. There were fewer toys than normal, but a lot books and movies to watch. Not many toddlers had their own computer completed with a music collection and shows she liked.

Not to mention the endless games she had for educating herself and to pass the time. Every Christmas Samuel managed to sneak in one really childish gift and she didn't mind. This year she looked around the house and found a tea party set still in a box. It was silly gift, but she was looking forward to using it. The small chairs would prove useful enough at the very least.

Crystal felt a little sleepy and pulled on one of her good night diapers. Sometimes and very rarely she wet herself when she was sleeping. Other times she did it just so Samuel would have to clean her up. It was a dirty desire, but she felt too guilty about it.

She crawled into bed and guessed she would wake up just in time for supper.

Chapter Ten: Growing Up

Supper came in the form of chicken fingers and Crystal was awake in time to get them hot. Afterwards Samuel came out with a bottle of pills.

"The very special Flintstones Vitamins my little lady. " Samuel said in a little jokingly tone.

Crystal took out a pill and broke the next one in half. She even set aside two Ar pills and did the same leaving the broken piece a little smaller. When she returned to being a little toddler she would be slightly older.

"I need these two in a week. " Crystal said pushing the Ar pills away from her. Samuel nodded and used a small plastic bag to hold them. "I mark them and stick them on the fridge. " Samuel said and got out a marker to do so.

Crystal ran out with her prize and went to her room. Shutting the door behind her she took both pills.

Soon there was older skinny girl rapidly aging into her early teens. Crystal watched as the changes happen and saw her chest changing. The pink nipples changed size and color to form into small breasts. The nighttime diaper she wore popped as her hips widen.

Then the changes halted and she was left as thirteen or fourteen year old girl with budding breasts. There was a patch of hair between her legs too thin to be considered sexy. The pills must be using their strength she thought and wished she took a bit more.

A little depressed she wasn't older Crystal threw on a shirt that was her former night shirt. As a toddler she couldn't walk in it, but as a young teen it fell to her knees. As long she didn't raise her arms she was safe from being too exposed.

"Sam. I don't think the pills are not up to their full strength. " Crystal called out in a deeper tone she wasn't use too.

"I don't know I think I hit the sixteen year mark. " A young male voice said behind her and Crystal gave a little scream of shock.

Samuel must have taken an Ar pill because he was much younger and cuter now. His own outfit was a t-shirt far too for his frame.

"This should be a fun week. " Crystal grin feeling teenage urges surging up inside her.

"Yup, I didn't know you were a late bloomer. " Samuel said referring to her small, but modest size breasts for a girl of her age.

"Wait till I'm sixteen. They get really big then. " Crystal teased and felt really funny talking about herself as an older girl.

"Maybe next year. " Samuel said drawing in very close and leaning his head down to kiss her.

"Talk about your odd couples. " Crystal said and turned her head up to kiss him. The week flew by as they spent the days as lovers.

Epilogue

Crystal went back and forth quite often over the next years trying different ages. The pills were losing their strength and they both had to be careful not to get caught too old or young. Samuel even married her when they were older. Crystal found a bond stronger than normal love. How many people could know the bond of a loving caretaker and a husband at the same time? She often asked herself.

Because of their odd life they moved about and told only close family members the truth of their relationship. Samuel's mother understood, but his father had disagreed and they meet only on holidays after that. When the pills did run out they were both in their teens and knew they have a long happy life together. The family problems were forgotten when Crystal was expecting her first child.

The baby girl was named Amber by Crystal and soon after Crystal found out she was to have another child and this one to be a little boy.

Without the pills they settle down and had a fairly normal family life. Crystal considered buying more pills as she got older, but since they were highly illegal and costly she thought better of it.

Samuel never dwell on the past much, but focused on the present as he helped raised their kids. Crystal found a happy little life she couldn't hope to get in her former life.

The young couple stood around the Christmas tree decorating it while little Amber stole a few cookies from the Santa's plate and her little brother busied himself with the effort of crawling.

"To think it all started when I became an uninvited Christmas guest. " Crystal said happily to Samuel and both of them looked down at Amber caught red handed in the act of stealing another cookie.

Amber half expected them to say no-no, but instead they laugh and her daddy picked her up so she could help putting up ornaments.

The end