I don't own anything, other than the characters. The storyline is all R.L. Stine's great work.
But I hope you enjoy the story!
The next morning when I woke up, I felt somewhat... shorter. And a lot smaller.
When I opened my eyes, I moved the cover off my legs and gasped at myself. I was small and tiny. I stared at my hand in front of my face for five minutes when my door opened.
I stared up into the faces of my parents. "Hair." I blurted. My father has hair. I can't remember the last time I saw him with hair. I think I was at least five or six years old.
"Huh?" My dad stared at me with a perplexed look on his face.
"Never mind, it's not important."
"Well, happy birthday, Becca, honey. I can't believe it. You're 7 years old today. Do you feel any different?"
"I'm not 7; I'm 16." My voice was full of determination.
"No, you're seven. Not 16."
I frowned at them, knowing the truth. "No, I'm 16."
"Honey, it's her birthday; just let her be 16 if she wants to. It's not hurting anyone." Dad said.
"Ok, Becca, what would you like to do since you're 16?"
"Have my birthday party!" I giggled.
"Well, Becca, dear, you're in luck because your friends are on their way. Get ready for a fun party."
"Okay, Mom!" I cried.
She got a confused expression on her face. "Mom? What happened to mommy? Please don't grow up too fast."
"Oh, I forgot. Sorry, mommy." Whew, that was close.
She smiled at me. Then walked out of my bedroom and I followed her into the living room, which was well lit and decorated to perfection.
About 30 minutes later, all of my friends arrived, including a younger version of all my friends who were at my sixteenth birthday party.
At least Matt hasn't been born yet, I don't think I can handle another ruined party.
When my mom brought it the cake, we finally got to eat it instead of clean it off the floor.
And then when it came time to open my presents, I thought back to what time Monty's antique store was opened to.
It was opened to 10:30-5:30, which according to the clock, meant that it was open! I have to find a way to get there, but how?
I saw my bike sitting on the front lawn, just begging me to come and get a ride. So I hatched my plan. "Hey, guys. I'll be back in a little while, I'm going to Monty's antique store. Don't tell my parents where I went, not even if they beg!"
"What? Becca, why would you want to miss your own birthday party?"
"I don't have time to explain, but I promise, I won't be gone long!" With that, I ran out the side door, without being noticed and went on my way to the antique store.
When I got there, I left my bike in the bike rack and strolled through the door. "Hiya, Monty."
"Hey, there Becca. Say, what are you doing here? I thought today was your birthday?"
"It is, but my mom said you had a birthday present for me?"
"Oh, yes! It's in the back storeroom. I'll have to go find it. Just stay here, and I'll be back in a minute or two." He walked to the storeroom.
As soon as he did that, I saw the cuckoo clock from across the room and I ran straight over to it. I opened the glass door and saw something laying on the bottom of it, so I picked it up.
1994? That's the year Matt was born. I thought. I looked at the row of numbers on each side and saw that the year 1994 was missing.
"Oh, this must go here." I said, as I reached up and placed the number back in its rightful place.
"Did you touch the clock?!" A loud voice boomed as I jumped in surprise. I turned around to see Monty standing behind me, with a present in his hands.
"N-no. I didn't. You scared me!" I exclaimed, blushing.
He smiled a kind, understanding smile at me. "I'm sorry, Becca. I didn't mean to scare you. Just- don't touch that clock. I don't want anything on it to break, okay?"
"Yes, sir, I understand." I smiled as I walked out the antique store, with the bag in my hands. I put the bag in my bicycle basket.
Oh, man! I thought. I forgot to twist the cuckoo head back! Will I still be alive tomorrow to make it all right? Or will I be forever gone?
When I got back to my house on the bicycle, I saw that there were police cars all over my street. I could see my mom and dad, talking to some policemen. My mom was crying; my dad was having trouble handling himself.
"Mommy!" I cried, running over to them.
"Rebecca Anne Sullivan! Where in the heck did you go?! We've been worried sick!" Mom wrapped me up in a comforting hug.
"It's ok. I only went to Monty's antique store."
I saw a certain spark of interest in my dad's eyes. "You went to Monty's? Does he still have that great cuckoo clock?"
"Robert!" Mom hit him with her hand. Then she turned to me. "Becca, next time, please tell us before you run off somewhere!"
"Yes, ma'am." I agreed.
Later that night, as I was getting ready for bed, mom and dad walked in my bedroom. "Goodnight, Becca. We'll see you in the morning."
"How about the future?" I muttered under my breath.
"What was that?" Mom asked.
"Oh, nothing. Absolutely nothing." I said, as they walked back out.
For the next hour and a half, I struggled with falling asleep. But then, I finally did.