"Big Sis, Bigger Crush"
June's Therapy Center
Kale's POV
"Alright, that ends our daily discussion. I hope you finish this week's assignment. Write your happiest memories and turn that into a story."
{Everyone left, except for Kale.}
"June, can I ask?"
"Of course, Kale. Is it about the five-week program? Feel calmer?"
I shook my head as I watched June sit behind her cherry wood desk. After Caulifla's 'huge' transformation that morning, I'd thought how she became. Then, I called an address from the tea box Caulifla bought yesterday. Madame Lavender, the owner of the tea shop, recapped what she and Caulifla conversed. Apparently, Caulifla wanted to heal her back, so she visited Lavender's store and disrespected her appearance. Ah, Caulifla had a way with the elderly.
I'd asked June if she knew more about Lavender and her smiled was my answer. "Me and Lavender went back in Sector University. She took concoction classes while I took mental health. We got along well." June explained how Lavender used to be a professional witch, healing the atrocious and giving them better lives. She was like June, but used magic to motivate people in the right direction. "Maybe Lavender is trying to teach your friend a valuable lesson, Kale. You said how Caulifla's obsessive, pompous attitude caused you a lot of pain. Mentally, speaking."
With a nod, I let June continue. "Perhaps, Caulifla felt sorry for how much suffering she laid upon you and wanted to change. Sure, the aftermath of her training bit her hard, but it snapped something. Her pride." Once June finished discussing, I flew back to the hideout and saw an unbelievable scene. Not believing what Lavender had done to her, Caulifla ate pound after pound of meat. Her body ballooned to an unprecedented size, almost matching the sofa.
I saw the girls hiding in the kitchen, their knees buckling from fear. Olive noticed me and jogged across the living room. "Uh, things aren't going well. She kept saying 'It's all her fault I'm like this!' and 'I shouldn't have visited that old hag's shop!' It would be nice if you talk to her, Kale." I expressed a huff of air and lowered my head. Because of me, Caulifla can't heal properly. I felt bad, but I won't let my emotions worsen the problem. Straightened my back and mustering courage, I strolled near the sofa and tapped Caulifla's pudgy arm.
"Caulifla? Olive and the girls are worried about your health."
"Who CARES!? I can't be fat! Saiyans don't grow fat! I'm perfectly fine!"
"I know you are, but you shouldn't wallow yourself in meat and junk food. Let me help you!"
"No! If I upset you, you'll go on a rampage and everyone will die! It's the reason I had to sell the damn tent!"
I'd felt a tug inside my heart when Caulifla mentioned Olive's 'message.' I tried sitting next to Caulifla, but her fatty hips covered the sofa's right side. "Look, I'm sorry for having an attitude. None of this would have happened, if you managed your training. We're best friends, Caulifla. I wouldn't get mad at you, even if you were too obsessed with achieving your goals. Tell you what, I'll help you finish Lavender's program. After you've learned your lesson, we'll achieve our goals together. How does that sound?"
A steak of tear dripped across Caulifla's oversized cheek, as she scrunched her face. I'd never seen Caulifla cry before, but because of the situation she placed herself in, I don't mind. All I could do was hug her plushable arm and rub her flabby back. "H-how did you know about Lavender, Kale?" That question left an awkward sensation in the air, so I explained everything. About June having a relationship with Lavender and why Caulifla visited her shop.
Ten minutes after comforting Caulifla, I called Lavender with the address from her tea box. She picked up and introduced herself to me. "Hello, this is-" Before I could finish, Lavender spoke my name. "Your friend told me everything. Why have you called my services?" I regained focus and described how the day started. With Caulifla growing into a giant obese woman to my discovery of Lavender's history.
Her laughter vibrated the phone's speaker, but she replied calmly. "June must have completed her goal of becoming a therapist. Good for her. Alright, since you and Caulifla are still friends, you can support her throughout the program. However, is it okay? You have a program with June and I don't want to distract you." I shook my head and left the kitchen for more space. "Everything's fine. So, how do I shrink Caulifla back to normal?"
What Lavender said sounded simple, but difficult for Caulifla. When she eats meat, her body fat expands. I've already known that, but Lavender also said about the opposite. If Caulifla eats healthy foods, her body fat will shrink. "Oh, so this lesson is about dieting." Lavender bursted into laughter, much louder than last time. "That's correct, Young Kale. Get her into eating healthy and the spell will reverse its effects. You have six days until the next meeting. I wish you good luck." She hung up, and I began my support towards Caulifla's recovery.
The Next Day
Caulifla's POV…
"Uh, Kale? What is this?"
"It's your breakfast. Boiled Chicken Tenderloins with steamed vegetables on the side."
"Is this a joke?"
By how silent Kale was, I'd confirmed she was joking. I scanned the dining table, and the girls ate their breakfast. Bacon, succulent sausage, and buttery biscuits. I had chicken that's not fried and vegetables not coated in butter. Just water and bland flavors. "Lavender must have manipulated you into messing with me. Well, I'm not eating this and nothing will change my mind." I crossed my arms, which never lock, because of my balloon-shaped arms, and looked away.
My stomach gurgled, which jiggled my gelatin-like waistline. Ugh, I can feel myself growing weaker the longer I wait. Hunger strikes aren't my forte, but Kale serving me boiled chicken meat was an insult. But I glanced at Kale's right cheek and something shivered my spine. Her glare. It carried a menacing green aura in her right eye. Suddenly, the table vibrated a little, then rocked. Everyone stopped eating to notice Kale's terrifying expression towards me. "It's best that you care about your health, Caulifla. Like you said yesterday, I wouldn't want to start a rampage. DO I?!"
She stabbed a fork on the table, its tips sinking deeper. My face turned pale and cold sweat dosed my night clothes. They wouldn't fit around my round body, which made me look gross with all the sweat pouring. S-She's right, I shouldn't act bossy. "Alright, Kale! I'll eat the chicken and veggies! I'll eat anything! Just don't have a fit!" I shoved the chicken down my throat and scooped the vegetables next. Once I swallowed my 'breakfast' and attempted to show a genuine grin, Kale dropped the intimidating stare. "Now, that wasn't bad. How did it taste?"
"G-Good."
"Wow, you scared the crap out of her. And you didn't flip out."
"I'd only used intimidation when necessary."
"Man, you could have been the boss."
Five Days Later…
Throughout those five days of hell, I ate baked poultry, salads, and fat-free chips. When I refused, Kale stared menacingly and my feet went cold. I couldn't upset my friend. That might cause disaster and the entire planet would put the plan on me. Slowly, my body shrunk. I'd felt light every time I finished a healthy meal. Add the constant walking outside and the spell wore out. I was back to normal. As promised, I'd returned to Lavender's tea shop, and we met in her dainty office.
"How did the lesson go?" Her smile showed she enjoyed the lesson I endured. I now realized why she placed the spell last week. "Ah, I'm sorry, alright. I shouldn't mess with the elderly. Kale told me about your past with June." She nodded, stood up, and folded her arms behind her back. "You're right, but I've grown attached to brewing tea. I thought about merging my magic with my love for tea, thus opening my shop. Now that you saw what I'm capable of, will you cooperate?"
There goes that sly grin again. This time, I wouldn't act tough. For me and Kale, I'll do anything. "Yes, ma'am. I'm committed." With that, Lavender and I left the office and arrived at the front counter, where she drew another tea box. "For your next lesson, Young Caulifla. You must step into your best friend's shoes." I rose an eyebrow from that response. What did she mean by 'stepping into my best friend's shoes?' She presented the box to me and slapped a note on top. "These are instructions. For brewing one cup of tea before bed." Afterward, I left the shop and began flying back home until I heard screaming.
"Hey, partna! Stop right there!"
I saw a sectorian male in deep purple. He ran after a hooded thug carrying a bag of stolen jewelry. I wanted to help, but then I saw him tackle the bastard with immense speed. Man, he knows how to sprint. After handcuffing the guy, he noticed me from across the street. My knees shook and cheeks flushed red. He walked over and rubbed his chin stubble. "Hey, sweet doll. Name's Dequan and I'm the newest elite soldier at headquarters. What's your name?"
When he lean close, his cologne hinted a soft aroma. I couldn't tell what scent it was, but it mesmerized me. "C-Caulifla. M-My name is Caulifla." What the hell was wrong with me!? I can't be lovey-dovey with him! I just made him! Thereafter, I flew away with redness on my face. Get yourself together, Caulifla. I'd entered the hideout, crossed the living room, warmed up a cup of water, and stirred the tea blend. While chugging the tea down, I thought back to how that soldier approached me. It felt weird for him to check me out. After my second tea for this month, I headed upstairs and slept through the night.
However, I had a weirder dream. I strolled around, minding my business until Olive called me Kale. I scanned my hands and realized they were Kale's. Afterward, I woke up, heavy breathing. What the hell was that? he same as I was. That meant one thing: I swapped bodies with her! A shrill exploded, cautioning me to see. I neared my bedroom door, which remained open and saw myself shaking. "K-Kale, is that you?" I had her voice, making the conversation awkward. "Y-Yes, it's me, Caulifla. W-What happened?" This is going to be another awkward morning for me. Isn't it?
