Tiny Tim

Again, I had no illusions this could ever lead to a relationship. I had nothing to offer this woman, never had a romantic relationship before, and, until a few minutes ago, was an insecure virgin. Well, I was still insecure, which is why I kept asking myself what she would even want with me. Especially if she learned about all of my baggage. But, if I were to address that now, there wouldn’t even be the chance for casual sex left, so I just opted to not go into details at that moment.

“I could live with that.” I answered, before giving her a light peck.

“In all seriousness, Tim. What we did in there ... Please understand, I grew up where sex at sixteen was perfectly fine. And you do have your charms. I’d really like to continue, but we can’t let people know until you’re seventeen. Can you promise me that?”

“I can. Though, I’m pretty sure the guys at work know already. Going by the looks they gave me when we left, at least. I don’t think that many people would have a problem with it. But I will not run around and advertise the whole thing.”

We exchanged numbers and got on our way. When I finally made it back to the house, I grabbed the five bags with my new clothes from the Jeep, fumbled with my keys, and finally got inside. As I stepped into the living room, I didn’t notice how every seat in there was packed, since I was trying to get my keys out of the door with only one hand.

When I turned my head, I saw the entire family, except the grandparents, huddled on the sofa and loveseat. All of them regarded me with big eyes. Ava actually looked like she just froze mid-movement, as a spoon full of chocolate ice cream was poised halfway between the bucket in her lap and her mouth.

“Huh.” Meggie remarked, looking at me appraisingly.

“What?” I asked, clear irritation in my voice.

“Wha ... wh ... how...” came Claire’s and Aaron’s mixed stammer.

“What - THE FUCK - happened to you!?” Ava burst out.

“Told ya!” came Aunt Danielle’s triumphant voice while pointing at Ava, before turning her attention to me. “Haircut is new, though. Looks nice!”

“Thanks?” I replied, uncertainty in my voice.

I wasn’t sure if she actually meant it or was building up to something. It was then I finally understood what was happening. For everyone other than John and Danielle, right up until this moment, I was still “Tiny Tim the fat geek”. This was the very first time they got a good look at me in over a year. I lost fat and replaced it with muscle, filled out my stature and fixed my posture, but normally that was all concealed under baggy and worn-out clothes. Now was the first time I wore anything form fitting, and it was a suit of all things, adding a little extra effect. That must have been quite the shock for them.

“Bill made me an actual employee today, so from now on I might come into contact with clients. That’s why they made me go shopping for new clothes. Mine had holes in them.” I replied and then waited a moment for someone to say something.

Most of them just kept staring in disbelief. Only Uncle John gave me an approving nod, while Danielle had a big smug smile on her face. Did she actually tell them about my transformation and they simply didn’t believe her? Just as I decided to get up to my room and made my way to the stairs, the parents seemed to have found their voices again.

“Wait up, young man! Do you realize how late it is!? It’s a school night!” I heard from Aaron.

“And didn’t you see the chores list I pinned to the fridge, or did you just forget about it? You were to clean the living room after school today. I had to do that myself instead!” Claire added.

I paused for a second, looking at them in disbelief, before engaging in a mock conversation with myself.

“Wow, Tim, did you just say you got properly employed today? I’m so happy for you, I know how hard you’ve been working for this Job. So, you were late because you were celebrating, right? That’s so nice, Tim, you didn’t have a chance to do anything fun in such a long time. I sure hope you enjoyed yourself!”

Finished with my sarcastic rant, I stared at them with clear anger in my eyes. I was fully expecting Claire and Aaron to be angry with me for talking back to them. Instead, both looked kind of uncomfortable, almost awkward. Aunt Danielle and Uncle John seemed to understand as well, since they threw disapproving looks at the parents, though their daughter watched the whole ‘exchange’ with amusement. Ava and Logan also had disapproving looks. Theirs, however, were directed at me. Whether for making a scene or interrupting their fun night, I couldn’t tell. I just continued in a calm, casual, and maybe slightly sarcastic tone.