Eternal Youth: The Big Switch

By Dionne Washington

Sean Tabular, a thirty year old man who has grown up normally after the death of his mother. But there's a secret behind his mother which she's never revealed to him - that she was Eternal. When circumstance comes knocking of Sean's door, his mother's DNA which had been dormant in her son is now awakened through an eternal youth drug developed by a colleague who'd died as a result.

Sean is now on the run as the drug transformed him into a teenager. With help from good friends and 'family' in a town full of eternals, Sean must keep away from Manning who wants him to find out what the drug worked so well on Sean and not him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dionne Washington
• Release date: Jun 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311064011

Dionne Washington

Born in Los Angeles, CA, I have enjoyed reading since I was a small child. As I grew older my love of books transformed into wanting to write. By that time, I had no formal training in writing stories so I just went from there. As I grew older, I began to take classes to better my writing but I continued to write even then.

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Eternal Youth: The Big Switch

Dionne Washington

Copyright 2014 by Dionne Washington

Smashwords Edition

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ETERNAL YOUTH: THE BIG SWITCH

By.

Dionne Washington

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Connect with Dionne Washington

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Chapter 1

The morning sun blazed down upon the single island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. On the island trees filled the area and in the center stood a fresh water lake. Bird calls giving vent to their loud cries floating through the trees. This place served another purpose – one person lived there.

The sound of crunching and crackling of leaves interrupted the bird sounds as a young man stepped on the beach. He stood about six nine wearing black swim trunks and no shirt, his muscular chest rippling with his walk. He lay down on the warm sand.

Sean Tabular gazed across the island, brown eyes thoughtful and he glanced up at the blue sky with its white clouds floating across his vision. The scene brought a peaceful expression to his face. He watched the rippling sea, its gentle waves lulling his senses. The sun beat down on his chest. He closed his eyes. Sometime later he opened them and squinting from the light. Such a beautiful morning, he thought, a smile coming to his lips. He blinked realizing the morning had passed. He sat up, shaking sand from his black hair. Now where did the morning go? He wondered. He must’ve lain there hours, and then, the time just… went. A painful roiling within his gut made him double over. He grimaced still clutching his abdomen, could he be coming down with stomach flu. It felt like it, but there seemed to be differences. He rose up only to have the roiling come over him again. He clutched at him, eyes closing allowing the pain to wash over him, waiting for it to stop.

At the same time, he took several deep breaths. In. Out. In. Out. The feeling passed. Straightening, he gazed up at the sun, then looking away from its brightness and sighing. He remembered the morning when he woke, shivering from the cold. He'd climbed out of bed, his toes growing colder with each step to the woodpile at the opposite end of the room. He looked inside. I need more wood. His mind returned from its woolgathering, back to the present.

The brightness of the sun reflected change. It seemed far away and yet close at hand.

What are these feelings I keep getting? He muttered. He turned away. He could feel uneasiness within him growing closer with the passing of time, even as he breathed. Would this uneasiness disrupt his whole life again? Like the last time. He shuddered, grimacing at the direction the thought led. He didn’t want to remember. And he thrust the question from his mind. His new life on the island had now become his safe haven. He wanted to remain here even though, and he glanced out at the distant horizon, at this thought. The government who held the island aside for him patrolled the area about a mile or so away, whether he wanted them to or not. Whenever he asked the patrolboat sailors why the elaborate security for the island, they would say,

It was a bequest from your mother. She wanted you to be safe during your stay.

He recalled, frowning. Safe? I don’t understand. He shook his head again. He would not remember. The thought always led to the reason behind his coming here. Though, one day, when it didn’t lead down the path he didn't want, he hoped to find out why his mother bequeathed an island to him. And why would she do this?

The sun beat down on his chocolate colored skin as he got to his feet. He headed off to his cabin. The trees behind him ringing with a loud sort of tingling as wind brushed against their leaves. It was less a tingling now, but more of a bell tone as he walked. His innermost thoughts sought to overwhelm him again. He realized it. The same one he wanted to forget and of the change he felt coming earlier. He had no idea why this feeling of change continued to plague him. Then the thought of the reason why he ran away from the city to his island home threatened to come to the front of his mind.

He continued walking through the trees at a slow pace before he stopped. He gazed ahead of him, in search. The trees with their small star shaped green leaves hanging to the gorgeous-brown colored trunks put a smile to his lips. Sometimes he wished he had a girlfriend to show the island off to, but knew the reason why he didn’t. He’d been too busy with his career. His thoughts shifted back to the trees. Those trees sure are beautiful. I’m glad I came here. He moved on until he reached the small cabin nestled close to the donut shaped lake. The lake, one of three on the island, full of fresh water gave Sean a hint of awe every time he saw it - was also a source of sustenance for him. And fresh water, he recalled.

Mine, he murmured satisfactorily smiling.

It was a refreshing sight after having spent most of his adult life in a big city where there were hardly any trees. It wasn’t the first time since his appearance on the island he felt as he did; cut off, and he knew it wouldn’t be the last. Although, after these few months on the island, he could make his life feel more like home. Especially in his home here, where he'd set it up to look large. He shook his head. He was not going to think about the city. The part of city life was over, and for the better. He realized he never really enjoyed living in a big city and was more comfortable here. He walked to the cabin and set the wood down in the wood pile. He sat down in the chair trying to relax. He shuddered, a feeling of dread flowing over him. It was almost as if a dark cloud approaching to loom over his normally sunny days. Then it realized another thing.

Something was definitely coming. His gaze narrowed, as he wondered where it would come from.

He sprang to his feet and started running. He ran through the trees, narrowly avoiding any roots and stumps poking up in the dirt. After living on the island for months, he’d already learned where every rock and root lay and avoided them. He ran barefoot having left his sandals back at the cabin, besides; he usually didn't use them since coming to the island. Now, his feet were as hard and callused like the bark of a tree.

Soon enough, he exited from the trees to step on the sandy beach. Ignoring the heat springing from the sand to sting his feet, he began searching, finding nothing more than the axe leaning against the bark of a tree. He stopped close to where the axe leaned. Then, turning his head, to the roiling and toiling of the deep blue sea, gaze narrowed he continued his search. He knew the feeling came from out there. It was like a kick in the gut.

Then, in the distance a dark silhouette appeared. Sean couldn’t make it out at first. He squinted, now who was coming to his little safe island home.

Now who could be coming here? I told no one where I was going. And I don’t know anyone who would want to. It was the only reason why I came here, he muttered. He kept the real suspicion which threatened to enter his mind away. He wanted it to stay buried. Suspicious, he took up the axe and walked closer to the water. He stopped, hand rubbing against the handle of the axe thoughtfully.

He stared out into the distant horizon at the silhouette, trying to make out what it could be. The silhouette drew ever closer until he could make it out. It was a boat with, from what he could tell, one person inside it. The sound of a motor now heard above the motion of the waves and alerting Sean of its proximity. Sighing, he mentally prepared himself for a visitor, his eyes scanning the horizon again where the sound came from while unconsciously his hand tightened on the handle of the axe.

Sean’s steps on the beach were soft as the sand muffled the sound. He ignored it. His gaze on the approaching boat, as a thought came to mind. Who was coming here, now of all times? He stopped at the edge of the water when the boat drew closer. It beached and a man clambered out. With small splashes he stepped into the shallow water, and with the sun blinding Sean’s vision, the man’s face stood in shadow. The man moved closer, his feet encased in the waterproof boots stepping onto the golden sand.

As the man approached, Sean’s eyes widened. The man who stood on the beach turned out to be Leonard Manning, his old boss from Manning Research and Development Company. An old familiar feeling swept over him as he watched Leonard get out of the boat and make his way over to him. His hand; on the axe tightened again, dread permeating his muscles. He took a deep breath to still the pounding of his heart, watching Leonard approaching him. He knew he had nothing to fear from Leonard. Not anymore. He knew no one could come here without speaking with the government miles from the island. He stiffened at the thought. But wait and Sean stared hard at Leonard’s approaching form. Did the man speak with the government, obtaining their say so? He continued watching Leonard’s slow approach and the way he stooped when walking. Leonard Manning was a short old man. He wore a gray jumpsuit-like suit with a black tie and a white shirt under the jumpsuit suit. Leonard stopped before Sean. He reached up to brush at the iron gray hair with a chocolate skinned hand. Sean could see the wrinkles there belying his old age. The smile on his face and his brown eyes crinkled with the smile. He said, Sean, my boy. It’s good to see you again.

Thank you, sir. Why are you here? Sean asked. He stared hard at the older man. Leonard brushed imaginary lint off his shoulder still gazing at Sean. The old fear once more struck Sean and he shivered.

‘Well, dear boy, I was wondering about you," Leonard answered. A brow rose at the answer and Sean turned to the trees and his cabin with longing. He wished Leonard would get on with it. He didn't want to be around Leonard for any longer than necessary after what happened. Leonard followed Sean’s gaze and Sean saw the smile.

You needn’t have, sir. I did resign, so you could have just forgotten about me, Sean said. I’m nobody important.

But without you, it was dull.

Sean stopped and turned. He’d noticed Leonard following him and glared at the man, curiously.

Excuse me, but why are you following me?

Actually, I came to ask you to come back to the company and work for me again, Leonard replied.

Sean continued to stare at Leonard. For a moment, a strange look appeared on the old man’s face bringing forth a shiver of apprehension rippling throughout Sean's body. Then the look vanished leaving him feeling soiled. Leonard smiled.

I’m sorry Leonard, but I can’t, he said. I’ve already started my new life here. He doesn’t move from the spot where he’d stopped. He didn’t want his old boss to know where he lived.

But why? The company need you, Sean. We’re trying to complete the new model robot, but without you, it keeps failing and we don’t know why. After all, you did do the preliminary work on its plans. And you are the top engineer-scientist in the field. It was one of the reasons why you were hired in the first place, Leonard answered. You’ve got to come back.

Number one, And Sean ticked the points off on one hand. I’m one of TWO top engineer-scientists, and number two, you already has employees who’re just as good and competent as I am.

The two men stood there, Sean thought about this proposed plan Leonard had put before him. Why was he even asking about some robot? Sure, he did the plans for the robot but with the help from those who worked with him at the company, they were able to get things going. There were others still working at Manning Corp, so why single him out for this visit? And besides, why would the CEO of a major corp. like Manning come all the way here to talk with a lowly ex-employee? And even if he was one of the two top engineer-scientists in the world, Leonard wanted something from him, but what? Sean shook his head. After what happened, he knew he would never come back, not after discovering Leonard and some of his hidden agenda. And, he recalled, in spite of the effort it took for him not to. The memories he wanted to forget; thus keeping him awake at night in cold sweats. He remembered what happened as if it was yesterday.

Walking down the white painted sterile corridor of Manning Corp, Sean Tabular made quick staccato-sound steps along the polished tile floor. He met no one. According to the clock on the wall, it read five fifteen.

Jeezu! Look at the time. I should have been gone fifteen minutes ago. I stayed too long working on that small problem with the power supply regarding the new robot, he muttered. He glanced left and right nervously. Up ahead he saw a man wearing an old jumpsuit with a faded denim hat atop his head. Odd, I wonder who he is. He thought. He noticed the door left ajar where the man entered. Sean tiptoed over and cupped his ears to the door. He frowned.

Will you be able to do the job I requested? Leonard’s voice came through the opening Sean listened through. What is the boss talking about? Job he requested? Sean leaned in closer, to better hear.

Yes, I can do it. A male unrecognizable voice spoke. Then the sound of papers rattling came through the door. Sean’s mouth dropped in shock. He continued listening.

And here’s your money. Here’s half now and the rest when you have completed the job. Make sure it’s done right, Leonard said.

Don’t worry Sir. That Senator bloke’ll be as good as dead, the stranger gloated.

Good. Then get out of here before someone sees you. Not that there will be. It is after hours and no one should be around, Leonard said.

Footsteps. And it was the loud clump alerting Sean; the man was on the move. He jerked back, and away from the door. He took off around a corner, opening the closest door and quickly entered. He closed it, but left it slightly open. Sean looked through the small opening. He wanted to see the strange man. The man exited from the room, but turned in the opposite direction. Sean only saw his back, and then his shadow going around the opposite corner he’d entered. He cautiously followed the man who headed for the front door, not even bothering to look behind him. He exited the building, with Sean behind him.

Sean stopped and stepping behind the marble column, he watched as the man got into one of the flying vehicles and left. He stepped away from the column, his thoughts bleak. A crook? Leonard’s a crook. What am I to do? I can not work for a crook, he thought. I should tell the police, but people like Leonard own the police. I may end up in trouble over this. But no telling if he saw him or no, I can’t chance it. He still couldn’t believe it. Sean quickly made his way home. He remained preoccupied on what he overheard. What should he do now? He puzzled over this for a long while until he knew no one followed him to his apartment, but he walked faster anyway.

During the night in his apartment, Sean, having completed some extra work on the robot prototype, had himself, a sonic shower. The artificial ‘water’ ran across his lean, muscular body, relaxing and easing the tension from his shoulders. He sighed in pleasure, and turned off the shower. A few good hours doing mundane things sure made a world of good. Great to cure what ails one. He stepped out, dried and donned clean clothes. He thought of nothing, not even what he overheard until he left his bathroom. Then, the thoughts came flooding back to his mind, and he speculated over what to do. Did Leonard know someone overheard his plan? And would disaster come to him? Should he run? He shut the door on the thought and went to fix dinner.

Later, he sat before the holographic television set, eating dinner, and watching the news. He hoped no killing would show itself, but the thought dissipated.

Tragedy struck today when Senator Manifried Benson was shot and killed by a mysterious individual. The fugitive escaped and police are currently looking for him, the news reporter said. Sean listened in shock. His dinner congealing in his stomach as he watched the news in bewilderment. He recalled what he'd overheard. I can’t go back to work knowing Leonard had a man killed. Besides, I could never keep a straight face when it comes to lying, he thought, fear already beginning to overwhelm his mind. Though, it may seem strange for me to leave like this, all of a sudden. And I may never be able to get another job this good ever again. What am I to do? If I don’t leave, and Leonard knows I overheard him, I may be next… He didn’t finish the thought.

He got to his feet, his unfinished dinner in hand, went in to the kitchen, and washed the dishes. It didn’t do for him to leave them however he felt he might be in danger. After the dishes, he began packing. Once packed, he searched for an item he’d left on his desk. He went through drawers and books until