Species- Gabriel

TIME FOR CHANGE

Anna slowly opened her eyes. Gentle morning light seeped through the blinds of the window.

"It's time", she said to herself. "Get up, have a double coffee, and go. You wanted this, accepted the job..." she mumbled to herself, not very confidently.

"Every change is good; it can't get worse", or maybe it can, she thought. Today, she wasn't as sure about her decision. Perhaps desperation combined with a shot of alcohol – honestly, there were a few glasses of alcohol and a pack of cigarettes involved – was not the wisest motivation for making crucial life decisions, such as quitting a job, terminating a lease agreement, and accepting a job in another city. Or, being hungover before the journey. It was pathetic enough to get drunk alone in the apartment last night.

Luckily, she handled everything online and didn't have to face anyone in person. She avoided Kevin, her boyfriend and colleague. Correction, her ex-boyfriend and ex-colleague from work. She was relieved her boss didn't complicate this already awkward situation. Everyone at work knew, except her, that Kevin was leading a double or even triple love life.

"Fool", she muttered to herself, pushing the box into the car.

"At least you could have said goodbye to your best friend", she heard a voice behind her.

Amanda stood there in all her glory, as always, perfect. She reminded her of Samantha from 'Sex and the City' if Samantha were in her late 20s. If Amanda was Samantha, then Anna was... hmm? On a scale from 1 to 10, a six is someone no one would turn their head to when entering a club. Boringly neutral. That's why she felt alive with Kevin, he attracted attention wherever he went.

Amanda stood upright, with a sarcastic expression on her face, her always perfect hair and makeup, and a business-casual style. Amanda was her stylist when needed, her entertainment and laughter, her shoulder to cry on, the closest thing to the best friend Anna ever had. But why did she drink alone last night? Probably because she was ashamed. She felt ashamed because Amanda had warned her about Kevin multiple times, and she was right.

"How do you manage?" Anna looked at her sternly.

"How do I manage what?" Amanda asked, semi-innocently, semi-stupidly, not being entirely innocent or stupid.

"Wearing those dizzying 'Louboutins' early in the morning", Anna retorted.

"Oh, well, you would wear 'Louboutins' too if you had them. By the way, you look like a zombie, but if you're going where I think you're going, maybe you'll meet one. Hahaha..." Amanda laughed. "I assume you've accepted the job in that 'Middle-of-nowhere' city. I advise you to put a few amulets or at least crosses on the rearview mirror. It would be smart, and I always give you smart advice. Remember when I told you Kevin was a male slut and that he's only in love with himself, or when I mentioned he was using you at work?" Amanda looked at her cynically.

"You know, I don't mind that you're moving to the 'Witch City,' or that you 'shattered' yourself last night, but what bothers me is that you were ready to leave without telling me. Me, your other half", Amanda hissed, raising her voice.

"You're not my other half", Anna replied calmly. "Look at yourself, look at me. You're my complete opposite", Anna continued in a soft tone. "But you were right", she said, continuing to pack things into the car.

"Right about what?" Amanda asked, now with a calmer voice.

"About everything! About Kevin, the job, the fact that I don't care how I look, about the fact that you're my only and best friend, even though you're technically Kevin's friend since I met you through him... and I'm sorry, Amanda, for not calling you last night. I acted like a fool. Please forgive me, but try to understand. I need this, I need a change, whatever it may be!" Anna looked at her with hesitation.

Seconds passed as they stared directly into each other's eyes, and then Amanda burst into laughter.

"Okay... of course, I forgive you. You're my 'beast.' This will be... hmm... an adventure, our little adventure. Give me some time, and I'll come after you to that 'Nowhere Land.' Do you think vampires need a fashion stylist, or do they already know everything, given their years of experience?" Amanda asked with a hint of humor in her voice. "If nothing else, you have a job, oh great engineer. I'll gladly live off your back for a while." Amanda smiled.

Anna looked at her in surprise. "You can't be serious."

"About vampires? I'm deadly serious. If shapeshifters announced their existence ten years ago, I don't see why vampires, elves, and the like wouldn't exist. They call themselves species, species - plural."

"I'm not talking about vampires. I mean moving with me, and don't be funny, vampires don't exist. Your connection with the paranormal world has always fascinated me; it doesn't match your style", Anna said, now visibly in a good mood.

"And you're a style expert. I advise you to read some educational literature," Amanda said with a smile.

"Something like 'A Vampire's Kiss'?" Anna replied.

"Yes, exactly that", said Amanda, after which her facial expression suddenly became serious.

"Dear Anna, are you sure it's wise to move to 'Mordor'? Doesn't anyone else employ young and attractive female engineers?"

"'Mordor'?" Anna choked.

"You surprised me with the 'Lord of the Rings' reference. There's no sex in that book."

"I'm serious, Anna. I'm aware that I'm intruding. Hell, I would never let you go there alone, but you must admit it all sounds a bit scary. Species walking the streets, totally acclimatized," Amanda said with a hint of fear in her voice.

"I understand your fear", Anna began.

"Caution", Amanda corrected her.

"But consider the facts..." Anna calmly continued. "Species have been living among us for years; we just weren't aware of it. Maybe they're here too, maybe your neighbor..."

"Oh, yes... Mrs. Omron, my neighbor, is definitely a witch. You can see it from a mile away."

"And..." Anna continued, "I'm not sure if I was in a position to make a better decision last night. It's done now. Don't panic; they're not far from us."

"Oh, don't talk nonsense, Anna. Don't be naive. You know where it led you. For someone who can replace a calculator, you sometimes act very stupidly. Good thing you have me. Your voice of reason and your stylist. You desperately need me. That's why I'm going with you. How can they be the same? What do we know for sure so far? We know that in 'Mordor,' there's a pack of werewolves led by their alpha. Although stories circulate that the alpha is incredibly handsome, that's irrelevant now. The important thing is that he probably turns into a monster during the full moon. Anna, we need a plan."

"Well, the plan is this: I'm moving to the Valley of Wolves, whether you like it or not. You're invited to join me when and if you're ready. I'll be working in a new engineering company that offers me three times the salary I have now, a permanent employment contract, and they're paying for my apartment. They don't have enough engineers or they're just desperate. My new boss is a shapeshifter. I don't know what he transforms into or if he howls at the moon, but I assume he's a wolf. The city is beautiful, and the crime rate is minimal. You just need a little courage. I think I'll like it," Anna concluded.

Amanda stared at her with wide eyes.

"When there's a ball, let it be a masquerade. Damn it, we only live once. Expect me in 15 days." She turned 180 degrees and left.