The Monster Within

9. What's Happening?

Something was very wrong.
I was gazing into my mirror in shock and horror. My hands... Had grown again, my fingers long and pointy.

What did it mean? I wasn't supposed to go through the change again until next month!

Something was very wrong.

I was changing. Something inside me was fighting to get out. It was angry.

Was I angry though? I studied my facial expression in the mirror, I looked terrified and excited.

I was always so exhilarated in my monstrous form. I suppose I was excited?

But really, the question remained.
Why only now is this happening?
Why am I off my schedule?

~~~~~~

I sat on my worn-down porch and listened to nature.

The birds sang softly.

The soft breeze blew against tree branches.

The crickets chirped and toads croaked.

The sound of water running downstream was calming.

I was at peace.

"Hey, Nells!"

I turned my head to see Ollie tramping through the woods. A goofy smile on his face.

I groaned, "there goes my peace and quiet." I muttered disgustedly.

He entered a clearing and walked up to me. I hid my monstrous hands in my sleeves.

"Nells?" I raised an eyebrow.

Ollie chuckled, "it's your new nickname! Cute, huh?"

I rolled my eyes, "more like stupid."

He plopped down on the porch next to me, "hilarious." He joked sarcastically, "how's it going?"

"Great. Until you showed up anyways." I grumbled.

"Hey, you outta show some appreciation! I'm your only friend anyway." Ollie smirked.

"Friends? You're funny if you think we're friends." I snickered.

He made an offended face, "you are such a jerk sometimes." He pretended to pout.

I shifted uncomfortably, my hands in my pockets.

"Are your hands cold?" Ollie suddenly asked.

"Excuse me?" I raised an eyebrow.

He nodded his head down to my hands, "they're in your pockets. Are they cold?"

I shook my head in response but didn't give a verbal reply.

Ollie persisted. "Can I see your hands?"

"Why do you need to?" I asked rudely.

"Curiosity beckons me." He whispered dramatically.