The Last Day of June

Chapter One: Breaking and Entering

This is my new short story! I'll be publishing about two or three chapters at once and then in weekly increments. Enjoy!

"I really don't think this is a good idea," he whispered urgently, beckoning for me to get down. He shoved his hands into his worn black jacket, scuffing the ground with hole-ridden sneakers. "If Ms. Lawrence sees us, we're done for."

"I know, I know, Axel. You don't have to remind me," I waved away his warning. I unlatched the broken window clasp, seeing Axel flinch at the sudden click out of the corner of my eye.

"What I just said went in one ear and out the other, didn't it?"

"Hmm, what? Sorry, I'm too busy trying not to get caught to listen. You can leave a message after the beep."

"Very funny," Axel said dryly, keeping his voice low. "Now hurry up."

Rolling my eyes at my best friend, I slipped through the gap, successfully infiltrating the bakery's second floor. This was where Ms. Lawrence kept her day-old bread. This was also where I'd be committing a crime tonight. Well, preferably without getting caught.

I pulled my crimson hood over my head, quietly creeping towards the shelf with raisin bread. I would've gone with the cream-filled ones, but they were out of stock today.

Picking up two loaves -- one for me, one for Axel -- I stuffed them in my pockets. Slowly, I made my way back to the window. I had one foot out on the ledge when I heard a creak on the stairs.

Oh, shoot, oh no, what do I do?

Only if I'm caught, I mean. Not that it was likely.

Maybe if I hid the bread I could go to Ms. Lawrence and chat her up or something. Hey, I totally wasn't breaking and entering your lovely bakery. Mind if I take a loaf?

In my dreams.

I crouched there, frozen, for a few more minutes before I decided it was just my imagination. Bracing myself, I was about to jump down -- Then I head an ice-cold voice behind me.

"Going somewhere?"

Busted.

Eyes wide, I painstakingly turned my head to see the bakery's owner, Ms. Lawrence, silhouetted in the doorway. She held a wooden spatula, her hands gripping it tightly.

"Ms. Lawrence! What a coincidence!" I coughed, inconspicuously using my free hand to cover m bulging pockets.

She noticed.

"What do you have there, youngster?" She stated with a glare. "That wouldn't happen to be my bread, would it?"

I wanted to say something cool, but instead blurted out the first thing that came to my mind and launched myself out the window.

"You have a lovely looking bakery! I'll see you later!"

"Get back here you little thief!"

Ahaha, like I'd do that now. I'll take my chances in the streets.

I landed hard on my feet, spikes of pain shooting up my legs while I scrambled to get away. At the edges of my field of vision, I spotted a black cat dash down another alley. Ms. Lawrnce hollered that she was going to call the cops.

Well, I reasoned with myself. At least if I'm caught, Axel will be safe. And two raisin bread loaves richer.

Pounding footsteps were catching up to me. If I didn't hide fast, I'd be caught. I absolutely couldn't get caught.

They were closing in on me. I skidded to a halt in front of a brick wall.

Trapped.

There was nowhere to hide so I didn't the next best thing.

I felt my body shrink. My clothing melted away, being replaced by thick fur. My pupils grew larger and thinned into slits. Claws replaced nails and I felt a tingling feeling shudder all around my now petite body.

I turned into a cat.

(Side Note: So hey guys! I'm back~ This might turn out to be published first and completed instead of my other work, Wolf at Heart. I'm going to finish both, so no worries there. If you have any revisions or if I messed up in some way, suggestions are welcomed!)