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Witch part 4
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Chapter Four

A Cat? I’m talking to a Demon cat who wants me to get her takeout. I looked in the direction where she disappeared. ’How about fresh fish, Demon?’

‘Sure. Thanks, Anna. Broiled with butter and a bit of parsley, please. But I’m happy with any flesh - chicken, beef, pork, or fish. Anna, don’t get confused. I’m not a Demon cat, and yes, I can read your mind. My feline is just a mask for the human world. Everyone agreed that a cute, fluffy cat goes well with a pretty young lady. It’s like your mom says, stealth. Most humans would drop dead of a heart attack if they saw my real form.’

I thought about that and wondered when I was going to see my Demon’s real image.

‘Sure, Anna. After a few weeks of tutoring, you’ll be ready to see my true form. But now, it’s time for you to name me. You need to give me a cat name.’

I winced when my own Demon called me a pretty young lady. Damn, I really liked being a Doug. I missed that guy already. Back then, my life was simple. All I had to think about were sports, friends, video games, and a special girlfriend. I paused for a minute, wondering what happened to the people who sat next to me in class. And did the other kids on my soccer team forget me instantly? It seems just so strange.

I pushed those thoughts away and borrowed Mom’s phone. Doug’s phone had disappeared when Doug did. I Googled ‘best girl cat names’, read through the list, and looked over to the Demon cat. ’How about if I call you Polly?’

I heard the Demon chuckle in my head. ’No, never. Your grandmother would see that as an insult since that’s her name. She’s the last witch I’d want to upset.’

I thought about her long silver fur and the black points on her ears. ‘How about Luna? You know, like a bright shining moon?’

‘Thank you, Anna. That’s beautiful. And don’t forget my fish.’

‘Luna, do you hunt for yourself?’

‘Of course, every night.’

“What do you eat?’

‘Anything with a pulse, but no humans unless they plan to do you harm.’

‘Do you eat humans?’

‘I simply consume them and they’re gone.’

‘To Hell?’

‘We have a special place for killers.’

I had to keep reminding myself that this was real.

As Mom, Judith, and I crossed the parking lot, I felt anxious. If I couldn’t stay calm, I knew I’d start releasing power into the air. “Mom, I’m really worried. What if something were to happen and I lose my cool?”

And why not get upset? My voice, my walk, gestures—everything had changed. Seriously, I touched my own girl parts while getting dressed. These were things that Doug used to dream about.

Mom squeezed my hand. “Don’t worry. Just do your best. Judith and I are here for you. We’ll put a lid on your power long enough to regain control. Your real training begins when we get to Chicago, and you’ll start school.”

“Witch School? I thought I’d have tutors. Are there enough witches to fill a school?”

Mom grinned. “Honey, you’re going to public school. I think you’ll make a perfect junior varsity cheerleader and date a quarterback.”

I stumbled. “Public school? As a girl? No, that’s not right! I can’t handle it. I have trouble with girls my own age. I get all choked up over that kind of stuff.”

Mom smiled. “Looking like you do, you’ll get whatever you want. You won’t have to impress anyone. Just tell everyone that you’re transferring.”

“What state?”

“Keep your lies familiar and easy to support. There’s no one looking for you. Just remember to be a little hazy about the details.”

I was freaking out. “Why can’t I be homeschooled?”

Mom hugged me again as we entered the restaurant. Judith went to get us a table while Mom and I went into the restroom. I stumbled backwards as the door was marked Ladies! It’s easy to forget that I’m not a fourteen-year-old guy. When I went to bed last night, I was a guy. For all those years, I’d been a guy. Until I came face-to-face with a full-length mirror right inside the bathroom door and took a deep breath. Me? That was me?

Mom hugged me.

All I could do was stare. I had wavy, light brown hair. Big eyes, full lips, pale skin, and all the things that make a girl attractive. I’m Mom’s height and well, kinda curvy.

Mom took my arm and led me to a stall. “I’m going to help you with your pad.” She reached into her pocketbook, pulled out sanitary wipes, and cleaned everything down. “You haven’t practiced squatting over a public toilet. Your days of standing up to pee are over.”

I started to tear up. Doug’s life was over. Everything was upsetting, and I couldn’t stop weeping. I sat down, then wiped my eyes. After relieving myself, I stood with my jeans and underwear down to my knees, while Mom showed me how to seat a new pad properly. It was gross!

I pulled myself together. Washed my hands carefully and checked my face. I looked exhausted. Then Mom waved her hand, and suddenly my hair was brushed and my face had makeup! I was looking at this girl with a shocked look on her face.

Mom whispered, “Do you like it?”

I must have nodded.

Then she twirled her finger, and my hair was magically pulled back into a long braid. She left those twisty parts loose in the front, framing my face. I kept turning and staring. Weird.

“How are you making out, Anna?”

I gulped and nodded.

Judith smiled when we arrived at the table. “Anna, you look very nice. Maybe too pretty.” She looked at Mom. “What do you think?”

Mom shrugged. “Let her enjoy her glory. She’s going to earn it.”

My head swiveled. “Earn it?”

“Uh-huh. Once we sharpen your skills, you'll be able to contribute. You’ll see.”

I looked at the wall clock. It was six-thirty. “Mom, what time will we get to Grandma's house?"

Judith smiled. “Nine-thirty tonight. Plenty of time. Tomorrow you’ll get your first tutoring lessons, and we’ll enroll you to start school on Monday.”

Mom looked me over. “We’re shopping on Saturday!”

This was way past getting creepy. I wondered if I would be able to eat or if I’d gag. I‘d named my new self. I gave my Demon cat a cool name, and needed to bring her broiled fish. Mom used magic to do my hair and face. I was going to Chicago, enroll in high school as a girl, and get tutored in magic.

Omnia bene sunt et mihi quiescere necesse est