The party was actually going pretty well. The girls were having fun, and even John seemed to be enjoying himself. Then they heard the piercing scream. Amy's mother, along with the mothers of the other girls, had arrived to check on their children. And they were not too happy to find them dining with monsters.
The girls jumped up and ran to their parents, desperately trying to explain. But the parents paid no attention. They herded the children behind them, shielding them from the monsters. One of the mothers had a cell phone, and was calling for help. Another produced a pistol from her purse, and rapidly began to load it.
John stepped forward, trying to explain everything to his Mom. But Mary grabbed his arm and held him back.
"C'mon, we have to go," said Mary. "They aren't going to listen to you."
"But it's my Mom. She will believe me," said John.
"Look at yourself. Would you believe someone if they told you this crazy story?" asked Mary. "Look, we can just come back and change later after this has all died down. I know a safe place we can hide in the forest for the night."
John looked at her skeptically. Was this some kind of trick by the witch? Surely his Mom would help him, no matter what he looked like. A shot whizzed by their heads. Mary took off towards the cover of the trees. "Hurry!" shouted Mary as she ran. John took one last look at the angry mob, then followed her into the forest.
After they were far enough away, Mary flapped her wings experimentally. She was able to get some lift, and glided across the ground. She flew towards John.
"If we are going to get there before dark, we need to fly. It will also help to cover our tracks. C'mon, try it," said Mary.
John followed her example, and after a few bumbling efforts he was able to stay aloft. Above the tree line, Mary grabbed his hand, and helped guide him to the cave she had been hiding in. Mary gathered up some tall grass and made a nest. She patted on the ground, motioning for John to join her.
"It's not as bad as it looks. In this body, it can be quite comfortable, " said Mary.
"No way!" said John. "It's bad enough that you turned me into a monster, but I am not going to sleep on the ground like an animal!"
"Fine, suit yourself, " said Mary, as she turned her back to him and curled up on the ground. "You aren't my prisoner or anything. You are free to go anytime you want. But it is much tougher on your own. Believe me, I know."
John looked out into the dark black night outside the cave. He didn't want to admit it, but he was afraid to venture off on his own. He slunk back into the cave and lay down next to Mary.
"This is all your fault, " said John grumpily.
Mary sighed. "Look, kid, I am sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. Any of it. The truth is that I am human, just like you. I just had a little accident with those vials and ended up like this. But you have to admit this is partly you fault. You wanted to feel up a body like mine, so I gave you one of your own. It was only supposed to be temporary, but then - well, let's just say that things don't always go as planned."
"I'm sorry, " mumbled John.
"What?" said Mary.
"I'm sorry. For ... well ... you know ... touching you like that. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just curious," said John.
Mary patted him on the back. "Don't worry about it, kid. It has been a weird day for me, too. All is forgiven. Just don't try anything like that tonight," said Mary, as she glanced over her shoulder at him.
John hadn't even considered it. But he was curious about his own body. He hadn't had a chance to really explore it yet. But he couldn't do that now, not with Mara around. A cold wind blew through the cave, and John shivered. Mary felt him, and turned around. She wrapped her body around him, sharing her warmth.
"Don't get any funny ideas, kid. This is just to keep us from freezing to death, " said Mary.
"Thanks, Mara, " said John.
"For what?" she asked.
"Just .... for everything, " said John.
"Don't worry about it. Now get some sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow, " said Mary, as she yawned and drifted off to sleep.