*Short chapter - Onto the shopping…
Claire was almost skipping as she walked into town. She’d never felt better. Odd, considering she still had a big decision to make regarding whether or not she wanted to become a were, or remain normal. But she felt better knowing Ryan and Barbara were there for her.
“Ryan especially…” Claire thought happily. It surprised her how quickly she was falling for a guy she’d only met two days ago. She didn’t know what it was, but Ryan was different. Aside from the fact that he was a werewolf.
“Would it work if I was a different kind of were? I wonder what other kinds of weres live here besides the tigers, wolves, and various cat species. Ryan mentioned mermaids too, but I don’t think I’d like that much. Only being able to change in the water, and only their legs change drastically. If you’re going to be a were, might as well go the whole nine yards.” Claire decided.
She walked into the nearest grocery store, and bought the essentials. Milk, eggs, bread, some fruits and vegetables. While Claire was in the meat section, she wondered if being a were limited the things you could eat. She doubted that weres like cows or pigs, would feel comfortable eating meat. Or even horses or deer.
“So many factors to consider. I wonder who else I could talk to about this. Ryan, but he still has work to do. I don’t want to bother him anymore than I have to.” Claire said to herself.
Once her shopping was done, she started back to the apartment. She was glad she’d just stuck to what she knew she needed. Claire hadn’t realized how difficult it would be to walk while carrying four plastic bags of groceries.
“Hey, you need some help miss?” Claire looked up and saw a young man with a backpack approaching her. He was obviously in high school, and once he was close enough, Claire noted the salty aroma around him.
“Thanks.” Claire said. The blonde haired teen took two bags from Claire and smiled with brilliant white teeth.
“No problem. Be rather rude not to offer my services. Are you new in town? I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”
“Is the town really that small that you’ve seen everyone?”
“Not exactly. You look like you’re only a few years older than me. So we might have gone to school together, but that’s obviously not the case.” Arthur said.
“Well, you’re right. I’m new around here, my name’s Claire.”
“Arthur. I’d offer to shake your hand, but seeing as both of ours are full, we can save the handshakes for later. Where do you live?”
“That way.” Claire pointed towards the roof of the apartment building she could just make out on the horizon.
“Lead on,” Arthur said, still smiling. This guy was like some kind of boy scout. Claire was surprised how gentlemanly and polite he was.
“So, how do you like Moon Lake so far?” Arthur asked while they walked.
“It’s nice. Different to say the least. Are you… one of them?” Claire asked carefully, looking around to make sure no one else was around.
“A were? Ya. You thinking about becoming one?” Arthur asked. Claire nodded, and then asked what kind of were Arthur was.
“Merman myself.”
“Do you like it? I mean, you guys can only transform fully in the water.”
“I guess in theory we could change on lang as we’ll, but what good would that do anything. I was born a were, so I don’t really know what it would be like to NOT be one.”
“I see… “ Claire trailed off as her thoughts filled with more and more questions. She wasn’t sure which one to ask Arthur first.