Daryl turned around, trying to quickly think of an explanation for his outburst. He was surprised to find himself looking down at Macy - Macy the mouse.
Macy was a small, reserved nerdy girl, always wearing baggy clothes. She had large buck teeth that she couldn't keep in her mouth and thick Coke-bottle glasses. Acne dotted her pale skin. The girl was tiny, less than 5 feet tall. But that wasn't what earned her the mouse moniker - no, it was her submissive, timid, meek, wishy-washy Milquetoast personality.
"Um, excuse me, Daryl. Sorry, I didn't mean to bother you. But, um, I brought you the assignments from class since you were absent. I also made a copy of my notes for you," said Macy.
"Thanks, " said Daryl noncommittally, taking the notes from her and stuffing them into her locker.
"No problem. It's the least a friend could do, " Macy said, staring at her own feet.
Friend? thought Daryl with some confusion. She hardly knew Macy. She had seen Macy in some of her classes, but had hardly said more than a few sentences to her. Macy was just too weird, too much of a loner. But that was back in the old reality, when she was still a human boy. Apparently in this new reality where she was a female lamia they were friends. But why?
Then it suddenly hit her. Daryl did not find Macy the least bit appetizing. In fact, the thought of eating Macy kind of repulsed her. Macy's dandruff laden hair and oily skin would probably make her sick.
Daryl sighed. Was that what she had been reduced to? Hanging out with the school pariah? Was she an outcast, too?
"Oh, Daryl! What happened to your neck?" asked Macy with concern.
Daryl reached up and felt her neck. It was still bleeding from her encounter with Anna. "Oh, it's nothing. I just had a run in with the mermaids."
"You fought the mermaids?!" said Macy with awe. "That is so cool! I wish I was brave like you. Here, let me treat your wound."
Macy reached into her large bulky backpack. Not surprisingly she had a large assortment of medical supplies, including a first aid kit. Daryl leaned down and let her clean and dress her wound. After all, Macy was the smartest kid in school. She could probably do a better job than the nurse.
Then an idea suddenly hit Daryl. Macy was really smart. She could probably understand the book better than most adult scholars. Surely Macy could figure out a way to return Daryl to her old male human body.
"Macy, can you come with me to the locker room? I really need your help," said Daryl.
"I don't know. The next class is about to start and I don't want to be late. I have perfect attendance, you know," said Macy meekly.
Daryl rolled her eyes. This girl was such a mouse!
"Please, Macy? It really is a matter of life or death and you are the only one who can help me, " said Daryl, holding her hands and looking into her eyes.
Macy broke, eager to please her one and only friend.
"Okay, let's go," said Macy with a snort and a smile.