"Whoa, easy there," said the girl. "I may be tough, but I ain't made of iron."
The young farm girl rubbed her sore shoulder.
"Sorry about that, " said Jeff nervously. He was still getting used to the size and strength of his new body. He hoped he hadn't hurt the poor girl.
"Aww, no harm done. I know you didn't mean to hurt me. Ain't you the new mare ... Jessy?" asked the girl.
Jeff nodded his head. "Um, I guess so."
"Well, no need to be shy. My name is Annabelle, but most people just call me Annie. My uncle runs the farm but I help him out when I can. How about I introduce you to the other mares?" said Annie.
"Sure, thanks, " said Jeff nervously.
Annie led him across the field to the shady side of the barn. She talked nonstop, but she was cheery and pleasant so Jeff didn't mind. In fact, he found it kind of relaxing. Apparently she really loved horses and begged her parents to let her spend her free time helping her uncle care for them.
"Oh no, not another one," said a brown mare with a long blonde mane.
"As if there isn't enough competition," said a reddish mare.
"Oh, I don't think she is much competition. I mean, just look at her, " said a black and white spotted horse.
The horses neighed with laughter at Jeff. Jeff felt embarrassed in spite of himself. He shouldn't have cared what a bunch of anthropomorphic horses thought about how he looked. But for some reason it bothered him.
"Hey now! That ain't nice! She's new!" said Annie.
"Oh look, she brought the little hick with her. Run along, little boy. We don't have time to play with you, " said the blonde horse.
"That ain't funny. I ain't no little boy and you guys know it. Ya'll need to learn some manners, " said Annie.
The horses laughed and walked over to her. They surrounded her and stared down at her. Annie was a big, tough farm girl, but the horses towered above her and outweighed her, too.
"Maybe you are the one who needs to learn some manners. And maybe we should teach you some. Starting with how to keep your dumb little trap shut!" said the black horse.
But Annie refused to back down.
"You don't scare me. You are just a bunch of dumb animals. And you better remember who is buttering your biscuits if you know what is good for you, " said Annie.
"Buttering my biscuits? What the hell is she talking about?" asked the red horse.
"I think it was a threat. Since she takes care of us she thinks she is in charge," said the blonde.
"That's adorable. The little runt thinks she runs things..." began the black horse.
Suddenly the farmer walked by.
"Hello, Farmer John," chorused the mares.
"Hello, girls. What are you up to this fine morning?" asked Farmer John.
"Nothing. Just saying hi to the new mare, " said the blonde horse.
"Well, that's mighty nice of you. Think you girls have earned a treat," said Farmer John as he handed each of them an apple. They each greedily gobbled their prize down.
"How about you? You want one, Jessy?" asked Farmer John.
The mares turned and gave Jeff a dirty look.
"No, thanks. I am not hungry right now," said Jeff.
"Suit yourself, " said the farmer, as he chomped on the apple himself.
The mares turned their attention back to them.
"Farmer John, Farmer John. Any chance we might get to see Prince today?" asked the red mare.
"Sorry, girls. But I thought I might give the new girl a chance to meet him - see how they get along. Maybe some other time," said the farmer, waving as he left.
The mares ignored Annie and turned on Jeff.
"Now listen, new girl. Prince is our stud. So you will keep your hands off him if you know what is good for you," said the blonde horse, poking a hoof-tipped finger hard into his chest. Jeff was about the same size of the other mares, but he felt a little uncomfortable being outnumbered. "Come on, girls. Let's find some other place to graze. It suddenly stinks around here."
"Aw, don't worry about them none," said Annie as the mares left. "They are just ornery because they are in season. They will come around when their hormones don't get the best of em. Come on, let's get you ready to meet your date."
Annie led him to the barn and opened up a grooming kit.
"Wait, Annie. I don't want to meet Prince, " said Jeff.
"Aww, Prince is a swell fella. You'll love him, I'm sure, " said Annie as she began to brush him.
"No, it's not that. I don't want to meet any studs, " said Jeff. He sighed and took a deep breath. Then he told her about the Chronivac, and how it been hacked and used to change him into an anthropomorphic mare.
"What? Did one of those girls kick you in the head or something?" asked Annie.
"It's the truth, I swear. Please, you have to go by my house. The device should still be in my room. Use whatever excuse you need to, but you have to get in there and bring it back to me. It is the only way I can get back to normal," said Jeff.
Annie eyed him skeptically.
"Are you funning me? I don't take kindly to practical jokes, " said Annie.
"Listen, there is an easy way to know if I am telling the truth. If I have always been a horse, how would I know my old address? All you have to do is check to see if my old house is there. The Chronivac is inside my room, I swear it, " said Jeff.
"Annie, it's time to shoe Jessy. You'll have to finish grooming her later, " said Farmer John as he entered the barn.
He took Jeff by the hand and led him outside. Jeff silently begged for Annie to help him, mouthing the words of his plea.
Annie just stood there and watched him, hands on her hips, as he exited the barn.