Vinnie's grandmother's house had a sharp, spicy smell that Ryan had always associated with foreigners. He had been wadded up and stuffed into Horst's side pocket. Ryan was a bit surprised to find it wasn't so uncomfortable being crumpled up in that position, but it was quite awkward.
"Vinnie!" It was an old, woman's voice. Ryan's pulse went up. She was the answer to this whole mess. All he wanted was for the introductions to be over and for Horst to give him to the woman.
"Who are these boys?" she asked.
"They're guys from school," said Vinnie. "Listen grandma, remember how you let me wear this gold necklace?"
Ryan heard the woman make a noise that sounded like a very understanding chuckle.
"Where is he?" she said. "I speak with him."
Carter and Horst looked at each other, wondering how she seemingly knew about Ryan. Ryan felt Horst's fingers reach into the pocket and, with some awkward stretching, snap him out like a rubber band.
It took a second for Ryan to get his focus after that, but he soon found himself resting in the old woman's hand, staring up at a wrinkled face.
"What is this?" she asked.
"It's a jockstrap," said Vinnie.
"Jock? Strap?"
"It's...it's underwear. For men." She clearly didn't understand. "You put your legs in through here and this pouch is where...you put your...uhh..."
"Ahhh!" said the woman, smiling. "Is good choice for transformation, Vinnie. Very appropriate for this one." She looked down at the jockstrap in her hand.
"So, you are bully who terrorize my grandson!"
Ryan was surprised. Her lips weren't moving, but he heard her voice as plainly as if she had spoken.
"Y-yes," said Ryan.
"Is why I give him amulet! Every day he tells me of this boy, this bully who make him miserable. I know I shouldn't, but I hope, maybe Vinnie GET this bully and make him pay! Are YOU the bully?"
Ryan swallowed. "Yes. That's me. I'm really sorry ma'am. Please."
"Now you see how it feels? To be humiliated? You big, tough boy. Now you are underwear."
"Yes. It's awful and I swear I'll never never EVER bully anyone again. I'm SO SORRY I messed with Vinnie. Please, I can't stay like this. Can you change me back? I BEG you."
Vinnie's grandmother paused for a moment and took a deep breath through her nose. She looked deep into Ryan's mesh pouch face and said...