The Werewolf and the Human

Judging Lucy

My hand was on the doorknob. It was trying to open it, but my mind seemed to refuse to let it open. I knew what was behind the door. In reality, it was just a group of old ladies who had been in the town long enough to know everyone else’s business twice over. Still, I had their judgmental eyes already surrounding me. I hadn’t even opened the door yet, and I already had their eyes swarming around me. The judgment they would throw upon me as an outsider.

              I took a deep breath and opened the door. There stood five women of varying ages, heights, and weights. “Hello,” I said, plastering a smile upon my face. “Come in. Come in.” I ushered the women into my home. It was a home I had not gotten accustomed to yet, and still, I was letting these women into my home. I was letting them come into my house and judge me. The women pursed their lips as they came into my home. As they came in to judge me. Still, I kept the plastered smile upon my face. One of the things I knew that they were judging were my boxes.

              “Hello, sir,” they all said in some form or other as they saw Xander sitting there. Again, it was clear everyone in that room showed deference to Xander. I still could not figure out what made him so special. There was more to it than just his family, and I knew that.

              “Please, sit,” I said as they looked around my living room. I saw all of the boxes sitting there. I knew what they were thinking of me. “If you will excuse the mess.” The women murmured something about understanding. “I appreciate that. Can I get you guys anything to drink or to…” The doorbell rang. Maybe I needed to stop offering people things.

              I got up and went to answer the door, and there stood…