Metamorphosis

The mirror showed a reflection that wasn’t my own. I noticed my hair was changing colors from its usual dark brown to a gorgeous crimson red. Streaks flowed down from the roots all the way to end. Almost half of all my hair turned red and the rest was slowly changing. My baby blue eyes had already become a sharp viridian green. A subtle sweetness filled the air in the room. It appeared seemingly out of nowhere, as if coming from the mirror itself. Perhaps my mind is still out of shape from last nights festivities. The drinking pains still lingering in my stomach. Very close to a hangover but somehow I staved it off. I thought it was that, but after a minute of close examination I realized it was quite real. A strange vibe could be felt everywhere; as if someone was watching me. I hated the feeling and the cold air made it worse. I quickly grabbed my velvet blanket, wrapped it around me and headed downstairs for the thermostat. It was time now anyway. Most of the day was slept away.

As Megan headed downstairs another sweet smell reached her nose. This aroma was more familiar. Entering the kitchen her eyes locked with her sister Eliza who was making her famous triple chocolate cake. It was to die for. She immediately noticed the change in Megan and asked her about it without saying a word. “I have no idea,” Megan replied tiredly and walked towards the fridge. “How was that party,” Eliza asked. “Incredible,” said Megan. Megan went to Columbia University and spring break had arrived. They threw a big house party at Kevin's house. His parents upper east side home was a wonderful place. “I heard. It’s a miracle you made it back home,” said Eliza while pouring a glass of pinot noir. “Want some?” she asked pointing the glass. “Heavens no. My stomach has just about recovered.” Megan pushed the window curtains open and plopped down on her beanie with a bottle of water and gulped it down. She gazed out onto the street of their Park Slope brownstone. The home had been in the family for years. “Slide me a piece of that cake,” Megan asked eagerly. Eliza gave her a piece. Multiple layers of chocolate mousse and fudgy goodness topped off with a nice caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream. “What’s the game plan for tonight,” Eliza asked. “Explore the city or maybe I’ll just stay in. I have to pack anyway,” Megan said. “That’s right you have your spring break trip. Where are you going again?” “Florida. I can finally escape this New York weather”, Megan said excitedly. “We already have everything planned out. It’s gonna be real fun.”

Megan stood up at the window and watched the traffic go by. The usual people. Mom’s pushing their babies, the bikers, the runners and of course the dog walkers. There was a particular individual that Megan hadn’t seen in a while. Everyone called him Mister Red. Nobody knows how he got the name. He was always seen around New York City quoting scriptures or chanting doomsday prophecies. No one seemed to mind him. He was a part of the city and had been there for years. But still it was strange not to see him. “No Mr. Red Eliza”, Megan called out.” “I know,” Eliza replied. “Seriously Megan what’s with the hair,” Eliza asked with concern. “As I said before I have no idea. I just woke up like this”. “You sure you didn’t dye it?” Eliza asked. “Positive. Something strange is going on.” “Nah. You were probably too drunk to remember.” “Doubt it,” Megan replied. She took one last look out the window. The sky was especially gloomy. But that didn’t put her down because she was Florida bound. She turned around and went back upstairs to pack and passed Dana on the way. He was on the living room floor playing his PlayStation.

The packing didn’t take long. Megan was good a packer. That sweet smell in her room had intensified and for the life of her she couldn’t find the source. She was certain she hadn’t sprayed anything. Megan took her bags and placed them neatly against the wall. Reaching into the closet she grabbed some clothes and tossed them onto her bed. “Martha,” she yelled out, “take care of these clothes will ya.” “On it!” Martha yelled back. Martha was their personal maid. Always ready to serve. Megan stripped off her clothes, grabbed a towel and went into the bathroom. Martha appeared behind with her clothes in hand. “I’ll have these ready for you when you get out. I already have your bath made. I knew you were coming.” The bathroom was hot and steamy just how she liked. Martha handed her a bath bomb and kissed her on the cheek. “Don’t get lost in there,” she said caringly. “Love the hair.” “Thanks Martha,” Megan replied. Martha closed the door behind her and left the room. The towel dropped to the floor like lead weights and she tossed the bomb into the tub. She watched it fizz and foam as she slowly eased into the tub and sat down. “Orange and vanilla bath bomb. Nice choice Martha,” Megan thought to herself. “I haven’t used this one in a while.” Megan began scrubbing vigorously with her shower brush. “ I can’t stay in here too long. Gotta link up with the others.” Megan heard some noises coming from her room and she assumed it was Martha. Random scuffling about and then she heard the voice of someone unfamiliar. It was speaking to someone else quietly in a foreign language. The scuffling grew louder as if someone was scavenging the room. Megan could feel the presence of a person near the door. “Who’s there?” she asked. No one replied. The lights flickered in the bathroom. Megan washed herself off and emptied the tub. A strange blue light shone from under the door. Wrapping herself in the towel she went to the door and tried to open it. The knob wouldn’t turn and the conversation continued. Megan was trapped.

A slight panic filled the room. A sudden whooshing sound came from the bedroom as if something was suddenly blown in. A few heavy footsteps followed. Tables were being drawn and papers spread out. The room was in full effect. The distant sound of music played. It sounded like they were planning something. Drinks were being poured and food being served. All Megan could do was listen on. She tried the knob again. Still no luck. Some strange force had entered her home and there was no denying it. “ELIZA,” she cried out. But Eliza did not respond. “Can they hear it too.” Megan went to her drawer, took out her curling iron, sat down and started to do her hair. Glancing at the door she saw the blue light creeping under. One set of curls was finished. She moved onto the next set with a sense of urgency. “I need to get out of here. It’s getting late.” The blue light suddenly vanished. Megan turned around almost immediately, shot up and went for the knob. It turned hesitantly. The more she turned the quieter the room became. It finally gave way and Megan fell back into the wall. The room was exactly as she left it. Martha walked into the room with her clothes neatly pressed. “What’s wrong with you,” she asked somewhat worried. “I slipped,” Megan replied. Megan put on her clothes and turned around to face Martha. “Help me finish my hair.” Martha was excellent with hair. She could be a stylist if she wanted to. “Martha did you hear anything when I was in the bathroom,” Megan asked. “No. Just a little rumbling. That’s all.” Martha finished up the curls and left the room. Megan took a good look around her room and examined it. “What the fuck was that all about? And how did my hair and eyes really change colors?” Megan picked up her phone and her bags and went downstairs.

Tossing her bags next to the front door she went over to join Dana in the living room. “Grab a controller” he said. “Sure thing.” They played Call of Duty together for an hour. They were a great team and no one really liked to play against them. The lights flickered. “Not that again,” Dana said. “The lights?” “Yeah. Kept happening when you were upstairs. House was like a ghost town.” “Did mom and dad call?” Megan asked. “Not in a few days.” “Listen, Dana if that whole light thing happens again, give me a call. Weird shits been going on here lately.” “Roger that Meg.” “It’s time for me to leave. Come get some of this cake.” “Good idea,” Dana replied. They went into the kitchen and had some cake.” “Eliza really outdid herself,” Dana said. Megan got on her phone and got herself an uber from Park Slope to Kevin’s House. She also added a stop for Katy. “The uber will be here shortly. Keep an eye on the place when I’m gone will ya. There’s no telling when mom and dad are coming back.” “Eliza’s here too ya know,” Dana said. “I know. But still.” Megan grabbed her jacket and put it on. “And Dana, don’t get into any trouble.” "I won’t,” Dana said. “Eliza. Martha. I'm gone.” “Bye,” they both said at the same time. Megan picked up her bags, shut the door the behind her and got into the uber.

“Gloomy night, isn’t it,” said the driver in raspy voice. “Yeah. Real gloomy.” “Megan went on her phone and checked the group chat. Everyone was ready. She sent Kevin a text telling him they were on their way. The Uber turned the corner slowly and proceeded up the street. Katy also lived in Brooklyn. Her brownstone was not that far away. Katy and Megan had been friends since kindergarten. Katy went to NYU. Pre-law was stressing her out and she needed the break. The car pulled up to the house and Katy was already outside smoking her hemp flower. Katy loved smoking that stuff. It kept you calm. The trunk popped open as Katy walked down the stairs. She put her things in the trunk and got inside. “What’s happening Meg? Love the hair.” “Oh I’m alright I suppose.” “Hey sir, can I smoke this in here,” Katy asked nicely. “Go for it,” the driver replied carelessly. “Great.” “Katy. I could really use some of that.” “No prob Meg. Here, I’ll make you one.” Katy was super fast with it. Like speedy gonzales fast or maybe the roadrunner. Anyway, she was a pro at this stuff. “Here’s some sativa,” Katy said as she handed her the blunt while lighting it. “Thanks.” Megan took a deep breath and blew it out through her nose. Katy grabbed her hand gently. She could tell that she was a little uneasy. They sat there and filled the car with smoke. The driver really didn’t mind it and drove them over the Brooklyn bridge into Manhattan.

The bright city lights were enticing as always, but the streets weren’t that busy tonight. The uber cruised casually up the street as Katy and Megan gazed out the window still holding hands. Katy had her other arm around her with her head resting on her shoulder, cuddling close together. The driver made a sudden stop, slamming on the brakes. They lurched forward and hit their heads into the back of the seat. Out of nowhere a man dressed in a hooded white cloak leaped in front of the car followed by some other people dressed in red cloaks. At least a dozen. They ran around the corner and disappeared; and a flash of blue light lit up sky. “Who the fuck was that?” Katy said startled. “Fucking weirdos. That’s who,” said the driver. “Are you girls alright.” “We’re fine. Could’ve been worse,” Katy still a bit shaken. Megan looked behind her where the cloaked people went around the corner. “That was same the light from the bathroom,” Megan thought to herself. “Let me get you ladies where you need to be,” said the driver with some urgency. It was smooth sailing from there on and they continued to smoke until they finally arrived at Kevin’s home on east 63rd street. “Alright ladies, here you are.” The driver opened the trunk. “Let me help you with those bags.” He took each bag out carefully and placed them neatly on the sidewalk. “Here’s a tip,” Megan said pulling out a crisp $20 bill. “Thanks kiddo,” said the driver. Kevin came outside to greet them as the driver pulled off. “Come on girls, let’s get inside.”

Kevin’s home was spotless. It was as if a party never happened there last night. It was amazing how quick they cleaned things up. Kevin’s home was just downright stunning and also had been in his family for years. The rest of the gang was there, sober and ready to go. “Meggy,” said Caspian hugging her and picking her up, “you’re back.” “What’s with the hair?” “Don’t ask,” Megan said. “Alright guys let head out,” Kevin said. Everyone went outside to the cars. “Like the new whip Megan,” asked Vivian. “The parents got it for me.” “I love it,” Megan said. Vivian took her hand and showed her around her all white Porsche Panamera. “Come ride with me Meg.” “Okay.” Porsche, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and Range Rovers were lined up outside. All their parents had money. A bunch of rich kids. They set off to West Village for a bit of lounging. They found a parking garage and set out on foot. “What’s the name of that lounge Aiden?” Janet asked. “The Top of the Standard,” said Aiden. “Nice name,” Julian said. “Every been?” “Nope. First time for everything.” They walked close together chatting it up about school and other things. Megan was still a little worried; occasionally glancing behind herself. Caspian scooped up Megan and put her on his back. This cheered her up a bit.

They made their way into the lounge and headed towards the bar. “Know guys don’t go too hard on the drinks; we’ve got a flight to catch in the morning,” Kevin said. “Yeah, yeah we know,” they all said together. “Get me a vodka sprite,” Katy said. “Make it two,” said Madison. “A glass of malbec,” said Megan. “Coming right up,” the bartender replied. Live music was playing. A nice jazzy vibe. Megan made her way towards the window with wine in hand. Peering down she saw the cloaked people again running around like they were on a mission. “Guys,” she said, “take a look at this.” He friends rushed over to the window and saw the red and white cloaked figures running about the city. “Hey, those are the weirdos from the uber,” Katy said. “You know those guys?” Jordan asked. “Yea. They jumped right in front us on our way to Kevin’s.” “Where the fuck are they in a rush to?” Aiden asked. “No clue,” Megan replied, “but they freaked me out.” Suddenly a bright flash of blue light illuminated the Manhattan sky for a good ten seconds followed by a whooshing sound. And then it vanished, like someone hit a light switch. “ What in the entire fuck was that?” Janet asked. “Looks like witchcraft to me,” Martin said. Shut the fuck up Martin. Everything is witchcraft to you,” Madison said. “Well how do you explain it.” “Don’t know,” Madison said. “Let’s just relax and have some more drinks.” “Agreed,” Kevin said. “Hey Meg,” Caspian said, “hop on that piano.” Megan was really good at the piano. She had playing from four years old. The lounge manager gave her permission and she started out with Moonlight Sonata. Everything was pretty cool at that point. Megan kept playing her classical music from memory. One by one their phones started to make a shrieking alarm sound. It was an amber alert. Multiple children had gone missing. Some of them just a block away. “Check it out guys,” Katy said. “I’ve never seen so many at one time,” Aiden said. “I think it’s time we call it a night,” Martin said. “It’s getting late anyway and we have the flight in the morning at seven.” “When you’re right, you’re right,” Kevin said. “Let’s get going gang.”

The temperature had dropped a bit and the wind had increased. The weather was somewhere between winter and spring. The sky was very overcast and West Village had a spooky feel to it. Everyone felt it. That feeling that someone or something was watching you loomed heavy. Not a soul on the streets except them. A police car rushed by them with sirens blaring. Then another and another. One of them drove up to them slowly and put the window down. “Good evening,” she said. “Where are you kids headed?” “Back home,” Madison replied. “Good idea. A lot of crime has been going on tonight. You should hurry.” “Let me guess. It has something to do with those cloaked guys and the blue lights,” said Martin. “You guessed it. But we haven’t been able to catch any. They keep disappearing.” “See, I told you. Witchcraft.” “Shut up Martin,” everybody said. Gun shots rang out in the night. Everyone jumped. The radio went off. “Officer Martinez we are requesting backup. Shots fired on west 23rd street. Officer down.” “Shit. Gotta go,” said officer Martinez. They walked back to the parking garage nervous as ever, hopped in their cars and got back home.

The alarm went off. “Shit it’s time already,” Megan said. They tossed on their clothes, grabbed a snack and headed for JFK. They boarded the plane and Megan fell asleep as soon as she sat down. They landed, left the airport and went to the Air Bnb. “Let’s hit the pool,” Katy said. They swam for an hour and went back inside. “Katy. Get the hemp out,” Megan said. Katy was loaded and dumped her stash onto the living room table. But it wasn’t just hemp it was weed too. Everyone helped themselves. “This is good shit, “ Aiden said as he flicked on the TV. Megan laid her head on the couch pillow and her phone rang. It was Eliza. She picked up. “Megan turn on the news now,” yelled Eliza. She grabbed the remote from Aiden and turned to CNN. The camera showed a military that they had never seen before marching in formation in black and red uniforms. They were thousands of them. Flashes of the blue light were everywhere. Buildings that were there had disappeared and were replaced by new ones. The army had seized control of Manhattan. They were being lead by the cloaked people. Large trucks pulled onto the streets and the soldiers were forcing people into them. They were mostly children. “The amber alerts,” Megan thought out loud. The camera showed a large building with big words that read: NEBULA. Megan looked at the screen and froze stiff. Right in front of the building there was group soldiers standing next to man in a white cloak. “Eliza it’s him. It’s Mr. Red.” “What the hell is he doing with them and where did they come from?” Eliza asked. “The blue light. They’re coming from the blue light,” Megan said. A large blue cloud covered that the whole city and it was spreading. A scientist in a white lab coat grabbed a screaming child and dragged him into the building. “They’re taking the children to experiment on them,” Katy yelled. “Eliza it wasn’t this bad when we left. Something is causing this. The blue light has a source. I know where to find it,” Megan said. “You do!” “Yes. Go to my bedroom.”

Eliza stormed upstairs and Dana followed. They burst into the room and found the mirror glowing blue. “Break it!” Megan yelled. Dana took one of Megan’s candle jars and smashed it. The glowing stopped. But it was too late. The blue cloud didn’t disappear and the invasion didn’t stop. The cloaks seemed to notice that the mirror was broken. “Eliza get out of there. I think they’re coming your way.” They dashed out of the room. “Dana pack you bags real quick. Bring only what you need.” Eliza ran into her room and got her guns. She took some clothes, tossed it in a bag, grabbed her car keys and met Dana at the front door. “Dana you drive.” He hopped into the drivers seat and they pulled off. As soon as they left the cloaks were at the door chasing after them. “Floor it Dana. Don’t worry about those lights.” Eliza took the safety off, put her head through the window and started firing. “We have to go through the Bronx and head upstate. As they were driving the landscape started changing. Building and roads were disappearing. Dana swerved in and out traffic. The soldiers appeared in the streets breaking into homes and grabbing people. “Faster, Dana faster.” Dana increased his speed. They was no turning back now. It was do or die. They made their way towards the Bronx with Eliza still shooting at the cloaks and the soldiers. “Megan. We’ll have meet you somewhere. You might just have to that spring break cut short.” “They haven’t reached the south yet,” Megan said. “We’re safe for now.” “Good. Stay where you are.” Eliza and Dana finally reached the Bronx and looked over the bridge as the blue cloud kept spreading. They was nothing they could do for them. U.S. military choppers flew overhead towards the action as Eliza and Dana made their escape.