Well, this was supposed to be a one shot, but since it the fic did better than I thought and I’ve had some ideas since then, I decided to make it an episodic series. Let’s see where I can run with it, shall we?Allright girls, from the top. And no groaning this time.
AhMah…
June,what did I say?
JasmineLee frowned discouragingly at the trio before her that was slumpingslightly in exhaustion. One was her granddaughter, Juniper Lee, thete Xuan ze. The others were her best friends, Jody Irwin andOphelia Ramirez. They too were a sort of te Xuan ze…which they weren’t supposed to be. It’d been a few weeks since thatcontroversial transformation had occurred, and the elder Lee wasputting the trio through some drills to help the newbies catch up totheir more seasoned and naturally designated friend. The results hadbeen somewhat mixed.
Ah Mah, it’s like seven in the morning on aSaturday, the small Asian whined. We’re supposed to be asleep.
Seriously, Ophelia coughed, mopping at the sweatin her multicolored hair.
And sweat’s icky, Jody sniffed, shaking one ofher arms.
Tough. You girls need to work together as a team ifyou want to be effective, Ah Mah warned. You may be closefriends, but you must be close warriors as well.
You’re pushing us too hard, June pleaded.
Maybe I am a little bit hasty, the woman nodded,but it’s for your own good. You may be stronger than your otherlittle friends, but you’re certainly not invincible. I believe thatscuffle with the Dark One showed that.
Okay, like, he was like a gazillion feet tall andwe’re only eleven, hello, Ophelia muttered back.
Perhaps. But, you should take this lesson from theexperience: Brute strength alone will not always be enough to win theday. You will need to use your unique strengths to your advantage asone team.
You’re just still a little sore that you’re stuckwith Jody and Ophelia, aren’t you Ah Mah, June sighed. .
Perhaps a tad, despite how well the Elders receivedit. But, I have grown to accept it as of late, and I must say they’veshown some progress. And that won’t continue without practice. Now, Iwant to see some back flips, you three. Over that hurdle over there.
Who’s first? Ophelia asked.
All of you. Pretend your attacking someone’s flankas one. Ready?
As we’ll ever be, Jody said uneasily.
Then go ahead, Ah Mah nodded. The three boltedfor the obstacle, but Jody chose that time to forget that her friendsweren’t capable of superspeed. She leaped over the hurdle a splitsecond before June and Ophelia, who crashed into her from behind. Allthree immediately fell to the ground in a tangled knot of humanbodies, grunting in pain and blaming each other for the accident.
…oy yoy yoy, Ah Mah said with a slap of herface. This’ll be a while.
Well, I suppose that’s enough for today…
Really? ‘Cause, I’m sure the stiffness in my jointsmeans I want more… Ophelia coughed, rubbing at an arm.
That just means you got one heck of a work out,Ah Mah smiled. That and your bodies are trying to adapt to what’scome natural for June.
Being the guys keeping two worlds apart is hardwork… Jody panted before guzzling from a bottle of water.
Hey, I told you kids it was a one way street.Literally, as June can tell you…
Okay, like, what are you talking about? croakedOphelia as she toweled off.
Yeah, what’s that supposed to mean, June? Jodychirped. Ah Mah blinked.
…you haven’t told them! the elderly womangaped.
Uh, it hasn’t come up? June blushed.
WHAT hasn’t come up, June, Jody asked, hands onher hips.
Well,there’s something to the whole te Xuan zestuff I haven’t told you yet, the Asian mumbled shyly. See,there’s this–
It’ll have to wait, Jody added as her braceletflashed to life. We’ve got a big ol’ troll wrecking the forest onthe edge of town… June paled.
What, you allergic to pine trees or something?Ophelia asked wryly.
No, it’s just that we might… run into somethingout there… June hemmed.
Inthe middle of nowhere? Okay, like, hello…
Let’s just get to work, okay? June pleaded as shestarted running.
Not that way, June! Jody huffed as she easilycaught up to her friend. I’ll take you up there lickety-split!C’mon, Ophelia! she added while wrapping an arm around June’swaist.
Uh, I think I’m gonna take the bus if that’s allright with you g– The Hispanic was cut off as Jody swooped over,grabbed her and took off in a blur for the forest. Behind them was AhMah, a mournful frown on her face.
Oh, June… I hope you know what to do when theyfind out about the curse…
Gertholthe Great lounged lazily against the knolls of Orchid Bay’s forest,just shy of the rugged Oregon wilderness beyond the city. Enjoyingthe wonderfully warm, crisp day, he chewed nonchalantly on anuprooted tree as if it were a toothpick. This was the perfect day tostart his vacation in the human world, if the weather was any judge.With the sun glinting off the large ruby embedded on his stomach, thesandy brown troll sighed happily. He’d heard of the possibleendangerment to his relaxing, namely the recently reinforced teXuan ze, but surely she wouldn’tdare challenge someone of his…
His brow furrowed as an odd sound reached his ears. Atfirst, he thought it was a mosquito’s rapidly beating wings, but itsounded much heavier now… like a running pair of legs. Just as hewas sitting up, a multicolored blur slowed to a stop, forming intothree small girls.
See? Wasn’t that really fast, you two? the blondebeamed.
…my head is killing me, the Asian mumbled,rubbing at it.
Okay, like seriously… I am gonna HURL now, thelast girl managed before stumbling for a thicket of bushes andnoisily fulfilling her prediction.
Ew, Ophelia… the blonde whined.
You KNOW I have motion sickness, Jody… I’d thinkyou’d know that a G or two would trigger it! the odd girl shotback, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
Uh, guys? Big, hulking monster? the Asian urged,pointing up at Gerthol. The burly creature scowled.
You dare comment on my size, tiny one? hebellowed. Perhaps this will remind you of the pecking order ofsize, he added as he raised his foot and brought it hurtlingtowards the girl. For her part, the small Asian grabbed it by theball and hurled the troll to the ground, hard, behind her. He gruntedin shocked pain.
Good one, June! Jody cheered.
Less applauding, more pummeling! June cried backas she leaped onto Gerthol’s stomach and began delivering punch afterpunch to it. C’mon!
On it! Jody yelled back as she ran towards thetroll. However, her legs started to gradually feel like lead, and sheslowed until she was all but limping.
What’s the matter! June called out. You’reMs. Speed Demon!
Yeah, but I’m feeling drained now… and the ‘bootcamp’ isn’t helping.. the blonde managed before starting to punchweakly at the troll’s thick hide. June sighed.
I can’t blame you… I’m feeling kinda winded too,but we can collapse in exhaustion AFTER we kick the big guy’s butt!she urged as she kept up her flagging assault. Where’s Ophelia?
…why did I have Mama’s breakfast omelet today…a voice whined weakly from the bushes. The complaints were drowned bya deep growl in front of her. June whipped her head around.
Insects, Gerthol hissed before swatting June andJody aside. I should grind you to dust for your arrogance.
Oh,forget you and your big honkin’ gem, June spat as she kicked it inexasperation. The troll roared angrily, and suddenly seemed to shrinkdown. The te Xuan ze smiledslyly. Not so tough when you get the wind knocked out of ya, huh?With that, June delivered a devastating kick to the troll’s bejeweledsolar plexus. Gerthol wheezed as both his lungs and body weredeflated, crashing against a hill. June kept the pressure up untilthe troll was no shorter than her.
Curse you, Juniper Lee! he whined in a squeakyvoice.
That’s what they all say, the Asian smirked.Now, you gonna go home like a good little boy, or…
I shall have my revenge! the troll bellowedbefore turning tail and fleeing through the trees.
He’s heading out of town! Ophelia cried, havingfinally recovered.
Let’s get him! Jody added as the two started torun. June gaped.
Guys, wait, don’t! she cried desperately. But itwas to no avail. June could only watch helplessly as Jody and Opheliasuddenly slammed headlong into an invisible wall. They were flungbackward, landing spread eagled. Gerthol, having heard the fleshybonks, stopped and looked over his shoulder.
The heck…? Jody muttered, rubbing her head.
Seriously… Ophelia rasped before trying again,this time slower. Again, she found herself bounced off just inchesfrom the troll. What IS this? the Hispanic growled.
It’s like some kinda invisible Plexiglas orsomething… Jody thought as she felt at the obstacle. Do youknow what this is, June? she called over her shoulder.
Uh… well… June sputtered, sweating.
What? Do you, or don’t you know what’s with theforcefield? Ophelia repeated, slightly irritated. She threw hershoulder against it in vain.
Ofcourse she does, Gerthol sneered. She hasn’t told you about theCurse of the te Xuan ze,has she.
…no, Jody replied, giving her friend asuspicious look as she stopped punching at the invisible wall.
Really? the troll said in mock shock. Shedidn’t tell you that you’re bound to Orchid Bay City for the rest ofyour lives?
…I beg your pardon, Ophelia said in shock.
Yes,it’s a shame… for all of his or her power, it seems the teXuan ze lives in a golden cage,without a key, without a weakness, with parole only possible whenyou’re old and frail and the world has passed you by.
No, she didn’t, Jody said, more interested in herrising anger now than the troll.
What a pity, what a pity… some friend she is,huh? Gerthol smirked.
You knew about this, June? Ophelia rasped with anaccusing finger. You KNEW about this and you DIDN’T TELL US!
I… I forgot, things were so hectic and I didn’twant to scrub you, honest! June pleaded, backing away slightly.
I wanted to go to Harvard, June, Jody saidbitterly. I’ve been working hard since kindergarten. And nowit’s–
Gone, like a cool a summer breeze, Gertholsmiled. Shame when your life’s destroyed, isn’t it?
And I wanted to go to GothFest when I was oldenough! Ophelia snapped.
A pity. A pity, the troll scoffed. Anyway… Ifeel enough damage has been done here to your relationship… in moreways than one, he added. I shall see you anon. With that, hemelted away into the forest. June watched him do so, framed by theangry frames of her friends.
Guys… you gotta believe me… I forgot all aboutit between the illness and the fighting and the nearly dying and thenot having to fry your brains… she begged. A beat passed, andher friends sighed.
All right… I believe you, Jody finallymuttered.
Me too, Ophelia added. A thankful smile formed onJune’s face.
Thanks, guys… you don’t know how much this m–
But I’m not going to trust you again for a long,long time, Jody interrupted.
…wha? June squeaked.
Yeah. Okay, like, if we weren’t able to leave onSaturdays or banned from, like, Toronto, it’d be cool, Opheliarasped. But, the whole world? Seriously not okay.
Agreed, Jody nodded. Let’s go, Ophelia…she added with a last bitter glare to her friend.
Seriously, the Goth added as she did the same.June gaped.
Guys, please… I didn’t mean it!
How could you… Jody choked, eyes misty. Howcould you take our lives away and NOT KNOW IT!
That’s harsh, Jody! I just–
We shouldn’t have drank that potion, Ophelia saidwith a head shake. She clenched her eyes to prevent the trickle inthem.
But it’s too late, June muttered more to herself.
Don’t remind us, Jody shot back. Let’s go,she nodded to Ophelia, and the two walked off, disappearing behind arise. June, meanwhile, sat on a stump, stunned at the turn of events.She glared at the invisible wall in front of her, the possibledestroyer of the friendships she had held most dear and were finallyhelping her deal with the mantle she bore before finally jumping upand pummeling at it. June was so busy let out her rage andself-hatred, she didn’t notice the blood spattering from her knucklesor the rawness of her hands. Spent, she finally plopped back onto thestump and put her face in her hands.
Dingdong!
I’mcoming, I’m coming…! Ah Mah grumbled at the eighth time thebuzzer had been rung by the visitor. Considering how rude andimpatient this person was, it had better be important. If it’sjust an encyclopedia salesman, I’m turning them into a newt, shemuttered while finally opened the door. Yes, yes what– Theelderly woman stopped dead when she saw a teary eyed, bloody-knuckledJune at her doorstep. Ay yi, June, what’s the matter?
It’s Jody and Ophelia… the girl croaked,tugging slightly at her long tresses.
What? What about them, June? Are they hurt? AhMah urged, looking at her granddaughter’s wounded hands.
No, worse…
You’re not saying they’re–
They hate me! June blurted, sitting on the couch.Ah Mah frowned.
What is this nonsense? You’re been friends since,what, preschool?
They found out about the Curse, the younger Asiansniffled. About how they can’t leave Orchid Bay.
…how’d they handle it… Ah Mah frowned,guessing the answer.
Well, Jody wants to go to Harvard, and Ophelia wantsto follow some punk rock Goth tour thing… what do you think?
…oh…
Yeah, ‘oh,’ June mumbled as she wiped at her nosebefore being swept up by her grandmother.
June, June… she cooed. It’s okay…
No it’s not. My best friends hate me!
They do not, Ah Mah replied. They’re just…adjusting to their new lives. Remember, your body and mind had a lotmore time to prepare than they did.
I… just don’t get it. When Jody took over for me,she got through the stupid barrier thing… she got all the way toNew York City!
That’sbecause she was only a TEMPORARY te Xuan zeat the time, not an official one, Ah Mah answered.
This rule is so stupid, June huffed, crossing herarms. It doesn’t make any sense in today’s world for people likeme… no loopholes or anything.
Well, actually… Ah Mah mumbled for a moment, Ican relate to this fiasco.
What do you mean, Ah Mah? June said warily.
WhenI had the SanShe, I asked my friend Meredithto take over while I was busy leaning over a garbage can.
I thought you never heard of Code 4747, Juneinterrupted.
I lied. Mostly to try to avert what happened next.
What happened, Ah Mah?
Meredithfound out that in those days the TEMPORARY te Xuan zewas just as stuck as I was. When she found out the hard way, jumpingheadlong against the barrier… whoo boy, you don’t want to know.
What do you mean, Ah Mah?
Let’s just say words were used that you should notknow yet, the older Asian smiled as she affectionately rubbedJune’s hair.
So, you lost Meredith, huh?
No… I had to erase her mind, too… she kindastunk compared to me, you know. But, before I did… she said she wasashamed to call me her friend, and that I was a liar that could havedestroyed her life.
She really said that, Ah Mah?
Well, in the end, not really… after the mind wipeshe had no idea what happened. But, still… those words hurt. Inever really forgot them, even though Meredith and I are stillfriends today.
So, this is why you didn’t like Jody and Opheliataking over… June mumbled.
Yes, I wanted you to avoid this… Ah Mah smiledweakly.
Well, thanks in retrospect, I guess… Junemumbled. But, again… how did Jody get out?
The Elders probably changed their rules or somethingafter what happened, Ah Mah shrugged. I don’t know, dear.
This is still unfair, June huffed. The wholestupid thing!
It’s my fault for not warning them about thisspecifically, June. Don’t beat yourself up over this.
But it IS my fault… I should have told themmyself. I was so wrapped about finally having more than a dog and ahyperactive kid as confidants…
I suppose it’s natural, Ah Mah smiled.
Is there anyway we can actually undo what happenedto them? June pleaded.
Since they were instrumental in fighting the DarkOne and saving both worlds… I’m afraid not. Also, part of mewonders if they weren’t destined this whole time, considering howeasily the Elders accepted the idea of their aiding you. And, youdon’t want to mess with Fate. He’s no fun in a poker game.
So, they’re stuck in the same sinking golden cage asI am… it just took them longer to realize it.
Perhaps… it’s just an theory, Ah Mah pointedout.
It still doesn’t help Jody and Ophelia hating me.
They DO NOT hate you, June. They’re just… upsetand needed to vent. I’m sure they’re going to forgive you. If theydon’t… bah, who needs them.
…except for the whole ‘they know everything’thing? June asked wryly.
A pause.
Find them June! Bake them a cake, do their chores,their homework, ANYTHING! Ah Mah cried as she let hergranddaughter go. Not needing to be told twice, June bolted out thedoor.
After a few moments, however, she began to slow down.
…I…still don’t know how the heck I’m going to be dealing with this,June said to herself. That’s assuming they’ll even listento me…
As June came to a stop, she realized that she was nowin the park. A lot of good memories were attached to this place. Theplayground where they had played as toddlers, the knolls where theyhad had picnics, the little areas they had done research in forscience projects… even the lake where they had skipped rocks onboring afternoons. In fact, it sounded like someone was doing itright now. Curious, June peeked through the bushes to see who it was.The pigtails and spiky hair were a dead giveaway, as were the burstsof anger behind the throws. Sighing inside, June began to walk awaywhen her foot came down on an errant branch. The girls whirled.
Who’s there? Jody asked, somewhat annoyed.
Yeah, serious– Wait, June, is that you upthere…? Ophelia asked, catching the distinct green and pinkdesign T shirt through the thicket.
No, June said in a gruff, phony voice.
…June… Jody scolded. There was a pause, thenJune sheepishly stepped out.
Uh, hi… I was just, uh, taking a walk… shebegan.
Really, the blonde asked.
Really, June urged. So, I’ll, uh… just gonow… she mumbled as she turned to walk away. A sigh came outfrom behind her.
June, get down here… Ophelia rasped.
No, you don’t like me anymore, the Asian saidback.
Oh, for… Jody groaned before bolting up theknoll and taking her arm. June, get your butt down here and talk.Now, she added as she dragged the Asian down to the knoll and sat her between them. There a pause before June finally mumbled.
You hate me, don’t you.
…come again? Ophelia blinked.
You hate me because I destroyed your lives…June moaned.
Oh, June, of course not! Jody said as she huggedher friend tight. We’re just… annoyed, I guess…
Okay, like, you didn’t destroy our lives, Opheliaadded. You’d have destroyed our lives if we were, like, orphanedor turned into demons that destroyed the world.
And I believe you when you said you forgot. Not thebest excuse in the world, mind you, considering what it entails,Jody observed, but it sounded like you were really lonely and inneed of companionship.
Besides a talk dog and a short raving lunatic? Yeah,pretty much.
And it’s not like we can’t have a life here inOrchid Bay… I mean, sure, I really wanted to go to Harvard and seethe world, but… duty calls… Jody smiled weakly.
See? I ruined your hopes and dreams.
Well, to be fair, Harvard’s tough to get into,the small blonde shrugged. Nothing says I’d have made it anyway.
Uh, hello? Top of the class? Ophelia scolded.
Yeah, but, there’s probably something I wasn’tperfect enough at, Jody sighed wistfully as she gazed out over thelake. Still… I’m sorry I exploded, June. Friends? she asked,extending a hand.
Friends, June smiled, helping herself instead toa hug. Unhesitatingly, Jody returned it. After a moment, another pairof arms wrapped around the Asian from behind.
Don’t you tell anyone I did this, a throaty voicerasped.
Magical guardian’s honor, June beamed. Taking abreath of relief, she looked out across the still lake. Rememberthe days we’d come down here and just… skip rocks?
Yeah, we were just doing that, Jody smiled.Funny, huh?
I guess, Ophelia drawled. We seem to havegotten pretty bad at it lately.
Well, it looked like you were just kinda… hurlingthem when I got here.
We were kinda upset, Jody answered.
Wanna try again? June asked.
Eh, why not, Ophelia replied as she got up.Who’s first?
How about June, since we were such jerks to her?Jody chirped.
No, that’s okay, really… I kinda deserved it, Ishould have been thinking…
Okay, like, you’re still mostly human. You makemistakes, hello, Ophelia snarked. We’re good now.
Well, all right… June sighed, scanning thelake. Betcha I can make that sandbar thing across the lake.
Nuh uh, Jody scoffed.
Yuh huh! June shot back as she wound up. Withexpert precision, the Asian flicked her wrist, and a small stonesailed gracefully through the air and landed right on the smallknoll. It seemed to tremble oddly for a second.
Woah, Jody and Ophelia said as one.
You guys can do it too if you really wanted, Junesaid. Just, ya know… try.
Okie doke, Jody said as she picked up anotherrock. It went flying and smacked against the bar, hitting its targetonly to vanish into the depths. Ooh, the blonde blinked.
Okay, like, let the pro show you how to do it,Ophelia sniffed, already bouncing one in her palm. The Goth let fly,not only landing on the bar but knocking June’s off into the water.
Hey… June pouted.
Just like Ren fairs, the Hispanic smiled slyly.Right through the first arrow.
But, these are rocks… Jody said.
…never mind, Ophelia sighed. She suddenlylooked towards the bar. Okay, like, did you just see that? Thatbar just m– The girl was cut off as the bar suddenly rose intothe air, revealing none other than the trio’s friend fromearlier.
Well, well, well… look who it is, Gertholsneered. For a minute there, I thought I was being attacked bysomething threatening.
Ooh, don’t be a meanie, Jody huffed.
‘Meanie?’ Hardly, the troll scoffed as he wadedover to them. What vexes me, though, is that you’re all chummychummy and together right now. I do believe last we met, I haddivided and conquered.
We patched up, June smiled.
Did you, Gerthol smiled. Well, lest I remindyou that your days of leaving town are over before they began.
Hey, we got each other, Ophelia scoffed.
BFF! Jody giggled, arms around her friends.Ophelia let out a low feral growl, and the blonde sheepishlyretracted her arm from her.
You’re stupider than I thought, girls, the trollsneered. June’s eyes at first lit up in annoyance before they cooledin scheming. She quickly whispered to her friends, who showed noapparent reaction to the message.
Come closer and say that, ugly, June said in acocky voice.
Very well, Gerthol smirked as he took the girl upon her invitation. I said, he continued, that you girls arestupider th– The last thing the arrogant magic saw before a seaof stars and planets were three small fists racing for his lower jaw.
Ah, you remembered giant trolls can’t resist achallenge. Good, June.
Well, ya know… I try. I just kinda… rememberedit from July, June blushed.
Still, Ah Mah frowned slightly, I wonder whyyou didn’t do it earlier.
Well, see, here’s the thing Ah Mah… Juneconfessed. You’re really running us ragged. I mean… I know youwanna get Jody and Ophelia up and running and all, but… I thinkwe’re going about it the wrong way.
Oh? the elderly woman asked.
Yeah, Mrs. Ah Mah, Jody nodded. Sure, we canpunch and kick and stuff, but we really don’t know how to use it, orwhat we can actually do…
And, like, no idea what we actually CAN’T do,Ophelia added. We found out one of those things the hard waytoday.
Oh,yes, so June told me… Ah Mah nodded. That is fair. Perhapsinstead of battle simulation, I’ll start teaching you girls the finerarts of the te Xuan ze.Skills, history, all that stuff. And, to make it even easier, we’llmeet at noon. Sound good?
Sounds great Ah Mah. Thanks, June smiled, huggingher grandmother.
Well, good. Now then… I have a new doohickey Iwant to try out… Ah Mah continued as she put what looked like acrystal ball on the table.
Uh, didn’t know you were into that… Opheliamumbled.
No, I’m not… this is just something new from theBig Boys. Supposed to give a glimpse of the future.
I thought that big book already did it for you,June asked.
That’s only one by one for big events, June… thisgoes a little further. With that, Ah Mah flicked on a small switchat the bottom. The ball shimmered, then vague silhouettes of theyoung girls appeared. The shadows seemed to be doing odd things, tosay the least. They fell asleep, vanished and reappeared, seemed tobriefly change shape, and a few other actions. Suddenly, their eyessuddenly appeared, blood red and irisless. The girls’ outlines grewas what appeared to be flames licked around them and cold, hatefullaughter rang out before the ball shattered. The four shieldedthemselves from the debris, blinking.
Okay, like… what was that? Ophelia finallysaid.
Yeah, what’s with the Snidely Whiplash at the end,Ah Mah? June asked.
Oh, uh, I’m sure it’s just a marketer’s defect,kids, Ah Mah smiled gamely as she walked over to the table. Andcome to think of it, girls, it’s getting late… you should go home.See you Saturday?
Well, isn’t there anything big to tell us? Jodyasked.
No, no… anything else can wait until then. Goodnight, girls! the woman grinned, waving at them. Giving each otheruneasy looks, the girls waved back and left. Behind them, Ah Mahpicked up a shard with a worried frown, dreading what she had seen.
…The Next Day…
June! Telephone!
Groggy, June roused herself from her nap and picked upthe telephone, yawning as she did so.
…’Lo…? she managed.
Okay,like, sorry to bore you and all, June, but I got a bit of a questionfor you…
Oh,sorry Ophelia… June mumbled as she rubbed at her eyes. I’mjust a little tired from being out so late and school s’all…
Yeah,I’m a little tired too… but, anyway, I just looked in the mirror,okay?
Okay…and?
Well…why’s my hair white?
…yourhair’s white? June said, awake now.
Well,not all of it, but a sizable swath… seriously, June, what’s up?Ophelia demanded. Why’sit like that?
It’s…kinda the watermark of the te Xuan ze,Ophelia, June replied. Er, sorry I didn’t tell you, I kindathought it was a family only thing.
Well…all right. I can just dye it or something,Ophelia answered. She paused. I’m not, like, gonna turninto an eggplant or something, am I?
Trustme, Ophelia, June grinned. You won’t do that. A beeping rangin her ears. Oh, hang on, got another call. Yello? she called,switching lines.
MYHAIR IS WHITE!
Oh,uh… hey Jody… June smiled slyly.
WHYIS MY HAIR WHITE, JUNE! WHY IS IT WHITE! WHY, WHY, WHHHHY!
Junesmiled to herself. It was good to have things at least somewhat backto normal.