Alice Baburek

The Shifter

A wispy mist still hung in the moonlit night. She painfully fought the overpowering animalistic urge to manifest. Control had been a challenge since moving into the quiet little town of Willow Brook nestled deep within the wooded hills of southern Virginia.  

And for many years, she had tried to suppress it to keep it at bay. But she knew that the contorted and hideous transformation would surface at some point. Inviting the ghastly legacy shackled to her at birth.  

It did not matter where Mary Sawyer lived or how far she traveled. She could not hide nor run from her true, yet ungodly, destiny.

***

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.” Mary distributed a thin pamphlet to each of the librarians around the oval oak table. The white blouse and blue dress pants pulled tight against her stocky sixtyish body. The meeting had ended, and it was time for refreshments.

“Mary…why did we have to meet? This information could have been sent in an email. This… meeting is a waste of time!” exclaimed Hubert Mills. His thin, aging body shook. Crooked fingers scratched his balding head. Round, thick glasses gripped his pointy nose.

“Hubert, it’s nice to get away from work. If you didn’t want to come, no one forced you. I like getting out and mingling with other librarians,” commented Rachael Sommers. “I look forward to our meetings.” Her smile lit up the room. Bouncy brunette curls lightly touched her shapely shoulders. Being the youngest among the group, everyone took notice of Rachael, especially Hubert.

“I’m not saying I don’t like conversing with all of you at the meetings; I just feel sometimes Mary takes advantage. The use of technology can cut out-of-pocket expenses. That’s all.” He adjusted his glasses.

Sara Waldin rolled her faded green eyes. She was the oldest in the group, and retirement was not an option. She lived and breathed books. 

“Give it a rest, Hubert. Next time, don’t come. You ruin it for the rest of us. I rather enjoy talking shop with people who understand me. Heaven knows most of the patrons can’t hold a decent conversation nowadays. They’re too busy scrolling on their phones or texting or instant messaging. How we lived years ago without cell phones…” Sara’s raspy voice trailed away.

Mary stood at the head of the table. Her hands folded in front. She listened to her colleague’s bicker. A tiny smile crept across her wrinkled face. “Hubert, you are correct. The list of upcoming best sellers could have been sent in an email. But it’s quite hard to discuss the various available options about acquiring the books for our collections using email. I know Willow Brook is the main branch, and the other three libraries are considered satellite stations. But each of you is responsible for their collections.” 

Sara was already investigating the snack table. A brownie and cupcake sat on her tiny plate. She shuffled over to the coffee urn. With a shaky hand, she tried to steady the Styrofoam cup. 

Rachael rushed to the older woman’s side. “Let me help, Sara.” She gently took the half-filled steaming cup. With a dash of cream and a teaspoon of sugar, she placed it back by Sara’s seat. 

“Why, thank you, Rachael.” Sara sat down and began to eat. 

Hubert looked around the cramped meeting room. He was the only male attending. Not that he minded—especially being around Rachael. Without saying another word, he heaped several pieces of pastry onto the plate. Minutes later, the band of librarians ate in silence. 

As they finished eating, goodbyes were exchanged. Rachael lagged. Mary noticed the time. The Willow Brook Public Library had few visiting patrons. It was almost closing time for the sleepy little library snuggled against the hills. 

“Is there something else, Rachael?” Mary asked. The older woman clicked the mic, announcing the five-minute warning until closing.

“Actually…if you could spare a few minutes.” Rachael rubbed the back of her neck. 

“Of course, of course. Give me a moment.” Mary held the door for the last remaining patron exiting the building, then locked the front door.

“Let’s go back into the meeting room.” The two women’s shoes echoed in the hallway. Once inside, Rachael began to sob.

“Rachael…why are you crying?” asked Mary. She guided her to a chair. Without hesitation, the young woman delved into an explanation.

“It’s my apartment complex. There are six units.” Rachael sniffed and wiped her nose with a tissue. She sat down across from Mary.

“There’s a new tenant. His name is…Rodney Wilson. He’s just been released from Petersburg Federal Prison from upper Virginia.” Mary remained silent. She had a hunch she knew where this conversation was going.

“Being a librarian, I did what should have been done and checked public records. He was convicted of assault and battery. A fifteen-year sentence.” Her lips and chin trembled.

“Rachael, did he hurt you?” Immediately, Rachael’s eyes held Mary’s. Her head moved slightly back and forth.

“But he’s going to,” whispered Rachael. Mary drew back. 

“Why would you think he wants to cause you harm?” pressed Mary. Rachael stared at her lap. 

“He said he is waiting—for the right time,” murmured Rachael. 

“How did this man end up in Willow Brook, of all places?” Mary crossed her arms.

“I don’t know. There are dozens of small towns from here to Petersburg. He could have picked any of them. Unfortunately, he picked Willow Brook.” Rachael’s head slumped.

“Rodney has to realize if something happens to you, he will return to prison. I’m sure he knows this. Why would he risk his freedom? It doesn’t add up,” stated Mary. Rachael’s eyes were red.

“Maybe he’s just trying to scare me…all bark, no bite,” replied Rachael.

“Or…maybe not. You must take his threat seriously, Rachael. Did you go to the police and report this?” Mary slid her chair closer to the table.

“Yes. I spoke with Detective Ellie Griffin. She told me he served his time and had the right to live anywhere. And until he tries to harm me physically, there’s not much she can do.” Rachael started to cry again.

“What about family?” asked Mary in a soothing tone.

“I…I don’t have a family. My mother passed away almost two years ago. I was an only child. I have no relatives on my father’s or mother’s side. I may have distant cousins, but I have no clue what their names could be or if they even exist. It’s just…me.” She dabbed at her watery eyes.

“And I would think moving would be out of the question. You shouldn’t have to lose your home because of Rodney’s intrusive behavior.” Mary waited a moment. “Why don’t you spend a few days with me? I have a wonderful cottage with a spare bedroom. It’s not much…” She waited for a response.

Rachael forced a smile. “You’re so kind, Mary. But I like my apartment. I should feel safe in my own home.” Mary gave a slight nod.

“Rachael, please be aware of your surroundings at all times. Lock your doors and windows. And if you hear anything, day or night, call the police.” Rachael stood up to leave.

“I appreciate your help, Mary. Thanks for a shoulder to lean on. I’ll be fine.” The two women faced one another. Suddenly, Rachael wrapped her arms around the older woman. Mary briefly held the upset woman.  Rachael eased away. 

“It will be alright, Rachael.” And without saying another, Rachael left the library to hurry home.

***

The urge to shapeshift had become overwhelming as she thought of Rachael’s safety. She had inherited her unique power from her mother’s long bloodline of shapeshifters spanning over a century. This rare ability was a type of metamorphosis—to change into something else.  

The last time Mary allowed herself to shift was at her mother’s funeral. Many had blamed Mary for her mother’s death. But Mary was the only one who knew the truth. And from that day forward, she vowed never to shift again—until now.

Mary realized Rodney Wilson would not stop. His evil intentions toward Rachael were clear. It didn’t matter to him if he returned to prison. He would eventually have his way with Rachael and destroy her life.

***

Mary stood silently in the shadows outside Rachael’s apartment building. Rodney Wilson lived in the bottom unit on the far side. His light was still on at one o’clock in the morning. The rest of the apartments were dark. Dampness hung in the night air. Mary moved along the brick exterior. She bent down and peered through the open blinds. 

Rodney sat alone on the tattered couch. His one hand held a beer while the other rubbed his crotch. The flat screen filled with images of pornography. 

Mary moved to the back entrance. Using her picks, she entered in under a minute. The dimly lit hallway enveloped the change. Her aged body shuddered as the transformation began. She forgot the extent of unbearable pain as her form twisted and contoured to alien skin. It felt like hours, but she knew it was mere seconds. The black leather material adhered to every curve. Mary licked her voluptuous lips. She had to hurry. She did not know how long she could hold the course.

Rodney’s breathing became labored. His hand moved faster and faster. A slight moan emanated from his drooling mouth. And then, before he could release, a knock on the door.

“What the…” His manhood deflated instantly. The marijuana he smoked a short time ago still hung heavy in the air. He slurped the remaining beer—another knock.

“Coming,” he shouted as he tried to get up. The wooziness almost made him puke. As he staggered to the door, a heavier knock came again.

Mary glanced about the empty area outside Apartment 1. Hopefully, all her pounding didn’t wake the neighbors, especially Rachael.

The knob turned several times. Finally, after a few more seconds, Rodney pulled it open. His eyes grew wide.

“Well…isn’t it the sexy woman from upstairs.” Mary slid her hands slowly down her snug leather outfit. Her tongue licked her lips. “Have you finally come to your senses, sweet thing?” His words slurred. 

“I’ve been watching you,” she whispered. Rodney belched. 

“Me? Well…let me tell you…something…I’ve been watching you!” he stuttered. He stepped back and opened the door even wider. “Let’s…get this party started, sweetheart!” 

Mary slinked inside the smelly apartment—a mixture of sweat, weed, and beer. The pornographic images on the television were frozen in place.

Rodney tried desperately to focus. His manhood was coming to attention by the thought of taking this woman right here, right now, in his private domain.

“I knew,” he stifled another belch, “you wanted it the first time I saw your sexy ass. Want to smoke some weed or….do you want a beer?” He swayed slightly.

Mary glanced at the pathetic loser of a man. She struggled to keep her image in place. Her bones ached. And since it had been so long since her last shapeshift the pain intensified with each moment she sustained Rachael’s mirror image.

“No. I came here for one reason and one reason only.” Suddenly, Mary felt she was losing control. Her body shook and shimmied. 

Rodney rubbed his grainy eyes. “What the…is going on? I must be wasted. You…you look like you’re changing.” Drool leaked from the corner of his sagging mouth.

Mary knew she had to act fast. Her shape was beginning to shift. “I want you to leave me alone, Rodney. And if you don’t, I might have to do something you will regret.” And with that said, Mary struck with full force. The knuckles of her fingers rammed into his Adam’s apple with just enough pressure. His spine crumpled.

Rodney gulped for air as he fell to the dirty carpet. He instantly rolled back and forth, grabbing at his neck.

As he finally was able to breathe, Mary leaned down close. Her face shifted again into a distorted hideous creature with protruding bloodshot eyes and jagged teeth. Saliva dripped from her grotesque mouth onto his heaving chest. She ran a long-rotted fingernail down his white, pallid face.

“Do we understand one another, Rodney?” Mary sneered then sucked in the pain. “Rodney, I asked you a question?” She tilted her oblong head filled with slimy black hair. His entire body trembled. 

Mary stood up. “I’ll take that as a yes. And if I see you look in my direction at any time, Rodney, I promise to come back and show you exactly how much I like you.” Mary winked her large, bulging eye, then puckered her ashen lips as if she was blowing him a kiss.

Sweat appeared on Rodney’s forehead. He could not move. His breath in gulps. He watched through bloodshot eyes as the creature turned and left the apartment closing the door behind.

***

The following month, the small group of librarians met once again. Mary was busy setting up the refreshment table. Rachael arrived a bit early and prepped the coffee urn. Sara and Hubert had just sat down and were discussing the latest bestsellers.

“Excuse me, everyone. May I have your attention, please? I am grateful for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this meeting. With the holidays looming ahead, my list contains…” Mary continued, highlighting the handout. 

After an hour, the small group gathered at the table of pastries, courtesy of Hubert. Powder sugar stuck to his face as he licked his fingers.

“Well, I must say, Hubert, I was quite shocked by the fact you were the one to bring the snacks. They are quite tasty,” remarked Sara. The old woman shoved another cookie into her mouth. Hubert blushed at the compliment.

“I find it only appropriate to contribute to such…informative meetings. I agree to discuss the promising additions to our collections in person…well, it makes sense.” The three women clapped. Again, Hubert’s face blossomed red.

Within twenty minutes, the meeting area had been cleaned. The chairs were returned, and the table was folded. Hubert took his leave with Sara, leaving Rachael and Mary behind.

“I guess I better get back to the branch,” said Rachael. “Oh, I heard you were feeling under the weather, Mary. Is everything alright?” She wrinkled her brow.

“You could say I just didn’t feel like myself. But it passed. Nothing a little rest couldn’t fix. I’m fine now,” replied Mary, trying to hide her grin. 

Rachael turned to leave. “By the way, Rachael, how are things with the new tenant? Is he still bothering you?” Mary crossed her arms.

The young woman hesitated before she spoke. “It’s the strangest thing…I saw Rodney in the stairwell the other day. Usually, he snickers or makes gross sexual remarks, but this time it was different. He barely looked at me. He hurried to get inside his apartment. I felt relieved. Maybe things will be alright after all.” Rachael smiled. 

Mary took a deep breath. She wished to tell Rachael her secret but knew it could never happen. That was the mistake Mary’s mother had made and it cost her life. So, Mary would have to settle for keeping her secret and the fact that Rodney Wilson would never bother Rachael again.