Wild as the Wind

Written by DTYarbrough

A Horror Short Story

Copyright 2011
All rights reserved
 WILD AS THE WIND

J enny was dressed and ready for school early this morning. I've finished setting the table,
Mom, said Jenny. What else can I do to help?

Make sure Jesse and Ruby are up, said Mom as she stirred the gravy. What's up with you
girl. You want something. I can always tell.

Oh, Mom, said Jenny as she headed for the stairs. Can't a girl help her mom without
wanting something in return.

Jesse! Ruby! You up? yelled Jenny from the foot of the stairs.

I could have done that, yelled mom. Go on up and check on them.

What's all the yelling? asked Dad as he stuck his head out of the bathroom. Good morning,
Sweetheart. Don't you look pretty today.

Thanks, Dad, said Jenny as she knocked on Jesse's door. Breakfast is almost ready.

She didn't dare to open the door. Jesse! Get up. Breakfast is getting cold.

I'm up! her older brother yelled back. Who died and made you the alarm clock?

Mom said for you to get your butt downstairs, said Jenny. Don't kill the messenger.

Hi, Baby, said Jenny as she entered her baby sister's room. Ruby! You can't wear that to
school. Dad will have a fit. Let me help you find something nice to wear.

I'm almost thirteen, said Ruby. I can wear what I want.

Ruby, please don't upset Dad today, pleaded Jenny. Johnny asked me for a date tonight
and I haven't asked Dad yet.

A date! said Ruby. Just the two of you. You know what Dad will say.

Maybe, said Jesse. But if he's in a good mood?

 Okay, said Ruby. But you owe me one. How does this look?

Perfect, said Jenny. Thank you, Baby.

Don't call me baby, said Ruby. I get enough of that from Mom and Dad.

What's taking you girls so long? yelled Dad. Let's eat. You're gonna miss the bus.

Jenny's been up for a while, said Mom. She even set the table.

Really, said Dad. I didn't think she knew how.

Jesse laughed as he reached for the biscuits.

Wait for your sisters, young man, said Dad.

But Dad. I'm gonna be late, said Jesse.

You all ride the same bus, said Mom. If you miss it, I'll drive you to school. And take off
that jacket at the table.

Oh, Mom, said Jesse as he removed his letter-man jacket. Jesse wore that jacket
everywhere. It was his prized possession.

Baby, said Dad as the girls entered the room. You look nice today.

Thanks, Dad, said Ruby. Jenny helped me pick it out.

Sit down, girls, said Mom. You want orange juice or milk?

Chocolate milk, said Ruby.

Me too, said Jenny.

Why don't I ever get chocolate milk? asked Jesse.

You're a growing boy, said Mom.

Dad, said Ruby. You look very handsome today. Jenny wants to ask you something.

Ruby! said Jenny as she nudged her sister.

 What is it, Jenny? asked Dad.

Well I uh ...that is Johnny asked me to go with him to the county fair tonight, said
Jenny. If that's okay with you, Dad.

Do I know this Johnny? asked Dad. Does he have a last name?

Wolfson, said Jenny. Johnny Wolfson.

I went to school with his dad, said Mom. Strange boy. Wild as the wind. I think he married
Mary Lou Watkins. You remember him, Jack.

I remember Mary Lou Watkins, said Dad. Wasn't she homecoming queen in 89?

You would, said Mom.

Probably a nice family, said Dad. Jesse, do you know this boy?

He's got a nice Harley, said Jesse. Doesn't play any sports.

Just how old is this young man? asked Mom.

He's barely seventeen, said Jenny. I'll be sixteen my next birthday.

That's eleven months away, said Dad. I guess it will be okay if your brother comes along
on a double date.

Dad, said Jesse. I've got a game tonight.

Oh yeah, said Dad. Why don't you guys come to the game with us. You wouldn't want to
miss one of your brother's games.

As much as I'd hate to, said Jenny. I kinda wanted to see the fair. The stock car races are
tonight.

Damn, said Dad. I wanted to see those. You see to it that he gets you home by 10:30 and
not a minute later.

10:30! said Jenny. It's not a school night.

 If it was, you'd be home by nine, said Dad. You could stay out later if your brother could
go along.

I want to meet him when he comes by to pick you up, said Mom. He's not picking you up
on his motorcycle, is he?

We've got to run, Mom, said Jenny as she hopped up from the table. We don't want to
miss the bus. Come on, guys.

Bye, said Ruby as she grabbed Jesse's jacket and ran out the door.

Come back here, you little brat, yelled Jesse as he ran after her.

Jenny couldn't wait to get to school to give Johnny the good news. She had had a crush on
him for a few years now. He had mostly ignored her until recently. When he asked her for the
date, she thought she was going to pass out right there in the cafeteria. It wasn't that he had
other girl friends, at least none that she knew about. She wasn't sure what took him so long to
come around. She knew that several girls would have jumped at the chance to go out with him,
but he seemed to ignore them too.

Jenny Jenny Carpenter, said the voice from the front of the room.

Present, said Jenny.

I called the roll thirty minutes ago, Jenny, said the teacher. I asked you to sit up straight
and pay attention.

Sorry, Miss Brooks, said Jenny. Jenny had been daydreaming. She wondered what her
mother would think of Johnny. She wondered what their kids would look like. Would they have
her blonde hair or Johnny's dark brown hair. She hoped they would have his eyes.

Jenny Carpenter! said the teacher.

Yes, replied Jenny.

That's correct Jenny, said Miss Brooks. I didn't think you were paying attention.

Jenny sat up straight in her seat and turned her attention toward classwork. She was an
excellent student and realized her daydreaming would have to wait. She would see Johnny at
lunch. Only three more hours. Would they be boys or girls? One of each would be nice. And a
June wedding. Not in that order she hoped. Who would be her bridesmaids?
 Jenny, sit up straight, said Lucy as she nudged her from behind. You're going to get into
trouble if you don't pay attention.

....................

Jenny wasn't hungry as she sat at the table with her friends. Hi, Jenny, said Johnny as he
walked over to the table. Are we on for tonight? All of the girls at the table looked up dreamy-
eyed at the 6'2 senior. Jenny tried to speak but a nod was all she could muster as she smiled up
at him. Then I'll pick you up around 7:00, said Johnny as he turned and walked away.

You've got a date? asked Lucy. With Johnny Wolfson? I don't believe it.

It's true, said Jenny. He's taking me to the fair. What should I wear?

All of the girls at the table began talking at once. He'll be wearing black, said Lucy. He
always wears black.

You can't wear a dress if you're riding on his Harley, said Missy. Shorts and a tank-top.
That's what I would wear.

It gets chilly at night, especially on the back of a Harley, said Vicky. Bluejeans with a
denim jacket.

....................

He's here, Jenny, screamed Ruby. I can see the dust in the lane.

Jenny ran to the window and peeked through the curtains as Johnny pulled up in the drive.
The sound of the motorcycle had King barking at the top of his lungs. Hush boy, said Jack as
he sat on the front porch steps. Evening Johnny. Hush!

King ran toward Johnny still barking loudly. Johnny turned around and King stopped barking
and began to whine as he backed away. Evening Mr. Carpenter, Sir. Going to the big game
tonight? I see you're wearing the colors.

Yeah, said Jack. My boy's playing. Can't miss it. Who do you think will win the stock car
races?

Josh Petrey is my favorite, said Johnny. Car 24.

 Better watch out for my cousin in car 17, said Jack.

Wayne Mayner is your cousin! said Johnny. I had no idea. He's a pretty good driver, but
Josh has got the engine to beat.

Sounds like you know your stock cars, said Jack. Better come on in. Janet wants to meet
you. I don't know what's got into that dog.

He probably smells my dog, said Johnny. Wolf was climbing all over me when I left the
house.

How's your mom and dad? asked Jack. I don't see much of them.

Everyone's fine, said Johnny as he followed Jack into the house. Mrs. Carpenter. So
pleased to meet you. So this is where Jenny gets her good looks. No offense, Sir.

None taken, said Jack.

Have a seat Johnny, said Janet. So you're a senior this year. Any plans for college?

I've been giving it some thought, ma'am, said Johnny. I hope we're not keeping you from
the game. I would have been here earlier, but I had to finish my chores around the house.

A young man with responsibilities, said Janet. That's refreshing. Here she is. You kids have
a great time tonight. Jenny, what time will you be home?

10:29, said Jenny.

That's my girl, said Jack. Keep it under the speed limit, son.

Sure thing, pop uh Mr. Carpenter. said Johnny as he and Jenny headed outside.

Call me Jack, said Jack. Hush, King. Ruby, chain the dog. Janet, you ready? We're gonna be
late for the game.

....................

You ever ridden on a motorcycle before? asked Johnny.

On my brother's moped, said Jenny as she hopped on behind Johnny and wrapped her arms
tightly around his waist. I'm ready when you are.
 You look nice in denim, said Johnny. Nice boots too.

Thanks, said Jenny. So do you I mean You look nice too in leather.

Hang on, said Johnny as Jenny squeezed even tighter. Don't be afraid. I'll take it easy.

Jenny lay her head against his back to try to keep her hair from blowing too much. She should
have worn a scarf, but she didn't want to mess up her hair. So much for that idea. She could hear
his heartbeat in one ear and the roar of the engine in the other.

As they pulled onto the paved road that led into town, they began to gain speed but the ride
was much smoother. She loosened her grip around his waist and relaxed. As they leaned into a
sharp curve, she re-tightened her grip.

....................

As they neared town, the speed limit dropped, and she could see the lights of the fairgrounds
in the distance. The giant ferris wheel towered over the other attractions. Johnny parked the
motorcycle near the entrance and removed his chains from the saddlebags. He secured the
wheels to the frame and closed the lock. Taking her hand, he walked to the ticket booth.

Hand in hand they strolled toward the midway. Jenny was tall for her age but felt small beside
Johnny. But on the other hand, she felt ten feet tall. Step right up and try your luck. Win your
girl a stuffed panda, shouted the man at the basketball concession.

Jenny, would you like a panda? asked Johnny.

Sure, said Jenny.

Step right up, son, said the carny. Three shots for a dollar. Make all three and win a prize.

Johnny handed him a dollar and calmly sank the three baskets. We have a winner, said the
carny as he handed Johnny a small stuffed teddy bear. Make three more and win a panda.

Come on, Johnny, said Jenny. This is a ripoff.

Just a minute, said Johnny as he handed the man another dollar and sank three more
baskets.

A big winner, said the carny as he handed Johnny a giant panda. Move along, son. One
panda to a customer.

You should be on the basketball team, said Jenny. Wow, this is almost as big as I am.

You want me to carry it for you? asked Johnny.

No way, said Jenny. I love it. I just love it.

....................

I can't believe you got me on the ferris wheel, said Jenny as she took a bite of her corn dog.
I've had a wonderful time tonight.

Me too, said Johnny. You didn't seem to be frightened.

I wasn't, said Jenny. That's the amazing thing. Even Dad could never get me to ride it
before. I thought I had a fear of heights.

Too bad your dad's cousin lost the race, said Johnny. He put up a good effort.

How are we going to get this home? asked Jenny.

I hadn't thought about that, said Johnny. Wait a minute. Hank, over here.

Johnny, said Hank. How you doing, man?

I need to borrow your Mustang, said Johnny. Here are the keys to my Harley.

Picked up some extra cargo, did we? asked Hank. And who's this pretty little lady?

Jenny, said Johnny. I like you to meet my Uncle Hank. Hank, this is Jenny Carpenter.

You must be Jack's daughter, said Hank. Tell ole Jack I said hi. Here are the keys. Row J10.
Where did you park the Harley?

Front gate. Stop by the house later tonight and we'll swap back, said Johnny. Thanks a lot,
Hank.

No problem kid, said Hank. Y'all be good now.

....................
 Did you hear something? asked Jenny as they walked through the dimly lit pasture that
served as a parking lot. Watch your step.

Probably just a cow, said Johnny. There we are. That car with the coon's tail on the radio
antennae.

Your uncle might be a redneck, laughed Jenny as she placed the panda in the backseat.
What this hanging from the mirror.

A 32 magnum bullet, said Johnny.

Is that silver? asked Jenny. I've never seen a silver bullet before.

Could be, said Johnny. Buckle up.

....................

They're not home from the game, said Jenny. I don't have to go in yet.

Find something on the radio, said Johnny. We'll wait in the car.

There's a sock hop at the school next Friday night, said Jenny. Are you going?

There's a full moon that night, said Johnny. I promised Mom I'd help her plant her garden.
She always plants it by the light of the full moon.

Here they come, said Jenny. I've got to go in.

Don't I get a kiss goodnight? asked Johnny.

Hurry, said Jenny as she leaned toward him. They're almost here.

I meant hurry up and start, said Jenny, not hurry up and finish. You want to try that
again?

....................

Knock, knock.

Uh oh, said Jenny as she looked and saw her father standing outside the fogged up
windows.

Whose car? asked Jack as Johnny rolled down the window. Who's that in the back.

You gotta see this, Dad, said Jenny as she opened her door and ran around the front of the
car. Open the door, Dad.

As Jack opened the backdoor, the lights came on and he saw the half empty bottle of Jim
Beam lying on the floor. Johnny, would you please step out of the car, said Jack.

Dad, the panda. I'm talking about the panda, said Jenny. We didn't even know that was
there. It must belong to his Uncle Hank. Oh yeah, Hank said to say hi.

Where did you see Hank? asked Jack. If you took her to a bar ...

He was at the fair, Dad, said Jenny. He let us use his car so we could get the panda home.

What's going on? asked Janet. Is there a problem, Jack?

Just a little misunderstanding, said Jack. But I'll have to take that bottle. I can't have you
breaking the law, now that you know it's in there.

I understand, Sir, said Johnny. I'll tell Uncle Hank that you said hi.

....................

Who won, Mom? asked Jenny as they walked to the house.

We did darling, said Mom. Did you have a good time?

Oh, Mom, said Jenny. I think I'm in love.

Don't let your dad hear you say that, said Mom. I was about your age when I met your
dad. It was love at first sight too.

And you got married and lived happily ever after, said Jenny.

Hell no, said Mom. We broke up after about six weeks. We didn't get back together until
after college.

But this is serious, Mom, said Jenny.

 It always is, honey, said Mom. It always is. Did he ask you to the sock hop?

No, said Jenny. There's a full moon that night.

I see, said Mom.

He promised to help his mom plant her garden, said Jenny.

What a sweet boy, said Mom. I think I'm in love too.

....................

Where does Johnny live, asked Janet as she passed the biscuits.

I don't even know, Mom, said Jenny. I never asked him.

On county road near Tifton, said Jack. I ran a trace on his license plate.

Dad, said Jenny. You didn't.

There's been reports of werewolf sightings out that way, said Jesse.

Don't you start that foolishness, said Jack.

Freddy Harris said he almost hit one last month during the last full moon, said Jesse.

Was he drinking? asked Jack. There's been rumors of werewolves around Tifton since long
before I became sheriff. I think there's something in the moonshine besides corn.

I'd get me some silver bullets if I had a gun, said Jesse.

Silver bullets? asked Jenny. Why silver bullets?

That's the only thing that can kill one of them, said Jesse.

And bigfoot wears tennis shoes, said Jenny. You're making that up.

Go on line and check it out, said Jesse.

Dad, said Jenny. Can I use your computer?

 What's this sudden interest in werewolves? asked Jack.

If Johnny's in some sort of danger, I want to warm him, said Jenny.

Okay, but hurry it up, said Jack. I've got to work today. I'll need my laptop.

..................

Full moons and silver bullets, thought Jenny. Just like Jesse said. They eat raw meat and
sometimes they attack humans during a full moon. The rest of the time they're mostly normal,
although they tend to be loners. Dogs tend to react strangely in their presence. That's got to be a
coincidence. He explained why he couldn't come to the dance during the full moon. And that
redneck uncle probably just got tired of looking at those stupid dice and decided to hang
something else from his mirror. There's a perfectly logical explanation.

Jenny, shouted Mom, it's for you. I think it's Johnny.

I'll take it in here, said Jenny. Hello?

Hi, Jenny, said Johnny. How are you doing?

Fine, said Jenny. You?

I'm fine, said Johnny. I was just wondering if you'd like to go for a ride. Mom wants to
meet you if that's okay.

Let me ask Mom, said Jenny. Mom!

What is it Jenny? asked Mom as she entered the room.

Johnny wants me to meet his mom, said Jenny. Can I, Mom?

Have you got homework?, asked Janet.

Not that much, said Jenny. I can do it Sunday after church.

You be back before your dad gets home, you hear, said Janet.

Thanks, Mom, said Jenny. It's okay, Johnny. But I've got to be home by 4:30.
 See you in one hour, said Johnny. Bye.

Jenny turned off the computer and hurried to her room to find something to wear. She
needed something to impress his mom that wouldn't look stupid on the back of a motorcycle.
She couldn't wear the same outfit she wore last night.

Mom! I don't have a thing to wear! yelled Jenny.

....................

He's here, yelled Ruby. Aren't you ready yet?

Almost, said Jenny. See if you can calm the dog.

King! yelled Ruby. Quiet! What's the matter with that dog?

He doesn't like the motorcycle, said Jenny.

He doesn't act like that when Jesse rides his motorcycle, said Ruby.

He's used to Jesse's motorcycle, said Jenny. This one's louder. Probably hurts his ears.

He shut it off two minutes ago, said Ruby.

Dumb dog, mumbled Jenny as she headed for the front door. How do I look, Mom?

You look nice, Dear, said Mom. Have fun.

Nice? asked Jenny. I spent an hour getting ready and I look nice?

....................

Hi ,Jenny, said Johnny. You look really nice.

Thanks, Johnny, said Jenny. You ready?

Hop on, said Johnny. Hang on tight.

....................

After about an hour of steady driving, Johnny pulled off the road and into a parking lot with
several automobiles. Looks like Mom's busier today than she expected, said Johnny. Let's go
on in and see when she'll be done.

What does your mom do? asked Jenny as they approached the door. The sign read Tifton
Veterinary Hospital.

She's a veterinarian, said Johnny. Wait here in the lobby. I'll go see how she's doing.

Jenny looked around the waiting room at all of the people with their pets. Dear, are you an
assistant? asked an elderly woman. I think Felix has a headache.

Oh, is this Felix? asked Jenny.

Naw, this is Tiger, said the lady. Felix is my husband. He's out there in the pickup.

Sorry, ma'am, said Jenny. I'm just visiting.

What do you recommend for fleas? asked the gentleman with the dalmatian This collar
really chaifs, and it's not working all that well.

Shouldn't the dog be wearing that? asked Jenny. Excuse me. Johnny's back.

Mom's going to be tied up for a couple of hours at least, said Johnny. She asked if we
would wait for her at the house. And she said Dad was looking for me.

That's fine, said Jenny. You don't have any aspirins, do you?

Got a headache? asked Johnny. I'm sure I can find some up at the house.

It's not for me, said Jenny. It's for Felix.

Johnny looked around the waiting room. Pet or person? he asked.

He outside in the pickup, said Jenny. This lady's husband.

Brenda, you got any aspirin? Johnny asked the receptionist.

I've got some percodan, said Brenda. But I'll have to ask your mom if it's okay for you to
take one of these?

I've got a headache too, said the gentleman with the flea collar.
 I'm sorry, sir, said Brenda. We only treat animals here.

Never mind, said Johnny. Felix will just have to go to the drugstore. Come on Jenny.

Was that the animal coroner? asked the lady with the cat. He was dressed all in black.

No ma'am, said Brenda. Nobody's pet has died. Would you guys like to watch some TV?

....................

I'll just pull it around back, said Johnny. We can walk back to the house. It's just a little
ways up the lane. Wolf hates the sound of the motorcycle.

Wolf? asked Jenny. You have a wolf?

He's half German shepherd and half timber wolf, said Johnny. You'll like him once he gets
to know you.

You mean once I get to know him? asked Jenny.

No, he's a little weird around strangers until he gets to know them, said Johnny. Don't
worry. I'm right here.

Is he in the house? asked Jenny as they reached the steps at the front porch of the large
rustic cabin.

No, he must be out chasing rabbits, said Johnny. Let's go on in and you can meet Dad.

As they entered the cabin, the walls of the living room were covered with beautiful pictures
of exotic places and people. A lush sofa and bookcase lined one wall and a fireplace with a
massive mantle filled another. A chandelier hung from the beams of the vaulted ceiling. Lovely
drapes covered the windows.

The kitchen was ultramodern with the latest in appliances. The dining room was somewhat
small but well-decorated. The house was spotless. Dad's probably in the den, said Johnny as
they walked past a stairway leading to the upper level. This way.

You don't have any brothers or sisters, do you? asked Jenny.

It's just me, said Johnny as he opened the door to the den. I'm an only child.
 Now this is more like I expected to see in a cabin, said Jenny as she looked around the
room. Well, maybe a little bit more than I expected.

You mean all the stuffed animals? asked Johnny.

It is a bit much, said Jenny as she looked at the assortment of heads hanging on the walls
and the bearskin rug in front of the fireplace. Is your dad a hunter?

We go hunting every now and then, said Johnny. He really loves to fish. He must be be
working down in the basement.

Working? asked Jenny. What kind of work can you do in a basement?

Taxidermy, said Johnny. Best in the county.

Dad, you down there? yelled Johnny from the top of the stairs.

Yeah, I'm here, said Dad. Where have you been? I thought you promised to help me skin
that bear today.

Oh gee, Dad, I forgot, said Johnny as they started down the stairs into the dimly lit
basement. Johnny's dad was working intently at his workbench beneath the only light. This is
Jenny, Dad. Jenny, this is my dad.

Pardon me if I don't shake hands, said Roger. My hands are a little messy right now. I'm
very glad to meet you Jenny. I went to school with your mom.

She told me, said Jenny.

I deny everything, said Roger. She's prettier than all the others, Son.

Others? asked Jenny.

I'm only kidding, said Roger. I think you're the first one I've met.

Mom's tied up at the office, said Johnny. We're gonna hang around here for a while.

If you've got a few minutes to spare, I could use your help with that bear, said Roger. You
want to watch, Jenny?
 Watch you skin a bear? asked Jenny. I think I'll pass on this one. I'll just wait upstairs if
that's okay.

Wolf won't come near me for a week after I do this, said Johnny. And Jenny may not
either.

Stop your whining, Son, said Roger. We've got work to do.

Let me just get Jenny settled in, said Johnny, and I need to change my clothes.

Hurry up, Son, said Roger. We should have already had this part done.

....................

Jenny sat down in front of the TV and flipped through the channels. As she watched a
commercial for ibuprofen, she thought about Felix. Jenny walked to the bathroom and opened
the medicine cabinet. She grabbed the bottle of aspirins on the middle shelf and headed out the
door toward the clinic. As she reached the parking lot she could see the old man behind the
wheel of the pickup. He looked pale and was clutching his heart.

Jenny rushed over to the pickup and tapped on the window. The old man looked at her
through glassy eyes. Are you Felix? she asked. Need an aspirin?

The old man managed to nod and began to roll down the window. After he had barely cracked
the window, he seemed to pass out and slumped over the wheel. Jenny opened the door and
lifted his head from the wheel and back against the headrest. Taking an aspirin from the bottle,
she forced his mouth open and placed it under his tongue. Be right back, she said as she ran
into the waiting room. We need a doctor. I think he's having a heart attack.

Who, said Brenda. Not Johnny?

It's Felix, said Jenny. Outside in the pickup.

Not my Felix! exclaimed the lady with the cat as Brenda ran into the back room. Oh dear.

I gave him an aspirin, said Jenny as the doctor rushed into the waiting room.

Where is he? she asked.

Out there in the pickup truck, said Jenny. I'll show you.
 You say you gave him an aspirin? asked Johnny's mom as she listened to his heartbeat.
You may have just saved his life. He's coming around. Help me get him inside, Wilbur. Wilbur,
why are you wearing that flea collar? Never mind, give me a hand with him.

Calm down, Gladys, said Johnny's mom. Get the door. I think he's going to be fine.

Jenny watched as they helped Felix out of the truck and into the clinic and then headed back
to the house. As she took her first step onto the lawn, Wolf came around the corner of the cabin
running and barking. As he stopped about six feet away, he began to snarl and bare his teeth.

Easy, Wolf, said Jenny in a calm and soothing voice trying desperately to hide her fear.
You looking for Johnny?

Jenny knelt and held out her arms as she had often done with King when he would meet the
bus as they returned home from school.

Johnny had heard the barking and rushed upstairs to see what was happening. When he
couldn't find Jenny, he rushed outside. Wolf had Jenny pinned to the ground and was barking
loudly. Wolf! yelled Johnny as he ran across the lawn, Heel boy! Heel

Johnny leaped onto Wolf, grabbing him by the neck and pulling him off of Jenny. Smelling
the bear scent, Wolf went into a frenzy of growling and barking. Let him go! shouted Jenny.
You're scaring him. Johnny! We were only playing.

He doesn't play, said Johnny. He could have killed you.

Let him go, Johnny! insisted Jenny. He didn't hurt me and he's not going to. I tell you we
were playing.

Johnny released Wolf, and Wolf snapped at him and backed away. Come here, Boy, said
Jenny. Wolf ran over to Jenny, his tail wagging, and stood up with his paws on her shoulders and
began licking her face. I seem to have a way with animals, said Jenny.

Well I'll be damned, said Johnny. I've never seen anything like that. Wolf doesn't like
anyone. He just learns to tolerate them after a while.

You like me, don't you Wolffie? said Jenny. Yes, you do.

Please don't call him Wolffie, said Johnny. It's embarrassing to have a dog name Wolffie?

You're just a big puppy dog, said Jenny. Aren't you Wolffie?
 I've got to get back to the basement, said Johnny. Dad's waiting on me.

I'd better go in and wash my hands and face after playing with the dog, said Jenny.

....................

Jenny had just finished watching an episode of Twilight when she was startled by a noise in
the kitchen. It's probably Johnny, she thought as she started toward the kitchen. As she exited
the den, she almost ran into Johnny's mother. Hello Mrs. Wolfson, said Jenny. How's Felix
doing?

You should have introduced yourself, said Mary Lou. I didn't know where you had run off
to. Gladys wanted to hug your neck. Felix is going to be fine.

That's good, said Jenny. You were a little bit busy. You didn't seem to have time to get
acquainted.

It has been a busy morning, said Mary Lou. Where's Johnny? Is he helping his dad?

Yeah, he's skinning a bear, said Jenny.

Just finished, said Johnny as he opened the basement door. I'm going to take a shower
and change clothes. I see you've met.

Oh, we met earlier when she saved Felix's life, said Mary Lou. Quite a girl you've found,
Johnny.

Must have been a really bad headache, said Johnny. You should have seen her playing with
Wolffie I mean Wolf.

Pee yew! said Mary Lou. Go on and get your shower while we get acquainted. Dear, would
you like a cup of hot cocoa?

If it's not too much trouble, said Jenny. Johnny says you're planting a garden this
weekend.

Oh, I don't think I'll do that this year, said Mary Lou. It's so much trouble and the rabbits
and deer eat more of it than we do. I thought Johnny and I talked about that.
 He said you always plant by the light of the full moon, said Jenny. Is that some sort of
superstition?

Farmer's Almanac, said Mary Lou. I had forgotten there was a full moon this Friday.

And the annual sock hop at school, said Jenny. I was hoping Johnny could go.

Oh, I don't think he'll be able to make that, said Mary Lou. I'm sure there's something else
he has to do Friday night. I think his dad has fishing plans for the two of them.

....................

You guys aren't talking about me, are you? asked Johnny as he sat down at the kitchen
table. My ears were burning.

We were talking about your plans for Friday night, said Jenny.

Oh yeah, said Johnny. I promised Hank that I'd help him put a new motor in his Mustang.

We thought you were going fishing with your dad, said his mother.

After we're finished with the Mustang, said Johnny. We'd better head back towards your
place, Jenny. It's 2:30 already.

We'll have to do this again some time when you can stay longer, Jenny. It was real nice to
meet you. said Mary Lou. You drive careful, Johnny. Next time I'll show you some baby
pictures. He was such a cute baby.

I think he's still cute, whispered Jenny.

....................

What do you mean you're not going to the sock hop? asked Ruby as they got off the bus.
If you don't go, Mom and Dad won't let me go.

But Johnny's not going, Baby, said Jenny.

But I want to go, said Ruby. You owe me.

Okay, I'll go, said Jenny as she hugged King. But this makes us even.
 Whatever, said Ruby. What are you going to wear?

How was school today? asked Mom as they came in the door.

Can't wait to get back, said Ruby. We need a ride to the sock hop.

Jesse dear, said Mom, would you take the girls to the dance?

Oh, Mom, said Jesse, I've got a date tonight.

The car has a full tank, said Mom.

Okay. I'll take 'em there and pick 'em up, said Jesse. But I'm not staying. What's for
supper?

Your dad's bringing home Chinese, said Mom.

Oh Mom, said Ruby, are we gonna have to use chopsticks again?

Are you volunteering to wash dishes? asked Mom. I didn't think so.

....................

Pick us up at 11:00, said Jenny as she and Ruby got out of the car.

You'd better be outside and ready to go, said Jesse. I'm not going inside looking for you.

You'd better be nice to us, said Ruby. You wouldn't want Cindy to find out who you had a
date with last weekend, now would you?

Please be ready to go, said Jesse. Have a wonderful time. You little brat.

....................

Look, said Ruby. There's Richie Richardson. Isn't he a dream? I've just got to dance with
him.

Good luck, Baby, said Jenny. You'd better take a number.

He doesn't care about all those other girls, said Ruby. He smiled at me yesterday in study
hall.
 No, really, said Jenny. You're practically going steady. Go on over there and get in line.

You're just jealous, said Ruby, cause Johnny didn't want to come to the dance.

He'd made other plans, said Jenny.

I think he's afraid to come out on a full moon, said Ruby.

What's that supposed to mean? asked Jenny.

You've seen how King acts when he's around, said Ruby, and he always dressed in black
and Jesse said ...

Johnny! You made it, said Jenny as she spotted Johnny. But I thought ...

I couldn't miss our first dance, said Johnny. May I have the pleasure?

Excuse me while I go get in line, said Ruby.

Good luck Baby, said Jenny.

Don't call be that, said Ruby. See you guys later.

Jenny and Johnny danced to the next five songs without leaving the dance floor. You look a
little pale, said Jenny. Are you feeling okay?

I think I need some fresh air, said Johnny. Be back in a few.

I've got to keep an eye on Ruby, said Jenny. Hurry back. I hope you get to feeling better.

I'll be fine, said Johnny. Save me a dance.

Where is that girl? thought Jenny as she looked around the room. Ruby was nowhere in
sight.

Jenny walked around the room a couple of times and still there was no sign of Ruby. Have
you guys seen Ruby? she asked a couple of girls about Ruby's age.

I saw her and Richie sneaking out that door over there, said one of the girls. It's not fair.
She's keeping him all to herself.
 Way to go, Baby, thought Jenny. Oh sh*t. If Mom ever hears about this, she'll kill us
both.

As Jenny approached the double doors leading from the gymnasium to the school hallway,
she saw someone running towards the doors.

Run! they screamed as they burst through the doors. It's a wild animal! Get out of here.
It's following us.

Ruby's in there, said Jenny. Did you see her?

Jenny heard a scream. She looked down the hallway as Richie and Ruby ran for the doors. It's
a werewolf, Jenny. Run for your life, screamed Ruby.

Johnny, thought Jenny as she ran into the hallway.

Jenny, what are you doing? yelled Ruby.

I've got to stop Johnny before he hurts someone, yelled Jenny. Don't worry. He'd never
hurt me.

Someone get the security guard, yelled Ruby. My sister's in there with a werewolf. Help
her Richie.

I'm not going back in there! exclaimed Richie.

What's going on, Ruby?

Johnny! exclaimed Ruby. But you're in there.

Where's Jenny? asked Johnny.

She's in there with the werewolf, said Ruby. She thought it was you.

Don't let anybody in here, said Johnny as he ran down the dimly lit hallway.

....................

Johnny, it's me, Jenny, said Jenny as the werewolf sniffed the air. You don't want to hurt
anyone. Give me your hand and let's go outside before someone gets hurt.
 Jenny, said Johnny calmly. Back away slowly. Don't run and don't scream.

As Jenny turned and saw Johnny, she fainted. Stay back, Hank, said Johnny as he slowly
began to transform. Don't make me hurt you. Go home.

Don't move, said the security guard. I've got a gun and I know how to use it.

Johnny turned and roared, baring his teeth. The guard dropped the gun and ran away down
the hall. Johnny turned and charged the werewolf. It turned and jumped through a window and
ran off into the darkness. As Johnny slowly transformed back, Jenny began to awaken.

Johnny, said Jenny. I thought you were the werewolf.

I know, said Johnny. Now, don't you feel silly.

How did you save me? asked Jenny. Weren't you afraid.

I guess I still haven't gotten rid of that bear scent, said Johnny. I'm lucky humans can't
smell as well as werewolves and dogs or nobody would want to come near me.

Wait until Dad here's about this, said Jenny.

You can't tell him, said Johnny. That werewolf was my Uncle Hank. I was supposed to keep
him company tonight in case he turned, and I let him down because I wanted to be with you.

So that's why you lied about planting a garden, said Jenny. You had to help your uncle.

Some people have learned to control it with the help of friends and family. Hank was doing
so well, I though he could handle it alone tonight, said Johnny. This will probably set him
back.

I saved you a dance, said Jenny. If the band's still here. We'd better get back out there.
They're probably worried sick.

....................

Jenny! exclaimed Ruby. You could have been killed.

What were you and Richie doing leaving the gym? asked Jenny.
 Did you see the werewolves? asked Ruby. The security guard said there were two of
them.

It was just some kid in a gorilla suit, said Johnny. Looked pretty scary in the dark. But then
lots of things are scary in the dark. Just ask the security guard. I scared him pretty bad when I
yelled don't shoot!

There's a werewolf in the parking lot, yelled Jesse as he rushed into the gym.

Everyone laughed except Jenny and Johnny. Damn kid! said Johnny. I'll take care of this.
I'll call you tomorrow, Jenny.

Bye Johnny, said Jenny.

What's so funny? asked Jesse. I tell you, I saw a werewolf.

Somebody in a gorilla suit made a monkey out of you, said Ruby. Serves you right. You
missed all the excitement.