Toon It Up: A Call to Bark (Preview)

“You're telling me!” Bethany nodded, grumbling some more, “Mr. Benson is soo boring! All yap yap yap in such a dduuullll voice! I felt like I was gonna be full of wrinkles before class ended, ya know?”

Alyssa nodded as well. “Well, at least he didn't give us any homework for once. Wanna go downtown for a little shopping?” She grinned, patting her purse. “Daddy put some extra money on my card for being a good girl and doing so well lately.”

“Oh Alys, it must be so nice being rich.”

“It is!”

Bethany sighed. I wish I was rich instead of moderately wealthy. I never get extra spending money or get all the best stuff that Alyssa gets. Most be nice to buy all the clothes and shoes you want, go wherever, and-

The two came up to the crosswalk at the end of the sidewalk and stopped. They were about to cross and continue towards the parking lot when they heard noises off in the distance.

Sirens. So many sirens. So many sirens that were getting closer and closer.

Oh no… Bethany twitched, turning in the direction of the coming sirens. Many police cars came blaring by, the two women stepping back from the road swiftly. The cars raced on down the street, heading for surely the downtown area.

“Huh… wonder what's happening…” Alyssa curiously wondered out loud as they returned to the crosswalk.

Bethany said not a word. All she did was frown. Nope. Not doing this. Don't care. Her head slowly turned to where the cars went instead of trying to focus straight ahead. Not going to give this a thought. Not gonna… gonna…

Her ears twitched. All available units. There's a robbery at First National Bank. She could hear it. Please be advised, suspects are armed and holding hostages. She was far away, and the sounds of the police radio could be heard clear as day. Proceed to First National Bank with caution. I repeat, all available units, please respond-

Trouble was afoot. No no no! Bethany twitched. Why?! This… this is gonna…

Her hands trembled. Oh… oh no. A bead of sweat slowly dripped down her forehead as a sinking, terrible feeling struck her. Mustering up as much courage as she could, the vain girl looked down. Her fear was confirmed.

Her hands had transformed. They were large and puffy, though whether it was because of mass or fur, it was hard to tell. What she knew and could see plainly were four-fingered, furry white paws with black pads. They were double their original size and looked two-dimensional almost from an angle.

Crapcrapcrapcrap!! More sweat formed on her forehead. Why now?! Why do I have to-

“Like, I hope there isn't any big trouble going on, ya know?” Alyssa said. Thankfully, she had not noticed a thing, still looking to where the police cars had gone.

Bethany quickly hid her paws behind her back and was thankful that there wasn't anyone else around besides them. This was the last thing she needed. She didn't want to be known as some kind of freak!

“Ahhhh, like, totally!” she quickly agreed, her nerves clearly audible in her voice.

Though, she was more concerned about that brushing feeling against her skin. She couldn't see it but knew what it was from unfortunate past experiences. It was her red hair, slowly shortening and curling up. It was leaving behind her back and shoulders, sliding against her neck and cheeks.

It wouldn't be long now before it was visible to Alyssa, even with how vapid she was. She couldn’t let her see her like this. Her reputation was on the line!

“Ummm…” The metaphorical gears in Bethany's head turned harder than they ever had before. “Liiiiike, my stomach is feeling all wonky now.” She mimed putting her hand to her stomach. “I'm gonna hit the bathroom, like, right now! I'll catch up later, okay?”

Alyssa gave her a brief odd look before rolling her eyes and looking forward, clearly pouting. “Beth, you're always feeling sick and missing out on these shopping trips! You should, like, see a doctor about this stuff, ya know?”

“I kn-know!” Bethany stuttered as she felt an odd, tight feeling in the back. She could feel it pressing against her pink shirt and top of her white skirt. It wiggled… no, wagged eagerly.