Malachite Pendant of Transformation rough draft (updated)

Malachite Pendant of Transformation.

Max shut the box and almost crushed Marie’s fingers. “No you can’t see it until the exhibt opens tomorrow.”

She forced a smile and blinked her blue eyes. “Oh come now. I just want to see it once. No one but the grimy hands of archolgists have touched this thing for centuries. I could give it a nice touch up.”

Max slid the box down the gold inlaid table. “No way. This thing has been through way to much for my little sister to just destroy it when it has finnaly reached it’s desination.”

She crossed her pale arms and tapped her boot on the ground. “You say that like we are still kids.” She closely watched him as he picked up the box and walked to the far end of the room filled with glass cases and wax figures. “We are no longer running around the woods acting like we found the lost treasure of the amazon. We are grown adults. The least you can do is stop treating me like your little sister who breaks everything she touches.” She put her hand on the table only to knock her brothers coffee mug onto the floor. “Oh shit.”

Max shook his head. “Still as clumsy as ever Marie.” He laughed as he turned around. “And you still want to take a look into this box. I don’t think you could handle what is inside.”

“Oh come on. It is just some rare trinket they found for this museum.”

Max walked up until she could see the freakles on his sun burnt face. “Oh there is more than that. They came back saying there is a curse on this little pendant.”

Marie gulped. “A curse?”

Max nodded his head. “Yep. Apparently something about those who wear the neaklece are fated to become something very terrifying. The village was scared to death of the thing. Someone like you with it. . .” He put his palm over his face. “Oh imagine the horror. It is to much for me to bear thinking about.”

She pushed him away. “Will you stop making fun of me. You know I don’t believe in curses and making stuff up like this just so I can’t see what the exploration team brought back isn’t funny.”

He sighed. “Well I am not making the cursed artifact stuff up.” He turned around. “Even if I am exaggerating. They told me not to let anyone near that thing until the unvaling ceromny tonight. It has to with some weird stuff that happened when they retrieved that pendant. But Heather and the others aren’t talking about what happened so I can only guess.”

Marie sighed. “I think you are still trying to scare me. And it won’t work.”

“Ok how about musum rules. You will be fired if you get into that box before tonight.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “Now come on. We have work to do in the Ancient Greece exhibit before we head home. Have to get this place ready for the public after those punk kids vandalized the place.”

She followed him out into the hallway. “Hey they were just having fun.”

He turned his head and glared at her. “Fun? They had some of our mummies with the Greek soildors in suggestive poses. And never mind all of the graffiti we had to clean up already.”

“Like we never did stuff like that growing up. Now come on already.”

She sighed. “The end of the day can’t come soon enough.”

***

Later that day Marie found herself alone in the employee lounge. “Those little buggers sure didn’t make it easy to get this place ready for tomorrow.” She sighed. “But at least I can go home now.” She felt her pants vibrate. “What now?” She pulled her cellphone out of the back pocket of her jeans. “Hello?”

“Oh Marie. You picked up. Still at work?”

She sighed as she walked into the hallway. “Yes Max. I didn’t cut out early like you did.”

“Hey I have a date tonight. Besides you can always cover the rest of my shift for me.”

She shook her head, her red bangs falling in front of her face. “That is not what being your sister means.” She pushed her hair to the side. “I am not here to cover your ass because want to see some random girl you don’t plan on seeing again.”

“Hey me and umm. . . Isabella meant a lot to each other.”

Marie raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t see Isabella in five years. What is the name of this lady you are meeting tonight?”

“Hey all that it matters is we love each other little sister. It is more than you have gotten on your dates so don’t judge me.”

“Say what ever you have to so that your casual night out feels better Max. I have to help close the museum down now.”

“It isn’t like that.”

“Bye.” She hung up. “Ugh god Max. Always find a way to make my day don’t you.” She slid her phone into her back pocket. “Leave me here alone to close up because I have to finish your shift.” She rolled her eyes. “Well this shouldn’t take too long.”

As she made the last rounds of the day she passed by the room which held the supposed cursed pendent. “Hmm.” Marie crossed her arms. “No one is around to noticed if I take a look at that stupid thing now. Especially my annoying brother.” She smirked. “It wouldn’t hurt much if I snuck a peak. If anything bad happened I could just blame it on those stupid kids anyways.”

She walked into the room and up to the golden box, her fingers hovering over the lid. “Ok just one little look. This should be fine. There isn’t any old curse anyways.” Marie took a deep breath. “Here we go.” She threw the lid open and opend her eyes. Inside was a glittering pendent with a green gemstone. “Wow.” She gently picked up the necalce and looked at the card in the box.

“The Malachite Pendent of Hammer Falls. Lost for centuries and romored to besow great blessings upon the land. But beware for the power inside does not bring good fortune to those who feel brave enough to don the pendant.

Marie smirked. “That is crazy. But this thing is so buetiful.” She grasped it in her hand. “I know it is just the thing I need to impress Vector. Just look at this thing.” She shook the necklace and it gleamed in the light. “I know this will help with trying to get him to go out on a date with me.” She smiled. “Now to make sure no one will miss this thing.” Marie slid the necklace she had been wearing around her neck and set it in the box. “It looks somewhat the same and by the time anyone notices a difference I will have the real thing back safe and sound.” She smiled. “It isn’t the first time I have borrowed jewerely from here before. I had to wear something nice for my parents annisary party last year.” She turned around. “And I can’t exactly buy much on my salary.”

Marie slid the pendant around her neck. “All it even feels nice.” She smiled. “I almost wish I could keep it.” She held it in her hand as she walked towards the front of the museum. “Such a nice little trinket. I can’t imagine why anyone would think it’s cursed. I do have to say though. It does make me feel a bit warm and fuzzy for some reason while wearing it.” She laughed. “Maybe I am just happy to have it for my date tomorrow.” Marie pushed the glass double doors of the museum open and walked out into the cold night air.

***

Marie stretched her arms as she pushed the door open to her apartment. “Finnaly. I am home.” She threw her purse onto the table. “I can relax.” She pulled the door shut behind her and locked it. “I think I am going to call Vector and see what he is up to.” She pulled out her phone. “Ok well hope he is up.”

She tapped her foot as the phone rang. Come on. Pick up.

“Hello?”

“Vector? Hey it’s Marie.”

“Oh hey. How is it going?”

She smiled. “I’m doing good. I was wondering if you wanted to come over and possibly watch a movie or something. Or maybe go out to eat. I don’t know. I’m not picky.” She wiped the sweat from her forehead.

“Sure. I can come over. I’m not doing anything tonight.”

“Swell. See you soon.” She hung up. “Fuck. I forgot to say bye.” She slammed her phone down on the side of the table. “Stupid, stupid, stupid.” Marie took a deep breath. “Ok calm down. It will all be ok.” She looked at the pendent she swiped from the museum. “I was able to take this thing tonight. I can find a way not to make myself look like a fool while telling Vector how I feel.” She walked over to the loveseat and sat down. “At least I hope it works out that way.” She sighed.

Marie scratched at her stomch. “Phew at least I have some time to relax before Vector gets here. After a long and stressful day at work I am happy to have some down time.” She stretched her arms as her stomach growled. “And finnaly eat. I can’t believe that damn museum won’t let us have lucnch breaks.” She stood up. “God.”

She jumped to her feet and hopped into the kitchen. “I need to find something to eat and fast before Vector arrives. But what to have?” She opend her fridge. “Hmm there is nothing good in here. Frozen pizza? Gross. Ravioli? Why did I buy that?” She shook her head. “Frozen meal. I am not desperate.” She shut the door. “Where is all the lettuce? The carrots? What is wrong with me. Seince when do I not have these things?” Marie walked over to the cupboard. “There is nothing but ceral in here. After Vector leaves I am going to have to do some major shopping.”

She crossed her arms. “Actually there is a small store just outside my apartment building. I can hop down there and get some real food before Vector arrives. He is on the other side of town anyways and won’t be here for a good half hour.” She rushed to the doorway. “Besides I don’t want him to get here and I don’t have anything to serve him. I don’t want to be a bad hostess.”

Marie rushed out the door and hopped towards the elevator. “Hello Marie.”

She came to a stop. “Oh hello Ms. Vesterson.”

She waved to Marie as she pulled out her key card. “Hello. Are you feeling alright?”

Marie nodded her head. “Never better. Why do you ask?”

Ms. Vesterson raised her old dark garly hand and tapped Marie on the shoulder. “I just have never seen you hop so much young lady. Is this something new that you young kids are doing?”

Marie blinked her eyes. “I was hopping? I didn’t even realize.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I guess I am just doing it for fun.” She jumped high into the air. “And health benefits. I am sure there are some.”

Ms. Vesterson smiled. “Well I am happy as long as you are. Doing anything nice tonight?”

Marie nodded her head. “I am going to see Vector tonight.”

Ms. Vesterson turned around and opend the door to her apartment. “Oh. Well don’t let me hold you up.” She walked inside. “Have a nice night.”

“You too.” Marie scratched at her head. “I can’t believe I was hoping around. Strange.” She took a few steps forward. “Well I need to get the food for tonight. I can’t really dwell on it.” Marie began to hop once more. “Besides what does it matter if I was hopping. I just don’t understand how I would be doing it without knowing I am.” She laughed and looked down. “Holy crap.”

She slid to a stop just in front of the elevator. “I just did it again.” She pressed the down button. “Why am I hopping like some bunny rabbit and I don’t even know about it?” She waved as a young man walked off the open elevator car and gave her a strange look. “I mean I just do it for fun in my spare time sir.” Her cheeks turned red as she walked onto the elevator. “That couldn’t have gone any better.” She hit the ground floor button and crossed her arms. “Ok just get what you need and head back up. Figure out this strange bunny issues latter.”

She took a deep breath and crossed her arms. “I do wonder why though I didn’t notice I was acting like a rabbit back there and making a bit of a fool out of myself.” She scratched at her ears. “And I wonder why everything is starting to get so itchy. Huhh.” He stomach growled again. “Just focus on getting a proper dinner for yourself and Vector.” She grabbed at her belly. “Or maybe I should get enough for leftovers. I am starting to get very hungry and it might be a nice idea.”

She reached the bottom of the elevator and started to scratch widily at the back of her ears. “Ugh. It is really starting to kill me.” Marie took a deep breath. “I think I will pick up some anti itch cream while I’m down here.”

Marie walked out of her apartment building and into the small covience store across the street. “Hello and welcome to Hall Lark’s Goods. How can I help you tonight?”

Marie smiled as she scratched at her head. “I am looking for lots of veggies.” She stretched out her arms. “Lot’s. Enough for an entire dinner and more.”

The man looked at her like she was crazy. “Umm ok. They are in the back.”

She smiled. “Oh and some anti itch relief cream.”

He turned around. “I can go and get that while you are getting your umm veggies.” He scratched at his dark hair. “The werios that come in here at night.” He vanished into the employee only section of the small store.”

Marie blinked her eyes. “I am not a weiro. I just have a massive urge for carrots.” She closed her eyes. “And blueberries, lettuce. Oh and ratish. Grapes. It is making my mouth water. Ohhh.” Her foot quickly slammed on the ground over and over again. “I just can’t wait.  Ahhh.” She opend her eyes. “I can smell them. They are soo fresh. Ohhh.”

She hopped towards the back of the store. “Here we go.” She smiled. “I am glad this place has a nice selection of veggies.” She scooped as many carrots and heads of lettuce into her arms as she could. “I almost can’t wait to bring you home.” She wiggeld her nose. “I don’t think one little bite could hurt.”

Marie ate an entire head of lettuce. “Ahh that hits the spot.” She shook her head and looked up in the glass window which held the frozen beer. “Now to get back and. . .” Her eyes widdend once she saw her reflection. “Ohh my god.”

She dropped her fresh goodies onto the ground and grabbed her head. “My ears.” She ran her hands along her head. “How did they become so long and floopy. And so fuzzy?”  She twitched her new giant ears. “What am I going to do?” Marie picked up her veggies. “This is not good.” She hopped towards the front of the store. “I think I am just haulucinating.”

“Holy hell?” The store owner slammed the small itch remediy bottle down onto the counter. “What happened to your ears?”

She dropped the green goods onto the blue table and covered her head. “Nothing. You are seeing things ok. Now ring me up.”

He didn’t take his eyes off of her as he scanned her items. “How are you going to pay for all this?”

“My credit card. And stop staring. Haven’t you seen anyone with bunny ears before?” She wiggled her nose as her ears grew even longer. “It is perfectly normal I say.”

He looked at the register. “I’m sorry ma’am. I didn’t know you were going to some coustume party tonight.”

“I am not going to any party.” She took a deep breath as the itching intensified across her body. “Look here take my card. I just need to take my goods and get out of here ok.” She scratched at her legs. “I am not doing that swell anymore.”

He just nodded his head. “Ok everything is good. Do you want a bag?”

Marie shook her head as she picked everything up and munched on one of the carrots. “I am good. Don’t have time for a bag.” She hopped towards the slidding glass door. “I need to go. Bye.”

He scratched at his head. “Umm bye.”

Marie hurried across the street and back into her apartment building. “I need to get back upstairs and put on some of this anti itch cream.” She looked at it in her hands. “It should make this madness stop.” She tapped her foot on the ground. “Ohhh what is going on?” As she entered the lobby the elevator doors were just opening. “Hey. Hold that car.”

A young man looked at her and immidetly pressed the close door button. Marie snorted and hopped faster, putting her foot in the door before it could close. “There.” She took a deep breath.  “Not so easy to shut me out.” She hopped inside. “Floor seven.”

The man sighed and did as she said. “At least I get out on the third floor.” He looked at her. “Have a run in with some were rabbit?”

She raised an eybrow. “What are you talking about?”

He shrugged. “Nothing. Just find it odd that you have giant white rabbit ears and have so much green food.”

She twitched her nose as it started to change in shape. “I am not turning into a rabbit if that is what you are trying to say.” He smiled as he watched her face slowly change, her eyes becoming big and round. “I think I would know if my body was changing.” Her eyes moved towards the side of her face as her nose pushed outward and two large teeth slid out of the top of her mouth. “Just because I have two long floppy ears doesn’t mean anything.” She tapped him on his chest. “You got that.”

He nodded his head as the elevator oppend. “Sure thing bunny, I mean lady. It’s my stop.” He slid out of the cart. “Have a nice night.”

Marie shook her head. “What a crazy person.” She laid against the back of the elevator as it coutuined upward. “Calling me a bunny. I am not turning into a rabbit. I can’t be. I am seeing Vector tonight. Everything has to go right tonight.” She nodded her head. “So no more of this crazy bunny business.”

The door to her floor opend. “