"...your transition into womanhood was easier on you, dear." She smiled at her lovely daughter and walked out the door as the stone flashed.
Although Janet was acting like a girl her age, her mental transformation was not complete. A thought is an act, but Janet's memories were still largely a boy's, even as a young woman's thoughts and memories were being overlaid on top of them. She briefly had a moment of panic at the sound of her mother's wish, but that reaction was overwhelmed by her sensible relief that she would be changing into the young woman she'd realized she should be.
As the physical changes began to slowly alter her body, Janet smiled. They were really quite easy on her.
--
As Janet's mother walked downstairs, she saw Mikey sulking at the kitchen table. He gave her a look, and after the day she'd had, that was the last straw.
"Michael, you and I need to talk. Now." Mikey sat up straight. Good. Now to get some things out of the way.
Before she could even start, Mikey interjected, "Mom, relax, it's just that Janet--"
His mother shook off her shock at being pre-empted, took a breath, and slammed the rock down on the table, while still holding it in her hand. "I have had it, Mikey. Don't think I didn't see how you and Janet were taking shots at each other at the dinner table, or that I didn't notice how you two have been acting toward each other. Dammit, I wish you two would just forget whatever it is you two have been so upset about and get along like a normal brother and sister!" She blinked as the stone caught the light, but she wasn't done yet. "And while we're at it, I wish you'd accept that Janet is your older sister, she helps me around the house, and you will show her the respect she deserves." The stone caught the light again, which was odd, as she hadn't moved it. As her eyes cleared, she saw Mikey staring blankly at her.
Mikey shook his head. He couldn't remember why he'd been mad at Janet, but he realized he was being unfair. She really was a great big sister; he was lucky to have her. "I will, Mom," he answered his mother, truthfully.
