A slim hand struck the clock, shutting it off. A groan of annoyance came out of the girl laying on the bed. She yawned loudly as she stretched her body, waking herself up more. She rested on her back, moving her black wavy hair away from her oval face. She pushed herself out of bed by opening her big eyes and looking at the ceiling.

She yawned once more. Going to the bathroom, walking down a long hallway, passing by one door. She wasn’t paying attention to it. She raised her hand to knock but was stopped when another girl’s voice, along with the rest of the apartment, came out of the end of the hall.

“I’m already up Dareen, don’t take too long; I made tea and breakfast.” Dareen smiled and waited for her to speak again, moving her hair behind her ears. “I’m nervous, don’t judge me!”

Dareen walked to the end of the hall, turned around, and looked up at the girl sitting at the dining table, scrolling through her phone. “What?” Her dark-red hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, revealing her small heart-shaped face.

“Nothing, but it’s nice to see you so nervous.”

“It’s been seven years since I’ve been there, and I have too many memories.”

“It’ll be fine, I’m with you this time,” Dareen said.

“That is what concerns me the most.” Dareen frowned and threw one of her slippers at her, hitting her shoulder as she laughed.

“Did anyone ever tell you how much of a jerk you are, Nellie? Please return my slipper.”

Nellie laughed even louder and returned the slipper to Dareen, saying, “Only you.”

Dareen went to the bathroom, leaving Nellie to scroll. She came to a halt when a text message appeared on her screen, read it quickly, and then dialed a number. “Don’t worry, we won’t be late; why are you yelling? I’ve already told you that everything will be fine; just trust me! Okay.... bye.”

Dareen returned and sat on the chair next to her, grabbing one sandwich to eat while keeping an eye on Nellie, who appeared less nervous. “She is more nervous than you,” she said, noticing the name on the screen before it went black.

“She’s scared, not nervous,” Nellie said as she sipped her tea.

“It won’t be an easy transformation, but it’s time; we gave them two years to prepare, and we can’t be even one day late.” Nellie concurred and began eating as well. “I’m not sure how the rest will adjust, but they trust them, and we should as well.”

“You don’t sound convinced,” Nellie said, her mouth full.

“We know everything we need to know about them, but you know me, I need to see by my own eyes to believe.” She sipped her tea and stood up. “I’ll go change; we don’t have much time.”