Convincing Mom

Cee-Jay eyed her mother over her menu. This was getting out of hand, Cee-Jay thought. Mom's not stopping, in fact, she's speeding up. Soon, I'll be in a ballet class and having sleepovers. "Mom?" Cee-Jay asked tentatively. "Yes, Cee-Jay?" Cee-Jay breathed deeply. She knew her mom had it in her purse. "I know you've always wanted a girl . . . but, I don't want to be a girl." "Cee-Jay, you said you told me you don't mind." "I know, mom. It's just that every time I say something you don't like, you make another wish. And I become Cee-Jay a little bit more." Cee-Jay knew this argument wasn't going well. He needed to shock his mom and retake just a little bit of Jon. Or, perhaps, protect Jon . . . "Mom, I'm just worried that one day you'll go too far, and that Jon will just be wished away." "I think you're overreacting, Cee-Jay. I love Jon; I could never wish him away." "Not intentionally. But, what if you make a mistake? Or if the stone interprets the wish in an unexpected way?" "Cee-Jay, you are overreacting." "Am I? Karyn made a harmless wish and now she's stuck with big boobs and blonde hair. Please, just wish that noone could never permanently be a girl. That's all I ask." Her mom tapped her finger on the stone. She wondered about her daughter's comments. "I wish . . ."