It was another typical day, or at least as typical as my days go lately. I got up, went to work, picked up the groceries, and went home. You know, mundane everyday things. But that's where my "normal" life ends. All it takes is one step through the door before I feel the weight on my back.

"Oi, did'ja get the snacks I wanted? Or did'ja bloody forget again?" Yeah, that's what I deal with. But maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. Name's Chris. For about a year or so, I lived in a small apartment by myself. That is, until the Interspecies Cultural Exchange Act came about. It started in Japan, but quickly passed in other countries, like England and the US. Which would explain how an American guy like me got moved into a big house with an English spider.

Anyway, it all started coming home from work one morning. As I went to open my door, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. Turning around, I saw some weird guy I've never seen before. He looked like he could be a body builder if it wasn't for the suit. "Can I help you, by any chance?"

"Yes, I believe you can. My name is Agent Froth. I'm here on government business. You've been selected to be a host family for a liminal through the Interspecies Cultral Exchange Act. I have movers parked and ready to move you into a more...suitable...location."

Well, color me intrigued. "Well, Agent Froth, if I may ask, why do your knuckles have 'Adder' tattooed across them?

"Adder Froth. That's not important. Do you agree to be apart of the program? Although you really don't have much choice."

Well, that made my decision easy. Next thing I knew, I'm standing in front of a big house and watching Agent Froth open a car door for what I first thought was a small girl, but seeing the extra eyes, legs, and abdomen quickly made me realize was an arachne. At least she was small and cute. Almost like...well, never mind that.

"Oi, mate. Who's this bloody wanker?" Great, getting insulted by a British child. This day can't get better. "I thought I'd be getting someone cool."

Froth sighed. "Cerys, this is your host family. You really should treat him better." Thank you, Agent. "Just because he looks plain doesn't mean you should insult him." I take back my mental thanks with that.

So the spider, or Cerys if the agent was correct, looked me over once. "He'll do for now, I guess."

Of course, all I can do is sigh. At least now I can't confuse her for my Lily. But I push that thought to the back of my mind. First, I need to figure out this situation.

I had to ask, "So what exactly do I need to do? Any special instructions or anything?" Considering I've never had to take care of a girl who's also half spider, I figured it was a good question.

"Just make sure that she doesn't leave without you, and as a precaution, keep her from caffeine." The agent seemed to know what he was talking about. Good for me.

Cerys decided to chime in at that point. "Just make sure you get me the food I like and let me use you for 'hunting practice.'" She had a grin that would look menacing if she didn't look so young.

"So Froth, just so I know and can keep my language PG, exactly how old is she?" Because a guy in his late 20's with a small child/spider would be kind of weird to explain to the neighbors.

"Oh, I didn't tell you earlier?" Froth seemed slightly confused. "She's only a few years younger than you." What?! "She's a small breed, so she naturally looks young."

Oh fun. "So anything else that I might need to know about before this fully happens?" Cerys brushed past me and went inside muttering something about finding a good hiding spot for practice.

Froth thought for a moment. "Only thing is that, as she said, she'll probably use you for pouncing practice. She's a green huntsman, so at least you won't have to worry about webs everywhere. And she knows to keep her poison to herself. So no worries."

No worries. Yeah, right. But the Agent was already getting into his car. "Well, have fun with your new living quarters."

I turned to look at the house again. "At least it's a decent size with a yard. Small miracles, I guess." Well, time to start my new life, I guess.