Once I got to the Burke's, Angie and John, were still gone. I used the time to clean up and do things Angie wouldn't let me do if she were here. I cleaned anything and everything I could think of.
I would have spent my time cleaning the blood off Mark's car but he had assured me he could get someone to clean it. That in the mean time I would have to drive the challenger. Which was now parked outside.
I was cleaning and wrapping my injured leg when I heard Angie come in.
A few moments later John arrived.
To say I was nervous was the least. I don't know why but I don't want to disappoint them.
Mark dashes in catching me by surprise. He looked at my wrapped leg but didn't say anything. We spend our time in silence. We were alone together. Until I was all alone.
At dinner I was wrapped again in silence as we ate. I only managed a few bites before the guilt ate at me.
"I didn't go to school today," I tell them. Instead of looking at them as I said that I stared at my food as if it were the thing that ratted me out.
"Oh?" Angie says, surprised. Her and John laugh as if it's the funniest thing ever. After she's done she asks, "Are you planning on going back?"
I look up once she asks that. "Yes, of course."
She visibly relaxes. A small laugh escapes her. "No one blames you if you need to take a day off. I mean clearly you've been here and you're clearly well and safe. I wouldn't worry so much about it. It's a new school and you're adjusting."
Her words come as a relief. I thought that they would be a little upset but they seem fine that I've missed an entire day of classes.
"You know we, including your parents, all used to ditch school for a day just to go hang out at the beach." John says reminiscing. Angie giggles at the memory.
I don't ask questions even as many surface. I wasn't ready for that topic.
I excuse myself as I take my plate and wash it. Angie starts to protest but John stops her. I manage to do some of the pots and pans.
I head towards the closet shutting myself in.
The next morning I wake to find Mark in my bed reading. He was reading Perks of Being a Wallflower. Although I said I was going to decorate the room, mainly the empty bookshelf, and windowsill seat, but I hadn't taken time to do just that. I'm not sure where he got that book but he seemed completely engrossed in it.
"You need to stop hiding in the closet, it's not healthy." He says without looking up from his book.
"It's better than the outside world," I respond. I head out to take a quick shower. When I got back he was still on my bed but no longer reading. Looking around I find it on the bookshelf all by it's lonesome self. Same, I thought.
I head to the closet to take the Wednesday bag out. I noticed the Monday and Tuesday one were back up on the hanger with clothes inside. She was good.
Stepping out I yank Mark up and shove him in the closet so I could change.
"It's dark and lonely in here," his muffled voice says. I laugh as I open the bag. Oh, no. It was a dress, a beautiful one, but a dress nonetheless. I couldn't wear that. Not with the scars on my leg.
I move to the closet to let Mark out as I look for anything I could wear. I find a pair of what looks like skinny jeans but the material is much more comfortable and flexible. A long sleeve shirt with a V neck that shows a little more than I wished. I take the converse that were clearly mine along with the jacket I been wearing as of late. Changing in the closet I let Mark lay on my bed in peace.
I get my bag and head out to find Mark long gone. I know he's still a little upset with me but we are always there for the other. No matter what.
I head down to find that he was already stuffing his face. He smiles at me but it isn't his brilliant one that I've come to love.
"Mark was telling us that the Mustang was giving you issues." John informs me.
The only issue it had was the blood stains.
"Uh, yeah," I awkwardly say.
"Well good thing he's getting it fixed. Wouldn't have wanted you stranded somewhere. Speaking of which did I ever give you our numbers?" He asks.
Maggie has already programmed it but I don't respond as he writes them in a piece of paper. Receiving it I thanked him. Angie doesn't say anything. She looked lost in thought.
After Mark finishes everything we set to wash, as it was our turn. We clean in silence.
We have another meeting today with the wolves. He tells me.
I look back to see Angie and John gone from the kitchen. Which was a good thing as he said that I dropped a plate. Luckily it didn't break.
Okay. I'm not sure what to say.
I'll drive you and then meet Maggie and Tristan back at the house.
I nod as I hand him more dishes to dry.
The drive was just as silent. Now I understood why he was so quiet. He's still nervous about the meeting. I thought it was entirely about me and my rash decisions.
As he stops he looks at me and smiles his brilliant smile. "Try not to get into trouble while I'm gone."
"No promises," I smile back.
He kisses me on the cheek before he steps out and dashes away. I jump to the driver seat, shutting the door before I drove off.
I manage to park almost at the same parking spot as my first day. I loved that.
Reaching for my bag I dig the perfume out and douse myself as I suffocate in its fumes.
Stepping out I try my best to not limp. The wound was still tender it was healing slowly. Too slow for my taste.
I almost get to the doors when I'm stopped. "Missed you yesterday." Grey eyes looks expectantly at me.
A humorless laugh escapes me, "I wasn't feeling that well," I still don't.
He nods as if he understood. "See you around Rye."
He walks away. Not sure what to think of our little encounter I walk inside. I head towards my locker to stuff my P.E. uniform, along with extra undergarments. I was prepared this time. At least now that perfume had company in the dark compartment.
I head to homeroom with Mr. Shwerb. I ignore him as I take the same seat as before.
"The challenger is back, nice," a voice says.
"I prefer the mustang," another wistfully sighs.
This is the perfect time to put my headphones on.
The rest of my classes go uneventful. I didn't miss much. Even for P.E. I was early but still managed to get the dripping stall. Not because the others were taken but because I chose it. We have a love/hate relationship. This time I just set my clothes on top of my bag on the floor away from any puddle.
Once lunch came around I scan the area for the kid and Diana but I don't see either one of them. I do see grey eyes, magenta girl, and brooder in a deep conversation.
I walk towards the tree I had sat at but the ground was still damp from the rain. It must have rained at night or early this morning.
Putting my jacket I sit on top of it. I had even helped Angie make my salad for lunch. I was more than willing to trade but it seemed like I'd be eating alone. Taking my headphone out I put them on. It was loud enough for me to hear but not too much to take all my attention.
Taking the salad out I eat some of it before voices get me attention.
"Even you have to question him. He left and then comes back like nothing happened and expects us to be fine with that," a voice growls.
"It doesn't matter what I think. I'm more than willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, as so you, Theo." Grey eyes voice responds.
"Yeah, Theo. He had his reasons." An annoyed female voice interjects.
"Dea, no offense but your opinion doesn't count," the angered voice says.
The girl snorts as she walks away.
"Could you just focus. Diana is going to go crazy if we don't find her necklace. She's making it difficult for her to heal trying to come and find it herself." Grey eyes says.
I freeze. Diana was injured. The girl I had lunch with not so long ago was now recovering. I'm not a genius but I can put two and two together. She wasn't here and neither was Jay. So it could only mean she was the wolf I helped.
"Are you sure it was by here?" The girl asks.
"Positive."
They walk closer to where I'm at. Hoping they don't see me I sit still.
Deciding against it I slowly get up only to make enough noise to get caught.
"Rye, what a lovely surprise," Grey eyes voice greets me.
"Oh, hey," I say playing dumb.
"How's it going?" He asks me smiling his beautiful smile.
"You know, just here eating," I says lifting my salad.
"Let's go," the girl says irritated.
"Well I hope I see you soon, again," he waves before going back at his search. They look around without making it obvious.
Just as they're out of view I visibly relax.
Was there a necklace anywhere? I ask Mark.
Not that I know of. But I doubt it's with us as she was in wolf form. She must have dropped it when she shifted.
He was right. She was always on wolf form in our presence.
How's the meeting going? I finally ask.
Slow, they're taking their anger at us. Seems we're not the only threat here. Rogues have been attacking them. Don't worry about it. Tristan and Maggie have it handled. They were only mad because I had killed a wolf but I told them it was to save you and they seemed to relax. They're not too keen on wolves attacking humans.
You told them I was human? I ask
No, I just said a friend was in trouble. They asked if you were a vampire like us, I said no. They just assume you're human. They seemed curious about that but didn't pry. I also had to assure them you were with us voluntarily.
He chuckles but I don't find the humor. Of course they wouldn't understand.
The bells rings. Gotta go. Stay safe.
Hey! That's my job to say.
I laugh as he grumbles.
Stay safe, babe. Love you. He finally says.
Love you too.