Usually, on the first days of each school year, teachers are nice. Perhaps to welcome students after the holidays. On the second day, it's another story. In this school, however, all the teachers are nice... At least most of them. My chemistry teacher is annoying. He keeps looking at us in this polite but condescending way as if all of us are somehow lesser than he is and he's doing us a favour by even being in our presence.
After a series of classes, it was finally time for lunch. I exchanged my books in my locker and headed to the cafeteria. I got my lunch tray and kept an eye out for Zara. She was with her friends... And Seth was there too. Yay. Almost everyone's attention was on Zara's table. I can't blame them. Those guys are gorgeous.
I made my way over to their table. Zara smiled and waved at me. Harley winked at me. I rolled my eyes at him.
"Hi guys." I greeted.
"Wow, she greets." Freckle Man said, snickering.
"Let her be, Austin." Biyu chided.
I just stared awkwardly at them.
Seth gestured beside him. "Come sit."
Harley glared at him. Hmmnn...
Normally, I wouldn't mind sitting next to Seth. Today, however, the seat Seth reserved for me was next to Ronnie and that guy kinda intimidates me. On Seth's other side was Harley. Perhaps I could ask Harley and Ronnie to switch places. I was not ready to ask Ronnie anything though.
Seth noticed my hesitation. "What is it?"
I just shook my head. I'm Delilah Villin. This guy shouldn't scare me. I held my head high and claimed the seat. Ronnie didn't even look at me. His attention was on his phone. There was a light frown on his face. He seemed to be texting someone.
"Guys, how were your classes?" Zara asked casually, digging into her meal.
"I hate school." Biyu simply answered. I chuckled at that.
Austin whispered something into her ear. She laughed and shoved him lightly.
I relaxed a bit. The company was comforting. Even Ronnie seemed friendlier. But then, that could be because he wasn't paying attention to me.
The group of friends made small talk, joking with each other with Seth making additional input at times. Even Ronnie contributed. I didn't speak but I enjoyed listening to them. After a while, Seth spoke to me.
"Hey Dee, did you think about what I said?" He asked. "I've been meaning to talk to you but I couldn't catch you today. I even went to your house but your mum said you'd left home."
I sighed. "Later, Seth."
He frowned but thankfully let it go.
"Just forget it, buddy."
We all looked at Ronnie. He steepled his fingers, gazing intently at Seth.
"What?" Seth asked in confusion.
"Delilah can't date you." Ronnie replied in an amused tone. "She's taken."
I raised an eyebrow. "Since when?"
"Ever since you were born." Biyu chimed in.
Seth laughed. "You're talking about soulmates, right? Well, if they exist, I'm probably her soulmate."
Harley growled. Ronnie shot him a look. "Trust me, son, soulmates exist and you're definitely not hers."
Seth glared at him. "How do you know that?"
The group of friends shared a look. Harley smirked. "You don't need to know. Just accept that you don't stand a chance."
"What? You like her or something?"
Oh lord.
Seth looked back and forth at Ronnie and Harley. "Do you both like her or something?"
Ronnie choked on his juice. Zara burst into laughter. Biyu snickered. I rubbed my forehead in discomfort. This conversation made me uncomfortable.
"I decide who I date or won't date." I announced, especially to the coughing Ronnie. "You don't get to decide that for me." Seth smirked. "And Seth, I'd rather be friends. I mean it."
His smirk deflated. "Really? After all I've done for you? I'm your friend!" His voice rose with every word.
"Easy now." Damien muttered, looking uneasily at Seth.
Zara glared at Seth. "She didn't beg you to be her friend. That's such a toxic thing to say!"
I was shocked. What was he implying? "Are you saying you only befriended me just because you wanted to date me? Or that I owe you that or something?"
"When you come back to your senses, text me." Seth got up, picked up his bag and walked away.
I stared in shock as he left. I was angry and hurt at the same time.
Having lost my appetite, I got up, picked up my bag and left the group. I heard Zara call for me but I ignored her. I was too embarrassed. I went outside for some fresh air. I sat on the school steps. Some kids were outside hanging around. They looked happy, content even. They all probably have something bothering them. They just don't show it. Perhaps I should learn from that.
I heard someone sit beside me. I tore my gaze from the kids to the person. Seth.
I immediately grabbed my bag and tried to get up. I didn't want to be anywhere near him at the moment.
He grabbed my arm to stop me. "Wait please!"
"What?" I spat, glaring daggers at him.
"Perhaps I was too harsh back there but we're meant to be, Delilah." He pleaded.
"You think you're entitled to me, don't you? Just because we're friends."
He scoffed. "Of course. Why do you think I approached you? I was just setting the foundation for our relationship."
I wished I could unhear what he said. All this time, I thought we had a meaningful friendship. The summer I moved here, I was just about to start high school. He was one of the first people that talked to me. We would go exploring light forests too, get coffee together on Saturday mornings... We didn't have a lot in common but we still had fun. It was painful to know he's had an ulterior motive all along.
I firmly wrenched my arm from his grip. "It was nice knowing you, bro, but I think this is the end of the road for us."
I got up and he followed suit.
"You're joking, right?" When I didn't reply, he raised his voice. "RIGHT?!"
I flinched in shock. "What the hell is-?"
"Watch your damn tone, Delilah! I'm older than you and you must respect me! You think I wasted all that time just for you to turn me down?"
I quickly stepped away from him. "Are you insane? How dare you?"
He tried to grab me again but I sidestepped him. Our exchange attracted attention.
"Stop causing a scene!" Seth growled.
"Me?" I snapped back, part furious, part scared. "You're the one acting like an animal! What's up with you? You weren't like this before!"
He rolled his eyes. "You're so fucking naive. You're even lucky I'm giving you attention, bitch."
A loud smack rang in the air. My palm tinged in pain. Seth clutched his abused cheek in shock. Everyone was silent.
I just slapped Seth.
I felt tears well up in my eyes but I fought them back. I was still fuming but I was getting more and more frightened by the minute as I watched his face twist into a mask of rage.
"Bitch you hit me!" He yelled, advancing towards me as I backed away. "You hit me, bitch!"
I bumped into a wall. He raised his fist. Someone yelled at him to stop. All I could focus on was him. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for impact... But it never came. I heard some gasps. I nervously opened my eyes.
Harley and Ronnie were standing between Seth and I. Seth was on the ground, clutching his tummy. Harley looked pissed off while Ronnie just seemed irritated.
Harley grabbed Seth by his shirt and lifted him. He growled in a low tone. "Stay away from her. Try to hurt her again and you'll wish you were never born. You hear me?"
He dropped Seth and Seth scurried away. I was just standing there, so confused.
"Come, Delilah." Ronnie ordered.
I didn't respond. I just stared at Seth's retreating form, unwilling to believe everything that happened today. I felt overwhelmed. I needed Mom.
Ronnie gazed at me in sympathy. He gently took my hand and led me away from the now murmuring crowd with Harley in tow.
They took me to the other side of the school, to the football field and had me seated on the bleachers. Ronnie handed me a bottle of water and I gratefully accepted it. I drank it all and squeezed the bottle, finding a little relief in it.
"Thank you." I mumbled, unable to look into their eyes.
I felt guilty. I felt angry. I felt sad. I felt embarrassed. I felt like shit.
I dropped the bottle and buried my face in my hands. The tears I tried to fight back won. They cascaded down my cheeks. I sobbed quietly. I felt like a fool.
Harley wrapped his strong arms around me. I found myself burying my face in his chest. He soothingly rubbed my back while whispering calming words to me. He held me till I calmed down. He didn't have to, but he did. That just made me like him more.
After pulling myself together, I pulled away from him and wiped my face with my flannel sleeve.
"Thanks."
"Don't thank me. I'll do anything for you."
I glanced at him. "Why? Let me guess, you want to befriend me so that I'll date you too, huh?"
Harley frowned. "No, of course not. I want to be your friend, someone you'll feel comfortable with... But I also want to be your partner, your man, someone who would always have your back, whose arms are always open for you."
I shook my head. "We barely know each other and I'm not ready for something like that yet."
"I understand that and I'll give you time."
Ronnie sat beside me. "Delilah, we have things to tell you, but we cannot reveal them now. When we do, you'll understand Harley better. I promise."
He placed his hand on my shoulder comfortingly. "Don't be too bothered about Seth. He deserved that slap."
I took off my beanie and ran a hand through my hair. "He was my best friend. How did I not notice that he wasn't genuine? How was I so gullible?"
Harley sighed. "He wasn't your best friend, Delilah. He was your only friend."
I raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Yeah... So?"
"So," Ronnie answered. "You assumed you knew him. You hung out together but that doesn't mean you knew him. You know the kind of friends he has, don't you? Do you know what they discuss? When and where they hang out? What they say about you behind your back?"
I shook my head. I really didn't know Seth as much as I thought I did.
"Don't blame yourself, okay?" Harley said softly, cupping my chin and making me look at him. "You'll be fine. You don't need that loser."
I nodded. "Thank you."
Harley smiled and caressed my cheek with his thumb. We looked into each other's eyes. His eyes held warmth and love. Why did he love me? We barely know each other. I decided not to worry about that for now. I would think about it later.
"Alright, lovebirds." Ronnie said, standing up. "Lunch break's almost over."
Harley and I got up. I shouldered my back and gazed hesitantly at them. They patiently waited for me to speak.
"T-thank-"
"It's fine, you've said that a million times now." Harley joked.
I rolled my eyes but smiled. "I guess I'll see you guys later."
Harley gave me a small wave. Ronnie nodded. I walked away from them to my next class. As I was leaving, I heard a bit of their conversation.
"-proud of the way you controlled your wolf, Harley, but you can do better."
"You act like you're the next Alpha or something. You're just my Beta."
"Everyone knows I'm the responsible one."
"Shut up, doofus. I wish we could..."
I walked too far to be able to hear them and honestly, I didn't want to eavesdrop. I was too tired to. But what I heard made me doubt my grandparents less...
***
School was over. It was time to go home. I was given assignments today but I didn't mind them. I could use a distraction.
I texted my mum to pick me up as I needed to spill my guts to her. She agreed to come and I instantly felt better.
As I waited in the parking lot, I watched Harley and his friends get to their cars at the other side. Harley spotted me and waved. I waved back.
"Do you need a ride?" He yelled across the lot.
I cringed at the noise and shook my head. He gave me a thumbs-up and got into his royal blue car. He didn't drive away though.
After 20 minutes of me standing around and Harley watching me, Mum finally pulled up near me. I hurried to her car and got in.
"Good afternoon, Mum." I greeted.
"Hey dear." She replied warmly. "I'm sorry I'm late. Had to get some groceries."
"It's fine." I assured.
Mum drove us home and I helped her offload the car. We carried the groceries to the kitchen and I decided now was the best time to tell her about today.
"Mum?" I called, feeling a bit nervous.
"Yes honey?"
"There's something I need to tell you."
This got her attention. She stopped what she was doing and she looked at me.
I told her everything, from the wolves right down to Harley and Ronnie. She looked worried when I told her about the wolves but that worry turned to anger when she heard about Seth.
"I can't believe this." She said angrily. "I'm supposed to be able to sense all these things."
"Seth didn't visit me much... And you met his parents... And he's a good actor, I guess." I said, trying to comfort her. "It's not your fault."
She didn't look convinced. "I'm so sorry, Dee. Today must have been so stressful for you. Go to your room and rest."
"Thanks, Mum."
I headed off to my room.
"Also, Dee, if Seth tries anything tomorrow, be sure to let me know."
"Okay, Mum."
I trudged up to my room and collapsed on my bed. I lazily took off my shoes and clothes. I changed into loose clothing and planned to just lie staring at the ceiling and think about my life but life had other plans. Before I knew it, I was out like a light.