#Chapter 58: The Waiting Game
#Chapter 58: The Waiting Game
It’s a long three days waiting for Alex’s birthday. I don’t leave the house much. Most of our meals are taken with just the family, and Alex disappears frequently to either sit with his brother or take care of pack business in his brother’s stead.
His parents are also out most of the day, and Rita is gone to meet with the Malkeye pack, so I’m often left with my thoughts. Which is not good.
But the first thing I do each morning is talk to my fnom, to continually reassure her I’m okay. But to be honest, these talks also reassure me of the same. I need to know she’s not in danger, and when I ask her if she’s seen or heard anything unusual either at home or work, she blows me off.
This is good, because it means she thinks I’m being ridiculous as opposed to wondering why some weird guy is following her and if it has anything to do with me. At least that’s one bit of good news,
I also talk to Hailey, who thinks I’m still at camp. It really was a good cover, convincing, I mean. Hailey and I haven’t been close enough for her to realize I’ve never been to camp before and am really not the outdoorsy kind of girl.
It helped when I told her that I was only going because Alex was going and wanted me there. That made her feel better about Alex, especially after his less–than–ideal behavior when he returned.
I also got to hear about her infatuation with Lenard. They do a lot of normal things together, like go on dates and talk on the phone…though I’m sure the phone conversations are mostly one–sided. Still, they see each other every `day. In a normal way.
It makes my heart hurt more. I’m trying to prepare myself for that moment when I will have to leave Alex. It may be only days away, but it could also be weeks. How can I endure this for that long?
“He’s just the sweetest,” Hailey purrs on the other end of the line. “When you get back from camp, we should go on another double date.
If only we could, I think. Instead, I tell her that would be awesome.
In an effort to fill the rest of my time with purpose, I start writing in a journal. Well, it’s actually a school notebook that’s only been half–used and has now been converted into a journal. This helps me organize my thoughts.
This is where I write how frustrating it is to just sit around and wait. It’s also where I write the love story I wish I could have with Alex, as I daydream about what life would be like if he could renounce his pack and escape with me. We would live on the go, never staying in one place too long, with only each other for solace. It sounds like the kind of story any teenage girl would read, and I think it could even be a book someday.
A real Romeo and Juliette…with fur and fangs.
I also write notes to my mother, ones I hope she’ll never have to read. I tell her things that I never felt comfortable saying before, like how proud I am of her for being so strong after dad left. Or how I understand that she felt stuck with him because she was afraid she couldn’t support the two of us on her own. Not that I condone that mindset, but I forgive her for it.
With my life on the line, I realize I can’t hold on to old hurts or pain from the past. I have to look forward, painful as it is to think what my life will be like if I survive this ordeal.
When I survive this ordeal, I correct myself, because I know Alex won’t let anything bad happen to me.
The night before his birthday, Alex takes me on another walk to the stream. It’s starting to feel familiar. I wonder if he’s brought other girls–pack girls–here before, if this is like a local make–out hangout.
1/2
+25 BONUS
#Chapter 58: The Waiting Game
Not that I would mind making out with him here…
The night is overcast, so the stars are hidden from view, and it’s dark out. I wonder if this is a bad sign or if I’m just reading into it.
Then again, I’ve always had a feeling for these things…and I’m usually right.
Alex sits in the same place as before, and when I sit down, he scoots up to me, putting his arm around me.
His scent is strong, but off in some way. I don’t know if this has anything to do with tomorrow, but I know the prospect has me on edge.
“Hasss something happened? To Rita?”
Alex doesn’t answer at first. “She still isn’t back–and Michael’s getting worse.”
“Should ssshe be back?”
Alex nods.
“Did you call?”
“Her phone is off. I don’t know if she doesn’t have service, or if she’s not allowed to communicate with anyone while she’s there.”
As much as I don’t want Rita in Alex’s life, the thought of her being held hostage worries me. I mean, she’s a tough werewolf, but she’s at the mercy of an opposing pack right now.
“Are the packsss…friendly?”
“They’re cordial. We don’t really deal with one another, putting physical distance between our bases so we’re less likely to cross paths.”
“Is Rita okay there?
“I hope so…”
Alex gives me a kiss on the head. I lean mine on his shoulder, wanting to savor his proximity to me while I can. After all, tomorrow is his birthday and who knows what is going to happen.
“What are you thinking?” Alex asks. He always seems to know when I’m in my head too much.
“I’m worried,” I say. “About tomorrr–row.”
“Me, too.” And it’s as if he’s reading my thoughts when he adds, “When Rita gets back, things are going to change.”
He can’t see, but I bite my lip. Everything I feared would be true is wrapped up in that statement.
