HYBRID

CHAPTER 1

ELI'S POV

"Eyiiii!!!!" Jenny, a four-year-old girl holding a teddy bear in her hand screamed with excitement, jumping and running towards me as she saw me coming in from the front gate, then happily gave me a hug.

I gave her a warm smile as I opened my arms wide and hugged her tight. I playfully kissed her cheek, forehead, chin and her tummy. "hahahaha.. noooo.." Jenny laughed while she giggled.

"How's my little princess? hmmmm?" I asked, as I carried Jenny in my arms. While walking, I looked around the place. 'Nothing has changed since the day I entered here.' I told myself.

10 YEARS AGO...

"Is everything packed?" my dad asked my mom, "Yes! let's go." my mom replied, then grabbed my hand and the backpack full of my stuff. When we were about to go outside the house, we heard a loud noise. BOOM!!

My mom looked at my dad, then he ran to the kitchen. Dad moved the fridge to the right side and there, I saw a small door. He opened it and asked my mother and me to go inside, but my mom refused to go without him, and so the three of us went in.

As we moved, my feet were starting to get numb, and the mud was getting thicker. That's why I could feel that my body was also a bit heavier, but I couldn't complain. Because even if I don't ask, I know my family is in danger, seeing how my parents looked at each other earlier.

I knew something was wrong. So we kept crawling until we reached the end of the hole. It was a long and tiring trek. My dad pushed the rock that was blocking the way, he went outside first and then pulled me and my mom.

It was already pitch black when we came out. I remember it was after we had our lunch when my mother started packing my things. My eyes were still adjusting from the darkness but I knew we were in a forest.

Then the three of us started walking until curiosity hit me, "Dad, where are we going?" I couldn't help myself but ask, "Somewhe--". My dad stopped from talking before he could answer my question.

When suddenly the wind blew and all we could hear was the sound of brushing leaves from the trees. "So.. how's your little trip?" I heard a voice of a man. "Do you really think I would let you escape..my dear brother?" I heard the man say sarcastically.

"Stay away from my family!" my father said in a calm but cold tone. "Sure! I will do that, but first, you must hand HER over!" the man told my father.

"I won't let you touch my daughter!" my mom shouted, and as she said those words, I saw her running forward at full speed.

I couldn't see clearly what was happening, but I knew my mom was fighting someone. I could hear punches and bumping into the trees. Then my dad held my hand tight and said "Stay here." and after that, he also disappeared from my side.

While I was trying to look at what was going on, all of a sudden I sensed danger behind me. And when I turned around, I saw someone approaching me.

But before it got near me, I let out a loud scream, "NOOOOOOO!!!!!," then I felt my knees getting weaker and my vision started to get blurry.

I woke up in an empty room, alone.. and while I was trying to get up, the door suddenly opened and there, I saw my mother coming towards me smiling. "How are you feeling honey, anywhere hurting?" she asked me.

I hugged my mother tight and said "I'm feeling OK, what happened Mom? Where is Dad? And the bad guys?" I asked, continuously.

"Dad is outside, talking to some people, and... last night....the bad guys got scared by your scream so, they left." she told me, while pinching my nose.

"Really?'' I asked, as my eyes widened. "Yes! Really, because your scream is sooo POWERFUL!" said my mom as she gave me a peck on my cheek. I was glad that the bad guys were gone, but.. 'What is this sudden feeling of uneasiness?' I asked myself.

Then my Mom and I went outside, and there we saw a garden. There were a lot of different flowers with different colors and tall trees. I also saw a small playground with swings, a little tree house connecting to a bridge, a slide with four sides and a climber.

"So... what do you think about the place?" my mom asked me, "Hmmm...the place is nice, it's quiet." I answered, while looking around, then I saw my father coming,

"Dad!" I called him with excitement and gave him a hug. "So.. do you think you can live here?" he asked, "We're going to live here?" I asked him, then he looked at my mom before answering.

"No baby.. only you.." my dad said, as he looked straight into my eyes. I was shocked and confused by what I heard. Then I looked at my mom, but she avoided it, until tears started to flow from my eyes, and so I asked.

"Why...don't you love me anymore?" Then my mother finally looked at me and said, "No honey, I love you.. We love you so much!" as she started crying, "Then... why?", I asked, in between my sobs.

"You will be safe here," my father said in a firm but cracked voice. ''Safe? Is this because of the bad guys yesterday? Mom, you said they're gone!" I asked in confusion,

"Yes.. for now, but they will come back. But if you stay here they won't find you." my father answered. My mom tries to approach me but I step back, as tears keep flowing into my cheeks.

I could also feel the tightening of my chest. 'I really don't understand. How can I live without them? How could they leave me alone... I'm young! I need them!' I told myself.

There were so many questions I wanted to ask but I kept them to myself... because I wanted to be a good daughter to my parents. And I knew that they were doing this for my sake.

So, even if I didn't know and they couldn't tell me what was happening and it hurts so much that I felt like it was breaking my heart, I still want to trust them, because I know they only want the best for me.

That's why I asked, "How... long do I need to... wait?" while I whimpered, my mom who was also crying hugged me tight. "I don't know how long honey, but I promise we'll come back for you. I promise!", she said, while wiping the tears on my face.

I looked at my mom and asked myself. 'When will I be able to see her beautiful face again? And her gentle voice that relaxes me, whenever I'm feeling down.'

Then I turned to my dad and he smiled at me, 'The warm and comforting smile that I always want to see every morning whenever he wakes me up.' I looked down because I couldn't control my tears anymore.

"Go now..." I whispered, then they both hugged me one last time.. and.. left.

''HEY!''

A tap from the back brings me back to reality. I turned around and saw Nate, my best friend. We came to this orphanage in the same year. He had just come two months earlier.

Nate always cheered me up whenever I missed my parents, taking care of me when I was sick, and playing with me whenever I felt down. He was like a brother to me, we could actually pass as twins.

We both have brown hair, prominent eyebrows, hazel brown eyes, a pointed nose tip, but his bridge is a little bit higher, our lips are thin but mine is a bit plumper. The only difference is our height and skin. He is 6 feet tall and I'm 5'8. I have fair skin and he's fair tanned.

"Why are you spacing out, is there something wrong?" Nate asked, while putting his arms on my shoulder. "Nope.. I just.. missed our home." I looked at him and smiled.

"Come on, give Jenny to me." said Nate, "No! I want ony Eyi (only Eli)!" said Jenny while pouting. Jenny tightened her hug and then buried her head in my neck.

"But you're heavy!" said Nate, he liked teasing Jenny so much. "No I'm not!" Jenny answered, annoyed. "Yes you are," he continued, "Eyi I'm heavy?'' asked Jenny, as she looked at me with her puppy eyes.

"Of course not, my princess is light as a feather." I told Jenny, then gave her a kiss on her cheek, "See! you're bad Nate!" Jenny said, giving Nate a cute furrowed eyebrow.

Nate laughed, "OK! Fine, I won't take you away from your Eli!" said Nate, who was enjoying annoying Jenny all the time. "This is nice," Nate said while we were walking.

"What is nice?" I asked. "This, we're like.. a family," he stopped walking and then looked at me, "Yeah, twins and a younger sister," I told him.

"No, that's not what I mean," Nate said, while staring at me. "Then what?" I asked, "Well...you know...like--" Nate was not able to finish what he wanted to say when I spoke again.

"Wait..." I told him, then I turned and looked at my right side. "Did you feel that?" I asked him, "No, what is it?" he asked me, looking confused.

"I feel strange... like, someone is glaring at us." I told him. "No, I don't feel anything, plus no one is outside, let's go, it's just one of your imaginations. Sister Amy is waiting." Nate said, while pushing me to walk forward..

NATE'S POV

I look at Eli while happily cuddling Jenny in her arms. Then I remember the little Eli who used to follow me around, who asked me to push her on the swing all the time, who was always telling me to hold her hand whenever she crossed our little bridge.

And every time there was an occasion, we usually decorate our tiny cute tree house. I sighed, 'Time flies... I used to be the one who put a smile on her face but now look at her enjoying little Jenny's company.' I told myself.

'It's not that I'm jealous or something... wait, what's this feeling? It's like, I could sense danger.. but why? This area was protected, so how come? I need to get near Eli.' I told myself.

While I was talking to Eli and Jenny and trying to divert my attention from them, I could still feel their presence. 'This shouldn't be happening.' I said to myself, a little bit worried.

'This area was off limits! Is no one on duty today? No, it's impossible.. But what is going on? How did they pass through the border? I hate this feeling!' I keep on asking myself.

"Wait, did you feel that?" Eli asked me. "No, what is it?" I pretended and asked her. "I feel strange.. like someone's glaring at us." she said while eyeing behind the fence.

"No, I don't feel anything, besides no one is outside. Let's go, it's just one of your imaginations. Sister Amy is waiting." I told her, just in time the strange presence disappeared.

Eli and Sister Amy talk about the preparation for Jenny's birthday party, which is two weeks from now. So I took the chance and told them that I was just going to take a walk outside.

But that is only an excuse. The truth was, I was going to meet my cousin, Adam. I went to the back of the orphanage, and used the exit door to pass. When I came out, Adam was already waiting for me.

"Hey! what's up bro, why did you call me?" he asked, then tapped my shoulder. "What happened? I sense their presence. How did they cross the border?" I asked, anxiously. "Relax, it has been taken care of, they're gone." Adam said, proudly,

"What do you mean they're gone, you drove them away?" I asked, though I already know what happened. I just wanted confirmation that they had totally vanished.

"You know that's not how we do it Nate, like I said they've been TAKEN CARE OF.." then Adam smirked. "Well, I just need to make sure that everything was under control." I told Adam.

"Don't worry, your lovely princess is safe," he said teasingly while he nudged me. "You know what, you had better stop, she's not my lovely princess alright." I said, a bit annoyed.

"Then who is she to you?" Adam asked, "She's... my best friend." I answered. "Just BEST FRIEND?" he asked, looking at me, as if checking if I was telling the truth.

"Cut it out! You know we don't have a say on that matter." I answered, irritated, 'because honestly I really wish we could choose.' I told myself.

"Wow! So it's true then, you LOVE HER!" Adam shouted while running away from me. "Wait! What? I didn't say that!" I shouted. "Well no need to say it out loud! it's written all over your face." Adam yelled, while circling his index finger on his face.

I sighed, giving up the conversation. "Fine! just tell the chief I'll be home in two weeks!" I told him, "Got it!" then Adam waved and started running off into the forest.

I went back inside just in time. Sister Amy and Eli finished planning and preparing for the upcoming party. "So..is everything set?" I asked Eli, " Yup, we just need to buy some additional decorations." she answered, picking up her notes.

"Then I guess we have to go," I told her and turned to Sister Amy, "Sorry we can't stay longer, I wish we could, but we have early classes tomorrow." I said, with an apologetic face.

"Don't worry, I understand," Sister Amy said to us while holding Eli and my hand. We were already bidding goodbyes when I heard someone calling me.

"Nate! Wait!" I saw Mila running towards us, "Here take it," she gave me a plastic bag with a box of cookies in it, "Oh! thanks Mila, did you bake it?" I asked, while smelling it.

"Yes! I hope you like it," she said while smiling shyly. "Of course, we will. We'll go now, bye." I said while waiving at them, and Eli did the same.

On our way home, I noticed Eli had been quiet the whole time. ''Is.. everything alright?" I asked her, "What? Yeah I'm fine... it's just that I can't forget what happened earlier. Remember I told you I felt strange? It's familiar and.. the same feeling I felt when I was young," Eli explained.

"Come on Eli.. ignore it. I told you it was nothing. I saw no one." I told her and shrugged it off, trying to convince her that it was just her imagination.

It was already dinner time when we reached our dormitory. "Want to grab some food before we go inside?" I asked her, "No, I think I'll pass, I just want to take a shower and then sleep." Eli answered.

I sighed and grabbed Eli's hand. "Alright, if that's what you want.. but take these." I handed over the cookies that Mila gave me. "But, these are yours.. also, Mila made them for you." Eli said, as she tried to give back the cookies.

"You know I don't eat sweets," I told her, "But if she asks.. then?" Eli said, worriedly. "Just tell me the taste, so I know what to tell her." I said, then turned and started walking away, going to my dorm's direction.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow, you better get up early!" I shouted without looking at her. "Alright.. goodnight." then we parted ways.

***

The next day at the Campus. "Eli!! Nate!!" called the girl, waving at them, "Oh! Hi Cherry, what's the rush?" Nate asked. "Well, I just want to give you these.." she said, "Invitations?" asked Eli, making a confused face to tease her friend.

"Hey! What's with that look? Don't tell me you forgot my birthday!!" Cherry said, looking annoyed. Eli laughed,"Of course not.. I'm just teasing you!" then she hugged her friend tight to calm her down.

"Alright, let's go girls or we'll be late." Nate told them, then put his arms around his friend's shoulders. While walking, someone suddenly bumps Eli on the back, passing through them.

Which makes Eli stumble, but Nate's quick response keeps Eli from falling down. Nate got furious seeing the person just kept walking without even looking back at them.

Then Nate left Eli and Cherry then grabbed the guy's shoulder, "Hey, I think you got something to tell my friend," he told him with a deep and firm tone.

The guy turned around, meeting Nate's gaze and said with a cold expression, "You're blocking the way." After saying that, he looked at Eli, brushed off Nate's hand and walked away.

Nate was about to follow the guy, but Eli stopped him before the situation got worse. "Let him go Nate, I'm fine," Eli told her friend, not wanting to get him into trouble because of her.

When they get into their classroom, Nate sees the guy and it makes him irritated again. What's worse is that the guy was looking at Eli like she was the only person in the class.

Nate walked past Eli trying to hide her behind his back, until they reached their seat. Eli senses that her friend is not in a good mood because of the new guy, so she tries to divert Nate's attention by talking to him about the movie that they're planning to watch on the weekend.

Eli knows Nate. He's a good person, loving and sweet. Sometimes he teases her, but only to cheer her up. The only flaw about Nate.. was his temper, especially if it involves her like what happened earlier.

Eli succeeded in lifting Nate's mood, just in time their teacher entered the classroom. "Alright, class, for this project I will need to pair you up." their teacher informed them and explained what they needed to do.

''Next pair.. Nathaniel James and Cherry Smith," Nate was disappointed not being paired with Eli, but he doesn't want to show it to Cherry, since she is also their friend, and he didn't want her to feel bad.

"And next.. Tyler Williams and Elizabeth Jones," though Eli was surprised to be paired with the new guy, she just accepts it since she didn't have a choice.

Then Eli took the initiative to approach the new guy. After the class, she went to Tyler's seat and introduced herself, "Hi, I'm Elizabeth Jones, your partner in our science project, but you can call me Eli," she gave him a friendly smile and extended her hand to him.

Tyler looked at Eli and said "Tyler or you can also call me Williams, whatever your comfortable with." he said, then shook Eli's hand. "I'll call you Tyler then," said Eli, smiling at her new friend.

"Sure...aahhm..excuse me Eli?.. earlier.. I'm sorry.." Tyler looked down shyly after finally apologising to Eli. "Oh! That? It's alright, you said you're sorry. So we're good." Eli smiled at him. She was happy to hear him apologize.

'At least he knew and he admitted that he was in the wrong.' Eli told herself. "So when do we start?" Eli asked Tyler, "Whenever you're free," he answered. "Hmmm... We can start today. I'll go to the library and borrow some books that we need." Eli said.

"Can I go with you? Only.. if you're comfortable," Tyler asked, "Of course you're my partner. Let's go." Eli responded. "Where are you going?" asked Nate, who, at the moment, was blocking the door,

"We're going to the library," Eli said, smiling. "I'm coming with you" Nate told her, still not moving away from the door. "Sure, where is Cherry?" asked Eli, "I don't know, she went outside." Nate answered.

"Alright, so wait for her to come back and then you could follow us to the library," Eli told Nate. "But why do I need to wait for her?" asked Nate, irritated. "Because.. she's your partner?" Eli said with annoyance, because Nate was over protective of her sometimes.

"I'll see you, OK? Wait for Cherry," Eli tappped her friend's shoulder and then winked at him and smiled. Even though Nate was annoyed, he could not refuse those smiles, so he gave up and let them pass.

But before Tyler could pass the door, Nate stopped him and then whispered, "If you do something to her, I will rip your head off," Nate said in an icy tone, "Let's see if you can", Tyler answered without batting an eye.

"Is this necessary?" Eli crossed her arms while looking at the two. "Well, I just need to make sure that he behaves around you." Nate answered, but still glaring at Tyler.

In the library.. "Do you think we need to add more books or is this enough?" Eli asked Tyler, "Let's finish this batch first, then we'll get some more if needed," Tyler answered, who took the books that Eli was carrying.

Eli and Tyler went to the last table near the window, since there were fewer people in that part, and because they needed a wider space for the books. While Eli was busy taking down some notes, Tyler couldn't help himself but to stare at the girl in front of her.

Eli could feel that Tyler was staring at her but she just ignored it and continued what she was doing. After half an hour, Eli felt the need to go to the toilet, so she told Tyler and went outside.

A few moments later, Nate arrived at the library, "Where is Eli?" he asked Tyler without looking at him and sat on an empty chair. "She went to the toilet," Tyler answered, also not looking at Nate.

"What? Alone?" Nate whispered angrily, "Why? What's wrong?" Tyler asked, confused at Nate's expression. Nate quickly stood up from his seat and went outside to look for Eli.

Eli was on her way back when she remembered that she had left her phone in the toilet. So she turned back and to her surprise there were three tall people, wearing black hooded jackets blocking the way and sternly looking at her with their red eyes.

"What.. do you want?" Eli asked with a bit shaky voice. She practiced some self-defense with Nate, but she also knew that it wouldn't be enough to defeat those guys if they fought seriously.

When Eli heard no response, she decided to step back and turn around, but before she could run, one of them was already in front of her. She realized she didn't have a choice but to fight back, so she made her stance showing that she was ready to fight.

The two men rushed in at the same time, both were targeting to hold Eli's arm. Then Eli tried to hit them with her kick, but they were too fast! She got nervous but then she remembered the same scenario when she was a child.

Eli was about to let out a scream when one of the guys standing behind her covered her mouth. Then a guy holding a huge syringe approaches her, while the other one is holding both of her arms.

The man injected the strange fluid into Eli's neck, then after that they slowly let her go. Though Eli was confused about what happened, she didn't bother to ask, since she knew for sure they wouldn't answer her. And then Eli started running away...

ELI'S POV

All of a sudden, I could hear someone calling me, then I followed where the voice was coming from. When I turned around, I saw Sister Amy was covered with blood...

"Run!!" that was the last words Sister Amy told me.

And here I am running deeper into the woods, without knowing where I am headed. I keep wiping the tears that flow continuously from my eyes. All I know is that I need to go far.... far away from those men with RED eyes!

But I don't understand, why me? and what kind of drug they inject to me? I could hardly breathe! And what is happening? I know I can run, but not like this. I could barely feel the ground!

While I was focusing on my feet, I bumped into something that made me fall. I groaned and when I tried to stand up, I was stunned by what I saw. In front of me were a pack of huge dogs, glaring at me with their big round eyes. But then.. I realized they're not dogs... they're WEREWOLVES!!