CHAPTER 10: CALLISTA
1270 Words
CALLISTA POV
I have been unpacking my things for probably a couple of hours now. I’m not exactly sure how long it has been, but this place is starting to feel like home now.
My stomach rumbles. I look up from my dresser where I’m organizing my trinkets and perfumes, and realize that it’s just about dusk.
KNOCK, KNOCK
A soft knock at my door grabs my attention. I wonder who that could be? It’s probably dad or Lydia coming to make sure I’m settling in or to grab me for dinner.
“It’s open!”
The handle turns and the door creaks open. A dark head of hair pops through the opening followed by an impossibly large body as he comes fully into the room.
James. I wonder what he’s doing here?
“Hey, Callista! Sorry to bother you, but I noticed that that you hadn’t come out of your room yet. I figured you might be hungry and in need of some fresh air.”
How thoughtful. Surprising. . .
“Wow, James! That is really nice of you! I’m starving, actually!”
He blushes a bit before he comes back to himself. “ Yeah, well, I’m pretty amazing like that. Everyone knows it, don’t worry, you’ll learn.” I roll my eyes but I can’t keep the smile off of my face. He smirks at me and reveals those adorable dimples that have me turning into a puddle. “Anyway, get dressed! I’ll show you the best spot to go! All the best people will be there!”
His energy is so infectious, I can’t help but be excited too. I grin at him. “Ok! Can you give me like five minutes to freshen up?”
“You got it! Take your time, I’ll just be waiting outside.”
I guess I’m getting dinner with James. . .
I hurriedly run a brush through my hair and slap on some mascara and lip gloss. I need to pick an outfit quickly so I grab my favorite go- to outfit. I slide on my jean skirt that hits mid-thigh, a pink tank top, and my thin white zip up hoodie. I pair it with my white sneakers, grab my purse, and I’m ready to go.
I open my door and rush out, only to slam into a hard body. I stumble back and he grabs me by the arms to steady me before I can fall. I look up and see James. My cheeks tinge pink from the contact.
“I thought you said you were waiting outside for me?”
“Uh. . . yeah.” He shyly rubs the back of his neck with one hand. “I guess, I should have made myself more clear. I was waiting just outside. . . of your door. . .” His face splits into an embarrassed grin.
Oh! Those dimples again. So endearing. I can’t help but to burst out laughing.
“Ok, well next time, let’s just communicate better then.”
“I don’t know, I personally think that rubbing our bodies together is the BEST way to greet each other. Don’t you think?” He waggles his eyebrows. I feel the heat creep up my cheeks and neck.
“Alright, down boy. So where are going?” I ask, changing subject before I embarrass myself.
“There’s a small diner near by. All the people at school hang out there so you’ll probably meet some of them. That way you can see some familiar faces in class tomorrow. Plus, they have the best food around and you haven’t lived until you’ve tried one of their milkshakes!”
“Wow, James! That is. . . actually. . . incredibly thoughtful of you. I would never have expected all of this. Thank you, really.” He shoves his hands into his front pockets and rocks back on his heels a bit. He smiles down at the floor so I don’t see his pink cheeks. Oh my goodness, he is so cute when he’s being bashful. Ok, not now. Later. . .
I think I’ve stunned him because he searches for what to say next for a moment. “I told you I was amazing. Now, come on. Let’s go! If we don’t hurry, all the good tables will be gone!” He holds his elbow out for me to grab onto. I take it and we’re off.
. . . . . . . . . .
James said it will be about a fifteen minute walk to the diner. We walk arm in arm down a path through the woods to get there. He seems pretty determined to sell me on this place.
“The block that the diner is on has a strip mall. They’ve got a frozen yogurt shop, a clothes store. . . Oh! And they even have an escape room! There is so much to do around here. I promise you’ll like it.”
See what I mean? A little suspicious. But still cute.
“Sounds good. Once I’m a bit more settled, I’ll have to check it out.”
He clears his throat and looks over at me quite seriously. “Um. . . I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this to you yet. . . but, these woods are known to have. . . wolves.” James glances away nervously. I look all around us frantically, as if I’m going to see one just standing there.
“Holy sh.it! Are we safe out here?!”
“Uh. . . yeah. I mean. . . they’re wolves, but um. . . the wolves are kind of used to the people around here. They’re. . . kind of like. . . pets. Yeah. . . very. . . um. . . docile, I guess. So just don’t freak out if you ever see one. And don’t run, ok?”
My feet stop moving. I close my eyes for a moment before I open them again. I must need to have my ears checked. . . I look at him with side eye and raise one eyebrow. “Docile.” I repeat the word he just used to describe WILD. FUC.KING. WOLVES. Am I hallucinating? James looks like he is about to throw up, now. Well, buddy, the feeling is mutual.
“Yeah. . .” He clears his throat again. “I just wanted to let you know so you don’t get scared. They won’t hurt you. They’re practically domesticated dogs.”
“Uh huh. . .”
. . . . . . . . . . .
The rest of the walk to the diner is spent in awkward silence. I cannot stop thinking about what he said. Docile, domesticated WOLVES?! My left a.ss cheek!
What the f***k are these absolute weirdos doing out here? If I hadn’t thought they were a cult before, I sure as hell would think it now! A group of freaks, living off the land in the woods, training wild wolves? This sh.it just gets more strange by the minute.
The lights from the diner come into view and I can’t tell if I’m relieved or if I would rather run back and hide in my room. I’m starving, but I think my appetite is long gone. This is all getting to be too much! Not even one day here and I’m already so stressed that I’m going to need a whole bottle of Tu.ms before I go to bed tonight. . .
Maybe I should just go live with Sarah. . .
- Writer
