Growing Up Human

Chapter 4 Lilas POV

17 years later

I woke up in a cold sweat, the heart-wrenching howls of my dreams still haunting me. Damn that dark gray wolf again. I've been dreaming about it for 2 months now. No matter what I do, that wolf seems so familiar, yet I couldn't place him. I looked at the calendar. It's June 2nd exactly a week before my birthday. In 2 days, my boyfriend Ryan and my best friend Kate and I will be going to see a college in Rona, a few hours' drive from my parents' mansion. My phone buzzes on the nightstand and I see it's the group chat with Ry and Kate. Ry text said there's a town about 30 min away from the college called White Water. It's got a killer river. We should go and raft. Kate agreed and they were just waiting for my response. I type. Sure it sounds like a blast! I put on my robe, not wanting my parents to see me naked. In the hall I could see Elizabeth cleaning the floors. She looks up as I approach and nods. Good morning, I tell her as I walk by. She found out that I was going to Rona and did everything she could to persuade me not to go. Once I got my parents involved and they agreed with me, our relationship has been a little strained. Going down the grand staircase, I hung a left and headed toward the kitchen to find my mom and dad talking. As soon as they noticed me, the conversation stopped. I have very good hearing for a human. I could hear their conversation from the bottom of the stairs. For the past 2 years they've been stressing about my 18th birthday. I just assume it's because I am their only child and our large house will soon be empty with me and all my friends going to the same college as me. Morning dad. Morning mom. Good morning they both say. So, have you decided what you want for your birthday? My mother asked me. I've been thinking about it and nothing has really jumped out at me, I say. My dad rolls his eyes and says that's what you say every year. My dad is a tall man and has blue eyes and a bald head. While my mom is a shorter woman with black hair and brown eyes. I have hazel eyes with dark brown curly hair. I guess just get me more stuff for my curls. I said with a shrug. Hmm, you are getting low aren't you? my mom says. Even though we have a lot of money, we don't really act like it. We live in my mom's dream house and all have nice cars, but other than that, we don't flaunt our money. Looking at what my mom is cooking, I get lost in thought about that dark gray wolf and the dream I've been having for the last 2 months. HELLO!! Earth to Lila Ann. What. I asked, sounding a little harsher than I meant to. With that attitude, I might keep you home this week instead of letting you go with your friends, my dad says in a serious tone. I'm sorry, I'm just really tired, I said while looking at him. It's OK, do you want me to repeat my question? Yes please, I say. I asked what time you are going to meet us at your grandparents' next weekend. Oh well, camp ends at 2 and it's an hour out of town, so say 3:30 I say while thinking of everything my boyfriend Ryan has scheduled for us this week. OK, I'll tell your grandparents, my dad says while nodding his head in agreement. I go back up the stairs and get ready for the day. I look at myself in my bathroom mirror and I take a deep breath. I've always been told that I'm beautiful. While I'm on the shorter side, I have an hour glass figure, flawless skin and full lips. I put on some mascara and pull my curls into a messy bun on the top of my head, tucking in the strays. Looking at myself, I take another deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the day.