Our busy feet moved to Math class, a larger space that needed a different kind of focus. The atmosphere changed from the lively cafeteria to a quieter setting where learning was the priority. Chloe sat next to me again, seeming like she didn't want to give me any space. I understood why; she had been trying to get close to me for months, and I had pushed her away each time. She looked happy that I agreed to be friends, often glancing at my table with a smile. I tried to ignore her stares and concentrate on the lesson, knowing that Math class was important. The room was filled with scribbling hands as the tension rose, for we all knew failing Math was like failing life.
The final bell rang, marking the end of the school day. Everyone quickly rose as if we were all pre-prepared to exit the doors of Roxborough High as if there was no tomorrow. It was like a dash to see who could exit first.
My brothers and I gathered at our lockers before taking our leave.
"We could chat later if you give me your number," a voice said softly behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see that it was Chloe.
"It's 6-334-0089; you can call me, baby, " Keir responded with a playful smirk.
"I was not talking to you," she said as if irritated. Keir looked on with disappointment.
"So none of y'all want my number?" asked Keir to her friends as if embarrassed.
"I just don't get it. We are triplets; we all look the same, but everyone is attracted to just one, " Keir continued to mumble.
Suddenly, Keir's phone buzzed, and a broad smile spread across his face as he read the notification and locked eyes with one of Chloe's friends.
Feeling under pressure, I took her phone from her hands and entered my number, leaving her smiling as if satisfied.
"Thank you; I'll talk to you later," she said in a sexy, low voice. She then turned and walked away, leaving me captivated by her confident stride.
"Can we go now?" asked Kevin as if irritated.
"Yeah, we can go," giggled Keir, slapping his hand in mine in a handshake. I could tell he was beyond excited as he couldn't wipe the silly grin from his face.
We quickly exited the building and entered the parking lot. Little snowflakes kissed our faces, but it was like a craving we had been dying for. We pitied the humans who just couldn't bear the coldness as they rushed into their cars, trying to escape the turmoils of life.
I was mere steps away from my car when a passerby brushed against me in her haste to make it to her car. Suddenly an unexpected jolt surged through my body, a shockwave that took me completely by surprise. The swift contact ignited a flicker of confusion. She abruptly stopped and turned around, her eyes wide and piercing, locking onto mine with an expression that conveyed both astonishment and curiosity. The world around us seemed to fade momentarily as we shared that unexpected connection once again.
"Celine? Are you OK?" I asked, shocked to see it was her.
"Are you doing this?" she asked in accusation.
"Doing what?" I asked as if confused.
"If I find out that you are doing this spitefully, you will regret it!" she said with anger before getting into a small silver car and closing the door with a bang.
'What just happened?" asked Kevin.
"I don't know, but something strange keeps happening whenever we touch," I tried to explain.
"Maybe another love connection?! You know you are like a lifeline," said Keir as he walked away towards the car, leaving me standing in distress. Kevin followed behind him.
I stood there, anxiety gnawing at me, as I watched the car she climbed into pull away. The driver, whom I presumed was her mother, shot me a disdainful look, her expression twisted in disgust. It felt like a weight settled on my chest, heavy and suffocating, amplifying the worry that clung to me like a shadow.
I wish I could have explained the phenomenon, but I was confused. Too flustered by the situation, I hustled towards my car.
"We are d gyal them bubble gum!" exclaimed Keir as he made a 360-degree spin and a few dance moves before excitedly entering the car.
"I am happy that we are warming up into the humans; life is feeling like it finally has some sunshine." he continued as we drove off.
"Hey, I know it's exciting that we are allowing humans into our circle, but don't say a word about this to Dad. I am afraid he might freak out and start tightening his belt. You know what I mean." I assumed.
"You are right. Remember that one time he saw you talking to that girl on the beach, and he told you never to speak to her again?" added Kevin.
"Yep, I remember. Although he is teaching us to live among humans he would prefer we mate with one of our own to keep the pack bloodline strong." I added.
"But Mother will be happy for a little change," said Keir.
"She would be happy, but I think we shouldn't say anything to her just yet," I also suggested. "Deal?" I asked as I outstretched my hands and they all placed a hand on top of each other." Deal."
By this, I knew my decisions were sealed as I trusted my brothers with my life.
"I am happy that I decided to accept Chloe's friend request. But I am scared that I may have made a mistake. She is determined to know more about us, and it is going to be hard to keep her out of our business," I said.
"Do you think she is trying to expose us? Hence, the reason her friend took my number. Just in case they are not getting any info out of you, they would try to see if they can get some from me?" asked Keir.
"We don't know exactly what they are up to, but whatever it is, they can't catch us with our pants down. We need to keep our private life away from them by any means necessary.
"I think we should ignore their text messages so that they think we don't have much time on our hands to speak. Less we say better." I suggested. At the same time, I looked up in the review mirror to see Keir's fingers busy texting away.
"Keir. Did you hear what I just said?" I asked sternly.
"Bro I just want a titties pic," he replied shamelessly.
"Aint no way she is going to send you a pic of her titties; you all just start talking," responded Kevin.
"Shut up! You're just upset nobody wants you," responded Keir.
"I don't need those wh*res." replied Kevin.
"Ohhhh! Easy!" I shouted with a giggle.
"Focus guys. Seriously we need to set out boundaries." I continued.
"Or else they will cook us for breakfast. They are smart. We should play them even smarter." I added.
"I-I Captain" responded Keir.
"I can't hear you!" I shouted.
"I-I Captain!" they both responded louder with a giggle.
"Ouuuu!!" I responded as we all giggled.
Out of nowhere, something darted across the road, prompting me to slam on the brakes and come to a sudden halt. The car jolted slightly, and we all gasped in surprise, our hearts racing as we leaned toward the window for a better view. To my relief, it was only an opossum, looking rather nonchalant in the face of our startled reactions.