My Favorite Beast

‘All I ever wanted was a black Grand National. F**k being rational; give ‘em what they ask for.' As I completed the final half of my three-mile run, Kendrick Lamar's latest hit song blared through my headphones. The rhythm pushed me forward, motivating each step as I felt the burn in my legs. With every beat, I focused on the finish line ahead, exhilarated by the energy of the music that matched my growing determination. I was walking up the pathway to my new home. I took a moment to catch my breath, still riding the high from both the run and the adrenaline of moving into a new place. The familiar scent of fresh paint and new beginnings filled the air as I approached the door. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the yard, and I took a deep breath, savoring the mix of fresh air and accomplishment. As I entered the house, I couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of peace and excitement about the new chapter that awaited me inside. There's no denying that I adored the house. Sitting on an acre and a half, it’s a contemporary ranch home with four bedrooms, all of which have en suite bathrooms. The spacious living area, with its large windows overlooking the garden, was perfect for entertaining friends and family. I could already envision cozy gatherings filled with laughter and the aroma of homemade meals wafting through the air. It’s also equipped with an indoor pool, a fully equipped gym, and an outdoor pool. The outdoor pool, surrounded by lush landscaping, promised endless summer days spent lounging in the sun or hosting barbecues under the stars. My mom and I had just moved to Wolf's Creek just three weeks ago. We were still unpacking boxes and getting to know our new surroundings. Mom had landed a new job here with this new up-and-coming tech company. As she settled into her role, I spent my afternoons exploring the quaint town, discovering charming cafes and local shops. Although the town was a vibe and the house was amazing, I still was too thrilled about having to start my junior year at a new school. My mother broke the news to me so suddenly that I didn't even have enough time to say all my goodbyes. I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as I faced the unknown challenges ahead. Making new friends and adapting to a different environment loomed large in my mind, but I hoped I could find a sense of belonging in this unfamiliar place. The prospect of making new friends and adjusting to a new environment weighed heavily on me, as I yearned for connection in a setting that felt foreign. Yet, despite my apprehensions, I clung to the hope that I could carve out a space for myself and feel at home again. So, here we are currently in the Louisiana bayous. But there is something really peculiar about the place itself. I'm not sure what it is yet, but ever since we passed the Welcome to Wolf's Creek sign, I've been plagued by this feeling of being watched. This feeling persists even when no one is in close proximity. The dense cypress trees seem to loom over us, their twisted roots reaching out like fingers, and the air is thick with an unsettling silence. It's as if the very landscape is alive, holding its breath and waiting for something to unfold. As soon as I reached the top of the stairs, my phone rang, interrupting my music. Already knowing it was no one but my mom, I answered without checking the caller's ID. "Hey, honey! I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing," she said, her voice warm but laced with concern. As I undressed from my dripping running gear, I answered her, "Hi, Mom. I'm fine; I just got back from a run. It was a little tougher today with the humidity, but I managed to push through." "I was just thinking about you," she continued, her tone shifting to something more serious. “Xixi, my boss just invited us to dinner at his home. It's a bit last minute, but I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know him and his family better. I’m running behind, so I need you to be ready when I pull up.” “Do I really have to?…” I asked, trying to hide my reluctance. “Yes, you do! Trust me, it’ll be fun, and you might even enjoy it.” I guess this would be a good opportunity to try and meet new people and step out of my comfort zone. With a reluctant sigh, I resolved to put on a smile and make the best of it, hoping that maybe—just maybe— I would find something to enjoy about the evening. She continued with, “Xi, I need to continue making a favorable impression on my boss. Plus, his two oldest kids attend Bayou Creek High. They might be able to introduce you to some friends.” I nodded, realizing that this could be the perfect chance to broaden my social circle and perhaps even discover some common interests with the kids while supporting her in her networking. “...and it could also ease the transition for you,” she added encouragingly. “Building those connections early on can really make a difference in how you adjust to this new chapter.” “Okay, Mommy, around what time do I need to start getting ready?..." “I should be on the way in the next 30 minutes. Love you, sweetheart. I have to go.” She hung up before I had a chance to respond, but it’s cool. I understood she was busy, and honestly, I appreciated her urgency. Taking a deep breath, I glanced at the clock and realized I had just enough time. I hurried to my bathroom to shower. As the hot water cascaded over me, I let my mind wander to the evening ahead. I wondered what my mom's boss was like and his family. Would they be welcoming? I hoped they would be friendly and that the dinner would be a relaxed affair, allowing me to get to know them better and perhaps learn more about my mom’s work life. However, I couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety that crept in as I considered the possibility of awkward conversations and stiff formalities. The pressure to impress my mom's boss and fit into an unfamiliar social setting weighed heavily on my mind, making me question whether I would truly enjoy the evening. This dinner would be very telling. Hopefully his kids could let know the ins and outs of the town. I knew that their insights could help ease my nerves and make the experience more enjoyable. As I prepared for the evening, I reminded myself to focus on being genuine and open. I step out of the shower and take a moment to gather my thoughts, reflecting on what I hope to achieve tonight. With a deep breath, I dress in my favorite black strapless maxi dress. As I slipped on my favorite pair of heels, I could feel a rush of excitement mingled with anxiety. The soft fabric of the dress hugged my figure just right, boosting my confidence as I looked in the mirror. I made sure to apply just the right amount of makeup to enhance my features without feeling overdone. I got done just in time to hear Mom's car pulling up outside.