The Interval of Love

At twenty-five, approaching twenty-six, Jane's life wasn't as easy as she had expected; being a werewolf and wanting a normal life wasn't easy. As a child, she had pictured herself living the tritely obvious life her mother had wanted for her; her being a mother with children she could take care of, a big house to cook and clean, and a husband she could flaunt in her circle of friends, just as most women did in Wolf Creek. Of course, she did not want that, but she was just a child coming to terms with life and its setbacks, so she almost immediately accepted everything. She can remember waking up every morning when she was sixteen. She remembered clearly all the events of the year, the shouting and yelling from her mother. She had always been stubborn or, as she would like to say, 'strong-willed’. Now, sitting in her bedroom, all she could stare at was this woman in the mirror; she was beautiful and she knew it. Her hair was darker than she could recall and she would not have ever thought she would grow up to be this version of a sophisticated woman; women from Wolf Creek didn't have what she had. Her legs were slender and long, as she had always dreamt of. Her eyes were still as green as they had always been... Yes! She felt powerful. Her lips were full and she could feel the weight of her breast. Growing up did her well in this aspect. She thought of the happy moments from those years back, which had everything to do with Christopher. Now, ten years after they met, she lives in Bellevue, a few blocks from Christopher's family house. He claims he wants her to be with people she could easily access. Bellevue was one of the largest cities populated by humans; although a lot different from Wolf Creek, for starters; they believed werewolves had to compete for a place in the pack, which wasn't true. The ability to mate with other werewolves and build a pack of your own makes you an Alpha. Well, she lives there now, all thanks to her encounter with Christopher. Although there were bad days, they were too small to balance or outweigh the happiness he had brought her. She was having one of those sad moments; they had a misunderstanding; sometimes she just couldn't comprehend him. She got up and looked once again at the image of the woman she had become. "I should go for a walk," she thought. I will not ruin this day with past lives and regrets." She put the drawer back in, pulled back the chair, and without returning it, took one last glance at the mirror and left the room. Outside the apartment it was hot, the streets seemed dry, and although the season was almost over, it seemed pretty dry. She still remembers vividly her childhood, her neighborhood, and everything that has ever been felt and breathed in the air around her. She could recall her last year at home all had seemed perfect, yet crumbling within, filled with l**t, jealousy, and rage of an unmeasurable amount. She never knew she could be jealous. Oh! She could still remember how jealous she was of Christopher's relationship with the girl from his neighborhood. She knew he wasn't doing anything to spite her. It was Christopher, for heaven's sake, but she just didn't want her relationship with him to be similar to any other relationship, as though she meant nothing. She was insecure and she knew it, but she never admitted it or said it out loud. Bad encounters ruin good people, and she was one of them. It didn't help that she was a werewolf either; she was almost always angry about a lot of things. She stopped, took a long deep breath, and closed her eyes as the vehicles approached her with their lights taking turns to cast her shadow on the walkway. "What a day " She remembered how she had hated this season and how it had made her body so dry and her hair ugly, and mostly how her feet would c***k if she didn't take delicate care, always applying a well-known body lotion known as Vaseline on it. So much had changed, but not her perception of the world or what she wanted from it. She had always doubted the sincerity of love and its concept; the way society viewed it had always made it seem absurd and not how it is portrayed by storylines in movies. They claimed it was hard, unforgiving, and almost impossible to find, and she believed them until she met Christopher, her friend, her lover. Her memory and ability to remember things made it so easy for her to recall all those years with her family, which consisted of her, her father, and her mother. Her father believed the best way to train a child was by speaking to them, while her mother believed that sparing the rod was indeed spoiling the child. Her father was generous but sometimes extravagant. As a child she thought of him as nothing but a hero; now that she was grown, she knew he wasn't always perfect. Just like Christopher, but she still loved them both, there was no denying that. She remembered all those long walks and talks they had every weekend, the first time they met. Oh!!!!! She needed that right now. They would walk in the streets of those amusement parks at night, just as two lovers would. The park although busy gave a nice and welcoming feel to the streets. She loved Christopher so much, but she could not help but wonder if he ever truly understood her, if he did he didn't try hard to show it. Jane had walked for a while before realizing how far she had gone; why would Christopher say that to her? Why would he choose those words when he knew how much she detested things being imposed on her? Her doubt grew bigger, just like putting water in a balloon, getting heavier as time went on, and although she tried to distract herself from the events of the evening, it came rushing back............. She had gotten home early from her work at the printing press, what better way to experience the world than on papers from different people's perspectives, growing up she had so much to say and Christopher was mostly her audience so she had decided to work there writing a lot, painting vivid images of her thoughts, at least then people didn't talk back they just read trying to understand not challenging her, well it was challenging because most things she wrote about where of topics and cultures she knew nothing about so she read more and then more just to expand her knowledge of the world. Today was mostly intriguing but also disappointing, she had been chosen to write an article on a topic about the adverse effects of hunting and felling of trees in Wolf Creek which was good for her writing but bad for her relationship with her mother. She dreaded going home to listen to her mother lecture her about her relationship with 'the human' as she had always referred to Christopher. She couldn't decide if she would accept or not, she lay on the bed until she dozed off when she woke up, it was already a quarter past six in the evening. They were a very busy couple but their dinner rituals were placed above everything, and Christopher, who had introduced the idea the fourth week after they had shared a pack of popcorn, it transpired from just sharing the pack to bringing homemade cookies. Then little picnics, and now finally their dinner rituals. She knew he took it seriously, and forever they hosted it once a week consecutively in their respective apartments. She didn't make a reservation, meaning she had no backup plan. They would probably just order takeout, which didn't seem likely or eat out. Yes, eating out seemed more reasonable. Ding dong, the doorbell went on for five seconds. She knew it was Christopher; she looked in the mirror to make sure she was okay, although she knew Christopher would not mind. He thought of her as beautiful even in the morning without taking her bath. She walked swiftly to the door, relieved to see a welcoming face. She stretched her hand and turned the knob to let him in. "Welcome," she said as she let him in. He had cleaned up. She also noticed he was well shaved; he dressed casually but neatly. It was obvious he tried. "Thank you, how was work today?" "It was all right, how was yours?" She replied, trying not to say much, at least not yet. "It was stressful but the thought of spending the entire evening with you got me going" he was smiling like he couldn't stop. Now she wished she had not slept off. "What romantic evening has my lady planned?" He said, beaming with excitement. Just that look of great expectations told her she had let his hopes high just to let them come crashing down, well, not her, figuratively, the law of gravity. "I didn't have time to plan something but we could go out and eat" "You said you would cook......" He paused "at home, by yourself" he complained softly. "Yes, I was going to but I got home tired and slept off, unintentionally though" "Okay," he said, not showing any sign of agitation. It was already half past nine and the street was mostly clear of vehicles, so they decided to walk. By the time they had checked the first three restaurants and found out they were all booked, they decided to take a cab to the closest restaurant in the city. Throughout the ride, he didn't utter a word or try to engage in any conversation she tried to introduce. He was mad, she knew it, but" he would get over it," she thought. When they got into the city, they stopped at the first restaurant in sight; they had to wait for at least five minutes before they got a seat. The menu was mostly half-cooked or raw food, nothing that was close to anything Christopher could eat. Why are things just messed up today? First her possible visit to Wolf Creek and now this. She was becoming frustrated, and she could see that he was too. He looked forward to days like these; he always has. "We should go we can order from the restaurants at Bellevue to take home since the food on the menu isn't your thing ' she said "I'll just see you off then head home" The ride seemed longer than usual, was it hot in here? If only she could use the heat to popcorn so they could share, that could serve as some sort of apology. When they got to her apartment, he didn't go in, just stood, and waited for her to step in. Getting to the door, she stopped and then walked back to him. "I'm sorry," she said "Okay" "I didn't mean to ruin tonight" "Well it took you so long to admit it" "It was not intentional" "It never is with you. I don't want to do this now" "We're already doing it, aren't we?" He was being inconsiderate. "It took you the whole ride to and fro the city to realize you have to apologize you always do that, make excuses for yourself. I get that you like being strong and all but you just don't know when to stop. It's like you are a ball running on an inclined plane, no sense of control just like your pride" "I've already apologized; I don't see the point of this anymore" " Did you because you are meant to or because you feel sorry?" "I get I'm wrong but you don't have to say hurtful things to me, what's pride got to do with this?" "For starters……" "You know what I've apologized and I'm sorry but I don't have to stay here and listen to this" then she turned to leave. All this happened earlier that evening, and now, she was here walking alone on the streets on a night that was meant to be blissful. She stopped as she recognized the tree in front of her; she could see herself that day when she had wandered off her house in anger from discussions that were now considered norms, to that same tree where they had first met. She would normally never be involved in those conversations, but when she began puberty at the age of sixteen, she experienced her first transformation. Leaving the house first thing the next morning after listening to her mother and father argue about something she didn't understand then. It was on the night of her 16th birthday, she had woken up that morning after her grandma kept her up late that night to tell her about the shift, werewolf history, traditions, and customs. "Werewolves are unique creatures," Grandma Grace said. "We are different in our uniqueness even within the pack. Everyone has different needs, being a wolf helps you identify that need". She went on and on telling tales, interesting they were, but she had only wanted to hear them as bedtime stories, not live them. She had no choice; her mother, who married another werewolf, and her beloved father pretty much sealed her fate. She felt so alive that morning as her usual birthday party preparations transpired; she loved cakes and this was one day she could eat as much as she wanted; after all, it was her day. She had taken her bath early. As she looked into the mirror while brushing her teeth, she thought about how she always bragged about having a great dentition. She also had her manicure and pedicure that day in town while bonding with her dad. She looked at her dress in her drawer and decided it was beautiful, definitely her best dress so far. She would wear it at night to look at the moon (this was one of the few things she loved about their traditions). They had gone to the store in a town outside her small village of Wolf Creek, a secluded village inhabited by her kind. Her father, wasn't usually thrilled about going to town because he had to leave all his 'werewolfness' which was so much his pride. Today he seemed excited to get her dress; "We will stop by as many stores as it takes to get you the perfect dress," David said. Her mother had reluctantly agreed, claiming she didn't want such exposure to go to town for her daughter. She heard them while eavesdropping (the only way she could get important information besides the fairy tale werewolf stories they wanted the children to believe). "She's too young for this, you should just go and get one for her" her mother suggested. "She turns sixteen once Angela, we should put to make her smile" Her father only used her mother's name when he was being serious. She had a blissful party, but this year she wasn't allowed to go alone to watch the moon; everybody was expected to go with her. They were to wait up until the full moon to witness her transformation if it happened. They camped around the fire that was made, and she sat close to her friend Julius. They made small talk about his upcoming birthday and how excited he was about the full moon and everything werewolf, that was their only difference. Otherwise, they got along well. When the full moon slowly emerged, Jane could see mostly older werewolves already turning. It wasn't easy to watch. There was a lot of screaming, scratching, and howling involved. She could see a younger werewolf about her age turning too, and she could feel her dad move closer to her. She was scared, she had never experienced any full moon initiation. She got goosebumps, and when she looked at her hand there was an unusual amount of hair on it; it extended to her knuckles. Then more hair and a lot of hair had sprung out all over her body. She remembered thinking how the pain was so much unbearable for her human nature. Oh, how she hated those moments her newly manicured nails sprouted out into claws and her teeth grew out. She could still feel the saliva substance ooze out of her mouth. Her vision became clearer that night; she had always thought those stories were exaggerated, but this was falling on her knees in so much pain as her face slowly changed, she could feel eyes on her, but nobody offered her help, "why are they not helping?" She thought. Oh, she dared not experience that again. Although everybody was happy (typical werewolf traditions) only a few werewolves transformed so early. This normally places higher expectations on the child. That night after the ceremony, she was carried back home by her dad because she had been too weak to walk. "You didn't have to carry her back home, what would other werewolves think of her? We are not weak David and she shouldn't be" Angela said. "She is not weak and you know it, first transformations aren't easy" David replied. "It didn't look so to me and it wouldn't to others" "You are being too strict dear, she's just a child" "Well children shouldn't have strong opinions about everything if they want to be seen as children, you act like I am being ridiculous even though you know how things went with my family those years" "Well, your family aren't here now and all those things are in the past" "It's easy for you to say, I was the one who lost everything, my family, friends, I bet you think you did me a favor" Her father at this time was boiling he had always done nothing but be there for her mother yet she still had the guts to talk to him like that. "Yes, I did you a favor." At that moment Jane knew he had lost it; she could hear, dishes moving around the kitchen, then, followed by the sound of something falling, something must have fallen. Then came another, but this time louder like something was being smashed on the wall. She got up, hurriedly, put on her slippers, and walked swiftly, although it was dark, towards the living room, then straight to the kitchen. Yes, her mother had smashed something; she could see the remains on the kitchen floor, and from the look on her face she was only a few seconds into turning. When her mother turned to see her, she became calm. Jane rushed towards her and hugged her then offered to clean. Her mother was strict and she knew it was mostly because of hoarded pain from her past and the fear of seeing her end up like her as a child but she couldn't figure out what bore that pain or how it could so much involve Jane." The pack is everything, and at the same time it's nothing," she would say. After cleaning the mess she lay on her bed, wondering how she could in one way love yet want to leave this nature of hers, being a werewolf. "Only one way to find out," she thought as she made up her mind to go into town the next day. **** Being angry was one thing to Christopher, showing it has never been his strength, but when he did, he didn't like how he did. He was disappointed today because he had looked forward to spending time with Jane. He had missed her so much and their careers were always getting in the way. It's been six months since she'd moved to Bellevue and three years since she'd moved away from home. He knew she was homesick, although she would never admit it, probably because she was too scared. He just wants to be there for her and her for him. At 28, he still wore glasses, although he could afford lenses. Jane liked them and he liked that she did; most people just teased him about it. He was blond and had curly hair like most men in Bellevue, he wasn't muscular or lanky, just somewhere in between. Jane always said he was handsome in a boyish way, fair in complexion, with dark blue eyes. His hands were no longer small, but we were still soft. He was average, slightly tall, an added advantage to his numerous attractive qualities his sisters would tease. Working in the financial department of the biggest construction company in Bellevue was never his dream, but his math was useful there, they paid handsomely and he was respected for being a nerd, which was very unlikely. He believed it had everything to do with his looks. Christopher grew up in a loving family; he was the only boy among three sisters. They always made him feel loved, wanted and seen. After their father died it was all they could do. He went to a school not too far from home. Each day he would walk the same route to school. He had always loved how the trees on the streets were arranged. "Trees can act as wind breakers" his teacher has once said, but that wasn't why he loved them. He just loved green. He would usually cut their leaves to make tiny bags that couldn't contain anything. He wasn't too good at making friends, but he was okay with that; he already had enough company and attention from his family. This was the best part of his day where he could be by himself with his thoughts and not be too careful and try his best not to seem ungrateful for his family's care. Christopher thought of his father each day, about how close they were. Sitting each day discussing the events of the day, football, and a lot of other things he didn't care to talk about anymore. This wasn't because he was angry, well, at first he was angry that his dad was gone and had blamed almost everyone during the first few years, but no, he wasn't angry anymore, just sad and although he pretended he was okay he was sure it was quite obvious that he wasn't fine. He always felt sorry when his walk ended and he had to go into a building full of lousy teenagers with different opinions about what should or shouldn't be. He was an excellent student and handsome, so he had no problem with the teachers or bullies. They all, for some reason, thought highly of him. He was so good in the sciences that made him think of pursuing a career in medicine; although his outstanding talent in drawing and great love for it was contradictory to this thought. He wished he could talk to someone, anyone he felt safe with. "Christopher" a voice called from the front of the class. He then realized that he had been standing, lost in his thoughts. He walked towards his favorite seat, not too close to the teacher, but also not too far behind, just by the window. Throughout that day, he was lost in his thoughts. He was dreading the thought of going home early today. He needed to find somewhere to go and he had to do so before the bell. This was because his sister would be out waiting to follow him home. She was always on time; he put up his hands to seek permission to speak "Yes?" The teacher replied "I would like to use the bathroom, Miss Joyce". She nodded in approval. The class grumbled because she had already refused two students from heading to the bathroom. "Quiet" Miss Joyce said. He guesses that in her defense he was a good student and was going to the bathroom, nowhere else. He took his bag and walked toward the door. "Christopher," she said, he turned thinking of what to say about the bag. She walked three paces toward him and stopped picking her marker, looked like she was about to give him a lecture, then she just turned to face the class. He turned and then continued walking. He did not stop until he had gotten to the parking lot of the school premises, "there's a first time for everything" he thought. First, he went straight to a*****e and bought a bottle of yogurt and biscuits and a bottle of water. He spent three times what he normally spent in a day. He was being absurd, and he knew it. He didn't try to stop because he thought this time out loud "Today is a day of firsts." He was about to take his usual route, then he abruptly turned to his left with nothing planned, he just kept going. ****