Three
1155 Words
Kate
I couldn't stop thinking about Raiden's invitation as I walked home from school. It just didn't make any sense. He and his posse had bullied and tormented me for years. Why the sudden change of heart?
My instincts screamed that this was some kind of setup or prank. But a tiny, naive part of me wondered - could he have genuinely seen the error of his ways? Was he really trying to make amends?
I shook my head as I turned onto my street. No way. Raiden didn't have a sincere bone in his body. There had to be some ulterior motive for this invitation.
Still...should I take the risk and go? Dad was always telling me I needed to stand up for myself against them. Maybe this party could be my chance to show them I wasn't as weak as they thought.
Or maybe I'd just be walking straight into humiliation and disaster. Ugh, I didn't know what to do!
Lost in thought, I arrived home to find the house empty. I spotted a sticky note on the fridge from Dad - "Pack meeting at Alpha's. Be back for dinner."
Right. I'm wolfless, so I couldn't participate in the pack's telepathic announcement. I felt the familiar twinge of envy and sadness. If only I had gotten my wolf, I could join the pack mind link too. But no, I was defective.
With a sigh, I crumpled up the note and got started on cooking dinner. The familiar motions of chopping vegetables and sautéing meat soothed me. Cooking had become my main creative outlet over the years, a way to find joy in creating something even if I couldn't tap into my wolf like everyone else my age.
By the time the front door creaked open announcing Dad's return, I had made his favorite - steak fajitas. The scent of sizzling meat and peppers filled the little house.
"Mmm, something smells amazing!" Dad exclaimed, hanging up his jacket.
I smiled. "Made your favorite. How was the meeting?"
"Oh, you know. Same old pack politics." Dad waved a hand dismissively as he washed up. "Don't you worry about all that. Now tell me about your day."
Over dinner I recounted the strange invitation from Raiden. Dad listened thoughtfully, not interrupting. Finally I ended with, "So do you think I should go?"
Dad pondered for a moment. "I think you should trust your instincts, Katie. But if you do decide to go, be prepared. Have an exit strategy if things go south. And don't let them push you around."
I bit my lip uncertainly. Maybe he was right, though. I couldn't avoid Raiden and his crowd forever. Soon we'd be off to college. Wasn't it better to stand up to them now?
Dad seemed to read my hesitation. He pulled out his wallet and handed me some cash. "Here. If you want to go to this party, get yourself something nice to wear. Show them they don't intimidate you."
I stared at the money in surprise. "Really? But isn't money tight right now?"
"You're worth it, kiddo." Dad winked. "Now go on and study. I know exams are coming up."
I threw my arms around him in a quick hug. "Thanks, Dad. You're the best."
After washing up my dishes, I headed to my room to study. Final exams started next week and I needed to ace them, especially with graduation right around the corner. I wanted to get a scholarship to the local university. It was my only shot at higher education with our limited funds.
I had just opened my chemistry textbook when the overhead light flickered and went out, along with the other lights in the house. A power outage. With a sigh, I dug a flashlight out of my desk drawer and flicked it on. At least I could keep studying.
Right on cue, I heard the front door open and close, followed by Dad's heavy footsteps. "Katie? You here, pup?" he called.
"In my room!"
He appeared in the doorway, eyebrows raised when he saw me sitting on the bed with a flashlight. "Ah, powers out. Dang. I'll have to call the electric company in the morning, see if we can get it back on soon."
I nodded, but didn't comment. Money had been really tight lately, ever since Dad lost his construction job last month. We'd been getting behind on some bills despite his best efforts to keep us afloat with odd handyman jobs. But I didn't want him to feel bad about it, so I stayed quiet.
Dad gave me a tired smile. "At least I had the foresight to pick up some nice scented candles the other day. Should help brighten up the place a bit."
He was right. I noticed for the first time the subtle, soothing scent of lavender and chamomile wafting down the hall. Several candles flickered cozily in the living room.
"It smells amazing, Dad. Way better than gross electricity," I teased.
He chuckled and ruffled my hair. "That's the spirit, kiddo." His smile faded. "I really am sorry about the power though. I know you've got a lot of studying to do."
"It's okay, I can manage with a flashlight for now. Don't worry about me." I squeezed his hand, wishing I could ease the stress I saw lingering in his eyes.
An idea occurred to me. "Actually, I was thinking of walking down to the Corner Cafe to study for a bit. They have free wifi and great coffee." And more reliable lighting than my dwindling flashlight batteries, but I left that part unsaid.
Dad hesitated, uncertainty flitting across his face. Ever since that rogue wolf pact got signed last month, he'd been wary about me going places alone. Rogues could now enter pack territory undetected, since we weren't allowed to use scent masking spells anymore. Like they needed any more advantages.
"I don't know, Katie..."
I gave him my most pleading, trustworthy expression. "I'll be careful, I promise. There's always lots of people there this time of night. I'll bring my pepper spray too, just in case."
After a long moment, he reluctantly nodded. "Alright. But call me when you get there and again when you're on your way home. And I want you back here no later than 10, understand?"
I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Yes sir. I'll be home by curfew, safe and sound. Scout's honor." I held up three fingers.
Dad laughed. "Alright, get outta here then."
I grabbed my backpack and loaded up my books, notes, and laptop. After tucking my pepper spray into my pocket, I headed out the door, making sure to stay by a crowded street.
Home by 10. No detours. Love you!
My phone buzzed with a message from Dad. My lips curled up in a smile. It doesn't matter if everyone thinks I'm worthless as long as I have my dad.
- Writer
