School party
1078 Words
Kate
I barely slept a wink last night. My mind kept racing, replaying everything that had happened with Raiden yesterday. Did he really see me as more than just a loser to pick on now? Or was this all still some elaborate prank?
As much as I wanted to trust that he was genuine, years of torment at his hands made me cautious. Still, the way he had patiently helped me study, the kindness in his eyes...it stirred up a cautious sprout of hope. One I didn't dare give full life to yet.
Morning sunlight filtered through my curtains far too early for my unrested state. With a groan, I dragged myself out of bed. May as well start my day since more sleep didn't seem forthcoming.
As I shuffled to the bathroom, the smell of sizzling bacon and syrup wafted down the hall. My mood instantly lifted. Dad was making pancakes, my favorite! I quickly washed up and got dressed before following my nose eagerly to the kitchen.
"Morning, pup!" Dad greeted me with a smile and a plate loaded with flapjacks and crispy bacon. "Thought you could use a nice breakfast before your big exams today."
My heart swelled. With all his extra patrols and odd jobs, he still found time to do little things like this that showed how much he cared.
"It's perfect, thanks Dad," I said, giving him a quick hug before eagerly digging in. The fluffy pancakes and smoky bacon tasted as good as they smelled. Dad kept me company while I ate, asking how studying had gone and reminding me he knew I'd ace my exams.
His steadfast confidence and support meant everything. I was still nervous about finals, but knowing he believed in me gave me courage.
Too soon it was time for me to head to school. Dad walked me out, giving me one last reassuring hug. "You've got this, Katie. I'm so proud of you."
I clung to his words like a talisman as I hurried down the sidewalk toward school. I was so distracted thinking about my exams and going over formulas in my head, it took me a moment to register the purring engine slowing beside me.
Raiden's sleek black car pulled up next to the curb. My heart leapt as he leaned over and pushed open the passenger door.
"Need a ride?" he asked, giving me a small, almost shy smile.
Surprise left me momentarily speechless. Raiden was offering me, Kate the loser, an actual ride to school? Maybe he really had changed...
Getting ahold of myself, I slid into the passenger seat. "Thanks," I said, hoping I didn't sound as breathless and starry-eyed as I felt. His car smelled amazing, like pine and sandalwood. I tried not to be too obvious about breathing it in.
"No problem." Raiden's eyes were warm, with none of his usual contempt or cruelty. "Big exam day, right? Figured you could use one less thing to stress about."
My insides turned to melted honey at his thoughtfulness. I could definitely get used to this kinder, sweeter version of Raiden.
We pulled into the school's parking lot all too soon. My elation dimmed a bit when I saw Sera with her friends, waiting by the entrance. This would be the first test of whether Raiden's change of heart was legit or not.
Taking a deep breath, I gathered up my bag and stepped out of his car. As we walked toward the school, I kept my eyes straight ahead, bracing for whatever mocking comment Sera might throw my way. But it never came.
When we reached the gates, Sera barely spared me a glance. She just tossed her perfect hair, plastered on a faintly tense smile, and threw herself at Raiden, winding her arms around his neck and planting a kiss right on his mouth.
I dropped my gaze and scurried past into the school before the stinging jealous ache in my chest could solidify into tears. Of course. Sera was staking her claim. Silly me for letting myself hope Jaden's kindness actually meant he's into me.
Somehow I made it through my two morning exams in a fog. By lunchtime, all I wanted was to go home and hide under my covers. But I still had three more finals this afternoon. I'd just have to power through.
The rest of the week dragged by painfully. But finally, the last day came to an end. Exams were over. Now I could go curl up with a pint of ice cream and a sappy romcom to mend my broken heart.
But as I was gathering my things, Raiden appeared in the classroom doorway, catching my eye. "Hey," he said a bit awkwardly. "A bunch of us are getting together at my place tonight for a post-exams party. You should come."
My sore heart didn't know whether to lift with hope or sink in fear of getting hurt again. But the open, earnest look on Raiden's face decided me. I would go. Because if there was even the slightest chance this changed Raiden was real, I had to know for sure.
"Okay, I'll be there," I said, trying not to sound as anxious and uncertain as I felt. The smile Raiden gave me then was worth the risk.
That evening as I got ready, it felt like a swarm of butterflies had taken up residence in my stomach. I changed outfits half a dozen times before settling on my best jeans and a soft purple blouse. As a finishing touch, I added the engraved moonstone pendant necklace Dad had given me for my sixteenth birthday. The pale gems glimmered against my skin like captive starlight.
"There's my beautiful girl," Dad said when I stepped out to show him the finished look. His eyes crinkled with pride and love. "Your mother's necklace suits you perfectly."
I hugged him tightly, drawing strength from his solid, comforting presence. "Thanks, Dad. Wish me luck."
"You won't need luck, Katie. Just be yourself and it'll all work out fine. I believe in you."
Buoyed by his steadfast faith, I headed out into the evening with my head held high. I am not alone.
.
.
.
But just Kate rounded the corner of their street, an enormous rogue wolf broke into their house through the back door, attacking her dad. Leaving him in a pool of his blood.
Little did Kate knew that she was completely alone.
- Writer
