38.
1020 Words
The train ride was brief into the city but nice all the same. A lovely view out the carriage window overlooking the grassy hills as the approached the city and Gatlin thoroughly enjoyed the rising sun across the sky casting a pink and orange. It wasn’t at all disappointing when they arrived the whole thing was an exciting new adventure for Gatlin, she had never been on a train nor in the city before. Her whole life had been in the small pack when there had been so much outside of it to see it was exhilarating to finally have her first glimpse “what do you think?” Mara asked as she stood beside Aurella their hands held tightly in one another’s grip which was quite a sweet sight.
“It's beautiful” Gatlin gushed her sage eyes looking that bit brighter from the sun lights rays, she was captivated by the ridiculously tall buildings that surrounded them and made the streets seem endless.
“I'm glad you like it” Aurella giggled at the sight of her overwhelmed but excited niece.
“Alright, let's go get some breakfast” Mara began leading the way. Already to what Gatlin had gathered Mara had that carefree spirit much like her aunt it was refreshing everyone she knew had mostly been formal.
“Everything okay? What do you think?” Arro leaned down and whispered in her ear as they walked side by side down the sidewalk as though wanting to be sure she had been sincere.
“I think...” Gatlin spoke finally tearing her gaze from her surroundings “it's beautiful” Gatlin gave a smile.
“I'm glad you're happy” Arro replied observing her already changed attitude. Slinging his arm around her shoulder with a smile of his own, following after the two older women along the street, through the sea of people and the loud noises that at some points could be almost deafening. It was another day for others and for those who lived there it probably seemed mundane, to Gatlin is was extremely exciting.
:::
After breakfast at a small cafe and guzzling down a cup of tea in an attempt to prevent any issues they went to the university a large lot of lush grassy land smack dab in the middle of the tall buildings filled with only slightly smaller than those that surround it however much older looking. No concrete and metal but stone and brickwork making up the elegantly designed buildings “wow” was all that could seem to escape Gatlin’s lips as they walked down the stone path, passed the large open gates.
“This is Northcrest” Mara stated giving a sort of welcoming gesture with her arms.
“I...I’ve never seen anything like it” Gatlin practically stuttered in such awe of the place.
“The classes are put into sections and my favourite and I’m sure that will be yours is the west side” Mara directed her finger across the quad to a large stone building “it’s the science block. Its where
your study on botany will be the teacher Professor Attera, lovely woman I'm sure you will learn a lot from her.”
Though that was alluring Gatlin suddenly fell distracted by the people surrounding her. Back in the pack, she was always surrounded by wolves but the vibes had shifted in her surroundings there was a mix of creatures it wasn't only the feeling in the air but also the scent of a wolf her nose had a great sense of smell and Gatlin couldn’t help but be curious about “How many different species live in this city?”
“A lot, you will find it rare to be surrounded by just werewolves anymore, Linz” Aurella explained and Gatlin simply nodded as her eyes took in the surroundings she was like a child in complete wonderment.
“Come on, let’s go have a look at the science department” Mara encouraged directing them along the path. They all walked while Gatlin and Arro were taking everything in “Are you planning on attending, Arro?” Mara glanced over her shoulder to the teenagers trailing behind.
“No, not just here for Linz, my dad would probably kill me if I missed any more training” Arro rolled his eyes seeming as though he could careless on the matter.
“You’re a good friend aren’t you” Aurella teased as she shot Gatlin a cheeky grin.
“Rella...” Gatlin scolded her aunt who continued her immaturity till Mara poked her side.
“Hey!” Aurelia gasped swatting at her girlfriend's well-shaped nailed finger.
“Leave the kids alone” Mara joined in on the scolding but Aurella simply pulled a face at her, Mara leaned in and kissed the tip of Aurella’s nose. The interaction didn’t go unnoticed by Gatlin who couldn’t help smile at the cute exchange.
“They are good together huh?” Arro leaned down as they trailed behind the woman, whispering in Gatlin’s ear.
“They are... I’m so happy for Rella, you know her mate died before she even met them. She felt it as though something in her dying and she thought she would never get a chance at love but....” Gatlin sighed at the recollection of her aunt crying on the know to her saying she would never find love again and here she was in front of Gatlin’s eyes proving her word wrong. It gave her hope for her future it wouldn’t be one with Onyx and perhaps not with Jaxon though after his words it didn’t inspire her and after seeing her aunt someday maybe someday the idea of those sorts of affections and feelings didn’t seem so unappealing and far fetched.
“Here we are. No I didn’t know but that’s unfortunate but at least she got a chance to meet Mara right” it was the first time Arro wasn’t on the side of Mates and the idealism of its concept, frankly it refreshing when he had more of an open mind.
“A second chance—“
As though understanding Arro nudged her light with his elbow a warm smile on his face “you will get yours too, Linz” he reassured and Gatlin smiled in response to his support.
“Come on guys! We have a lot to see” Mara called out interrupting their talk. Gatlin hadn’t even noticed how far they had trailed behind.
“Coming” she replied tugging Arro along for their tour of the science department.
- Writer
