The Opal Wolf

Chapter One

**Selenes POV**

Another day, another eight hours in this hell hole called college. Dont get me wrong, things have been made easier with Erin here with me. He has always been my biggest support and my strongest cheer leader, especially after the death of my parents, but it still isn't easy being the only blind kid in my small town of Red Creek. Even the "adults" of this college took out their short comings through cruel jabs and quips about my appearance. It was a challenge, but I held my head high and ignored them, moving on day by day. This day would be like any other as I make my way the one block from home to the college. The walk is always the favorite part of my day. The smells and sounds of fall are like a balm to my soul. The deep, musty smell of the earth preparing for winter, the rustling crunch of fallen leaves, birds chirping as they fly south. It brought a peace that could not be found anywhere else for me.

Mentally putting up my walls in preparation for the day of name calling and snarky remarks, I smile knowing that my best friend, Erin will be my side. Ever since we met, we have been inseparable. He was the person I have told all of my darkest thoughts and biggest dreams to, being there for me through everything, including the death of my parents. He was the one who even set my high school bully, Jack Sanders, straight when the prick got rough with me for not "putting out". Life would be very dull without his goofy antics, our twice monthly movie weekends and long conversations. We are the sibling that the other never had and our bond was as solid as steel. 

"There's my best girl!" A deep baritone booms. Speak of the devil I laugh.

"Hey bro!" I find him, grabbing his side for a tight hug. " How was your weekend?"

"Oh you know me, just geeking out, watching all my faves." Erin was more of a nerd than I was when it came to certain movies, The Galactic battles being his number one. He also had a comic book collection that could rival any shop, bringing over new ones every time we hung out. It was our bonding time, choosing to purge on junk food and watch what most see as bad movies. I loved it.

"Hello! Earth to Selene!" He calls, startling me.

"Oh uh, sorry." I murmur. "I was thinking."

"I gathered that dear," he smiles softly. "I was wondering if you are still on for this weekend? The season premier of The Time Traveler is Saturday and I would love to drool with my bestie." He gushes.

"Absolutely!" I exclaim. "Lets do it." Erin was the best to watch anything with. He was extremely patient with having to have the descriptive audio on for my benefit, gushing with me over all the hot characters, the plot twists and crying over the death of our favorites. 

"Sweet!" He laughs. "So how is the new apartment?"

"Amazing! It is so close, Er, its only a block away!"

"Lucky Ducky!" He exclaims. "My apartment is still my folks basement. Couldn't find anything that fits my nonexistent playboy lifestyle." He chuckles lowly. Knowing him as well as I do, the undertone of pain rings clear as day. Erin was lonely, Lonelier than I at times. He bats for the same team I do and living in a small town where someone doesn't love the "traditional way" causes a lot of strife. It's a bullshit reason to hate but most are not as evolved as they think.

"Sel, you need to quit spacing out on me, Love." Erin teases. "Did you get enough sleep last night?"

"Yeah, sorry. My mind is just busy today." I explain. "I have so many exams to prepare for by next week and it's getting to me. Before I forget, I won't need you to walk me home today, I will be at the library until six studying."

"Oh alrighty. If you're sure." The worry is thick in his voice, but I don't want him to be late for his job on my account. I am a big girl and it really isn't that far of a walk. 

DING DING DING the bell tolls.

"Oh sh*t," Erin says. "We better get going before the professors lock us out. Come on dear, I'll walk you to class." As we link arms and head out, someone slams into my shoulder. The sickly sweet smell that fills my nostrils tips me off on who it was and I groan internally.

"Oh look who it is!" Brittany's high nasally voice chimes. "Freak and freakette. Off to take your toy for a quick romp Erin?"

"f**k off Brittany," he growls. Like literally growls. That was strange, I will have to ask him about that later.

"Well," she cackles. "It's not my fault you befriended the biggest freak on campus, you pr**k. We all know you only put up with her for her body." She really p***es me off.

"How the hell would you know, b***h?" I question. "You never come down off your high horse to deal with the "rabble" as you call us." 

"Oh look," she quips. "The freak has claws! What are you going to do, skank? Like I said, you are only good for a quick spin, nothing else. Don't come crying to me when Erin decides you aren't worth it any more." Anger bubbles at the surface but Erin beats me to it before I can blow up at B****y Brittany.

"I'd rather be friends with her than the campus bicycle," He chuckles. "Now leave Selene alone and go find at frat boy to harass. We are leaving." Turning to leave with Brittany stuttering in confusion, I can't help but giggle at how air headed Brittany truly can be. It amazes me that our species has survived for so long.

The rest of the day passes by rather uneventfully. Only the usual names are said under breath, which I of course here because of my hearing being as sharp as it is. I hold my head high and breeze through the full day of classes, preparing things to take to the library. Using my guide stick to help make my way, I settle down at my favorite spot, the silence of the library soothing. I set an alarm and get to it, determined to get out of here this year. I am ready to fully start my life, doing the best I can to make my parents look down on me with pride. 

With renewed determination, I buckle down, using the vast selection of audio books the library offers, typing notes as I go. This will be a good year. I can feel it.