HOWLBOUND

That boy is trouble

“Rona!” a familiar voice called out. A girl with paint smudges on her fingers and a sketchbook hugged to her chest waved her over. She wore her Fine Arts major like a second skin.

“Hi Sophia” Rowena said.

“Hey babe” Sophia repliedshe threw a hand over Rowena’s shoulder.

“You made it to class, seems like you’re map smart cause that map was quite useless for me” Said Sophia.

Rowena gave a weak laugh

“No I got a little help from the boy I bumped into at the cafeteria”

“Damien?” Sophie exclaimed.

“Sister don't let him notice you, his girlfriend is a demon” .

“Tell her, I am a demon” Alyssa interrupted.

“And you, where's my necklace I know you have it” hands folded Alyssa turned to Rowena.

“No I don't” Rowena said in a haste

“Well if I find out you do…”

Seeing Rowena didn't give her any expression Alyssa softened.

“Hmmmmmm let’s just find out and see”

She scoffed and walked away with her girls

“That’s Alyssa” said Sophia”

“Just stay away from her” she paused

“And Damien, stay away from him, that boy is trouble” she continued as they headed for the Cafeteria.

The Cafeteria seemed like a bonding ground in Covan. The chatter was massive and everyone’s status was defined there. The best gossips travelled as they ate, and no one wants to miss that.

They sat at the table Adrian and Blake were already seated on. Rowena placed her tray next to Blakes. He speaks very little so she didn’t expect him to greet her.

“Rowena” Adrian called from across Sophie

“You had your first class today right?” Adrian asked, not waiting for an answer.

“How was it?

hope you didn’t get a name?” He laughed

“No, I think I’m good” she replied with a smile

“Everyone is still staring, but just give it some days they’ll warm up to you” said Adrian picking up a fry from Sophie’s plate

“Can’t wait” Rowena replied

Which earned her another stare from Blake.

Rowena laid on her bed, her eyes fixed at the vines running across her room ceiling. The vines seemed alive, green and fresh like the dorm was planted on a tree.

“This is definitely not decoration, this dorm is weird” she taught.

She reached for her phone and called her grandmother.

No answer.

She tried again.

Still nothing. A long sigh escaped her lips, the boredom was sickening.

She picks up her hoodie and heads out the door.

“Be back before ten” yells the porter pointing a flash light at Rowena as she makes her way out the school gate, being welcomed by the lonely road. Tall trees stood at each side of the road; it was a long path into the city.

A long quiet path.

Rowena walked by the left side of the road, walking into puddles with her crocs. She moved fast not minding her sweatpants getting wet.

The joining of Slovenia town to the lonely path leading to Covan was sharp. Colorful lights beamed in the little town. Food trucks parked serving orders.

Restaurant doors swung open and shut. Children playing in puddles. Rowena paused, the town's beauty wasn't revealed during the day. She stepped into it leaving behind the dark lonely path. Rowena strolled, scanning the town for a grocery store. She halted almost passing her stop, the door man pulled the doors open for her.

“Thank you” she smiled

Walking in, a guys shoulder bumped into her, they both turned, stared at each other for a whilev.

“Is he expecting me to apologize, he bumped into me” Rowena thought.

She grabbed a few snacks and made her way to the counter. Paid for her snacks.

The cashier bagged it and handed it to her.

“Thank you” Rowena said in a haste as she made her way out. It was almost ten and she didn’t want any drama at the School gate.

Weaving her way through the crowd she noticed the guy she bumped into. His back rested on the wall, and his right leg folded to balance him.

Their eyes met

Chills ran down Rowena’s spine as she hastened her steps.

A few steps into the lonely path leading to Covan high, Rowena noticed she wasn’t alone, the guy from the supermarket had been following her

She paused.

The thought of looking back swept through her mind.

She continued brushing the feeling away

“ Maybe Im just imagining things” Rowena taught as she hastened her steps.

In what felt like a mini second a hand pulled Rowena into an alley. She was smacked on the wall almost enough to make her pass out, she let go of the bag of chips in her hands. Rowena wailed as she dropped on the ground.

“Hey babe” a husky male voice called out.

“What’s ur name princess” he scrunched forward tilting her face upwards.

Rowena was still in a daze, she couldn’t fathom what was happening but the voice in her head kept ringing scream.

Rowena yelled help like her life depended on it and this earned her multiple slaps from the guy hovering above. She gathered every ounce of strength in her to get of his grip only to make it tighter and harder.

Weakness slowly enclosed her as she stopped struggling. He felt like he had done it. Made her surrender.

His hands held her top tightly dividing it into two parts.

Tears ran down the side of Rowena’s eyes. It wasn’t even a week of her admission and she’s already victimized.

“Helpppp” she wailed a little voice shaking a sign of surrender.

Rowena felt the atmosphere change as another figure approached them. The man above her was pulled away and smacked recklessly on the ground.

Punches were continuously thrown at him leaving him cold and almost lifeless. The guy scooped Rowena in his arms and walked out of the alley.