THE UNTAMED LUNA

THE ALBANZO FAMILY

I want to forget what happened to me last night inside the forest. Either if it's true or not I can handle my fate, I believe for that. And about my destiny? I don't really mind it, for what comes to my life or leave me behind, no matter what happened. It's only be me.

Since we transfered here in Zamboanga City my wolf awaken, I must figure out the reason behind this. My weird experiences are so tough for me, until I remember from the very first time, that the Albanzo Family would be the key.

The following nights, I began dreaming of Mr. Albanzo's face...

He was alone in our empty classroom, writing on a sheet of paper. When he saw me, he looked up and smiled. “You’re here! I knew you’d find me,0you’re special,” he said.

That smile,soft and sweet like cotton candy, made my heart melt.

"I want to bite you," he said.

I replied, "Go ahead if you must; I want to feel how hard and painful your bite is."

I'm not sure why I responded that way; it was as if some force compelled me to indulge his request. He now stood before me, grasping my arms as I braced myself for what seemed inevitable - a kiss from him. No matter what happened next, I realized at that moment that I had started falling in love with him.

"Are you certain?" he asked, seeking final confirmation. But I found myself unable to respond, my lips pressed together as if zipped shut as Mr. Albanzo's face drew closer to mine. I closed my eyes, anticipating my first-ever kiss from my first-ever crush - unexpectedly yet thrillingly so.

Suddenly, Mr. Albanzo's face warped and deformed into a monstrous visage before me.

"No...no..." I shouted, jolting awake from the nightmare.

Gosh! thanks it's just a dream!

Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Time crawled by in class.

I turned to the window, pretending to be interested in something outside. Restless, my feet tapped under the desk. I wished I could stand instead of sit. Nervous energy buzzed through me for no clear reason. After first period, the twins joined me, easing my tension.

When I entered the English classroom, my teacher's soothing scent enveloped me. I inhaled deeply, refreshed by the familiar fragrance that seemed stronger than usual. His broad smile was just what I had hoped to see. I wished to sit and talk with him, but had to go to my desk instead, trying not to stare as he began the lesson.

My time with him was fleeting, I only caught a couple brief glances from him before it was over. It's heartbreaking. But I got another chance when I returned to his room for creative writing, and his face lit up with a beaming smile.

When our time was up, I headed back to Mr. Albanzo's room. He approached me with open arms, as if to embrace me. I moved toward him as well, but he halted himself with a slight shake of his head; I understood. Before he could almost touch me. Disappointed is how I would have felt.

"Today, I’ll need your help reviewing some student assignments," Mr. Albanzo said. "Leave notes, I’ll check them tonight. You can work beside me, just pull up a chair."

I nodded and set up beside his desk, trying to focus. But his voice... smooth and calming, made it hard to concentrate. His gentle tone eased even my deepest worries. I didn’t want the class to end.

Eventually, he stood before me, smiling. “Class is over,” he said.

As the other students filtered out, I glanced at the clock, the time was almost up! the bell rang.

I gathered my things reluctantly with a sigh, then turned to Mr. Albanzo saying, "Thank you for this wonderful learnings," I told him sincerely.

"This was so much better than ESP. I really enjoyed it." I lingered, moving slowly toward the door, not eager to leave.

"I certainly appreciate your help," he responded. Still reluctant, then I step toward the exit door.

"Oh, Miss Abby Jezz!" he added, "I came up with an English assignment that I think you'll really like. I'll share it with you tomorrow in class." I nodded as I left him behind.

I stop in my tracks as a memory comes to mind - in my dream last night, I saw a wolf and felt comforted. Now a similar feeling overcomes me around Mr. Albanzo. Could there be a link between the dream wolf and my teacher?

What truly makes up my inner self? Might my parents have hidden something from me?

Deep in thoughts, I found myself interrupted by Mr. Albanzo's unexpected words of praise regarding my analysis of the initial chapters. The question lingered in my mind - did he wish for me to stay longer? Drawing nearer, he expressed his gratitude, to which I responded with equal politeness, acknowledging the significance of the lesson he imparted.

Despite our professional differences, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Mr. Albanzo, I appreciate his advice and knowledge. As we stood facing each other, a peaceful silence engulfed us, underscoring our mutual respect. However, the impending arrival of the twins caused me to quietly change my position, indicating the end of our interaction.

"I thought we would find you here. And I'm exactly right?" Jade said. That breaks my daze, and I finally head out of the room with a small wave. We go to the boy's car and head towards their house. I'm eating dinner with them tonight and meeting their mom.

"My mom, let me join this time with you, but Dad? If he knows, he might get slightly angry," I said. Jade smiles at me. In my mind, mom has a feeling about them that they can be trusted. And I feel the same way too.

"You're lucky, you have a "Dad" Unlike us, we were born in this world without him. It's like there are missing pieces when you grow up without a complete family." Jade said. Then he put the radio on, and the sound of music started..

The neighborhood is stunning—tree-lined streets, elegant light poles, and vibrant flowers brighten the area. Spacious houses are thoughtfully placed, giving privacy and peace. Driving through the gated community felt exclusive and calm, a paradise for plant lovers.

As our car reached the gate, a grand entrance appeared. A screen lit up, and a warm voice said, “Welcome home.” The gate opened smoothly.

“So, welcome to our home!” Jade said.

A stunning woman emerged, she stood in the front of the door with the two guards initiated to open the big door. Her presence exuded warmth and hospitality as she extended her arms for a heartfelt embrace.

"Hello, sweety, welcome home!" She said.

Surprised by her gesture, I allowed myself to draw closer and embraced her in return, because I felt an instant connection.

"She's a human-wolf" my wolf informs me now.

If she's a wolf, maybe she knows that I'm one like her. I think this is the best idea, to be closed to Albanzo Family.

But when I look in her eyes, seems like I met her before. Did she know some detailed information about me?

This stunning woman welcomed me with a warm smile. She's incredibly attractive, standing tall, she has the grace of a young lady, and her figure resembles that of a model you'd see in a magazine or even a Miss Universe contestant.

She pulls me in close, and I can’t help but take a tiny step back, feeling a bit shy. Her outfit is all neat and tidy, but there’s this strange scent of a dead leaf lingering around her. It reminds me of my friend’s cat, Tagi, from back in the day. The smell is oddly similar to hers.

"Thank you, Ma'am, it's lovely to meet you too. And thank you for inviting me to have dinner with your sons."

"You are very welcome, sweetheart. Oh! Don't call me ma'am, instead, you can call me "Mom." She replied and winked at me.

Wow! Are we that close of friends? to treat me like I am the wife of one of her sons?

We all headed inside, and Jolina gave me a little tour of the house. Eventually, we found ourselves in the spacious kitchen. The boys asked me to take a seat, but I decided to stand and join Jolina instead. I really wanted to lend a hand with getting the food ready.

"Is there anything that I can do? My mom told me not to watch; instead, I should do something at least," I asked.

"Oh, no, you are my guest. Just relax and tell me about your day later," she said. I knew she had almost done cooking. so I headed back to the living room. As I looked outside, I spotted Jade standing there, and I decided to join him for a quick chat.

"Jade, I have to tell you something." I said it seriously.

"What was it, darling? Jade replied jokingly.

"Don't call me darling, I am not your girlfriend. Your mom might misunderstand it." I said, a bit annoyed, and I really hope no one overhears me.

"You were so serious. Alright. What was it?" he asked.

“You know, ever since we arrived in Zamboanga, some pretty unsettling things have happened to me,” I began, my voice dropping just a little. Everyone leaned in closer. “First, during our road trip, my dad swore he saw a big dog run across the road. He hit the brakes so hard I nearly hit my head on the dashboard. But when we checked outside…” I paused, feeling a chill crawl up my spine.

“There was no dog. Nothing. Not even footprints on the dirt road.”

The two of us exchanged curious glances.

“I didn’t mention this to my parents,” I continued, “but I saw something in the woods that day. It was like… a shadow. Tall, hunched, and watching us from behind the trees. I could feel its eyes on me, even though I couldn’t see its face.”

Jade leaned forward, brows furrowed. “The dog you said... it’s like a wolf?”

“Yes!” I nodded quickly, my heartbeat picking up as I remembered the encounter. “Just the same, but worse. Its fur was darker than night, and its eyes, Gosh, they weren’t normal. They almost glowed. And then, last night, it tried to attack me! I was walking back to the house when I heard something growl. I turned around, and there it was, crouched low, ready to pounce. I ran like my life depended on it.”

A moment of silence followed.

“Maybe,” Jade said slowly, “it wasn’t a dog at all.”