Unbreakable

Aftermath

The following morning I woke in the most awkward position and couldn't help but groan. I was so groggy from the energy spent the day before that I hardly realized that Tate was already gone. The shower had left moisture hanging in the air showing me hadn't been gone long. I see a note on the bed and remembering the somber events of the night before last put a jolt of Panic through my chest. 

Tessa,

    Gone for a run. Will see you after lunch for the pack meeting.

-T

    Relief washed over me and I felt a tinge of guilt in remembering my plans to leave. I hopped out of bed and headed to the shower. I would usually sing (badly) an old Ace of Bass song that my mother overplayed while growing up, but all I could do is cry. I let the water wash my tears away and toweled myself off. I threw on my underwear and found a black tank and a pair of faded denim jeans that had fringed from wear around the feet. I put my red hair into a long side-braid, put on my tennis shoes, grabbed my tiny backpack and headed to the kitchen.

    I almost reached the kitchen and I was hit by the most amazing smell. I have wanted to meet my mate all of my life, but this was not the time for me to find happiness. "MATE!" a strange voice inside me practically growl yelled. The heartbreak heavy in my friends heart, I can't leave him to deal with that alone. What just happened inside of my head? Was that my wolf? Overload moment. I had stopped just outside the kitchen door. The panic from the new voice inside my head and being overwhelmed with everything hitting me in that moment, I forgot my need for caffeine or food and bolted from the pack house while trying to hide my scent. I looked back in the direction of the pack house and saw nobody in sight. I was a mess. I decided to head towards town to use the cyber café. Coffee and college applications. I don't understand anything in this moment, so I need to just go through with the one plan I did understand. 

    I beat myself up for running from my mate along the way. I was too busy looking at each crack in the pavement as I walked to notice that Aaron and his friends were headed up the sidewalk on their bicycles. I didn't see Aaron extend one hand out as he rode towards me, I looked up at the last moment to be smacked in the face and barrel to the ground. Again things were hazy due to the unexpected impact and all that I could hear was the sound of laughter and a couple hi-5's as the group pedaled away without a care. I just laid there for a minute. Searing with anger, hurt that again I was the punching bag and it was a just a joke to everyone. Yep. Definitely coffee and college applications. I pulled myself to a sitting position and straightened my hair and shirt before standing up and walking the final two blocks into our small little town of Diamond lake and up to the small brown, brick, café.