Keeping promises

Chapter 6:Finding a new rythm

“I don’t believe you when you tell me you are fine..”

(Are you really okay- Sleep token)

“Are you ready?” Tanner asked from my left. I took a deep breath and nodded as I looked at the school building. We had spent the weekend organizing my closet and making up for lost ime. I told my family about Rose, how she felt more like a kindred spirit than a friend and they agreed to let her stay with us if she wanted to. I wrote her a letter and sent it Saturday morning when the mailman came. I also had my parents reach out to Alpha Jacob for me. I wanted to talk to him but I felt anxious talking to him at his office or in his home. We decided that it would be best if we met Monday after school in my Aunt Paige’s office. Speaking of my aunt, I went over and saw her on Sunday and told her about the knot of anxiety that was building in my chest about Monday, going back into the school. She reassured me that if there were any issues the guidance counselor knew to call her or my parents right away and I could go home. She also praised me for having the courage to tell Alpha Jacob I wasn’t comfortable meeting at the pack house. She said I could use her as a neutral party anytime and that her office could always be a safe space for me. I thanked her and went back home then got my school outfit ready.

I chose a forest green button up silk shirt, I tucked the shirt under the button of my black jeans and adorned them with a simply designed black belt. I put a simple pair of fake diamond silver studs in my ears and kept the necklace my family got me on. I slipped on a pair of black no-show socks and paired them with my all black high top converse. I pulled my hair into a messy bun and put a little eye make up on. A little eye liner and mascara, I didn't feel like dealing with eyeshadow or my eyebrows.

I took Tanner’s hand and gave it a squeeze as before we both opened our doors and slipped out. I gave my dad a hand squeeze too and a nervous smile as I pulled my shoulder bag over my right arm and began walking in. Tanner held my hand as we walked up to the school doors, I held onto her tightly as everyone turned to face us. Some of them looked shocked to see me, other faces held pity. I turned to look at them, some of them I had once called my friends, others I barely knew.

“Welcome back Finn.” I looked over at a petite girl named Mia who rarely socialized. Her caramel colored skin always looked so fresh and soft. Her kinky black hair was left to fly loose, the coils were well oiled and shimmered under the morning sun. I looked into her olive green eyes and saw no malice so I sent her a small smile.

“Thank you Mia.” I responded as the first bell rang and the doors opened. I squeezed Tanner’s hand one last time and walked into Mr. Donner’s history class. My parents had called the school on Friday and notified them of my return. My printed schedule was waiting for me in my first period class. I handed Mr, Donner the slip of paper my parents and I had printed out for all of my teachers and the principal. He looked it over quickly and nodded before he handed me the paper with my name on it. I walked over to a spot by the window. As I took my seat, Christian and Dylan walked in and both of their eyes found me almost instantly. I kept my face neutral, Dylan however vomited, then turned and ran out the door.

“Gross.” I heard somebody mutter.

“Looks like we are taking the class outside, to the front lawn everybody.” Mr. Donner picked up his phone and called someone as we all stood up and filed out the door. I walked into the office on the way out and slid the paper for Ms. Marion on the front desk. The clerk, Mrs. Franklin looked at it and sent me a pitiful smile then sent me off. Mr.Donner came in and took a radio as I was leaving.

Mr. Donner had us all sit in a circular formation and began going over the history of the battle of Vicksburg. I only semi listened seeing as I had read ahead while I was at Ocean Blues.

“Finn, why was the battle of Vicksburg so significant?” Mr. Donner asked me politely.

“The union gained control of the Mississippi river.” I said evenly. “The confederacy was split due to it.” He nodded and moved on, asking someone else another question. When the bell rang we all got up and went back inside, moving on to our second class.

I walked in and saw Brooke in the back talking to Stacy Meyers, she had at one point been my closest confidant, or so I thought. I went to the left side of the room and sat near the windows. I was already sick of school and I couldn’t wait for the month to be over so we could get into summer break.

The incident with Christian happened in early October. It had taken over a year to fully process and semi recover from what he had done. Dr Danvers had explained that it took longer to heal when you knew the person who assaulted you. Not only because of the betrayal, but because time was needed to restore trust with everyone around us. . I took a deep breath and zoned in and out on the pythagorean theorem seeing as I didn't really understand math, nor did it really catch my attention.

When lunch finally rolled around I was ready to leave. I grabbed my bag and went outside to the football field and sat on the bleachers. I ate my lunch alone and watched the gym class do the mile. When lunch was over I grabbed my bag and walked into the first class I genuinely wanted to be jin, creative writing.

The class flew by and I had to force myself to get up only to walk into science. My old teacher was not my favorite, so I was happy to see a new face this year.

“Welcome back Finn.” She said before she paired me with Mia and two other students in the back left corner. I walked over and set my bag down next to Mia, she slid her text book between us so I could look at it until I got mine.

“Thank you Mia.”

“You’re welcome.” She said with a light smile, she then turned to the other students. “I’m sure you remember Ryan.” I nodded and sent a small wave to Ryan. “This is Dawson, he’s new this year.”

“Hello Dawson.” I said offering my hand to him. He took it gently and shook it carefully with his.

“It’s nice to meet you.” He responded after we released each other's hands.

“How is Cadence, Ryan?” I asked, his younger sister was diagnosed with adolescent arthritis a few years ago. He sent me a sad smile and let out a deep breath.

“She passed last December.” I felt my heart sink and my cheeks burn.

“I’m sorry.” I said lightly. “I…”

“It’s alright Finn.” Ryan said just as lightly. “You had more to worry about than keeping up with the town news.”

“Thank you for understanding.” I took a deep breath and let it out softly. “Even though I’m sure it was painful for me to bring it up.” He nodded and his eyes got red. “It’ll be easier to talk about with time.”

“Can you talk about it yet?”, I nodded and his eyes widened slightly.

“I’ve had extensive therapy. Why did you think I was gone for a year?” He let out a breath and his body deflated.

“Nobody knew where you were, most of us thought you were put in a psych ward.” I chuckled lightly, much to all of their surprise.

“If I were in a ward I doubt they would have met me out.” I rolled my eyes dramatically, causing them to chuckle.

“Alright class.” We all turned toward the front of the room. “Today we will be talking about….”

………………7 hours later……….

I sighed as I placed my bag down on a hard plastic chair in the waiting room of my aunt's office. I sat next to my bag and waited for Paige to call me in. I already checked in with the receptionist who gave me an encouraging smile before telling me to take a seat.

Aunt Paige came out of her office, following a tall kid who looked pissed. I got out of my seat as Alpha Jacob entered the waiting room, almost running into the mad guy who was on his way out.

“Perfect timing.” My aunt said as she ushered both of us into her office. She sat behind her desk while Alpha Jacob and I sat in chairs beside each other, a good two feet between us.

“So what did you want to talk about Finn?” Alpha Jacob asked after a moment.

“I have two questions.” I said, turning toward him. “ My first question is about a friend of mine. She’s a pack-less minor who is currently at Ocean Blues recovering from her own trauma. Once she is ready I would like it if she could come live with my family.” He nodded along as I spoke, aunt Paige listened while looking through her computer, her mouse clicking softly every few seconds.

“I’m surprised you're asking to bring her here.” He said hesitantly. “Especially after what you went through.”

“I would feel safer if I could keep an eye on her.” I responded. “I also know that you are a kind Alpha who won’t tolerate abuse.” He let out a long, deep breath before he responded.

“I'm glad you still have faith in me.” He said lightly. “I wouldn't have blamed you if you didn’t.” I gave him a quick small smile before I continued.

“I would also like to start a self defense class.” He tilted his head and I felt Aunt Paige glance over the top of her screen for a moment. “Most of the women around here have no idea how to defend themselves. I took a few classes while I was away and I would like to share some of that knowledge.”

“I see,” he began. “There would need to be a guardian assigned to watch over the class, as you are not legally an adult.”

“I understand,” I simply stated. “I was hoping you could offer some input into a few adults I have already spotted.” I reached into my bag and pulled out a small list of names, they were adults from our pack that had good reputations.

“I see you have a star next to Alexander Lowel.” I nodded, “his daughter is Brooke, correct?”

“From what I recall is one of the pack's top warriors,” Alpha Jacob nodded. “I feel that he would have a good reason to supervise.”

“He would.” Alpha Jacob said before he took a deep breath and exhaled. “Is there anything else you needed me for?” I shook my head.

“No sir.” He gave me a quick nod, then looked at Paige who said no. He stood and offered me his hand, which I took carefully.

“Thank you Finn.” He said as he shook my hand gently. “I will ask Alex if he will be your supervisor when I see him later.”

“Thank you Alpha.” I said with a smile as he turned toward the door.

“Have a good night ladies.” He exited the room and let the door close behind him. I faced my aunt who was watching me carefully.

“How was school today?”

“It was pretty boring, except some kid got sick, first period and we had to take our class outside.”

“Just some kid?”

“Nobody important.”

…..45min later……

After my session with Paige I walked out of her office and saw Dylan sitting in her waiting room. His face turned sheet white when he saw me and he began to get sick. His mother looked at me and my aunt as she worried over her son.

“I’ll see you next week.” I said with a wave, she nodded as she ushered Dylan into her office.

……….3 days later…….

…….Unkown POV…….

“What is going on?” I asked the kid I was seated next to in my fourth period study hall. “Everyone is so damn quiet today.” She sighed and looked around before speaking.

“I forgot that you’re new.” I gave her a pointed look and she rolled her eyes. “A freshman got r***d after school a year ago today.” She looked down at the floor as she continued. “They never caught who did it either.”

“She didn’t tell anyone?” I asked, crossing my arms and leaning back in my chair. “You would think she wouldn’t want that bastard to have the opportunity to do it again.”

“She probably has her reasons.” She said before she turned away from me.

On my way to lunch I noticed a girl walking down the hall. Unlike everyone else who had their heads down, hers was held high. Her golden hair flowed around her and her amber eyes flicked around, taking in everyone around her. Her eyes flicked to mine for just a moment before they moved on to someone else. Her stride was confident as she walked down the corridor, I saw her eyes squint slightly when she saw the alpha pup. She looked away and smiled slightly while looking at Dawson, while really at the girl by his side.

Dawson and I had moved to this town together as we searched for a new pack. Alpha Jacob welcomed us on his lands, but something about his pup had me thinking twice. Dawson and I decided to stay until he graduated, I would be over 18 and a legal adult so we could travel more easily. We had come from the same pack, unfortunately for us it had been annihilated by a rival alpha. Seeing as I was the future beta, and Dawson the future gamma, we were on the s**t list. Our fathers were killed trying to defend our old Alpha, and our mothers were basically useless, so we left. We haven’t even glanced back. Moving forward was the only way for us to survive.

The woman walked past me and I took in her scent, cotton and honeysuckle. It was sweet and somehow relaxing.

I watched her walk into a classroom two doors away from where I was standing, once she was out of sight the world started moving again. Students rushed to their classes, some talking lightly while others kept their heads down. I looked over at Dawson, his mouth was open and his face was as sickly pale.

(You good?) I asked through our mind-link.

(I think I’m gonna be sick) He answered.

(You look like it too. What’s up?) He looked at me, his dark hazel eyes meeting mine.

(Mia just told me why everyone stopped as Finn walked by.) He semi-whispered into the link. (You would never know by looking at her now.) I rolled my eyes and gave him my best “Talk” face.

(Last year…) He trailed off, something clicked on my mind as the puzzle pieces fit together.

(She’s the one who was assaulted.) He nodded as he and Mia walked past, he nudged my arm carefully. As members of the lychan species, we sought comfort through small touches. Dawson and I rarely needed it. However, something about hearing a new friend of his had gone something so terrible, left him feeling vulnerable.

(We’ll go for a run later) I told him before heading to my own class. I couldn’t get her out of my mind for the rest of the day. The strength she secreted as she walked down the hall. Looking at her one would never guess she had been assaulted. She didn’t hide herself away, instead she walked into the school like she owned it. It took insane amounts of courage, and I found myself admiring her.

……………Finn POV…………

I took a deep breath as I walked out of class. My head told me to run, go home, get somewhere safe. Christian had been watching me all day, but I wouldn’t let him see the cracks in my facade. I chose to go to school even though my parents had offered to let me skip. I didn’t want to give Christian any power over me. I could feel myself slipping by lunch, the fear and the anxiety had formed a knot in my stomach and it was growing larger by the hour. I sat on the bleachers overlooking the track/football field. I didn’t eat, I didn’t read.cry, scream, run, or anything I wanted to do. I just sat there, doing nothing. When lunch was over I went back to my classes and finished the day.

When the final bell rang I grabbed my bag and headed for the front doors. People had refrained from touching me all day, it was nice. I was on the school lawn when I heard my name, I turned around and saw Christain standing with Brooke and Mark. The knot in my stomach grew and I began to feel queasy. I pushed the feeling down and turned back around, not wanting to deal with them.

“Finn!” I rolled my eyes and looked back over my shoulder. “I am your Alpha and you will listen to me.” I felt a hot rage boil in my blood as he tried to use his status to control me.

“If you think for one second I would ever follow you as my alpha, then allow me to fix that.” I spat at him, the disgust probably evident on my face with the way Brooke flinched. “You will never be my Alpha, the day you take over is the day I cut ties with the pack.” Christian’s eyes filled with rage and he took a step toward me, only to be stopped by a nasty snarl. I looked over and saw Dawson, Mia and some other guy walking in our direction.

“f**k off.” Christian growled at them, puffing out his chest. “You’re on my land.”

“Your father’s land pup.” The guy I didn’t know growled.

“Brooke.” I called to her, her blue eyes found mine. “Did your Dad tell you about the class he’s going to be supervising?” She nodded.

“Yeah, why?”

“I think you should come. You never know when self-defense skills may come in handy.”

“She doesn’t need self defense.” Christian snarled at me, Brooke flinched as she turned to face him. “She has me.”

I laughed loudly, it was a cold and dark laugh. Mark shivered while everyone else stared at me. “The irony of that statement is too funny.” I said taking a step toward them, the fiery rage was replaced by a cold fury. “If you think she has nothing to worry about, take a look around. Everyone is walking on eggshells today, not to mention, that bastard was never caught.” Christian actually recoiled. I smirked and turned away from him, walking toward the car parking lot. My dad was bustling in our direction, he seemed to have sensed something was wrong.

“You ready to go.” I nodded as I grabbed his arm and let him lead me back to the car. I got in the back seat, then let out a few tense breaths. I started laughing, tears slipped out of my eyes as I realized how close I had been to him, and how well I stood my ground.

“Are you okay Finn.” I nodded and let my head fall back onto the seat. I closed my eyes and rested for the short drive home.