My Moon Luna

Chapter 6 ( Two golden eyes )

(Amelia POV)

I looked at the pancakes browning beautifully in the pan in front of me. The words Issac had said about the missing girl were running through my mind. This is all very strange. It’s good that Issac was not hiding anything from his students. My mother was not wrong when she said that it is dangerous to be out late on the streets. I hope the missing girl is all right. However, it's strange that Issac himself decided to look for this girl. I suppose he could have informed the police officers, which is their job to find her. Maybe Issac didn't want to admit that the girl was missing. Perhaps that's why he decided to check the campus first. Thoughts like these kept going through my mind while the pancakes were cooking in the frying pan.

"I bet that girl is just sleeping in the bushes after drinking too much." Nathan leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his head.

"I think Issac would have found her by now if she was in the student village." Brook crossed her arms as she sat on the kitchen cabinet.

"Come on. Maybe we can change the subject to something a little more fun?" James' eyes flicked to Nathan, a look of displeasure on his face.

"It's an excellent topic. Why did you all look so scared?" I flipped the pancakes in the frying pan, glancing over my shoulder at my roommates.

For a moment, the kitchen was deathly silent. I wrinkled my forehead, feeling as if something was being kept from me, although perhaps it was just my vast imagination. I opened the cupboard and took out four plates, placed some pancakes on each one, drizzled syrup over them and topped them with blueberries.

It was strange to see the eyes of all the roommates downcast when Issac was standing in front of them, although I probably shouldn't have expected anything else. Nathan had been very disrespectful in his outburst about the girl's disappearance. He should be grateful that these things are not kept hidden from the students. Perhaps Issac is respected among the students for his openness and direct character. However, I wouldn't say that he seems to be particularly strict. Maybe it is just his mask. Probably a hell of a lot of responsibility falls on his shoulders.

"This is the school principal. I think he deserves some respect." Nathan smiled as he glanced at Brook.

"Enough of this headmaster chatter. Amelia, tell me more about your plans for the future?" James's gaze shifted to me.

I slid two plates onto the table in front of Nathan and James, then I went back to the two other plates that were for Brook and myself. Plans for the future swirled in my mind. I had always dreamed of being a designer, no matter what field. Just the thought of creating new things and people enjoying them and wanting it makes my heart jump for joy. I know there are many different designers, but my first year at this college was focused on finding a direction.

"I'm a designer. I just don't know the direction yet." I squatted on a chair in front of my roommates.

"Tell me you're kidding?" Brook's big dark eyes fixed on me.

"No, Brook, I'm not joking. What's that look on your face?" I looked at Brook, who was taking a bite of her pancake.

"I think it's cool. I hope you turn out to be a good designer, with less drinking and falling." James smiled as he looked at the plate in front of him.

"James, shut up." I smiled widely. "I don't need to be reminded of last night." I rolled my eyes as I took my fork to grab a piece of the pancake.

"It's nice to know that at least we'll have our first year together. We won't feel so lonely between all the lectures." Brook smiled, her cheek stained with blueberries.

"Brook, you eat like a pig." Nathan pointed the finger at his cheek to show that Brook was a mess.

Brook raised her middle finger, and we all laughed out loud. It looks like the first year of school is going to be a fun one. I'm glad that my roommates are not the kind of people who shut themselves in their rooms. However, it would be much better if it was just girls living in this house. Of course, I can't change the timetable of how the houses and students are arranged. Therefore, I have to adapt to the present. It seems that I can forget about the unrestrained behaviour of going around in my underwear only after a shower. I won't give Nathan and James the pleasure of peering over the corner at my body.

"What are you studying, James?" I turn my dark eyes towards the guy still staring at the plate.

"Someone has no appetite." Nathan gave James a teasing look.

James pushed his plate away, refusing to eat. Well, I'm probably not the best cook. Of course, I can’t make anyone eat my food. James put his hand on his chin, and his gaze shifted to me. I'm proud of my culinary skills, I'm not a terrible cook. Of course, I have my mother to thank for that. She taught me all the usual culinary recipes and a few fancy secrets. My dad used to praise me all the time for my excellent cooking. James will probably get used to a different kind of food. Well, that's none of my business. As I see, he has two arms and legs. When he's hungry, he'll make his own. All these lunches are just a gesture of friendliness.

"It may not be a prevalent art form, but I'm damn attracted to painting, drawing and fine art." The corner of James's lips turned up, his eyes darting out of the window behind me.

"A real artist, that's amazing." Brook smiled as she looked at James.

"What are your plans, Nathan?" My eyes went to the dark-haired guy.

"Nothing concrete at the moment." Nathan shrugged his shoulders and put a pancake in his mouth.

"I've heard some interesting talk about the teacher of design." James' eyes darted to Brook.

"Go on, tell me. It would be interesting to know more." I smiled as I watched James.

"Her name is Hellen. There's a rumour on campus that she lives in the woods. Some students say she's a little bit crazy." James' eyes shifted to me.

"I agree. I've heard that Hellen always carries a book with her. The students suspect that the book contains the names of students who are attracting her wrath." Nathan looked at Brook with a slight smile on his lips.

"Don't tell me you're talking about the black book she always carries with her. My cousin said it has the names of dead students." Brook's eyes went to James.

"I think you've been listening to a lot of nonsense." I rolled my eyes as I stood up from the kitchen table.

I am convinced that this talk is pure nonsense. This is a prestigious art college, not a funeral society. There is no reason for teachers to write students' names in a book. Surely it is just a regular logbook to mark students' missed lectures or notes. It’s probably the vivid imagination of the students who can't think of a more exciting activity to do during the lesson.

Until I see that black book with my own eyes, I will certainly not believe all this chatter. I could feel the corner of my lips going up at such thoughts: the black death journal, absolute nonsense.

"You can see with your own eyes. I'm sure the first lesson for you and Brook will be with Hellen." Nathan sits up from his chair, carrying his plate towards the sink.

"I think there’s a cell phone on the second floor ringing." James looked around at everyone else.

For a moment, the kitchen was silent. I strained my ears, trying to hear any sound coming from the second floor. Very faintly, however, I could hear that someone's phone was vibrating on the second floor. I put my plate in the sink, turned on my heel and headed straight for the stairs. I remember very well that I had turned off the phone sound so that no one would wake me up in the morning. With a quick step, I stomped up the stairs, and opened the bedroom door. Sure enough, my phone was vibrating on the bedside table by the bed. I glanced at the screen where my mother's name glowed. I clicked the green button, then got comfortable on the bed.

"Yes, Mum?" I looked up at the bright ceiling of the room.

"How are you, sweetheart? Tell me everything. Who are your new roommates? I hope there are no boys among them?" Mum's inquisitive voice rang on the other end of the phone.

"I have a wonderful roommate named Brook." I smiled at the thought of the girl sitting on the first floor. "I can't wait to go to my first lectures tomorrow." I looked out of the window at the grey clouds.

"Just the two of you? I think you're not telling me something." I could hear the frustration in my mother's voice.

"Two guys are living with Brook and me. They - " I couldn't finish the sentence.

"Amelia, I hope you haven't forgotten our agreement?" Mum didn't let me finish the sentence.

"No boys in bed, career first." I rolled my eyes, repeating my mother's words over and over in my head.

"I don't want to see you heartbroken like last time." Mum's sad voice reached my ears.

"I know, Mum. All my thoughts are on the lectures. I can't wait to see my first classmates and teacher tomorrow." The corner of my lips lifted with positive thoughts.

"Be sure to call. I want to know if the teachers are respectful and kind to their students." Mum's voice sounded a little harsher than always.

"Mum, this is a prestigious college. I will be fine. Don't forget that I'll see you during the winter holidays." My eyes drifted towards the door of the room.

Brook walked through the door of the room. She put on thicker clothes and a warm raincoat. I raised my eyebrows as if asking where she was going.

"Here's my number. I'm on my way to meet my cousin." Brook put a piece of paper on my locker and her phone next to it.

"Amelia, we've missed you so much. Even though it's only been a few days." Mom's voice was full of worry.

I nodded to Brooke letting her know I would grab the paper with her phone number. My roommate waved at me as she closed the door firmly behind her. My full attention returned to the conversation with my mother. I know exactly how worried she is. I realise that I am now in the furthest reaches of the country. She does not have the opportunity to hug me and talk to me every day. Strangely, Brook should think of going somewhere, but that is her business. I don't intend to be behind her every step of the way. She's probably going to hang out with her cousin, whoever she is. Maybe they haven't seen each other for a long time and miss the hell out of each other. I wish I had someone close to me in this distant town.

"I know, Mum, I miss you too. Give a big kiss to Dad and a bear hug to my sister." I smiled as I picked up a slip of paper with Brook's number from my locker.

"Are the guys who live with you polite? No party lions? Or uneducated teenagers?" Mum asked curiously.

My eyes went to Brook's phone, which was left on the locker. She must have forgotten it. How will I get in touch with her? I climbed out of bed and grabbed her phone. Hopefully, she hadn't left the house yet.

"Mum, I have to go. I'll call you tomorrow." I ended the call by slipping the phone into my trench pocket.

I walked straight out of the room door, turning towards the stairs leading to the first floor. I climbed every other stair, hoping to see Brook in the doorway. No sign of her. I turned my gaze towards James, who was sitting comfortably on the sofa.

"Has Brook been out long?" I paused at the door, slipping on my dark trainers.

"You'd better hurry up and catch up with her. I'm sure she hasn't gone very far." James glanced over his shoulder in my direction.

"Where's Nathan?" My eyes darted towards the kitchen, but there was no sign of him around.

"Decided to keep Brook company." James shrugged.

I opened the door of the house wide. A strong gust of wind instantly greeted me. I slammed the door behind me. For a few moments, I wondered if it was worth rushing to Brook because tiny drops of rain were already falling from the sky. My eyes immediately went to Brook's bright raincoat and Nathan in the distance. I could feel a few wrinkles appearing on my forehead. They didn't follow the usual path but instead disappeared between the bushes. I jumped off the terrace step and rushed in their direction. Probably Brook knows a shorter way to her cousin's house. I'm sure that's the reason they didn't take the main road. Besides, I would also like to take a shorter route to my desired destination in this weather. Logical.

"Brook! Nathan!" I shouted as I ran to the other side of the road.

It seems they didn't hear me. I took a step into the bush. I struggled to get through the wet branches. A large, darkening forest met my eyes. I looked around, trying to spot Brook's bright clothes, but there was no sign. Damn, I must have lost sight of them. Not wanting to give up, I took a few more big steps into the woods. My eyes went towards the farthest tree. I still hadn't lost hope that maybe they were nearby. I just can't see through all these trees. I'll probably have to wait until Brook gets home. Hopefully nothing happens to her while she is without her mobile. I turned on my heel as I headed towards the side of the road. The damn bushes were in my face, and the leaves were dripping rain. I heard a strange sound behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to be sure. My eyes instantly rested on an unknown figure. I blinked a few times to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me.

Slowly I squatted down and picked up the first large stick I saw from under my feet. I saw two golden eyes shining in the shadows of the trees. I don't know if it's a dog or a wolf, but I'm not going down without a fight. I will certainly not fall to the ground pretending to be dead. I carefully stood up and stretched the stick out in front of me. Come on. I can't see what it is through the shadows. The possibility of how I could avoid all this flashed in my mind.

"Come on, show yourself." I stamped my foot hard, trying to scare those two golden eyes out.

The branches beneath the creature's feet crunched. A beast I can't describe emerged from the shadows of the trees. It certainly didn't look like a wolf, it was too big. I felt my jaw drop open in amazement at the sight of it. What the hell is it? Two golden eyes looked in my direction. Its height was three times greater than mine. Who is this overgrown wolf? The dark brown fur fluttered in the slight breeze. His four legs stood calmly planted in the ground. After a second, he crouched down and sat in front of me. He doesn't seem to be angry, but I can't risk it.

I turned on my heel and ran with all my might. I could feel the branches scratching my face, but I didn't care. Soon, I saw the house come into view along the main road. I ran with all my might without turning back. I don’t want to be eaten by this unknown creature. My feet were stepping on the wet grass. Finally, I felt the road under my legs. I heard a car horn announce itself with the squeal of tires. Then I felt a jolt. I did not see the car approaching. For a moment, everything around me went dark. When I opened my eyes wide and took a deep breath, I saw James’ terrified face in front of me.

"Amelia, what happened to you? Are you ok?" James asked me with surprised eyes.

I looked around and noticed the car seemed to have pushed me a little further away from where I was. My leg was scratched and bleeding, and my head was spinning terribly. My gaze immediately went to the forest where I saw the giant creature.

"Lady, are you alright? You ran into the road so suddenly I didn't have time to stop the car. Do you need an ambulance?" A blonde-haired woman was coming in the direction of James and me.

"There was a big wolf, or a dog, I don't know. Some kind of creature." I said quietly, looking at James.

"We don't need an ambulance. It's okay. You can go." James glanced over his shoulder at the blonde-haired woman.

"Are you sure about this? I think this girl has been dealt a severe blow." The blonde furrowed her brows and turned her bright eyes on me.

I saw James get up and turn around to walk towards the woman. He put one hand on her shoulder, looking straight into her bright eyes. A million questions swirled in my mind. Where did that giant creature come from in that forest? Does James know what it is?

"Get back in the car and go wherever you want. Forget that this incident ever happened." The words left James's lips in silence.

"Have a good day." The blonde smiled as she turned around, heading back to her car.

What is this nonsense? Why did this woman seem so scared and eager to help at first and now she just wished me a good day and went on her way as if nothing happened? I leaned on my hands heavily and pushed on the ground to get up from thepavement. My head was still spinning unpleasantly and I could feel my legs pulling back little by little. I saw James walking towards me and I realised he knew something, that's why he asked that woman to leave.

"James, what was that creature in the woods?" I wrinkled my forehead as I watched James intently.

"Amelia, it was a werewolf." James looked at me with a severe face.

"A wolf-what?" I didn't understand the meaning of the word that came out of his lips.