Don't Look at Me That Way

Afraid of the dark

Jenna was startled awake by a sudden noise behind her, afraid to open her eyes. She remained as still as she possibly could. Her breathing became shaky, but she managed to keep very still in hopes that whatever woke her would simply just go away. Soon, she heard the most angelic voice say, "Jenna, I know you are awake child, please sit up." Jenna responded, "I can't, I, I'm afraid of the dark!"

Suddenly, there was a soft glow coming from behind her, and she slowly sat up to face the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She had long, jet black hair that almost reached the ground, a crown of beautiful white flowers on her head. Her skin was so pale that it almost shimmered in the moonlight. she wore a long white flowing gown that had all of the phases of the moon embroidered on it. Jenna was in complete awe. She asked, "Who are you?" The woman said, 'You may call me Selene. I am the moon goddess."

Jenna's eyes got as big as saucers, and she bowed to the ground so fast she almost rolled all the way over! Selene giggled a little at the gesture but took Jenna's hand and said, "Come child, we have much to discuss. "

They walked a little further into the woods until they came upon a small river, lazily flowing along with a huge weeping willow tree beside it with a swing made for two hanging from one of its massive branches. The moon goddess gestured for Jenna to take a seat, and she, in turn, sat down beside her and gave them a gentle push with her foot.

They began to swing, and Jenna's anxiety started to ease. A beautiful silver wolf with blue eyes and black tips came strolling up and lay at the moon goddesses' feet. Jenna was in awe at this beautiful creature. Selene said, "This is Jasmine. She is your wolf." Jenna's eyes teared up as she asked, "Really??? But I'm not old enough to have a wolf yet! She's too beautiful for me!"

Selene smiled and explained, "You will not be able to shift until you turn 18 like all other wolves can at 16, but things have been very difficult for you my child, and they are about to get a bit worse for awhile and you are going to need her to get through what is to come. I can not give you details, but just know that I had hoped things would have been different. Every choice one person makes affects the path of at least one other person and, therefore, creates a ripple effect. You have already lived through so much that I felt it necessary to give you a little help. She will help with friendship, with comfort and physical healing when necessary but not accelerated so much that others would notice that you are blessed by me."

"But why?" Jenna asked, tears rolling down her face, not sure which question the why was directed towards more... Why were things going to be harder, or why was she saying I was blessed?

Selene understood, though, and simply said, "You have a special purpose to fulfill my child. One that only you were made for. That is why Jasmine is here, She's a strong wolf who will not tolerate people hurting you once she can be revealed. When they see her, they will know. Things will get harder because people that should have made different choices where your wellbeing was concerned didn't and unfortunately that will make you have to suffer a little more for their lack of protection and the shame that they now carry. For that, I am truly sorry."

"I would sit with you until the sun comes up, but unfortunately, you are already being looked for and not in a good way. Jasmine will be able to communicate with you via mindlink, but it's imperative that you keep her a secret. Please, go my sweet one. Know that in the end, things will work out for the best." Selene said before she disappeared and Jenna startled awake.

My heart is beating very fast, as I'm alone, deep in the woods, and it's way past dark. The one thing that scares me the most when I'm alone is darkness. There's almost no moon out tonight, and I am afraid to move. What if Dale is out here somewhere? Amelia could be mad and out looking for me. Oh goddess, what do I do?!?

Then I heard it, the sweet voice in my head that was Jasmine! She said, "Jenna, I'm here, look to your left." I did as she said, oddly my vision seemed much clearer than it had ever been before! I'm assuming that's because I had her now! How exciting! "Okay, now what?" I asked her. "Follow that path. It will lead you to the pack house. From there, you can find your way home in the dark!" She was right too! In 15 minutes, I was standing in my front yard, getting ready to face whatever came next.