Birthday
1890 Words
::Sarah's POV::
The drive back was a bit awkward, but not the silence kind of awkward... Janet was babbling about Billy's surprise birthday party at a revenue I myself have never been to before. It was in the territory, but who was I to say I explored every forsaken mile in this huge place. But she did this, and she still had the phone she wanted to gift him since that day at the mall.
The mall thoughts came rushing back in, how I resented Veronica's trust, how I was suspicious of Janet. But had I been doubting the wrong people this whole time? I can feel my belly churning at the reality that I was celebrating Billy's birthday without Drake.
''It's going to be okay.'' Janet rubbed my shoulder, but quickly remembered about my scars.
They did not hurt when you touched it, but even just seeing it you would know that the skin it tore into would never heal from its experience.
''I'm sorry.'' she sulked and looked forward.
''It's okay, I'm just lost about everything.'' I looked out the window.
Drake. Where are you?
The sun was setting and the sky picked up its evening hue. There were minimal clouds in the air, the mixtures of pink and orange danced together in the sky. The soft cool breeze swirled around us as we entered the revenue. It was an outside party, just like our pack's Thanksgiving one. But Janet reminded me that all decorations were made by her and other pack members.
The chairs were wrapped with one of Billy's favorite color, he loved the color teal. The ribbons matched the soft drapes that embroidered the white table cloths. The center pieces were carefully decorated with teal carnations and orchids. The cutlery and plates looked custom made just for the occasion. Balloons galore along with the thumping music and smell of alcohol.
''Wow.'' was all I could say.
''I know right?'' Janet scanned the area looking for last minute adjustments and errors.
''I'll catch up to you later, feel free to choose a table.'' she hurried off to one of her party planners.
I saw the gift table which wasn't too far from the guest of honor's table. This looked more like a wedding than a freaking birthday party. But I swiftly placed my gift onto the pile of gifts that were a pin needle close to become overwhelming. I was amazed by the amount of gifts he had, many of them were from patients and pack members. He was definitely an all around guy, a loved one at that. I couldn't help but smile.
But my smile soon faded away, as my wolf caught on to a scent that was still fresh. My inner wolf perked her ears and sniffed the air. Then before I could investigate further I was yanked from behind!
''Hey b***h!'' Adam chimed.
Oh my f*****g lord... he scared the crap out of me!
''What aren't you happy to see us? Aren't you glad that we stayed here longer?'' he sassed waiting for his compliments of agreement.
''Leave her alone Adam. She's still got a lot on her mind.'' Derrick sighed, ''We picked out a table over there if you care to join us.''
Someone is here.
''Yes I can sense them as well.'' Jen became on the alert.
The guests were all faceless to me, I multi tasked trying to search for this person while making my way unnoticed to my seat. My gut told me someone was here, it just didn't know who.
''I'll keep an eye out for things.'' Jen prowled to the back of my head.
I was definitely uneasy, one of my pursuants could be present right here, right now. I could hear my friends chattering slowly fading away, while my heartbeat became louder in my throat. My mind bent the environment around me. It was beginning to morph out of shape and logic. My heartbeat did not stop, it became stronger, louder, ringing in my already deaf ears.
Jen. What's going on?
No response.
Jen!
''Welcome our beloved guests.'' Janet's voice rang through the microphone.
My body dazed a bit before returning back to reality, that was really odd.
''Today we celebrate a special day for my special someone. He holds the staff sergeant position in our military pack ranks, he also is known as one of the most caring nurses, and a lot of other honorable mentions...'' she winked, the crowd gave an excited ''Oooooo'' then she waved her arm, ''Billy, Happy Birthday baby!''
Billy appeared into the light and received standing ovation from everyone. I smiled and clapped as he jestered up a few tricks to entertain his guests. Janet happily embraced him as he took the microphone for his birthday speech.
''First off, I want to thank my brother's in arms.'' he glanced at a few tables which had many pack warriors situated in a bunch. He received a very vocal of appreciation back.
''We all know our front liners at the hospital dedicate their time and lives to nurture the unable, so kudos to you too.'' he blew a kiss at the head nurse. She gently placed her hands on her heart and mouthed the words ''I love you.''
''To my...'' he aggressively grabbed Janet's waist to his side, ''My exquisite lover.'' Janet began to blush, ''I love you Janet.'' the crowd did an ''awwwe'' in unison. Janet hid her embarrassed flushed cheeks behind Billy's arm, still smiling.
''And to our luna.'' I hadn't noticed that the spotlight suddenly shone upon me. I instantly froze!
What was he going to say next, would I receive any feedback from the pack members? Will I be belittled or bickered on about? I felt like I was in a real uncomfortable position right about now.
''Thank you,'' he lifted up his glass, ''Thank you for being with us, may you stay with us forever.''
There was a moment of silence, but then a huge roar from everyone echoed through out the revenue. I looked around with extremely surprised eyes, there were people who I never met or spoke to just cheering my name. My table were one of the loudest out of everyone at the party, competing for who had the most appreciation.
I could feel my tears begin to form and the next thing I did was definitely involuntarily.
I ran.
What the f**k?!
What was going on?!
''She's here.'' Jen growled.
Who?!
She did not say anything but kept running, eventually force shifting me into a wolf. Her strong hind legs pushed on and the scent we were tracking was becoming closer. Jen's determination accelerated her speed and we closed in on our prey. But this prey wasn't moving.
Jen! What if it's a trap?!
''Just trust me.'' I haven't heard those words in a while.
I bit my bottom lip as Jen leaped into a few bushes, causing some scratches and nips as she continued her chase. She took a final leap and we ended up in the infamous clearing. The one that I have avoided all this time due to my previous experience. I wanted to cry out, but my wolf wouldn't let me.
And there, in the center of the clearing, with the northern winds blowing her scent right at me. A wolf with white boots, light brown fur glistened in the moonlight. She transformed right back to her human form and then eyed me.
''Mom...'' I finally understood.
''I had a feeling it was her.'' Jen allowed me to take control and transform back into my normal self.
The woman who stood before me was the one who abandoned me, the one who's reputation made my life a living hell, and the very same one who had the audacity to slap me, was now in grasps reach. She just stood there, looking at me, with no particular emotion.
''Why are you here?'' I almost growled at her.
''You're in danger.'' she warned.
Who was she to decide that all of a sudden. If anything I was probably in danger from her!
''Get out of here and never show your face ever again.'' I was about to turn my back on her when all of a sudden she said...
''You might not understand what is going on, but you can't be at that party tonight.'' she shook her head.
''Look,'' I spun right back at her, ''If you haven't noticed, my life has been, and is s**t. The last thing I need right now is someone who wasn't a part of majority my life, to tell me what to do.'' This woman had the nerve to keep up her act.
I haven't forgotten about what Janet said, that she saw someone like me but in older form. Unfortunately I looked a lot like my mom, but I vowed that I was no where near close to being like her.
''I can't decide anything for you, so I'll leave with a warning. Drake cannot escape right now, but...''
''What do you know of Drake? If anything he is the last person you would be concerned about.'' my emotions flared and I did not realize I was already streaming tears.
My mother gave me one last glance before turning her back on me, getting ready to leave.
''Stop her Sarah!'' Jen urged.
What? Why?! I disgustedly asked.
''She knows something!''
I rolled my eyes and mumbled underneath my breath, ''How do you know about Drake's whereabouts?''
I guess if I was to gain anything from ditching my best friend's party for her I should at least milk information out of her right?
''You're not the only one who can hunt Sarah.'' still with her back turned against me.
What? How did she know?!
''I don't know what you are talking about.'' I scoffed.
''You can lie to yourself,'' she turned to me, ''But you cannot lie to your mother.''
''There you go again, claiming a very important title, when you were never there.'' I almost spat.
''Are you so sure about that?'' she lifted an eyebrow and folded her arms.
I felt my inner wolf growling and I myself was becoming irritated from all of this nonsense. I was about to leap at her when someone came out of the bushes.
''Sarah are you okay?'' Billy panted.
He looked over to what may have seen an older doppelganger of myself. His jaw dropped and his whole body froze in shock. A few others were following suit and my mom, I mean, Stella was gonna make a run for it. But, before she did, she handed me a piece of paper.
The touch of her hands against mine felt oddly nostalgic, where she used to caress me with those soft palms when I came home crying. The warmth it provided me when I was merely a child. Had it not left me all these years?
But, I shook those gone thoughts away, she did slap me coldly and that nostalgia is long gone. I quickly stuffed the piece of paper into my bra cups, since my outfit had no pockets.
My mom quickly reshifted and disappeared into the night. I turned to Billy and gestured for him to keep this to ourselves. He nodded in reply and the others appeared from the brushes.
- Writer
