6

Rosie

A week after the expulsion. For a whole week, I've been trying to reverse the expulsion, searching online for anything that could make the school call off the expulsion.

Does that mean all my years of hard work had gone down the drain? But all the lawyers I've been seeing couldn't help me and I could feel helplessness and hopelessness creeping into my bones.

I even tried to call my father-maybe some of his connections could help-but I've been blocked off. I sat on the couch, scrolling through some feeds if I could find something, anything, as I cracked my neck, rubbing my eyes from straining and staring at the screen too much.

I've been home all day without anything to do and I've been feeling guilt for staying at Kira's apartment, sleeping on her couch and mooching off her food. That was why I tried to do the house chores even though Kira told me not to. But doing that would make my guilt lessen a little.

I stood up and went to the counter to pour myself a glass of water when a distressed voice from the ajar door stopped me on my way.

I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I couldn't stop listening because I heard my name.

"I know, I know..." she trailed off, running her hands through her hair. "Rosie just needs time." And I gulped. The water is long forgotten. "She's been through hell, okay?"

And my heart stuttered. Who was she talking to about me?

"I don't know how long, maybe a few more weeks?" A long pause, as worry etched her face and I bit my lower lip, "I can't just kick her out. Where would she go?" she said.

I could feel the guilt creeping in. I'd overstayed my welcome. I was uncomfortable in her own apartment but Kira was too nice to send me away.

"Her parents disowned her. She's got nothing." Another long pause and exasperated sigh, her voice sounding defensive. "It's not like that... She's my friend." Kira pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine. Yes. I'll talk to her. Soon."

My stomach sank. Kira was defending me, and was having disagreements with someone because of me. Was it her boyfriend or parent? Maybe roommate, but the last time I asked, Kira responded she lived alone. Either way, I was causing problems as usual, ruining Kira's life too.

Everyone I touched got destroyed. I was a walking harbinger of ruin. When won't Kira be tired of me also? It was just a matter of time before Kira saw that I was dragging her into the rabbit hole.

When I noticed the call conversation had diverted to another thing, I walked back to the couch. I couldn't even drink water again because if I did, I was very sure I would puke it out. After some minutes, Kira came out of the room acting normal, with that warm smile on her face as if someone didn't just talk about me inconveniencing her on the phone.

"Rosie," she called and slumped beside me. "Whatcha doing?" she said, picking up the TV remote.

I swallowed, willing my voice not to give out that I'd eavesdropped on her call. "Just surfing the internet," I responded, not looking at her.

"Okay, what movie should we watch?" she asked and I looked at Kira. I could see the strain in her body language and exhaustion under her eyes. Since I had been staying at Kira's place, she had picked up another part-time job because of me.

I had to leave. I couldn't burden Kira with my issues anymore.

But where could I go?

After finishing the movie, that happened in absolute silence except the noises from the TV, both of us lost in thought.

Kira stood up and checked the wall clock. "Shit! I'm late for my work," she cursed, running to her room to pick up her slung bag.

"Bye. Later. Don't cook, I'll bring dinner," she said and ran out of the front door.

"Okay," I smiled sadly. Kira was a good friend, a friend anyone could pray for. If Kira hadn't come along when the incident happened, I was very sure I'd have killed myself.

I didn't have much... I never had much except excess body fat and baggage of problems. When I was done packing inside the duffel bag, I tore a sticky note as tears welled in my eyes.

"Thank you for everything. I'm sorry. Don't worry about me. - Rosie"

I rubbed my nose to stop the watering mucus from coming out as I left the note on the coffee table. I took one last look at the apartment. And a sad smile found its way to my lips.

I walked around aimlessly, looking for a sign for a cheap motel to stay the night. My account had been confiscated, thanks to my savings, saving my life now. I paid for the night and entered the room. I nearly recoiled from disgust-dingy room, stained carpet, even cobwebs-but it was mine for the night and wasn't a burden. I dusted the bed, changed the blanket and flopped on it. I stared at the cracked ceiling thinking on what to do next before my phone buzzed.

I glanced and saw a call from Kira but didn't answer. What would I tell her? Nothing.

Then a text came in. "Where are you?? Your note scared me. Please call."

Another followed after some minutes.

"Rosie, please. Just let me know you're okay."

I could feel my eyes sting and I turned my phone off before curling into a ball on the bed to keep myself safe.

I was spiraling. I knew it, I could feel it. I've used three days in this motel and I barely ate, just surviving on crackers and vending machine food. Noises from other rooms didn't let me sleep-moans, grunts, arguments, things breaking. The walls were so thin that I had to stay up at night sometimes, listening to other people's lives playing out around me. And whenever I tried to sleep in the afternoon, the music played at the bar below kept me awake.

Headache, sleep deprivation and hunger were eating me alive. My mental health waning away.

And sometimes, I scrolled through job positions yet every application asked for education and references which I didn't have. And the coffee cafe that would take me in was around the campus area and I couldn't go there to give them more to antagonize me further.

I watched the video every day, read the comments. You can call me a masochist.

But what was the point again?

What was the point of me struggling for the inevitable? What was the point of me being here? No one wants me. I don't even want myself. No one wants to listen. No one wants justice for me. No one... no one.

Maybe I should just end it?

Maybe it would stop the pain deep in my heart, my head and everywhere.

Maybe if I end it, people would feel remorseful. My parents would want my dead body. Sophia would finally feel guilty for what she'd done to her twin sister.

Maybe then I'd find peace.

I didn't know when I walked out of the motel, stopping a cab. I told the driver to stop at the bridge and the driver looked at me like I was high but I didn't wait for him before getting down and passed him the bill. I trailed to the bridge rim, looking at the sea. The night was cold as the wind cut through my thin jacket, yet I didn't feel it.

I stared down at the blue sea. Below was nothing. It would be quick. It would be over before I knew it. I gripped the edge tighter. There won't be shame, pain and being a burden anymore.

It'll be over soon.

I closed my eyes, took a step further. My life flashed behind my eyelids-the smell of my house, my parents' proud look, Sophia's cruel laughter, the students' crude comments, Josh's betrayal, my mother's words. Everything was ringing in my head. As I took another step, warm amber eyes flashed and my eyes flew open.

And I was grabbed from behind, away from the railing. That's when I noticed the cab driver was the one who pulled me away. If he was a minute late, I would have died. The realization made my chest rise heavily, inhaling air hungrily. My body trembled tremendously as a broken sob tore through me.

What was I thinking?!

"Fuck! I knew it!" the driver said, voice shaking. "My gut feeling never proves me wrong." The driver shook me and pulled me from the ground toward the car.

He opened the back door, pushed me inside, then got in the driver's seat. He turned up the heat and handed me a warm flask from his cup holder.

"I don't know what you are going through, but suicide is not the answer." His voice was warm and kind. "It might be hard to live through it now but I know it will be better, just persevere. There is always light after the darkness, the longest tunnel."

I clutched the flask, letting the warmth seep into my frozen fingers.

"And if it's too much sometimes, you can move away, get fresh air and start again. Don't give your demons the laughter that they achieved what they want." He turned to look at me. "Prove them wrong even if it means moving away for some time to recuperate yourself." he smiled warmly, "But never forget to make them pay for every tear they exert from you."

7

Rosie

The driver's words latched onto me as I sat on the bathroom floor in the motel. Where did I want to go, and how could I get back at them? Do I have the guts to retaliate?

I rubbed my face, my hands still cold and white, still relishing the earlier suicide attempt. If the driver hadn't pulled me back, would I have gone?

God! I shivered. I didn't want to think about that again.

My eyes fluttered closed, then warm amber eyes flashed beneath my eyelids, and my breath hitched. I've gotten my answer.

I was going back to Highland Creek where no one knows me or my past... start again, then after that I'd come back and shove it in their faces.

Sophia.

Josh.

My parents.

And myself.

I needed to prove it to myself most of all. That I wasn't weak. That I wasn't broken beyond repair. That I could save myself.

I stood up from the floor, patted my jeans as I entered the shaggy motel room and started packing my clothes in the duffel bag. I had a destination. A place to look forward to.

I checked out of the motel, strolled down to the ATM machine to withdraw everything remaining in my account. I've noticed my parents have cut my trust fund.

They really didn't want anything to do with me.

I couldn't wait any longer as I took the last bus to Highland Creek. It was pure luck that made me snag this bus before it left.

I walked to the last row and sat quietly at the window side, hugging my duffel bag as I stared out of the window, staring at the snow falling. I sighed out, fog coming out from my mouth as I rubbed my shoulders from the cold with my mittened hands.

Hours of traveling, my mind was blank and my brain was empty, nothing to process, as I pressed my forehead against the cold window and tried not to think about it. I tried to focus on the passing scenery, even though there was nothing to watch in the darkness.

Relief flooded through me when I saw the green signboard of Highland Creek and I sighed. I've made it. I was here to start afresh. People started to get down from the bus and I got down also.

Although I didn't know anywhere to go, I was lost, new and hungry in a new town. I was only here once during the Christmas holiday. And the destination was already planned and known, but not now.

I walked around aimlessly to find a motel to sleep for the night. The streets were empty, the shops were closed and I brought my phone out to see the time. 10:47 PM.

It was too late. Well, no one would be open now. As I wanted to give up-maybe sleep outside this night inside the snow and cold, maybe hypothermia would take pity on me and take my useless body.

But my eyes caught a small building. The lights were still on and I breathed out in relief and hurried there. I could feel my teeth chattering from the cold. I walked closer to see Moonbone Café in faded letters and an "OPEN" sign glowing in the window.

I cried in relief. The place was open and I was happy. At least I would get heat, warmth and something to eat. My coat was wet from the cold, and I stumbled to the café door, my hands shaking so hard that I could barely turn the handle. The bell chimed as I pushed inside. Warmth enveloped me and I exhaled. The smell of fresh bread made my stomach grumble and my knees nearly gave out from walking too much.

I stared at the young woman behind the counter. She looked like she was in her early twenties, her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and her brown eyes widened as she saw me... which made her stop wiping down the espresso machine.

The woman came around, worry already etched on her face. "Oh my God, are you okay?" the woman asked as she came to me and guided me to the nearest table. "Sit down. You're soaked through."

I appreciated the woman's kindness and collapsed into the chair. My legs were shaking as I shivered, my teeth chattering. I couldn't speak. My eyes stung from everything.

The young woman looked at me again and disappeared into the back door, then returned with a towel. She draped it around my shoulders.

"I'm Maya," she said gently, "Hold on, let me get you something warm." Maya went back to the counter and operated the machine, then returned with a large mug of coffee, steam rising as she pushed it in front of me.

"On the house. Drink."

And I nodded. I couldn't say anything or even thank her. I wrapped my hands around the mug. Warmth seeped into my frozen fingers. I took a sip and quickly removed it because it was scalding hot, but I needed it to blow off the cold in my body.

Maya sat across from me, staring at me yet didn't say or ask anything, which I was grateful for. After sipping, feeling warmth within, "Are you passing through?" she asked.

My voice came out hoarse. "I... I don't know," I answered truthfully. I just made the decision to come to this town, yet I've not thought it through.

As if Maya noticed the expression on my face, she gave me a small knowing smile. "You need a place to stay?"

I looked up in surprise, like she could read me. "Yeah, it's true," I responded quietly, "but I don't have much money..." I dropped my head down.

"My parents own a cottage on the edge of town. Small, but it's got heat and a bed," she explained. "Usually rent it to tourists, but it's empty in winter."

My throat tightened with emotion. Just this night, two people had shown me kindness. "I really don't have-"

"You can pay what you can, when you can. Small amounts. No pressure."

"But you don't know me?" my voice cracked as my eyes shone with gratitude.

"Right now you look like you need rest more than anything." Maya leaned back, her brow scrunched thoughtfully. "Actually, we could use help here," she said, gesturing at the café. "Nothing fancy - serving coffee, clearing tables. Some light baking if you're up for it, though the pay isn't amazing, but it's steady. Plus tips," she paused uncertain. "You interested?" she added, unsure if I'd accept.

"Why are you helping me?" the question came out before I could stop it.

Maya's expression softened. "Because you look like you need it and I want to help you," she smiled.

I tried to speak but nothing came out. I've not even introduced myself to her as tears came rushing out and I just nodded.

Maya smiled gently. "Good. That's settled then." She stood up. "Let me close up and I'll take you to the cottage." She turned to me. "Have you eaten?" and I shook my head.

"I'll pack you something," Maya said and disappeared into the back door again. Maya returned with a takeout bag. "Leftover soup, some bread," she handed it to me.

We walked out together. Maya locked the front door, flipped the sign to CLOSED and turned off the lights, leaving only the Christmas lights glowing. She grabbed her keys and coat. "My truck's out back. Follow me."

I clutched the food bag like my life depended on it as we strode to her truck.

It's about five minutes from here," Maya said as she started the engine. We rode in comfortable silence as I ate the bread and soup. It was the best thing I've tasted in days as warmth spread through me and tears welled up in my eyes.

God!

Maya turned off Main Street onto a side road. Trees on either side, light snow now falling from the sky. The cottage was isolated.

"Here we are." She turned off the truck, walked to the door and unlocked it. She flipped on the light. It was small and cozy. A living area with a couch and fireplace. Tiny kitchen in the corner. A bedroom door to the right, bathroom to the left. Everything looked clean and simple.

"Firewood's stacked outside. Matches on the mantel," she pointed. "Hot water works fine." Then she turned to leave. "Get some sleep. You look dead on your feet," she said. "You can come by the café when you're comfortable and we'll talk about the details." She walked to the door. "And don't worry about the rent. Seriously."

As she reached the door, I stopped her. "Maya?" and Maya turned.

"Thank you. I... thank you," I stumbled out, rubbing my arm nervously.

Maya's gaze softened and she smiled. "Welcome to Highland Creek..." she trailed off and paused. "Sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"I'm Rosie."

"Welcome, Rosie. Get some rest." And the door shut behind her. I stood in the middle of the cottage, listening to Maya's truck drive away. The engine faded into the distance. Silence settled around me.

9

Jude

My eyes fluttered open, groaning as I clutched my head, feeling like it wanted to split open. Lying on my back on the bed, I took in the dorm and grunted awake. My heart thudded so fast in the dark, I glanced at the clock on the nightstand to see it was only 5 AM in the morning.

I held my head,my wolf clawing at the back of my mind, pacing in agitation in a way I've never felt. I didn't understand why he was feeling this. Maybe the thought of losing the mate a few hours after finding her.

I stood up, trailing to the window and opened it, inhaling the fresh breath of air, the after smell of snow hitting the air. The cold air whooshed as I dropped to the ground, my muscles tensing as I started a headstand to regulate my breathing. Maybe exercise would shift the agitation of my wolf and I continued, my nose flaring, but nothing worked.

I pinched the bridge of my nose tiredly. What the fuck do you want? I asked, but the motherfucker in my mind rolled his eyes and continued pacing.

Mate!

Find mate!

Want mate!

But I wanted our mate also and I'd do everything in my capability to find her and I knew the moon goddess would bring her back to us as she did at first. I saw it perfectly.

I walked to the shower, took a long shower to calm my head before checking the clock again and picked up my duffel bag to go to practice before the coach chewed my head off. Even though I was the alpha's son, that didn't mean he'd be lenient with me.

The coach would be like, on the ice rink, I'm your coach, but off the ice, you are my young alpha.

I ran to the school arena and started my practice early to distract myself from my wolf growling, running laps around the rink while waiting for others to fill in to start the one-on-one practice.

The arena started filling up with the teammates but I didn't stop till the coach clapped, stopping me from my laps. My legs were protesting but that didn't take my mind off it as my breathing ragged, sweat rolling from my temple.

"Today we are playing one on one," the coach said. "Nolan," the coach called the defense man and Nolan raised his hand. "You'll be the goalie then switch with Rivers."

"Aye coach," they hollered.

"Remember, the NHL will soon start. You must give it your best!" the coach, Mr. Walters reiterated, then turned to me. "Winters, be the first, pass the puck." The coach said and went to stand by the side.

As my partner passed the puck to me, I missed it and cursed, then skated aggressively to take the puck back from the offensive player, but I was playing like shit. I couldn't focus. I bumped into the player and the coach shouted something but I didn't hear that.

"Winters, what's happening this morning?" Mr. Walters called. "Put your head in the practice." He gave me a sharp look.

While the other team members stared at me, their captain was playing like a rookie. Even a rookie couldn't make this mistake.

"Lack of sleep," I responded, and I knew Rivers and the coach didn't believe that excuse. I just didn't have my head in the practice.

After practice, I walked to the familiar road down toward the cheap hotel room, the only place that I knew could soothe my wolf. I took the key from my back pocket and smiled, even though her scent was already gone from the room. But the room served as a link to me and my mate. A place I couldn't leave.

The room was hollow, cold and empty and the absence of what my wolf wanted made him snarl loudly in my head and I nearly shifted. I could feel my claws retracting, my jaw aching to make my face morph into my wolf and I gripped the wall tightly to steady myself.

Calm down, I gritted out, but the words weren't reaching my wolf as I left the room abruptly, running down the stairs before I shifted into my wolf.

Maybe if I let him free, he would be calm.

My bones cracked-sharp, violent snaps that echoed through my body. I'd done this a thousand times, but it never got easier. I let go of my human form, let my wolf take over. My spine curved. Fur rippled across my skin, silver-grey and thick. My jaw elongated, teeth sharpening into fangs. Hands became paws, nails became claws. The pain lasted only seconds, then-release. I shook out my fur, muscles rippling beneath my coat. My wolf huffed, finally free.

My wolf ran into the snow-covered ground. The cold air assaulted my fur and I shook my head. I followed the familiar trail to reach my sister's café when my wolf raised his head up, jolting as his nose caught a warm scent faintly in the wind that had been imprinted in my memory. My wolf stopped and my body froze. My wolf whispered a single word that had been etched on our mind for days.

Mate!

I followed the scent, my pulse hammering, my wolf wagging his tail as I stopped a yard away from my sister's café. I whipped my head around for any sight of humans before changing back. I stretched my stiffened muscles and climbed the tree to pick clothes from there.

The population of Highland Creek was mostly werewolves, just twenty percent human. I grabbed clothes from the stash in the tree-Highland Creek werewolves kept them everywhere for quick changes-and got dressed.

I walked to the café and opened the door. I was assaulted by the coffee and the unique scent of my mate. The scent hit me full force and I nearly stumbled but willed myself forward.

Mate, mate, mate, my wolf yipped happily and I had to stop him from taking over again.

My beautiful mate. Rosie was beautiful even though I could see the bags under her eyes, tiredness clinging to her as she wiped the table. Her brown hair was messily pulled in a ponytail. She looked different from when I'd seen her at Christmas- exhausted and tired.