Chapter 5

I had the most bizarre dream last night. I dreamt I was on the run with my mum, Whipped Cream and a unicorn. We were trying to rescue a magical candy princess while escaping the evil... someone.

It seemed so real! My alarm clock just had to ruin it... And I wonder who invited Whipped Cream into my dreams.

I glanced at my alarm clock. 5:30am. Good. I had set it yesterday. I forgot to sort out my school books yesterday so I'll just do it now. For some reason I can't explain, I wanted to get up early today. I changed the setting back to 6:30am and started to sort out my books.

When I was done arranging my books, I sat back on my bed. I wasn't really looking forward to school today and it's not because of Seth. Whipped Cream has been invading my thoughts now and that freaks me out. I can't help but think about him... His hair, his pale skin, his touch... Oh lord, am I having a crush on the guy? I've never had a crush before!

I have to avoid him at all costs.

And I probably need a new friend. Now that I think of it, Seth's behaviour when I refused him was weird... I wasn't planning on cutting him completely. I just wanted to find someone else to add to my tiny entourage.

Preferably a girl.

After snapping myself out of my thoughts, I headed into the bathroom. Our house was designed to have one bathroom in each room so I didn't need to pass any hallway.

Feeling a little pressed, I used the toilet. Rather empty my guts at home than to be forced to do it in school.

I cleaned up, brushed my teeth and took a shower. What to wear today? The usual maybe? Since I was to get a new friend today, maybe I should dress up a little.

I searched my closet. Black stuff everywhere. Maybe I should just go gothic. Mum would never let me. I spotted a black crop top with spaghetti straps. I dunno... It's pretty cold outside... Eh. I'll try it for today. If I regret it, I won't wear it tomorrow. I put on some underwear and wore the top. I paired it with high waist black jeans. I shrugged on a black flannel shirt and pulled on some socks. I wore one of my black sneakers, grabbed my bag and phone and left my room.

I made my way to the dining room, pleased that I haven't encountered my grandparents. I took a seat at the table and switched on my phone. 6:08am. School starts at 8. I was in the mood to get to school early. Mum must have been awake and heard movements downstairs as she came downstairs, still dressed in her nightgown.

"Good morning, Delilah." She greeted. "You're already dressed?"

"Uh-huh." I replied nonchalantly. "I want to get to school early. Morning."

"Why?"

"I dunno."

Mum sighed. "Okay, let me go make your breakfast..."

I studied her. She looked a bit tired.

"Didn't sleep well?" I asked in concern.

She smiled tiredly at me. "Something like that."

"Oh. I'll just have cereal then."

"You sure?"

I nodded. Mom moved closer and kissed my forehead. She noticed my outfit. A bright smile lit her face.

"Why the change?" She asked, eyeing me in pleasant surprise.

"I'm going friend hunting." I announced, already dreading the task. I squared my shoulders to prove my seriousness. She giggled.

"Good luck with that. You'll need it."

I stuck my tongue out at her and went to get some cereal. Not really paying attention to what I was doing, I grabbed some milk, dumped it in a bowl and poured some cereal in it. Yes, I put the milk before the cereal.

I shovelled down my breakfast, dumped the bowl in the sink and went outside. I smiled in satisfaction. It was chilly outside and the sky was kinda dark. Perfect trekking weather. Perhaps I'll walk to school today.

I jogged back inside. "Mom?"

"Yes?" I heard her hurry downstairs.

"I'll walk to school today." I said.

Mum raised an eyebrow. "Why? What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I assured. "It's nice outside. I wanna savour that."

Mom looked out the window. "Oh. You like this time of the day."

"Yep." I said, pleased. "Well, gotta go."

"Shouldn't you wear a hat or something?" Mom asked. "It's pretty cold."

I rolled my eyes. "I'll get a beanie."

I ran upstairs to my room, looked into my drawer, grabbed a random beanie and rushed back downstairs.

I got back to my mum and wore the beanie. "Happy?"

She smiled, nodding. She made some minor adjustments to my clothes and patted my shoulder.

"My parents are leaving today." She said after a while.

"I know. I feel kinda bad for wanting to leave early." I admitted.

"It's fine." She assured. "I can handle them."

"If you're sure. Just remember not to let them get to you. They're jerks."

"I should be the one advising you."

I smirked at her. "I'm too wise for advice."

"Whatever you say."

"Okay, gotta go." I kissed her cheek. "Love you."

I slipped my phone in my bag and left for the door.

"Have a nice day!" I heard Mum yell after me.

***

The streetlights lit my path as I made my way to school. I love this time of the day. Early morning, chilly wind, sun not up yet, streetlights on... It's perfect.

I was alone on the streets but it didn't bother me. Feeling very cheerful, I skipped along. The school wasn't too far from my home, perhaps a 30 minute walk. I should probably walk to and from school from today onward.

As I passed a traffic light, I suddenly felt a strange feeling as if I was being watched. I looked around but I saw no one. Maybe just random jitters...

I kept walking, trying to be mindful of my surroundings. But I couldn't shake off the eerie feeling. I could feel the hairs at the back of my neck standing on end. Someone or something was definitely watching me. And they didn't seem friendly.

I quickened my pace. Maybe I shouldn't have left the house this early.

As I was about to pass the entrance of an alley, I felt a strong urge to look into it. I gave into the urge and looked and immediately regretted it. A pair of red eyes stared back at me. Malicious, hungry red eyes. Soon, more red eyes appeared around the first one. Growls began to erupt from the hallway. I blinked 3 times, trying to decide what was reality.

I'm not easy to scare. I hardly fall for pranks. It's probably because I'm stubborn. These eyes made me uneasy but I wasn't going to run away.

"Who's there?" I demanded, questioning my sanity.

The growls stopped... The eyes just stared at me, some menacing, others with malicious curiosity. All of a sudden, a pair of eyes moved closer. The creature walked out of the alley. It was a huge wolf with stringy brown fur. It had several scars on its body, some looking fresh. It growled, baring its sharp bloodstained canines.

This isn't normal, is it?

The others also stepped into the light, all growling at me. This isn't a prank. These are actual wolves. My stomach was in knots. I wanted to scream... But as fast as the fear arose within me, a strange sense of courage also overwhelmed me with the same intensity. I felt like another being was inside of me, daring the wolves to hurt me. I welcomed it. I wasn't gonna submit to these beasts.

I looked the first one in the eye defiantly. It didn't like this obvious challenge. He slowly but surely advanced, its pack flanking him.

A part of me was freaking out. I was just a puny teenage girl with no weapons. What could I do to fend off these creatures? Still, a greater part of me felt a strange thrill, like something buried in me for so long was finally awakening.

My vision got hazy. I felt like I was losing control of my body. The wolves noticed what was going on with me. They began to whine, some backing away from me. They looked uneasily at me but some stood their ground.

Just as I was about to lose control of myself, a loud howl pierced the air, followed by more responding howls. A huge wolf suddenly appeared in the middle of the road. It stood with regal dominance, its fur a glossy lush mahogany. Its intense yellow eyes glared at me, then at the other wolves.

Two more wolves flanked it, one a midnight black colour, the other snow white. They growled at the red eyed wolves. The red eyed wolves growled back but began to retreat. The first wolf gave me a last snarl before disappearing into the shadows with its pack.

I felt the strange courage leave me. My knees wobbled. I fell on my butt. The brown wolf whined in something that looked like concern and trotted to me. I slowly shifted away from it. It whined but kept coming. Something about it was... comforting. Soon, it stood in front of me and calmly rubbed his face on my cheek. Sparks immediately engulfed my face. I gasped in shock. The sparks felt familiar. This wolf felt familiar. I cautiously rubbed his muzzle and he let out a low pur-like sound. Deeming him friendly, I continued to pet him. The other wolves just watched us. The white one seemed friendly enough. The black one, on the other hand, looked like he was accessing me.

After petting Mahogany for a while, he moved away. I got to my feet. Standing up now with my mind at ease, I realised the wolves were almost as tall as I was and much bigger.

That isn't normal... Is it?

With a last look, Mahogany and his company raced down the street, leaving me staring after them in wonder.

I'm not insane.

***

I finally got to school. To my surprise, there were some students already in the school. I walked straight to my locker, ignoring everyone. I know I was supposed to be socialising but I was too shaken to do that. I couldn't get over those wolves. I couldn't get over the strange feeling that overwhelmed me. I was so confused.

As I tried to compose myself at my locker, I felt eyes watching me. I turned and saw Whipped Cream staring at me. I blinked... and blushed. He was wearing a navy blue button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The top button of the shirt was undone and I found that attractive. His black jeans clung to his legs perfectly and I could feel my blush deepen as I ogled him.

Get a grip, Delilah.

He smirked at me and I quickly looked away, trying to act busy. I was so embarrassed at my behaviour. I heard footsteps and felt a presence behind me. I blushed harder. I somehow knew it was Whipped Cream.

I cleared my throat and composed myself.

"What do you want?" I snapped.

His chuckle did funny things to my tummy. "Do you really wanna know?"

Yes. "Whatever." I muttered. "Personal space, please."

He complied and stepped back. I turned around. His facial features didn't fail to wow me. I avoided looking into his eyes.

"What sort of loser wears a button up shirt to school anyway?" I asked, trying to seem irritated by him.

He just smirked. "You're wearing a flannel, Miss. And I'm pretty sure this isn't a rare occurrence."

I mentally face-palmed. "Whatever. Just go away."

"Would you really like that?"

"Yes, very much. Go away, Whipped Cream."

He cocked an eyebrow in mild confusion. "Whipped Cream?"

I giggled, amused at his reaction. "Go away, loser."

He laughed it off. "Very well. I'll be seeing you soon, my dear."

He walked away.

"I'm not your dear!" I yelled, secretly liking it.

"Whatever you say!" He called back in return.

I watched him turn a corner and disappear from my view.

Am I seriously crushing on this guy? Some other students were staring at me. I glared at them and they quickly looked away.

I really need a new friend...

I studied the students. They didn't look interesting to me. What is that saying? Don't judge a book by its cover? That's actually very difficult to do.

I was still scouting the Homo sapiens when a voice boomed behind me.

"BOO!"

Everyone else jumped. I just turned around in irritation. It was Magenta Head.

"What did you do that for?" I asked, scowling.

She shrugged. "Wanted to scare you. Was a fail, tho."

I just glared at her, waiting for an apology. She just grabbed my hand and pulled me away from my locker.

"Come on." She urged. "Let's take a walk. It's nice outside."

That, I can agree on. Maybe I should try befriending her.

I let her pull me away from my locker. We headed outside. She took a deep breath and sighed in satisfaction. I just watched her. She's so beautiful and it makes me a bit insecure.

"Um... I... I just..." I couldn't seem to form a proper sentence. I was too shy. She noticed it and laughed.

"Easy, girl. I don't bite." She said, winking. "I haven't even introduced myself. I'm Zara."

"I'm Del-"

"Delilah, yes I know."

Alright then. "So... You wanna be friends...?" I asked lamely. I cringed at myself.

Luckily, Zara seemed to find this amusing. "Okay sure. Why not."

I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. This friend making thing isn't so hard after all.

Zara and I walked about the school for a while as we got to know each other. She loves sports and meat and she's so confident. She's the youngest of her parents kids and she lives in some sort of close knit community. Sounds like torture to me. I just told her my mum and I moved a lot and I don't know who my dad is. She didn't pressure me for more info and I was grateful.

The sky got lighter. More people started to arrive. I checked the time on my phone. The time was 7:48am. I was surprised at how fast time flew by.

"Damn, how long have we been out here?" Zara asked. "School starts in 12 minutes."

"I know, right?" I replied, getting up from the steps we were sitting on.

"Let's go inside." Zara suggested and I agreed.

We headed back into the school building. Zara had to go get some things from her locker and I wasn't in the mood to follow her. I wanted to go sit in my first class for the day.

"See you at lunch." She said and walked off.

I smiled and waved at her. I actually looked forward to lunch... And it wasn't because of Seth.