KYLE'S P.O.V.
I felt my mother's palms push their way from my back to my shoulder, easing me out of her hug. My eyes were cast down and I kept them there until I felt mum's fingers nudging my head upwards.
"Oh my, is that really why you were crying?"
I looked into her eyes, she was always good at reading me. Or maybe I was just that open of a book. I nodded, and she nodded back. She knew it was more than just that and she was trying to coax me into telling her but accepted it all the same when I silently begged her to keep it at that.
She got up, disappearing into my bathroom for a quick moment, she came back with one of my spare face towels, wet, which explains the faucet turning on just a second ago. She sat down exactly where she was and used the cloth to wipe my face. Only now did I feel the burn the licked all over me, prominent in my face but spreading even to my wings.
"I thought about it and... your points are valid. So I came to the conclusion that it'll be good for you."
I looked at her with wide, anticipating eyes, waiting on her to continue. "Buckle up kid, we're enrolling you in hell two days from now." we burst out laughing at her choice of words and the humor behind them until her words settled in. I half gasped as I latched my hands on her shoulder, I resist the urge to shake her because- well she's still my mother and I'd like to keep myself in the safe zone.
"Why not tomorrow?" I inwardly cringed at how whiney I sounded, but two days is a bit too far, giving the current circumstances. What if Andrew suddenly decided he wants to marry her before he realizes I'm a better option? Okay no that's just me over-exaggerating. That won't happen in two days- but still!
"Oh be reasonable my boy. I need to get your paper ready- you too need to get ready." She chuckled at my eagerness, and I tried not to blush so hard. But perhaps she was right. I need to be ready to face so many people at once, and the change of pace for my life. I need to prepare myself for his rejection, as well.
"Tomorrow, I'll make all the arrangements to enroll you in school, alright? Now stop crying for me, honey." I nodded and tried to smile, and although my plan was now set in motion, only a small weight lifted from my chest, the heaviness was still there and I couldn't entirely get hyped up.
She played with my hair for a few minutes longer, before deciding on getting dinner started. She left my room, and I fell back on my bed, my eyes gazing up at the stars cutouts.
One of those stars... huh.
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I tuned off the sounds from around me, the sizzling and boiling of water in the kitchen where mum is cooking, and the slight buzz of engines turning off as people began to pile up again into the neighborhood and into their houses for the day.
Life here is quite routinous, everything happens the same every day, minus certain things, obviously. For instance; everyone wakes up at six in the morning, two of our neighbors to the far left will get out to walk their dogs, at the same time the newspaper guy comes in. only for the elders at the far end of the neighborhood who are old school and won't use their phones to check on the news. Fifteen minutes past six our neighbor next door will go out for a jog through the woods. He's a guy in his mid-twenties, only saw him a handful of times, but from what I heard-rather observed- he lives alone, and is very workaholic. He's nice and polite but introverted and prefers to keep to himself.
After more of a decade living in the same neighborhood with the same people, I figured out the pattern long ago and them, waking up super early and all the commotion no longer banged against my ears and woke me up. That, and the fact I learned how to control my senses.
"Kyle! Dinner's ready!"
I winced at the loud volume my mum used. She can whisper and I'd hear her perfectly as if she said it in my ear, but she always forgets that. I got off the bed and made my way downstairs to the kitchen, I've lost my appetite, after watching Andrew eat with her. But I'll eat the meal wholeheartedly. Today is the first day where I'd share all three meals with my mother in a very long time. I won't miss up on that.
"Oh my god, Kyle! How many times have I told you, do NOT fly inside the house?!" Oh yea, did I mention I flew downstairs?"
I gave a sheepish smile to my mother "Sorry mum, but I can't fly outside either... I think my wings are starting to rust!" I exclaimed as I moved my shoulder and wings back and forth.
"They're not made out of metal Kyle, now sit down." mum gave me a look, as well as a raised brow, I just widened my sarcastic grin and sat in front of her, only now catching the steaming heavenly aroma of spices coming from the turkey stir fry.
She had made enough for two servings in two separate small pans that we use for this specific type of meal. She sprinkled parmesan cheese on mine, just how I like it. And although I wasn't hungry, I still wanted to eat and appreciate the meal.
I, more time than not, wake up after she leaves for work. Unintentionally, but it ends up happening anyway. She gets her lunch out and I usually study or do something to miss out on lunch. And when she comes back, it's usually quite late and I'm not going to request dinner when mum is clearly tired after a long day. So we end up just talking the night away with light snacks until we have to head to bed. So having dinner with mum is a pleasant thing, precious too, in our style of living.
We had the meal in silence, there was a bit of tension left from when she found me earlier, I mean it's not every day that you come home to your kid bawling their eyes out because they want to go to... school. But I didn't mind the silence, and I guess she didn't too. I finished quite fast-so much for not being hungry. And so I took it upon me to clean the utensils my mum used and when she finished, I filled a glass of water for her and took her by the arm to help her to her room. "I'm not sixty you punk head," she mumbled as we ascended the stairs shoving me a bit. The corners of her lips were tightened in a held-in smile.
I gave her a good night kiss to her cheek and made my way to my bedroom, still unsure how I'm going to spend the night. I really want to go for a quick flight but I feel quite drained after the emotional turmoil I went through today. I laid on my bed in the same position I was in before I went down for dinner.
I shifted my thinking to Andrew, once again. While I was deeply pained by what I saw, I had a bit of hope left. My plan was now in motion, all I had to do is stick to it. And in no time I'll be closer to him more than ever. I'll get to know him on a deeper level.
I can see moments of us together. Me being on the same grounds as him, talking to him. Being able to look at him out in the open without the constant fear. Maybe even have him be my friend. They were small, swift, visions. Blissful like a daydream. I closed my eyes and felt a dumb grin spread itself on my lips. I'm going to school with Andrew...
Oh, fuck! My eyes flew open, and I sat up so fast the world spiraled for a second. Once I regained focus I slapped my hand across my face. Literally. I wanted to scream in dismay at my own stupidity.
I don't know which school he attends!! I felt my face burn as disbelief surged through me instead of blood. What good would my plan be if I ended up enrolled in a different school? I pressed my lips together so tightly to prevent that scream from coming out loud. I scrunched my face when I face-palmed myself once again.
My eyes went to my clock witch showed it was past nine. I decided to wait for a few, to make sure mum is asleep and to make sure that he too is deep in dreamland so that I can peek into his room for any indications or clues to which school he attends.
I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do, especially if he still has his curtains closed. My eyebrows furrowed at the reminder. I changed out of my restricting black shirt into another customized tank-top, I caught sight of my elbow in the mirror; unmarred and smooth as it has always been. The only indication of any injury is the burn I felt when I scratched it along the bark of the tree.
I went towards my book shelving-unit beside the window and grabbed a novelette to read and looked briefly out the window. I knew for a fact Andrew wasn't yet asleep-his lights are still on, ok? - And I was adamant about finishing this book tonight.
The feelings of frustration quickly resurfaced as I remembered exactly just where I left off; Veronica being an oblivious idiot working at B.E.A.R laboratories. I don't understand how someone would accept to work blindly with scientists much more advanced than her on a "confidential" project and not question it! I mean don't you want to know what the project is about? And be, I don't know, maybe more involved? I huffed but resumed to reading nonetheless. I was intrigued. But no one needs to know that.
That's how I spent the next two hours or so, setting by my widow, nose buried in the book up until the moment I finished it with a sigh. I'm not even sure at what point the lights in his room were turned off. Not that I would have left my book- I probably would have- The Tekula Project was just so interesting it was written in a way that kept me going. It wasn't easy to predict and it sure as hell didn't bore me to death.
So the Global Relief caught an abnormally large wolf somewhere in the deep woods of Alaska. It was only after his unforeseen shift back into his human form that B.E.A.R laboratories were given jurisdiction. And was categorized as a Lycan when a laboratory testing on a strand of his fur was performed and the results were upon further notice containing Homo Sapien and Canis lupus DNA.
Where does Veronica come into this? Well, she's a fresh forensic science graduate, scouted by one of her professors that were in on the project. She was the one that performed the tests on the hair follicle. And she didn't ask questions! Uh. But it was so... romantic. The way Theseus broke out of his cell-yes, you guessed it. He's the project- because he sensed her inside the building. He wasn't even upset that his mate was one of the people conducting the tests on him! All he knew was that she was his mate, and therefore he had to protect her.
What was also so sweetly romantic was the way he seemed to... bloom in her presence. He's been in his wolf form for so long that he forgot how to be human. He showed the most progression with her there, and the most aggressiveness when she wasn't. It was so sad to hear he was the last of his kind. The fact that he had to live through his family and friends wither away and die. One by one. Apparently, lycanthropes stop aging once they hit full adulthood and only resume to aging when they find their mate, he spent like four centuries waiting for her! If that isn't love I don't know what is!
They do end up escaping the laboratories, when everyone catches on to the fact she's - well his mate, but also holding affection towards him, they decided to end it before it gets worse. It was a bit unnerving to know they weren't even chased. It was as if they were... let go. But turns out there is a sequel, which I need to get my hands on somehow, there was a bit of a teaser at the end of the book explaining why Veronica and Theseus were able to escape and live, apparently, Theseus's cells managed to replicate itself under a certain environment. They basically cloned him. Which is why they didn't bother trying to catch them.
I shuddered at the thought. It was a good science-fiction. Author Allie L out did it, honestly. It also gave me a good idea of why I should not get myself caught. I still don't understand what Tekula means or what it has to do with all of... this. I mean why did they name him the Tekula project??
I snapped my mind back to the situation at hand and decided that I'd take my time to prepare, that way I'd be certain that he's asleep. I was so engrossed in that book that I feared he only shut his lights minutes before I finished. I already had a new shirt on so I just threw on a different pair of black skinny jeans and grabbed a scarf to tie around the lower half of my face. I should really invest in a good face mask...
I walked back towards my window, it feels like I spent my whole day in the same spot by my window with the same purpose of stalking Andrew. I glanced to my right and decided to use the balcony instead. I don't know why I felt compelled to do so but I did anyway. My mum didn't want me to have a bedroom with a balcony, but seeing as all the rooms have a decent sized balcony; she couldn't do anything about it. She did mirror the glass of the doors and my windows too. That way I get sunlight in my bedroom and get the view of the street but anyone looking in won't be able to see anything. She still fusses over my curtains, I know for a fact it's the paranoia in her so I don't comment on it.
I made sure my door is locked then whipped out the balcony's doors keys that I hid in the valance, mum kept the doors locked at all times since I was a kid and even then she wouldn't give them to me, however sneaky little Kyle here was smart enough to snatch one of the four keys before my mum realizes they are four and not three keys. You ought to plan ahead.
I unlocked the doors and slid through the small opening I created- easier said than done when you've got wings twice your size hanging from your back, I don't even know how I get to walk without stumbling and losing balance every other step!
I took a deep breath and allowed my lungs to expand and fill with the fresh air and the greenery of the trees and flowering shrubs as they came together in their own slow dance, it gave me a sense of calm as a soft breeze blew past me, tousling my hair and laying freshness over my skin. I focused as the forest got to its chorus of a song so sweetly sung, leading leaves to brush and unwind. The slight coldness seeped through to my muscles and soothed them in its fine silky feel. Allowing me the relaxation my tense body so wished for.
The sky was the richest black I've ever seen. It was so pitch dark that a human eye would only pick up the security cameras the lit up in red every few seconds on some of the houses, but even then, it made little to no deference.
I willed my wings to flap upwards, taking me to a straight front-row seat to the area from my roof, I sat at the ledge and scanned my surroundings to make sure no one is outside. The blackness was my blanket of protection, and although I knew none could even make an outline of me, I still took the extra measure.
It's a moonless night where even the silhouettes were gone, the dense clouds coving every star making the lurking shadows of child-like fear disappear and blend into everything around. Nights like this clutched me in its claws until I could only think. It stirred something primal in me, the instinct to find light, perhaps I would be driven by fear. Fear of the unknown, yet as I studied my nights further, the only fear I got is finding the light, and not be courageous enough to grab it, to simply allow it to slip away from my grasp without trying.
But with my wings came my eyes; I could see light wherever I go, I'm free from all fears with one flutter. I wanted to be a light, so bold, to rescue those who fell into darkness. Wishful thinking, when I know I, myself, have fallen into the depth of nothingness. Tonight was the kind of blackness that could throw someone's mind into free-fall towards a losing leap of faith.
After a few more minutes I was finally satisfied, so I flew towards his window. My heart was beating steadily, but it skipped a beat when I saw his windows open. Not un-curtained. Open. It left me slightly unnerved us it went against everything Andrew kept consistent. Ever since that girl showed up he's been doing things - simple but unexplainable. Or maybe I'm too ignorant to accept his change of behavior because it's dissimilar to me. It works to my advantage though, now I can just pop my head in to look instead of centering my attention on him rather than the reflective glass.
I landed softly on the small balcony of his window, his was much smaller than mine. Where I could fit a chair and side table, his is only standing level. It's also quite low, so it really doesn't serve as a balcony more of a death trap honestly. I looked in to locate Andrew, easy, he was in bed covered up completely by his blankets, in one big lump. I couldn't tell were his head or limbs were. It was too dark to see.
I peeked in and started scanning his room for anything that will be a clue, I kept flapping my wings softly to keep me up and balanced. I didn't want to risk making a sound on his tiny unsafe balcony.
From a corner I wasn't paying attention to, the light was turned on, I whiplashed my head in that direction so fast, but stilled as soon as I met his eyes. It took me a second or two for the information to sink, although it was right there in front of me, I immediately twirled ready to bolt out of there and curse my life to no end but I was stopped dead in my tracks.
"Wait! Don't go!"
The smooth baritone of his voice reverberated through my body as I slowly turned around, I saw the shock register on his face before he could hide it. A small smile played on my lips before shock settled in. I was filled with awe at the sight of him. Oh my, was he beautiful...
His eyes were the depth that sucked you in despite the darkness surrounding, his carmine moist lips parted in surprise and another emotion I couldn't distinguish. His hair matted down to his forehead, a drastic difference to his neatly combed over style. The small amount of light from his floor lamp bounced off his luscious locks and I yearned to run my fingers through them.
"Please." He whispered lowly, I could hear his heart thumping in his chest. His somewhat tight tank top translating the action in a clear tightening of muscles. The low rumble of his voice wrapped around me in an enchantment that held me still as he glided slowly towards the window; his palm held open in an invite, and eyes, the shade of clouded forest canopy, shining in a plea.
I found myself unable to refuse him, completely and utterly hypnotized by the volume of his voice and the evergreen eyes of his. My heart took the lead as I found my hand slip into his, he pulled me in, his other hand raised with caution as though I'll disappear if he moved to fast. He cupped the side of my face, still covered in my scarf, but I could still feel his callused palm. A shiver runs through me as he caressed my cheek in frailty and cautious touch, as though he's petting a lion.
His eyes looked deep into mine as if he was searching for something. I wonder if he still remembers my face... It slightly fazed me, as it felt as though he was looking through my mind, naked. Bare for him to see and judge. At last, I closed my eyes to savor his gentle touch.
"Who are you?" he asked, his rich, silky tone carried out his soft words, pulling me away from whatever held me captive. I pulled back, to create distance between us. I can't believe I just let him do that! Again! I backed away, ready to fly when his hold on my hand tightened, pulling me back towards him, I found myself placing my hand on his shoulder, the close proximity making it difficult to stay afloat.
"Don't go yet. Please. I knew you'd come. You always do." His voice was a smooth whisper, forgotten as he pulled me closer to himself. "Tell me your name, at the least." His breath fanned my face with every word, but I couldn't focus on that when his gaze held so much power over me, filled with so much fervor I couldn't look away. I don't know who pumped me with this boldness that suddenly overcame me and I found myself pressing my palm in his as I broke our contact to lay a soft kiss on his cheek. Scarf in the way and all. My other hand grazed his hair as I pulled back to see his eyes closed, green orbs hidden away, and his lips the tiniest bit parted.
I noticed the slight blush that adorned his cheeks, and I caught the inaudible gasp of air he took after the contact. His expression was so alluring I had to fight the urge of removing my stupid mask and kissing him senseless, to feel his plum lips against mine and fulfill my fantasies. He was so caught off guard by my act that his hold on my hand wasn't as firm, as much as I wanted to stay in that moment, I couldn't. This was my opening and so I took it.
In his moment of astound, I released myself from his grasp and flew away.
I could feel my heartbeat, every single pound in my chest. It was so strong I thought my chest will burst. It only beats for Andrew. All for Andrew. The boy whose deep voice still bounced in my head in smooth echo-like waves. I could still feel his gentle touches and I was relishing in the way he looked at me.
My mind went into overdrive as I tried to digest what just happened, in my flustered state, I flew a great distance into the woods instead of home. But that's okay, I don't mind the silence, I learned to enjoy it. When you're socially distant your whole life, its only common sense to do so. I was wrapped in complete darkness, as the trees turned into black shadows against the charcoal of the sky, the slight chill I felt earlier now turned into shivers that jerked my whole body. But it wasn't severe. My body was still warm as if I was still in Andrew's embrace.
Uh oh. Realization dawned on me and I laughed out loud into the blackness. If was such a contrast to laugh when it was so quiet. There was no wind to cause leaves to susurration, and it was so late into the night that even the owls ceased their hooting. But my idiocy was worth the amusement that filled me when I remembered the reason I went there in the first place.
He distracted me to the point where I'm not even mad at it, the encounter, I mean. How could I when I've dreamt of an opportunity to have a moment similar to that for years now? I sighed and shook my head fondly. I'll go back, it's no big deal. I'll just peek in this time. Get what I need and hit the road.
So for the -what, third? Time today, I was floating outside the-now-locked window of Andrew's. I smiled, he didn't change. It was all in my head. Overthinking tends to do that to you.
My smile widened when I caught sight of his sheets loosely tucked onto his form on the bed. He faced opposite to me and all I could see was the taut muscles of his back. I scanned around the contents of his desk first, and almost wanted to slap myself right then and there, because as soon as I peeked in, there on his reading table, was his book with Albert Mercury High stamped onto the front cover.
Mission accomplished. + A little bonus ;)
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Hi, my lovelyz, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, 7 would be available soon so stay tuned.
Ps: don't forget to leave your comments and votes thank you.
*Kisses* Bluerings out!