•6• The Tell of the Tale

"I'm sheriff Lockley Stanford and this is officer Tim Flint" a bald big man of fifty years and in a sheriff uniform said. He was accompanied by another man, younger in age, perhaps late twenties or early thirties. He was more on the scrawny side, even the bones on his face were protruding out. I nodded my head in acknowledgment for their presence. "We understand how difficult this must be, but we want you to tell us everything that had happened in details since the beginning of your day up until you saw the body of Ms. Damewood"

I spared no detail, I told them everything that had happened throughout the whole day. I explained to them how I found the body, but it was the part about the wolves that they did not seem too convinced with. "Ms. Goldberg, are you saying that the wolves were bigger than the normal size? Like how big?" the officer, Tim Flint, asked in a way that made it clear he did not believe that they were triple the normal size.

"I told you officer, the wolves were almost triple the normal size, the first four were black and they had these glowing red eyes" the officer nodded his head, and wrote what I said down. However, when I mentioned the red eyes, I noticed that the sheriff's demeanor changes, his facial expression gave away a little bit of fear, or maybe worry. But I felt that he knew something, like he had already known of the existence of such wolves or even saw them.

"have… have you known Sally Damewood for long?" the sheriff asked after giving an awkward cough.

I shook my head, "I met her on the first day of school. We didn't really get to talk all that much. I think Alexis and Jared would know her better than I did"

The sheriff nodded his head, while the officer went on writing quickly in his small notepad, "Well, that would be all Ms. Goldberg. We hope you get well soon, and we will stay in touch" he nodded his head towards nana, "Adele" and with that they both left.

"The Dales have been waiting outside" nana said after we heard the click of the door closing.

"Really? How's Alexis?" I asked and tried to sit up straighter.

"She is also hear to check on you. She isn't injured or anything; she was just startled at the whole thing" nana explained and went to call them from the hallway.

"Oh my God" a very enthusiastic woman said the second she entered the room. She was very slim, tall, with 13-inch heels. She had a knee length white skirt and a pink blouse, while her blond hair was put into a low bun. "I am so glad that you are okay Lorraine" she came over to me and hugged me briefly then pulled back and continued, "You know you played a big part in saving my daughter and for that I am forever grateful" she was holding both my hands tightly in hers. I saw Alexis peeking from behind the woman,

"I am so glad you are okay" Alexis's sounded relieved, maybe on the verge of tears even. But she did not sound as pretentious or fake as her mother, which was something I appreciated. I considered Alexis a friend despite our differences.

I smiled softly, "Thanks" I pulled my hands from Mrs. Dale's clasp, then turned to Alexis, "I'm okay. Don't worry"

Alexis took two long strides and sat next to me on the bed, "I really didn't want to leave you alone in that terrible situation, but it was one moment you're right next to me and the second I am alone. I thought I would go and get help" she held one of my hands. "I am really sorry"

"I am sure she understands" Ms. Dale said, then turned to nana, "Doesn't she Adele?"

My grandmother sighed slightly then turned to me, so I said, "I am not blaming you Alexis. Seriously, I think you did the right thing"

"That's perfect then" Ms. Dale clapped her hands together, "If you need anything at any point, please do not hesitate to ask for our help, because we would love to help if we can"

"I will see you at school Raine" Alexis said then followed her mother to the door who bid my nana goodbye.

"She's…I don't know what to say to that" I said with a shake of my head.

"She's a lot to take in, but all with good intentions"

❉❉❉

I spent that day in the hospital and left the following day, the doctor said that it's better to spend Monday at home as well just to be sure, and that was exactly what I did. I think all through Monday night I kept thinking of what I should wear, and what would happen when I see Sebastian. I made up like hundreds of different scenarios in my head, with conversations and everything. It was stupid, uncalled for, and completely immature, especially considering that I was attacked by wolves who people didn't even believe they existed.

I slept pretty late because of my giddiness, so I woke up barely in time to get ready. "Hurry up raine, you are going to be late" yelled my nana from downstairs. My leg still hurt when I walk quickly, but I managed to descend the stairs with no problem. I found nana had already prepared breakfast in the kitchen.

"I don't think I will have time to eat" I said as I tried to rush grabbing my keys and bag.

"Just have an apple then" she handed me one and went to start her breakfast.

"Are you going to the shop today?" I asked taking a bite.

"I'll go later this afternoon, Lucia said she would go. She has been a great help the past couple of days" she took a sip of her orange juice, "all the while you were in the hospital, she had been taking care of the shop"

I nodded, "that's good" I finished the apple and threw it in the trash, "I'm heading out, see you at dinner"

I left the house and drove to school. In the parking lot I saw both Alexis and Jared standing by their cars. "Morning guys, what's up?"

"You still have a limp" Alexis noted.

"Because that's the first thing we say to our friends when we see them so early in the morning" I said sarcastically. The sun was high up and the weather was still warm. Students were walking around, joking, laughing, pushing each other. It felt like whatever that had happened had been nothing but a mere dream. Sally. I remembered her and my heart broke a little. Although I did not really know her, but I was sure that no one deserved such a terrible way to die.

"Are you feeling better Raine?" Jared asked with concerned eyes.

I nodded my head eagerly, "the pain has lessened so much, I only feel it when I walk fast or stand for well, more than two minutes" I chuckled at end. I really did not want either of them to feel bad for what had happened. They both did the best they could. Is it not in human nature to preserve one's life? How can I blame them for doing what was built in them? Perhaps if I was offered the same chance, I would have done the exact same thing, find safety then get help.

We walked to class, in the hallway we met Michael. "Lorraine, I am so glad you're okay" he stuttered, "I mean…I wanted to visit you in the hospital, but then I found out that you have already gone home and they told me you'd be back to school today"

"Don't worry about it" I grinned, "I am al well now"

"Is it true that you were attacked by giant wolves? Were they really what killed sally?" he asked concerned.

I blinked a couple of times at his question, I was not sure what I was supposed to say. I was not even sure if I saw what I saw; I was beginning to doubt my mind, my eyes. I nodded my head slowly, "There were wolves, and I assume they did that to sally" I saw Jared and Alexis next to me nod their heads in agreement.

"I saw them myself" interjected Alexis. "They were snarly and huge, and, and all scary with their red eyes"

Michael looked at Alexis and it was not hard to see his doubtful eyes; he simply nodded his head and rubbed the back of his nek awkwardly then turned to me, "Well I'm just really glad you're okay, and if you need any help with anything just tell me"

I nodded, "Thanks Michael"

He went to his class while Jared and Alexis took me to mine. The class was still pretty much empty but for a student or two. "You're here" I looked up to find Sebastian sitting on the seat next to mine.

I grinned, "yes, I am"

"How are you? I heard about what happened, are you okay?"

"Yep. I am all better now. It was a bit nasty at beginning but the worst is over" I tried to sound chirpy, like there was no big deal. I did not want to talk to Sebastian about the wolf which took a piece of me; I wanted to talk about him, about art, novels, cultures, places he wanted to go to, and life. I wanted to know him and I wanted to feel that he wants to know me too.

"That's good" he paused for a second, "so how did those wolves look like?" he stuttered his question. "I mean I heard the rumors spreading around town, but are they really true?"

"Uhm…Well, it's just so hard to tell right now. I think I'm questioning what I saw, what has happened" I rubbed my temple, "It's like I know that they were huge, and I know I saw Sally's body there, and I know I was chased, but I am starting to question how they really looked like. I mean what were wolves even doing so close to town. It wasn't the deep in the woods" I shook my head, "As I told you, it's all very confusing now"

He nodded, "I understand" The class was filling in, and he stood up, but before he went to his seat he turned, "hey, uhmm…there's this really cool place in town. They make great Italian food, so… Do you like want to go there, say tomorrow? Maybe I can pick you up around seven?"

I grinned so big that my face actually hurt, "Is that a date?"

He nodded, "I believe that's what they call it. So, what do you say?"

I tried to act cool, but who was I fooling I was so excited that I felt my heart was going to jump from my chest and fall right there in front of him. I nodded, "I love Italian and seven sounds perfect" He went back to his seat and Mr. Maguire entered the class and put three books on the table then closed the door.

"Ms. Goldberg" He called, "I'm glad you're finally able to join us, will you be able to catch up on the lost work?"

I nodded my head excited still, "Yes Sir. By the end of the day I would have done all the catching up that is needed"