Chapter 12

"I want to know more about Wendigo." I changed the topic.

"Okay." He said. He took a big book out of the drawer and handed it over to me. " This is the book of supernaturals. Only you can read it since you are chosen. You will know more about what you are looking for in it."

"Thank you." I said as I stood up to leave the room.

"Remember Miss Sivan, the remaining ten days till the month ends. You decide if you want to live or die. It's your choice."

The minute I got home, my phone buzzed, and it was from Chase. He asked why he didn't see me at his game. I ignored his message and entered my room. I heard someone knock on my window. I checked and it was Chase. He was here again.

I closed my window and ignored him, but he kept calling my name. My parents must not know he was there or I'll get grounded. I opened my window and let him in.

"I called you five times yesterday...why didn't you pick up?" He asked.

"I was busy." The truth is, I went to see him at the movies and saw him going inside with Jada. Not that I was jealous or anything, but I was indeed angry.

"At least, you could have replied to my text...the one I sent five minutes ago."

"Look Chase...please leave. My parents will kill me if they see you here."

"I won't. Not until you tell me how you really feel." He said calmly as he walked closer to me. "You are driving me nuts, Inez."

"You really want to know how I feel?"

"Yes, I do."

I inhaled and exhaled heavily. "I went to the movies last night."

"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked as he placed his hands on my face.

"I saw you go inside with Jada. Are you back together with her?" I asked.

"No. It's all a misunderstanding, Inez. I am not going back to Jada. It's you I want."

He said the words so easily. I couldn't tell if he was lying-well unless I compled him-but his heart was racing and that meant something. Doesn't it?

"I don't want you, Chase. Please, you need to leave." The thought of me saving many lives if I don't get involved with him came to me. "I don't like you, Chase. I don't like you." I lied even though all I wanted was for him to be right there with me. I took his hand away from my face. I was doing the right thing. I was doing the right thing.

He removed his hands from my face and licked his lower lips. "Cool, I will go now." he said as he headed towards the window.

I watched Chase leave and sat on my bed. I inhaled deeply as I opened the book of supernaturals to read more about the wendigo.

***

Dear Diary,

Something awful is going to happen today.

I don't know why I wrote that. It's crazy. There is no reason for me to be upset and every reason for me to be happy, but...

But here I am at 5:30 in the morning, awake and scared. I keep telling myself it's just all in my head since I have the book Supernaturals, but that doesn't explain why I feel so scared. so lost.

Three days ago, after Chase left my place, I opened the book, and I could feel the power that came through me.

I know. That sounds crazy.

But it did, and all of a sudden, I started craving blood.

I was too tired yesterday to go to orientation.

Denise picked up my schedule for me, but I didn't feel like talking to her on the phone or talking to anyone else.

I've got to see the crowd today, though. We are supposed to meet at the field today.

Is that why I'm scared? Am I frightened of them?

I stopped writing; I stared at the last line I had written and shook my head. Then, with a sudden urge, I lifted my head and threw my pen and book at the big bay window, where they bounced off harmlessly and landed on the upholstered window seat.

It was all so completely ridiculous.

Since when have I been scared of meeting people? Since when have I been scared of anything? I stood up and thrust my arms into my pink kimono.

The morning ritual of washing and dressing was soothing, and I dawdled over it, sorting through my outfits. I finally chose a pale rose top and a white linen short combo.

"Inez, where are you? You are going to be late for school!" The voice drifted faintly up from below.

I ran to brush my silky hair one more time and pulled it back with a deep rose ribbon. Then I grabbed my backpack and went down the stairs.

In the kitchen, mom was eating at the dining table. I landed a peck on her cheek.

"Good morning everybody. Sorry I don't have time for breakfast."

"But, Inez, you can't just go off without eating. You need your protein."

"I'll get a doughnut before school," I say, and turn to go.

"But Inez,"

"And I will come home late today, so don't wait for me at dinner. Bye!"

"Inez,"