Chapter 9

Valerie had been my best friend since high school. We were neither nerds nor part of the queen bee’s pack, just normal high schoolers who did their best to maintain scores above the passing rate. We got along well, being socially awkward people but at the very least, Valerie was able to improve her social skills. For the most part, we just saw each other and knew we should hang around. I honestly had no idea how our friendship developed.  There wasn’t a time that we weren’t together at school. Every little thing, we had to do it together, except when one of us was sick and had to skip school.

When we reached college, that’s when I noticed that she was romantically fond of guys. She would go out on a date just for fun and I would be alone sometimes which I didn’t mind. I was just so used to her company that it took quite a while before I completely adjusted to this type of system. I was cautious of guys taking advantage of her, that’s why I got protective that time. Nowadays, she had been stronger as we all know: new boyfriend every month. She must be loyal to the one month rule.

It was unusual for both of us to be in a fight but if we would, it was when one of us lied or hid something. We believed that the key to friendship was honesty. I guess what we felt about each other was platonic love. She was my platonic soulmate. Not that we were of the opposite sex, it seemed to me that it would be the best term that I could apply to our friendship. She was my sister, not biologically, but by heart no matter how cheesy it sounded.

The guilt crept into me as I reminisced all our memories together. I admit that I got hurt when she never believed my stories about the mythical creatures that caused the death of my parents and my never-ending trauma, but it wasn’t my intention to make a fool of her. I was thinking of spilling the truth out but I was hesitant.

I was about to tell the real truth to Valerie, hoping that she would support me. She supported me at all things and I appreciate her being that kind of friend to me. The only thing she didn’t support was my delusions as she called it. 

Valerie stood up with a stoic face and stepped on the side of my seat. Fluttering my eyes close, I waited for her to land a hand on my cheek. But, instead, she wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.

"Honey, that’s great news!” The tightness of her embrace almost choked me along with the astonishment that I received from the thought that she would slap me. It was a miracle that she bought that. The heavens must’ve heard my call.

“Yeah, it seems like it is,” I awkwardly said. I thought she’d be more persistent but I guess a man was always the right answer for her.

“Care to share about the mystery guy?” Valerie went back to her chair in a cheerful manner.

“Not until I confirm we’re going down that path,” I mischievously winked and tried to match her playfulness. It was actually rare for me to catch a guy or even talk to one so I was thanking god that Tobias was there that morning.

Valerie and I continued to chat as I waited for a text message, informing me as soon as my laboratory results were ready. As usual, Valerie was the one who kept the conversation going with the topic of her experiences with boys. It was entertaining and funny because this woman didn’t really care if someone else heard her saying vulgar things.

It was half two in the afternoon when my phone buzzed and it was the message that I was anticipating. I planned to hand over all the requirements as soon as I got my medical results.

“I have to go back to Giofré,” I unconsciously muttered, forgetting that he was her boyfriend.

“I knew you’d be assigned to him,” Valerie chortled like what I said was hilarious. 

“What do you mean?” It was finally my turn to be suspicious.

“Nothing, really. It was just a hunch. You want me to come with you?” she asked, and she probably guessed that I was uncomfortable around Giofré. I wouldn’t consider it as being just plain awkward but the tension in the air when Giofré and I were in the same room felt heavier than usual.

“Uh, if you would, please.” I rolled my eyes in discontent. “I just don’t like your new boy.” I grabbed my drink and followed the path towards the door leading outside.

Valerie snickered at my exaggeration and matched my walking pace as I exited the coffee shop.

After walking past a block, we arrived at the hospital.

The hospital in the afternoon was peaceful. There weren’t many patients unlike in the morning to noon because most of them were already done with their appointment. I gazed outside the glass windows and saw the rose-colored sky dotted with several clouds that were chasing the setting sun.

I let Valerie walked ahead to Giofré’s office and I went to the Medical Laboratory Department. It was on the first floor of the hospital and his office was on the second. The laboratory results took longer; they said there was something unusual with my blood on the first testing so they had to repeat the procedure which then came out normal. It was bizarre because I didn’t know if they made a mistake or was it possible for them to have an error? They were supposed to be professionals, and I kind of wasted my time waiting for them. Not really wasted because I was with Valerie.

I thanked the nurse who handed over my laboratory results and made my way to the elevator. Tomorrow morning, I would make sure not to waste time and pass all the requirements.

The hallways were empty as I passed by the waiting area and the nurse’s station. Some other nurses were doing their own things and a few doctors seemed like they were about to go home. I looked at the time and it was just a quarter to six. From what I know, this hospital closed at eight in the evening.

Reaching Giofre’s office, I stood in front of his door and knocked a few times. But he didn’t open it and I thought he didn’t hear my knocks. So I reached for the knob, twisted it, and slowly swung the door open. In my mind, I just thought Valerie would be inside catching up with her boyfriend. To my surprise, my best friend was sitting on his desk with both of her legs hugging Giofré’s waist. Her hands were wrapped around his shoulder for support as he nibbled her neck.

“Sorry guys, but I need the confirmation of my doctor. You two can continue that later since it’s still working hours, I assume.” I strutted towards them and ignored their position but, in Valerie’s embarrassment, she pushed Giofré away from her. She tugged the hem of her dress that rode up her thighs down.

Giofré glanced at me, unbothered. I guess he didn’t mind being seen canoodling with Valerie as she cleared her throat and said, “Sorry about that.” She moved to the sofa and settled on it.

I sat on the stool, not giving a damn to what type of atmosphere I had just destroyed. I understood they were smitten by each other, but I had some important things to do.

“Here’s the laboratory results. It took longer because there were some complications at the first testing. I guess they made a mistake and did the right procedure after.” I explained then placed all of the papers on his table. The atmosphere in the room suddenly became heavy because of the thick tension filling the office. 

Giofré reread it without uttering a word. He handed it over to me with a raised brow and looked at the door of the office like he was asking me to leave.

“I was about to, anyway.” I rolled my eyes at him and averted my gaze to Valerie. “I’ll see you when?”

“Later.” She tried to find her words and bit her bottom lip. “I would like you to keep me posted on that mystery guy you met.” Valerie winked as I raised my brows.

“I’ll let you meet him soon.” I turned my back, sauntering outside before shutting the door behind me.

~*~

It was a new day and the sun already rose in the east. I stepped outside after eating breakfast with Aunt Odessa to finally pass my requirements at the Silver Stag. I could pass these online, but I would like to see their location with my own eyes. From what I read on the poster, they conduct seminars focused on werewolves for newbies and even just for those who are interested to listen. They do these for awareness especially after the increase of unknown accidents that had been going around in this town.

The skies were clear early in the morning and zephyr blew my hair as I walked in the crossing. I stopped in my tracks and admired the 4-story building in front of me. It stood majestically with its gray and white details that surrounded the whole structure. At the very top floor was an emblem of a creature that looked very much like a reindeer because of its antlers, but it had more edge in its facial structure.

“Silver Stag,” I whispered to myself.

After daydreaming of capturing real werewolves, I entered the building and once again got astonished by its interior design. The neutrality didn’t look boring at all, just pure seriousness and professionalism.

“Good morning.” A brunette in an all gray office uniform approached me. “Is there anything that I can help you with?”

“Oh, um–” I stammered in awe. She was graciously smiling at me with her red lips. “Just here to pass the requirements for application.” The heat started to form on my cheeks from embarrassment but, hopefully, she could be an acquaintance soon.

“Right this way.” She gestured towards the concierge and another woman was waiting there to assist me. This time, it was a blonde chick. There weren’t any other people that seemed to be here for an application. Maybe because I was too early, which was a benefit for me since I was expecting not to talk with anyone yet.

The blonde woman pulled out a black folder that had the title of ‘Applicants List’ and plunked it in front of me. “Please fill up this list.” Her tone didn’t sound as friendly as the brunette one I’d seen.

I searched for a pen so I could do what she asked. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to bring one. The brunette kindly handed over a pen while the blonde sighed at the side. With an embarrassed bearing, I proceeded to fill up my name on the list. There weren’t many applicants.

After I was done with my name, I scanned the list of almost twenty individuals who applied before me. At the very least, the one I was supposed to write after, was a familiar name. A name that stirred up weird emotions in me just by reading it. It wasn’t supposed to be here.