"Cristine!"I turn to see who is calling me from the other side of the road. It's Maia, my best friend. I smile like crazy and run to her, hugging her tightly."It's been so long!" we jump with joy.We hadn't seen each other for two months, and now we were together again. Maia and I had been best friends since childhood because my mom and my Aunt Anne were also best friends. So Maia and I grew up like sisters."Yes, I have so much to tell you," she pulls back, "we went to many places in Canada; I hadn't been there in so long. My dad and mom spoiled me a lot on this trip."We walk toward the entrance of the high school. Everyone was arriving, greeting each other, and catching up on things they had missed. It had been a long vacation. Here in Lewiston, the year was just beginning, and another school cycle was starting. It was my second-to-last year of school."I'm glad to hear that, Maia; at least you spent more time with them," I tell her."I know. And you tell me, where did you go wit
"¿What do you want, Amanda?" I pulled away from her grasp. I wasn't a little girl anymore to be intimidated by her."Don't play dumb. With what right do you get so close to my boyfriend and try to defend him as if you were his girlfriend? Get a grip.""I just..." In reality, she was partly right; Kaleb wasn't anything to me, and I had rushed over as if I had some claim over him. I had just been worried about him and acted on instinct. "I just wanted to be kind," I crossed my arms.She laughed."Well, this is the last time you get close to him, or next time you'll deal with me, little Cristine, and I don't care if your father is the..." she fell silent."My father what?""I don't care if your father or mother come to complain to me later. You've been warned," she gave me a shove and walked past me, back to the cafeteria.I followed them. Inside, there was a commotion."Cris!" Maia came over to me, carrying my bag. "What happened?""Nothing. What happened to Kaleb?"I looked past her,
"What's wrong with you? I'm not yours!" I pushed him away, heading for the door. "Now please leave, my parents will be home any minute.""Kayler and Carolina? They're too busy romancing on some nearby hill. Don't worry about them.""What are you talking about?" I opened the door for him.And then he seemed to understand something."What?" I wanted to know."Never mind. I'm hungry, so I think I'll go find something to eat." He walked to the door but stopped in front of me first. "You smell so good," he said, "it's a pleasant scent. See you tomorrow, Cristine."And he left my house.I watched him walk away, not understanding anything that had just happened. Why does Liam act so weird? I couldn't figure it out. I saw him head into the woods, which seemed even stranger, but I didn't give it much thought. However, just as I was about to close the door, I heard a howl that struck me right in the heart.Wolves?As far as I knew, there were no wolves in Lewiston.If that's the case, I'm in tr
"Cristine... here you are," Mom sighed with relief. I smiled to hide my nervousness; I didn't want her to notice. Mom is an expert at detecting any change in my mood. "Your father and I picked up some pizza for dinner. Do you want some?" She approached and stroked my blonde hair."Sure... I'm really hungry. Where's Damian?" I asked since I hadn't seen him for a while. According to Mom, he was supposed to be on a trip with some friends, but sometimes I doubted certain things. Sometimes I felt like my acquaintances, even my parents, were hiding things from me. I didn't like that."Damian will be back tomorrow, honey. I know you miss him.""A lot."Damian is my older brother, but Gabriel is the eldest. He doesn't live with us; he's studying far away, and we don't know when he'll return."Come on, let's go." We went down to the kitchen where Dad was serving pizza slices on plates. "When are we going to visit Grandma?" I wanted to know, sitting down and starting to eat. "This weekend, how
The next day, Maia and I met as usual on the street."How did you sleep? Everything okay?" she asked me."So-so. I hardly slept."We were chatting calmly when we heard noises in the forest."What is that?" Maia inquired."We should find out," I said, taking Maia by the hand and leading her into the forest. I wasn't known for being afraid. Besides, this forest was very peaceful."Careful," she told me. The sound of growling intensified even more. We reached a flat area and stopped short when we saw the enormous wolf in front of us. I stopped breathing."What do we do now?" Maia inquired."Calm down." Maia and I backed away from the place slowly so that the wolf wouldn't feel like we were fleeing. It was far away, but we could see it among the bushes. Now I remember what Dad said: wolves can't hurt me. But why? Why does he say it so confidently? The wolf stayed in that same place; it's not the same one I saw the other time eating a deer, this is another one."Cristine, let's run. We're
Feeling Liam kiss me again is strange. It felt like that the first time, but today..."Liam, don't do this," I said, pulling away from him, stopping the kiss. I can't believe that just hours ago I had an encounter with Theo, and now I'm kissing Liam.Liam looked at me, amused."Admit that you liked it.""I'd better go."I turned and started to walk away, but Liam followed me."Cristine, you'll fall into my traps, just wait and see.""You'd better stop here; I don't want to cause more problems with my parents.""It doesn't matter facing your father, Cristine."I stopped abruptly and looked at him."It matters to me because I don't want anyone to ruin our relationship. I love my father too much, and I couldn't let anyone come between us."Liam said nothing, remaining silent and thoughtful. I turned and finally walked away from him. When I got home, I braced for my dad's scolding."Honey, you're back," Mom said, watching TV in the living room. "Your Aunt Anne called and said you were at
"Well, well," an annoying voice comes up beside me. "But I left you at home, Cristine. You're quick."Liam positions himself next to me, a playful smile on his face."Liam, why do I find you everywhere?" I crossed my arms. Being with Liam made me calm down immediately."I could ask you the same thing," he said, putting his finger on his chin. "I find you everywhere.""Are you following me?"He laughed."You wish," he winked at me. "Either way, I need you to leave.""Why?"I'm just starting to forget the deal I made with Kaleb."You should be the one to leave," I pointed at him. "I don't want you to talk to me, much less look at me.""And why is that?"I said nothing.I felt embarrassed."I see. So you want me to stay away from you."He looked disheartened."Yes.""I didn't think you were one of those girls who does what others tell her. I thought you were different." Liam gave me one last look before heading towards the dark forest. I wanted to shout for him to stop, but I didn't dare
"Help me carry her."Liam helped me lift the girl, and together we took her outside. The medics came to us immediately and took her away, just as they were taking the other injured people. I don't see Liam anywhere."You surprise me.""Why?""Because of how you risked yourself and helped all these people."I sighed."It was just an instinct. I wasn't going to leave them here and leave.""You saved them, and that girl too.""I think so.""I'm seeing a side of you I didn't know."I looked at him."I like it."I raised my eyebrows."So what? I don't do it to please you, Liam Johnson.""I know.""Cristine!" Kaleb's shout coming from the forest made my hair stand on end. "It's your brother, he's hurt." My heart started beating faster when I heard that. I followed Kaleb into the forest until we reached a group of people. Damian was lying on the ground, his neck bleeding. He was bitten. But Damian was naked."Damian," I knelt beside him."Cristine, please leave.""I'm not leaving you, idiot.
"At what party?""On the mountain, the highest one. They always throw parties there.""Are there any witnesses who can confirm that information?"I bit my lip, remembering that neither Maia nor Junior made it to the party yesterday. I also didn't see Jeremiah; the only ones who could say they saw me are Monica and Miranda.Great."Liam.""Anyone else?""Uh, yes! T-Theo... Theo W-White.""Anyone else?""Those are the only ones I know.""Alright. One moment, please." The police officer leaves the room, and I'm left alone. From movies, I know that the huge mirror in front of me is a window to another room where they are also watching me.I can't believe Jeremiah is dead, oh my God, what happened to him? My hands are shaking, I feel very anxious. I don't like this place.The officer returns minutes later."We've called Theo White, and he's on his way. You need to give us the names of at least two more people. We need proof, not just words."Whatever."There are two girls that... I had pro
"Miss, step back, please!"The wolf growled louder and approached."We're going to shoot!""Don't shoot, please!"I looked at the wolf, who now seemed to realize what was happening. It was cornered. For a moment, I thought it would run away, but no, its demeanor returned to that of an angry wolf, and it advanced towards me.A gunshot.And another."No!"They hit the wolf, but it didn't stop. The wolf ran towards the forest, but it was injured. People applauded the police for hitting it. I ran after it, thinking I must be crazy for doing this, but I couldn't help feeling that the wolf needed me. I ran and ran, following the blood trail until I found it. I saw the wolf lying next to a tree.Tears streamed down my face seeing it in that state. I wasn't afraid at that moment; I just got on my knees next to it. The wolf looked at me, and its ears pinned back."I'm so sorry."It had several bullet wounds and was bleeding a lot. I couldn't help but sob."I'm so sorry."The wolf whined, and I
I half-smiled and got out of the car. Liam drove off into the forest. What is he doing? I went inside, thinking Mom or Dad would be waiting for me, super worried, but I guess Dad is keeping his word to let me fly. I went upstairs and locked the door once I was in my room.I was surprised to see Liam there."You're fast.""I wanted to spend the night with you, Cristine. I'm not going to leave you alone again."Liam hugged me, and I was grateful for it. We both got into bed and cuddled. I felt loved, cherished, and protected. Little by little, the fear started to fade."I'll take care of your dreams."His head massages made me sleepier and sleepier until I finally fell asleep.•The next morning, I opened my eyes slowly. I heard the birds chirping by the window. I looked for Liam beside me, but he was already gone. I knew it, I knew he would leave at dawn. I got up, my head aching a little. There was a note next to me that read:Good morning, sweetheart. I'll pick you up to take you to
"Sounds like a good idea." I took off his shirt, kissed his neck, and licked his ear. I looked at the half-moon in the sky, illuminating us a bit. I thought about how Liam would pay for deceiving me and how the moon would help me with my revenge. I sensually removed all my clothes in front of Liam, my naked body exposed to him. There was grass on the ground, so we lay down there. This reminded me of the night we became a couple."You're so beautiful."More than Miranda? I wanted to ask but kept quiet."So gorgeous... everything about you drives me crazy." Liam sucked on my breasts, and I felt so much pleasure that I moaned. I sat on top of him, starting to move back and forth. "Oh yes... Cristine, you're incredible." He scratched my back."Do you like it?""A lot."I smiled bitterly as I made love to him.When we were about to climax, I felt Liam getting extremely hot, just like what happened with Theo the other time. I was a bit puzzled by the similarity but decided to ignore it. May
I went downstairs."Are you going out?" Dad was at the table reading some papers."Yes, we're going to a party with Maia and the guys. Can I go?" I approached him. I didn't like being distant with my father; I've always been a daddy's girl, which is why Greg and his friends teased me. And now, with Liam's presence, he's not happy, so he's been very distant from me."Alright, have fun, honey.""I don't like being mad at you." I sat on his lap. "You're my daddy, and I love you.""I love you too, honey, it's just that... there are things you still don't understand. You're very young, and I just want to protect you. That's all."I smiled and kissed his cheek."Let me make my own decisions, let me make mistakes because that's the only way I'll gain experience and learn life's lessons. You can't keep me in a glass box forever, Dad.""That's what hurts the most: not being able to do that.""Dad...""I'll try not to be so distrustful and give you more freedom, but don't hesitate to come to me
-What are you doing here?Theo's look was dark, he didn't seem to see me.-My mom brought Maia so I couldn't get away, don't worry we're leaving," I crossed my arms.-Christine, you shouldn't come to this house anymore.Her words hurt me but I also swallowed the feeling.-If that's what you want, it's okay, you won't see me again.Theo closed his eyes for a few seconds and then let his guard down.-It's not that I don't want you to come but that it hurts me to see you and know you're not mine.A lunge.-It hurts me to see you and know I can't touch you, kiss you, or make you mine.Another thrust.His words would make any woman fall in love.I bit my bottom lip and lowered my gaze to his lips. What the hell am I doing? Am I hurting because of the way Liam is cheating on me? Maybe Liam right now is kissing Miranda or making love to her, I don't want to think about that! It's torturous.-I already told you that you won't see me again now please jump.Theo moved closer, I could tell he wa
"That's just the town entrance; there are still a few kilometers to go before we reach the houses.""Sorry, ladies, but this is as far as I can go.""We'll have to walk."I rolled my eyes, paid the taxi driver, and we got out. The man's behavior was strange; he didn't want to enter the town."What now?""We walk."Maia and I started walking. The afternoon was fading, and the sun was setting. Maia knew to respect my need for silence and reflection."I'll get over it. We were only together for a day."Maia laughed."It's funny, but you were together before Liam made it official.""Yes. I suppose it was just attraction," I swallowed hard."You're angry, but I know it hurt to see him with someone else.""Of course. I feel betrayed and hurt, but believe me, if I could get over Kaleb, I can get over anything.""I never thought Liam would lead a double life."I sighed."Neither did I. He seemed so sincere when he was with me, but I guess he's a perfect liar.""Are we not going to the party t
"There are a lot of handsome guys."I laughed."I see that.""And to think Theo would be here.""Calm down, Maia. Theo still has time to come to the university.""I know, I hope he comes around. You know, I'm starting to think that if the girl is at the university and Theo didn't want to come... it might be because she's not here.""And you're just telling me this now.""We're already here."We climbed the stairs until we reached the administration office."Hello, good afternoon. I'm looking for my friend CB."The secretary looked at us strangely. She was just a very young girl."CB?""Yes, she's my friend's cousin. She came from out of town, and we want to surprise her. We call her that out of affection; those are her initials: CB. I don't know if you can find her by her last name.""Let me try. There's a long list of girls with the initials CB.""Layla! There are two boys arguing in the yard. Come quickly, please," a blonde girl approached the secretary."What? Girls, wait here." Th
"Where did you go?" Maia was sipping her juice. I sat down next to her with my untouched lunch."I stayed in the bathroom.""How's your foot? When I looked for you, you were gone, so I came here alone.""It's fine, don't worry." I took a sip of my juice."Are we going to the university today?""Today? I don't think we'll have time.""Where are you planning to go?" Liam appeared behind me and sat down next to me."Umm... am I intruding?""Not at all, Maia.""We hardly talk, Maia, but now that Cristine and I are dating, I hope that changes."Maia smiled."You're dating? Cristine hadn't told me anything! Congratulations.""I hadn't had the time to tell you.""Do you mind if some friends join us?""Who?""Them.""Oh, the ones you had trouble with Kaleb the first time.""Yes.""No problem."Liam signaled to his friends to come to our table. They sat with us. The guys were serious like Liam and wore black jackets."This is Junior and his brother Jeremías.""Nice to meet you.""Hi, I'm Maia.