Chapter 2

Sophia's pov

Here I was, staring out to the beautiful streets right indoor.

I could see kids and young adults like myself roaming about with happiness all over their faces.

Their happiness made me envious of them.

Why is my life so different?

"Goodness! " I heard my mother exclaim from behind.

From the window where I stood, I turned back and found my mother holding an empty can in her hand.

"We're out of spice. Why didn't I see this? " She groaned, patting her forehead.

Out of spice? This is it.

Watching her checking other items in the cabinet...

"Mom, " I called, drawing nearer to her.

She lifted her gaze at me and responded with a hum.

Seeing her eyes on me, I managed to push my inner words out next.

"Let me head to the market and get the spices for you, " I suggested, moving closer to the empty can.

But suddenly...

"No! " She grabbed the can in speed, leaving me shivering by her response.

"You aren't going anywhere Sophia. How many times do I have to tell you that you can't go out? " She questioned, holding the can close to her chest.

"But Mom, this isn't fair. You made me promise that when I clock eighteen I can go out. Why are you still keeping me indoors?" I asked, getting upset within.

This is too much. How long will I live like this?

 I still remember when I was six years old. Then, I could still step out and play with the neighbors kids. But suddenly, Mom locked me indoors and stopped me from stepping out ever again.

On my thirteenth birthday, she told me that the outside world is dangerous and she can't allow me to step out.

When I showed my unhappiness to her words, she promised to give me my freedom when I clock eighteen years.

For five years I patiently waited for the D day to arrive. But when it did, Mom shunned me.

Why is she doing this to me?

"You told me the world was dangerous for me back then and that when I turn eighteen I could step out, but you broke your promise to me."

"Sophia, it's nothing like that."

"Then what is it? " I questioned, raising my voice at her unexpectedly.

Her eyes widened at my tone of voice, making me feel guilty for almost getting mad at her.

I signed out and wrapped my arms across my chest, saying, " You never stay true to your words. You just don't want me to be happy."

I took my steps further towards her, aiming for the door.

"Sophia," Mom called, taking hold of my arm, putting a stop to my feet.

"My child, it's nothing like that. I'm... I was..." She sighed, unable to complete her statement.

"Okay then. I made a promise to you. "

That statement left a spark of hope in my eyes as I turned back to look at her as she spoke further.

"I'll allow you to head to the market. "

"Really?" My face came glowing with smiles.

"But I'm coming with you. I need some things at the market, so we'll be going together," She said, trying to maintain a serious face, but she couldn't.

I ignored the expression on her face, diving into her arms with a warm embrace.

"Thanks mom, " I appreciated.

She sighed and patted me on the back, telling me to go and feet ready.

Of course I went in to get ready. I got dressed in one of my beautiful pink dresses which I had planned to wear out when I'm given my freedom.

I stepped out and met Mom at the door waiting for me.

Together we made our way to the market, and I couldn't help but feel awkward on seeing all the eyes falling on me.

It felt so creepy.

When we arrived inside the store where Mom always visits to get her shopping done, I felt joy engulfing me on seeing the beautiful store.

"Stay close to Sophia," Mom said, facing a shelf.

Somehow that instruction didn't settle into my head. I found myself walking away from Mom and exploring the other part of the store.

"This is so beautiful. I'm so... Oh! "

A hand suddenly pulled me to a corner, getting my heart pounding with speed.

But when I turned to look at who it was...

"No way! Sophia? "

"Huh? " I stared in shock at the three girls that stood before me, looking... So beautiful.

"It's me Clara. Don't you remember us? " The girl in blonde pointed at herself and the others.

She does look familiar.

Wait, Clara? This is my neighbor's daughter!

She's so big!

"Oh my goodness! Sophia it's you! I thought your Mom told you not to step out? "

"Don't tell us that staying indoor has made you lose your memory?"

The trio laughed at me.

Now I remember them. They were my childhood friends before Mom spoiled that bond with her sudden rule.

"It's so good to see you again," Clara said, grabbing me into her arms for an embrace.

"We have missed you. "

The others joined in.

When they released me, I smiled and asked how they were.

"We've been good."

"Enjoying life that is, " Clara bragged, swaying her hair with pride.

"That's good for you three, " I said, feeling like the odd one out.

Clara then asked me why I was here in the market.

"Don't tell us that you snuck out of home without your Mom knowing?" She asked.

"No, I... Well my Mom and I came to get some things together," I answered, pointing at the direction where I left Mom.

But my response got them laughing and calling me Mommy's pet.

That's harsh.

"Your Mom is being cruel to you girl. "

"No she's not. She's only doing what's right for me. "

"Yeah, by keeping you indoors like a prisoner? Yeah right? " They laughed.

It made me feel unhappy.

"Look Sophia, your Mom has deprived you of the outside world and the adventures. You are missing out, " Clara said, standing next to me.

"Yeah, it's not fair. You need to explore the outside and see all the interesting things out there. "

They were talking, sharing some fun things they do, and it all made me envious and hungry for adventure.

"Oh yes! This should be the best to me for Sophia, " The girl in brunette said.

"We should invite Sophia to the party at the forest tonight. She'll love it. "

"Oh yes! That's true. "

"Sophia you have to come."

They said, telling me all the amazing things I'll experience there. And I felt so mesmerized on hearing what they'll be doing there.

But...

"I don't know. My Mom won't allow it. "

"Come on Sophia. we didn't say you should tell mommy. Just sneak out and join us, " Clara suggested.

"Sneak out? Isn't that leaving the house without someone's knowledge?" I asked

They nodded.

Clara told me that my Mom won't know if I'm gone.

"Just tuck in some sheets under yiyr blanket and leave the house. Meet us at our usual play spot from little. We'll be waiting," Clara said.

"Don't delay," The others said.

They gave me another hug and left to resume with whatever they were doing.

"A party at the forest? This should be fun."

Midnight, I got out of bed and tucked in some clothes just like Clara had said, before placing my blanket over it.

Then I carefully tiptoed to the door, opened it slowly and left.

Finally, I was outside all alone. Joy took over me as I made my way to the spot where I used to play with Clara and the others then.

And just as they said, they were there.

"Look.who showed up!"

"Good girl! "

They all cheered for me and it made me feel so good.

"Let's go. The party must have started," Clara said, taking hold of my hand and leading the way.

Into the forest we walked, until we arrived at a fireplace with other young adults like us. They were already dancing and having fun.

This made me feel so happy.

Clara introduced me to some of her friends before we got down to business.

The party was going so well. It's the first time I'll have such fun.

But suddenly...

"Stop the music," We heard one of the guys shouting, interrupting the fun.

The music came off and everyone began asking what the problem was.

That's when we heard something deep coming from the woods.

HOWL!

"What's that? " I asked, feeling chills running down my spine.

I looked at the others' faces and saw how terrified they were while looking at a spot.

I took my attention to that spot and was shocked to see two glowing red eyes in the dark, staring right at us.

What is that?!

"WOLF! " They all screamed and began to run away in fear.

I felt so terrified that I had to run as well. But I was suddenly pushed aside by Clara.

She pushed me so hard from her path that I fell hard to the ground and twisted my ankle.

"Wait please! Help me!" I cried out, but no one stopped and turned back to look at me.

Is this the end for me?

GROWL! I heard from behind  sending me to turn my head to the point where I saw those two glowing eyes. Only for me to see the creature in full.

"What? " I gazed in horror, looking at a human-like beast, staring right at me.

Fear took over me, sending me to my feet, leaping away.

I thought I could try and get away, but I felt a strong pounce from behind, sending me falling to the ground.

Turning over to see, the beast came right at me, revealing its terrifying look to me.

My body shivered as I thought of what Mom has been telling me about the dangers of the outside world.

How I wish I stayed back.

I see its mouth opening up to attack me. I screamed, covering my face. But... But nothing happened.

Lowering my hands down slowly, I found this beast staring right at me in ... Confusion?

It just gazed at me, before drawing its face nearing mine, taking a strong sniff into my hair.

What's going on?

That's when I heard from the beast...

"Mate." It lifted its face from my hair and stared at me.

Did it just speak? What does he mean by Mate?