Standards.

Jamil

When your usually jovial friend starts crying about being a monster, what do you tell them? You are not a monster? Or yes, you are one, so suck it up and make the best of it? Listening to Blaire cry sent several thoughts racing through my head as I thought about how best to get her off her haunches. Maybe if I had had a moment to think about it, then I would have known something better to say. (Note: as carefree and sweet as I like to think I am, I have never for once understood women. They say they are feeling bad so you tell them a joke only for them to go ballistic on you. It is no wonder that I feel more comfortable around my own gender. Even Ulo, who is the worst of us by my own standards does not take my words and use them against me.)

I looked up at the sky, making a small prayer as I turned my attention back to Blaire. "Of course not. You are not a monster. Why would you even think that?" I cooed, swiping my thumb over her face.

"I am." She cried again, pushing me away as she buried her face in her laps.

"Blaire? You wanna tell me what is wrong?" I asked softly, careful to not strike the wrong nerve which would end up with me being chased out of here with a fiery growl which she managed so well.

She continued to cry for what seemed like an eternity while I watched helplessly, thinking about how good a run would be right about now. A bird cried in the distance, a call which was quickly picked up by its partner. Again, I thought about how animals had it so easy. Male deers did not have to worry about the mood swings of their pack members. All they had to worry about was getting enough food to eat and escaping predators. Okay, that might have sounded pretty stereotypical but then again, I was feeling pretty exhausted. First, I had to deal with the Beta whose nail imprints I could still feel in my shoulders, then there was Ulo, and finally Blaire. I felt like the only one who wasn't plagued by panic, or dreadful mood swings, or tears about monsters. If you think that is good then do yourself a favour and drop the thought. If anything, it makes me the worse off of them all. Don't understand? Think about a pack of wolves going to hunt and only one of them chancing upon prey.

Finally she raised her head and met my eyes with a baleful look that seemed to say that she was scared I would start referring to her as a monster as well. Thankfully, my joking instincts did not overwhelm me at this time. I don't imagine she would have appreciated me stating the similarity between her puffed eyes and rising dough.

Looking at her, I couldn't shake the thought that she looked rather frail and that all it took for her to return to her mourning was an ill spoken word. I decided I would rather avoid that.

"It's cold out here." I started, my voice sounding more hoarse than I had planned for it to be. My words seemed to have been a catalyst of sorts as she suddenly shivered, rubbing her covered arms. "How would you like to go for a walk in the woods?"

She looked rather funny trying to look serious with puffy eyes and a wet face but she managed to pull it off. "Sounds good." She agreed.

"Great!" I exhaled in relief. "Would you like to change into better suited clothes. I have to as well. We had better hurry though because I am sure we don't want to keep Ulo waiting much longer." I stretched my hand toward her.

"Ulo?" She repeated, a wistful look settling on her features. I frowned as I started to make some connections. There was Ulo who had looked fairly pissed off, then here was Blaire who had been crying and now hesitating about something she had shown so much eagerness for a moment ago simply because I mentioned Ulo. Even if I believed in coincidences, these were much too connected to be coincidences. I decided to not reveal my suspicions which might be wrong by the way. "You know what, I think you should go with him." Her tone sounded rather rushed.

"Come on, B. You have never been one to turn down an adventure that promises to be fun. Tell me, does it have to do with Ulo?" I pushed gently.

Her features turned sheepish as she started to twiddle her fingers.

"It is!" I confirmed. "What happened between you two? He is not in a very good shape either." I gestured in the general direction of Ulo's location beyond the house.

"He isn't!" She sounded extremely meek which was unusual for Blaire. Usually, she was either being sweet, or furious, or playful, but she was hardly like this. Looking so unsure of herself. "You think he will forgive me?" She asked, pinning hopeful eyes on me.

I wanted to remind her that I didn't even know the offense that she had committed, instead, I nodded. "Of course, you know he can't stay mad at anyone for long." She seemed to consider my words for a moment before nodding like she had suddenly swallowed a lizard.

"I will go get ready then." She jumped out of the swing and bolted for the door. I turned my attention to the cover cloth which had slid off her shoulder. I was about to pick it up when she arrived back at my side and snatched it up. "I will be right back. You had better get ready too." Then she was gone.

I kept my gaze on the door long after she had gone through it. Finally, I stretched lazily thinking about how great a night it had been. I had been drawn into three different problems, none of which seemed solved but at least, I had managed to help them move on from it.