“Alice will never get over how chill your parents are,’’ Nick snickers. “She told me hers threatened to change the locks before she came back. They fight a lot.’’ I laugh nervously, not knowing how to respond.
It seemed I always heard of Alice’s life when I was with Nick, which wasn’t surprising considering they had been best friends since kindergarten.
I did understand why Alice would feel jealous though. Mom and dad always supported my decisions, even when they thought I was making the wrong ones, which wasn’t too often.
I had always thought my parents were basically perfect. They never fought, raised me and cared for me through the toughest years of my life without complaint and gave me everything I needed. I had always wondered why they hadn’t had more kids. I knew they had wanted more. We had a couple of empty bedrooms.
As Nick pulls into a half-empty parking lot, I look around in search of long, curly red hair in the small crowd on the sidewalk. The lack of light from the sun setting makes it an impossible task. The passenger bus is already being loaded up with luggage.
I help Nick bring our suitcases to the bus and show our tickets to the driver. I scratch my neck nervously, looking around for Alice. I hear a knock from inside the bus window and look up.
“I saved you guys a seat’’ I faintly hear her scream. I can’t help but laugh at the scene. Once Nick is done placing our things under the bus, I pull him behind me and make my way to the entrance of the bus, my other arm holding a pillow and blanket for the ride. Alice squeals as we sit down beside her.
“I can’t believe I get to party on the beach for two weeks,’’ she cheers excitedly. “And no parents will tell us what to do!’’ I laugh at her remark and start making myself comfortable.
“You better not get us in trouble’’ Nick threatens. “Last time we went on a road trip, your ‘new friends’ ruined everything.’’ I feel my heart pinch a little, but still laugh with Alice.
When Nick and I had first started going out, he and Alice had been planning a big road trip to Los Angeles. Since I didn’t know them to well, I had passed my turn. I had been hearing stories from that adventure for a year and a half now, and I still didn’t know half of all that had happened.
“Hey, my ‘new friends’ are what makes all our adventures so interesting!’’ Alice teased.
I couldn’t help but hope this time would be just as crazy if not more as anything else they had experienced. I just wanted my own stories to tell and laugh about. The driver finally closes the door and starts the bus, and I hear Alice squeal again.
“Alright everyone, welcome aboard,’’ a voice from the speaker resonates. “My name is Grant and I will be your bus driver for the night and until we get to New Chicago, Montana. We will be making a short thirty minute stop every three hours, so be sure to get back on the bus before departure time, ‘cause I’m not waiting for no one.’’
A couple of chuckles run through the bus and I look out the window. Already, we are merging on the highway. My heart is pounding painfully in my chest and I consider asking to stop the bus and just walk home. Nick squeezes my hand and smiles.
“Don’t worry, baby, everything will be okay,’’ he tells me softly. I smile back and lean in for a small kiss. I feel his breath on my lip before he grips my waist and pulls me in.
“Gross, get a room!’’ Alice teases. I chuckle shyly and listen to the rest of the driver’s speech, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.
“Rule number 3: total silence between 11pm and 6am.’’ A wave of complaints rises in the bus. I look at my phone to see it is already 10:50 and ‘curfew’ is in just ten minutes. I am feeling pretty tired, so I am a little relieved at the announcement.
“This is so unfair,’’ grumbles Alice. “I did not pay almost three hundred bucks to sit silently in a bus for seven hours!’’
Nick is also quite pissed, which I don’t really get. It does suck we can’t make a noise for seven hours, but we can at least get a good night sleep.
“I mean, he did say not a noise, not that you had to sleep,’’ I say with a wink. “But I will gladly take a long, uninterrupted, seven hour nap.’’ I place my pillow behind my head under the looks of disbelief of Nick and Alice.
“You can’t be serious,’’ Alice whines. “You’re actually going to sleep in a bus?’’
“Yup! Good night...’’ I sing-song before closing my eyes.
“What a loser.’’ Alice teases, trying to provoke me. I can’t help a smile, but stay silent. Her giggle is followed by the driver announcing curfew.
I suddenly wake up, startled by the chatter around me. I stretch out my sore arms and legs and yawn, looking around for Alice or Nick. I notice we are at some sort of bus stop or resting area. I look at my phone, surprised to see it is past eight. I walk out of the bus, and look at the old beat up restaurant in front of me: Wild Coyote Saloon. “Hey, sleepy head!’’ Nick yells from the door of the restaurant. I smile and jog up to him. “Finally awake, I see. I can’t believe you didn’t wake up once! This is like, our third stop.’’ “I’m a heavy sleeper, what can I say?’’ I chuckle as he pulls me in for a kiss. I quickly pull away, a weird feeling in my stomach. “Do they have a bathroom in there?’’ Nick gives me a strange look, but nods and points to a door inside the restaurant. I clutch my bag and walk into the bathroom, locking myself up in a stale. My chest feels tight and I feel a pull in my stomach. What is wrong with me? I try to slow down my breath
I wipe my forehead with my sleeve, stopping for a second. “Come on, Soph, the lady said it wasn’t too far.’’ Nick encourages me. I continue pulling my suitcase on the bumpy road that seems to lead to nowhere. The sun was hitting hard and I was still wearing a hoodie and an old pair of joggers, and my lack of breakfast made everything more painful. The thirty-five passengers of the bus were all walking on the side of the road, pulling all of their luggage behind them and grunting profusely. The owner of the beat-up restaurant had told the driver there was a small town a little way down what looked like a private road. And a little way was beginning to become an hour-long walk under the scorching sun. I was all for a little exercise, but this didn’t cut it for me. “Oh, my god, we’re here!’’ Alice exclaims, pointing to a large sign on the side of the road. “Moonstone Fall’’ she reads with a suspicious look on her face. I see a couple of building
I smile as I fold back the letter. I can’t hold in an excited giggle at the thought to see my aunt in less than two months. I grab my phone, dialing my mom to tell her the good news about her sister. After a couple of rings, she picks up. “Hey, Sophie! Is everything okay?’’ Dad asks on the other end of the line. I’m a little surprised that he picked up mom’s phone. “I’m okay. Is mom there?’’ “Oh, yeah, she’s driving. Let me put you on speaker phone.’’ “Sophie! I’m so happy you called!’’ I laugh at how desperate she sounds. Mom and I were always close, and we hardly ever fought. “I’m fine mom, though we did get into some kind of situation...’’ “Do you want us to come get you?’’ Dad asks, cutting me off. “Don’t be ridiculous, Marc. I’m sure she doesn’t want us meddling in her affairs.’’ My mom chimes in with a smile in her voice. “Though, if you do need us to come, we will be there.’’ She adds seriously, making me chuckle.
As we are walking back to the entrance of the hotel, we cross Grant who has his eyes locked on Alice. She winks at us and splits, joining him at his table. Nick and I pretend not to notice and go back to our rooms. “Want to join me?’’ Nick asks before closing his door. He smiles sweetly and I nod. I step into an identical room to mine, except for the TV, which is on. He invites me to sit on his bed with him and I follow him, more than happy to cuddle a bit. I barely have time to sit next to him before his lips are on mine. I let out a surprised giggle, but kiss him back. His lips become a little more pressing as they trail down my neck and onto my collar bone. His hand grabs my hip, squeezing softly before he slips his fingers under my shirt. He grazes my ribs and I can’t help but feel a little ticklish. Nick pulls up my shirt and I let him pass it over my head. His lips hungrily come back on mine and he places himself between my legs. I start to feel
A light knock on the door breaks my fixation on the cardboard box I was staring down. It had gotten here almost an hour ago, but I hadn’t built up the will to eat it yet. Hell, I didn’t even know what it was. I turn my gaze back to my untouched meal, deciding I didn’t feel like answering the door twice in the same hour. I felt drained. The person behind the door knocks again. “Sophie?’’ I hear Alice say from the other side of the door. “If you need to talk, I’m here for you.’’ She sounds worried and sincere. I sigh as I get up, dragging the pile of blankets behind me. I really don’t want Alice to feel bad over something that has nothing to do with her. And I especially don’t want her hearing only Nick’s side of the story. I unlock the door and open it a crack before heading back to the bed. I hear the lock click back into place as Alice closes the door behind her, following me silently. She looks at me with pity in her eyes and I already regret letting her in
I rub my eyes as the sun rays filtering through my window wake me up. I can feel how puffy my face is and sigh at the thought of how I must look. I stretch and groan as I roll out of bed, dragging my feet to the bathroom. I brush my teeth and wash my face, hopping I’m at least presentable enough to go out and buy myself some breakfast. I wanted to go to the small cafe I had seen in the plaza when we first arrived in town. I drink a glass of water, accompanied by my morning Seroquel. After a good night sleep, I wasn’t so sure about my plan. Why did I need to trick Nick into leaving me alone in a random town in the middle of nowhere? I felt like I should just talk with him and explain that I need time for myself. If he discovered the ruse as he was boarding the bus, he would probably feel put on the spot and be even angrier, which was not something I wanted. After brushing my hair and changing into a light summer dress, I leave the hotel and walk to the plaza.
“You are the one destined for me.’’ He says, staring into my eyes. My heart skips a beat. “I’m sorry, what? That’s crazy! We’re total strangers, how can you be so sure.’’ I know the answer before he responds. I could feel it deep within me. The tug that had been motivating my action in the last week had led me to him. “Don’t you feel a sort of pull inside, telling you this is right?’’ He confirms my thoughts. “I know this is all kind of odd to you, right now. I’ll start over: my name is Simon, nice to meet you.’’ He puts out his hand and everything in me screams to take it and never let go. He shakes my hand slowly, never breaking eye contact, and I know he feels the same. “I’m Sophie,’’ I end up responding. Then I think of Nick. And Alice. “Listen, I do believe you when you say this is... normal for your culture. But I am supposed to leave in a couple of hours. I’m here with my boyfriend.’’ I half-lie, feeling bad already. I w
“So you’re just ditching us?’’ Nick screams at me pushing me back. “How stupid are you? You’re just going to stay alone in this random town with no way out? Think of everything that could happen to you. I won’t be here to help you and your parents are hours away. What were you thinking?’’ I feel my anger build up again, but stay silent as he screams at me. “I need time alone,’’ I say as flatly as possible, but even I can hear the poison in my words. “So you think I’m just going to leave you behind? I love you, Soph...’’ For a second, I see the hurt in his eye and feel bad. “If you love me, you’ll give the time I’m asking for.’’ I say in a softer tone than I had hoped. My anger is already fading at his puppy eyes. Silent grows thick between us and his gaze slowly loses its softness. “You’re actually doing this?’’ He asks, once again furious. Fighting with Nick often felt like a rollercoaster. One second he was sweet and
I let out a sigh, walking away from the window for the tenth time and back to the living room, falling back on the couch. It was no use any way to look for Simon between the trees, the sun had set almost an hour ago, and I could barely see half the yard.I had spent the last nine hours fighting my anxiety and hoping for Simon to come back soon. I had tried to call Alice earlier, but it had gone straight to voicemail. She must have let her phone die again. I had to resist the urge to text Nick so he could tell her to charge it.In hopes of distracting myself from worrying, I had explored the parts of the house I hadn’t had the chance to visit yet: a dozen bedrooms and nearly as many washrooms later, it stopped being as exciting.I had decided to open one last door before calling it quits and finding something else to do when I had found a luxurious study. I had almost decided to walk across the den to look through the piles of paper and satisfy my curiosity
The realisation dawns on me and I feel panic rise in my chest. Simon starts to laugh and I’m torn between the embarrassment of the situation and the pure joy that fills me at the sound of his chuckles. ‘I am such an idiot.’ “Stop laughing!’’ I playfully push him away, but he grabs my hand and brings me back to him. “Why are you laughing?’’ I laugh with him without meaning to. A mischievous glow lights up his golden eyes. “Did you need one?’’ he asks, suddenly lifting up his shirt. I squeal as I half-hide my eyes. I still can’t help but to steal a glance at his body before turning around. The image of him pulling his shirt over his head, revealing his large, muscular chest, haunts me as I stare into the forest. My cheeks and ears are burning, a sure sign I’m as red as a tomato. His shirt and pants fly past me as he throws them further. I hear him splash a little in the water as he chuckles. “You can turn around now,’’ he says playfully.
I sit down on the soft blanket and look up to Simon. His golden eyes don’t leave mine as he reaches out and takes my hand. Heat spreads under my skin as he pulls me against him. Still, the fact that he disappeared for the whole night without telling me where he went made me realize I know nothing about him.“Simon, what do you actually do in Moonstone Falls?’’“I already told you,’’ he says sternly. “I’m the leader of the town.’’I feel him stiffen up against my back. Why is he being so vague? Is he lying to me?“Okay,’’ I force myself to laugh. “So what does one do as a ‘leader’?’’“Mostly politics, really,’’ he tells me, and somehow, he sounds honest. “You know, meetings and stuff.’’His last words are back to a stiff tone. A soft worry starts to tighten my throat. I know nothing about Simon.
The wolf with the glowing red eyes walks out of the woods and continues to approach me. I realize I’m almost at the table. The glint of a steak knife catches my eyes.“Stop,’’ I say firmly, standing up straight and taking a step closer to the table.“Why?’’ The wolf answers back, startling me. “You are nothing to me but a way to get back at your Alpha.’’I freeze for a second, my hand inches away from the blade.“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I don’t follow any Alpha.’’For some reason, my voice seems off-tone, as if I am no longer the one speaking. The wolf growls an
I follow Simon into the house, keeping my eyes away from his smirking lips. I can feel him looking at me, probably waiting for me to say something. I keep my mouth shut: how could someone so young have so much... everything?Simon leads me through a large entrance and into a very stylishly designed living room. Just as I’m about to ask him where in this maze was the guest bedroom, I spot a girl on one of the couches.She turns to us as we enter the room and I can’t stop myself from scanning her face: beautiful large green eyes framed by thick curly hair stare back at me. Her full lips turn up into a smile, giving her a friendly look.Still, I can’t help the fury that fills my chest at her sight. What was this beautiful girl doing in Simon’s living room? My throat feels thigh when I realise what I’m actually feeling. Pure jealousy boils my blood as I struggle to put a smile on my face.“You must be Sophie,’’
“It matters to me.’’Simon’s deep voice sends shivers down my spine. The image of Nick kissing the blonde girl flashes in my head and I can’t help the tears that start to roll down my cheeks.“What did he do?’’ he says in a rumbling tone, anger reflecting in his golden irises.I glance down at his lips, my throat so tight I don’t feel like I could say anything. Heat spreads through my body from the tug in my stomach when his eyes also meet my lips.“That fucking bastard.’’He uses his thumbs to wipe my tears, but I can’t take my eyes off of his lips. If Nick had traded me for someone else, why should I stop myself? ‘I have been wanting to kiss Simon for days now’, I realise how much I was denying it before.The thought of giving in to my desire starts a fire under my skin. Everything in me screams to lean in closer to him, so much so that my head almost
I fight the urge to follow Simon and, smiling like a little girl, I throw myself on the bed. My eyes fall on the alarm clock, and I realise it’s almost 10pm. I take my meds, regretting not having food to avoid feeling sick.I take out my phone, wondering if Alice did in fact post on her Snapchat story. I smile at her getting ready picture in a hotel room. Her long, curly red hair is perfect, as always, and she looks beautiful in her corset style top.The next picture is of her with a guy, probably that ‘friend’ she had made. A little in the background, I see Nick. My heart stops for a second. Who was the girl he was talking to? I can only see her platinum hair from this angle. I’m about to click to the next picture when my phone rings.“Hey, mom.’’ I answer and immediately put her on speaker phone. I open Snapchat back up. “What’s up?’’“Hi, honey! I just wanted to check on you. Are y
As the wolf continues to approach me, I realize I’m almost at the table. The glint of a steak knife catches my eyes.“Stop,’’ I say firmly, standing up straight and taking a step closer to the table.The wolf growls louder, but slows down for a second, just enough time for me to grab the blade from the table and place it towards the animal. The large creature lets out a snarl, his glowing red eyes on the metal of my weapon.I try to think of any survival tip I know. The beast is getting closer and closer, and I’m running out of options... Its left ear shoots to the side at the sound of branches breaking. I turn my head hoping it’s not Simon so he stays safe.Another even larger wolf sprints out of the tree line and throws the first one to the ground. Shocked at how I haven’t died yet, I try to find a way out of the situation. My heart beats so loudly I can hear it.As I’m about to make a run for it, t
“I’m sorry,’’ Simon smirks, “I know this is a lot. I guess I couldn’t help myself.’’“Not at all,’’ I force myself to sound normal rather than ready to ditch any thought of Nick. “It’s really sweet to try and make me feel welcome like this.’’He smiles at me. “I’m hoping you decide you want to stay longer.’’I feel myself blush as he pours me something to drink, his striking eyes almost never leaving my face.“Tell me more about yourself, Sophie. Do you have siblings?’’I feel my heart skip a beat at the sound of his voice saying my name. I let out a nervous giggle as my mind races.“Well, there isn’t much to say... I’m an only child, still living with both my parents, thought I will be moving to a dorm for university. And you?’’“Well, I’m no longer in school,&rs