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Chapter 51

OMG!!! SOPHIA!!! IVE MISSED U!!! corse u can talk 2 me! Give me a few mins!!!

Sophia bolted upright as panic shot through her. Her thumbs flew over her small keypad.

Dont cal rt now! C me tmrw

Wait! Don’t hit send! Too late, her finger hit send.

Icy fear shot through her and she suddenly felt sick. By the time Candice sent her acceptance message, Sophia’s hand was shaking so badly that she was barely able to read it.

Okay! I’ll talk to u tomorrow! Hugs!

Oh God, what did I just do? The phone fell from Sophia’s hand, bounced off her knee and tumbled to the floor. I can’t see Candice like this and I certainly can’t go to school! Why did I think responding to her was a good idea? Stupid, stupid, stupid!

The nausea and shaking got worse as the room spun and she started to hyperventilate. Rolling out of bed, her boots clomped loudly against the floor as she stumbled towards the door. Falling forward after opening it, she continued down the hall on all fours. She barely got the toilet lid up in time before vomiting what little was in her stomach.

***

“Okay Soph,” Sophia’s dad replied sleepily from his bed early the next morning. “I’ll call you out from school today. You sure you’ll be good by yourself?”

Oh thank God, Sophia shivered in her sweat-soaked clothes from outside his bedroom door but felt like a weight had been lifted from her.

“Thanks, Dad,” she replied, trying no to betray her relief. “I’ll be fine.”

Even through the small space she had created between his door and its frame, his room smelled strongly of booze, cars and burned metal. Between that and her still queasy stomach, it wasn’t hard to sound unwell.

I wonder if he’ll remember to call? She rolled her eyes and gently closed his door when he didn’t respond again. Not my fault if he doesn’t.

Still trembling, she staggered to her room and shut her door. The sleepless night and the last couple of days finally caught up with her and she practically fell into bed. She used the last of her energy to pull off her jeans and toss them onto her snowsuit on the floor.

I’ll apologize to Candice later, she curled up on top of her blanket and closed her eyes.

***

Ohhh, I’m starving, Sophia’s mouth watered at the plate of thawed meat as she took it out of the microwave. You’re right Wolfgirl, cooking will take too long.

She carefully carried the plate to the table, trying not to spill any juice. Setting the plate down, she folded her robe and plopped into a chair at the table. Grabbing one of the two strip steaks she had found buried in the freezer, she sniffed it and then chomped down on it. She pulled on the steak, using her canines to fix part of it in her mouth.

A bit freezer burned, but it’s really hitting the spot, she chewed the cold chunk of raw beef. Kind of chewy… and stringy. After finishing that piece, she tore off another bite and glanced at the clock. Just after three, I have a few more hours to myself.

She had slept surprisingly well after talking to her dad. Even her dreams had been blessedly subdued. However, when she finally awakened in the early afternoon, she felt ravenous. She had simply pulled her robe over the previous day’s sweatshirt and thermal underwear before heading to the kitchen.

We’re running out of meat, she bit off another piece of meat, not caring that it was partially frozen. And that’s all I’ve wanted the last few days. My teeth and eyes aren’t the only things that changed, are they?

She eyed the stale piece of toast now sitting on the kitchen table. Her dad had brought it to her the night before after she had thrown up. Despite how hungry she had been, she had been unable to bring herself to do more than lick the butter off. Now it sat on the table, a reminder of how much her cravings had changed.

I hope I’m not getting deficient in anything. She rendered another chunk from her steak. How do wolves get vitamin C anyway?

She looked out the window regretfully as she chewed the savory meat.

I really thought I’d be with Shadow and we could find food together, a deep ache settled in her chest. Why couldn’t I understand him? What happened? She sniffled. I know he was trying to protect me by sending me away, but… it still hurts. He’s the only friend I have.

A loud knock at the front door startled Sophia and she gagged as she tried to prematurely swallow the piece of meat. Spitting it back out onto her plate, she broke into a coughing fit.

Once she had recovered, she bared her teeth angrily at the door and tensed her body. Is Dad expecting a delivery or something? Maybe they’ll just drop it and leave.

That hope was quickly dashed by the chime of the doorbell.

I’ll just stay quiet and act like no one is home.

“Sophia?!” A muffled, but familiar feminine voice called from the door. “It’s really cold out here!”

Is that..? Sophia went rigid with horror. Oh no… She didn’t…

Standing up from the table, she headed towards the door as her heart raced. Reaching the door, she slowly opened it, shivering as icy air rushed in. On her porch stood a shivering and blotchy-faced Candice. The girl’s puffy winter coat, hat and mittens were clearly inadequate for the day’s especially frigid temperatures.

“Sophia!” Candice exclaimed, her teeth audibly chattering. “I saw you weren’t at school today and I figured I’d come to your house. I was supposed to have Drama Club tonight, but I told them something came up. I know I didn’t say I was coming over and hope it’s okay that I stopped by! I know I didn’t tell you ahead of time and you didn’t tell me to come but…”

Definitely Candice, amusement at the other girl’s trademark loquaciousness tempered Sophia’s nerves.

“Candice! It’s okay!” Sophia finally interrupted her, grinning. “I’m, uh, just surprised.”

“Can I come in?” Candice asked, bouncing a bit and wrapping her arms around herself. “I’m really cold!”

“Oh, yeah, of course!” Sophia took a step backward, out of the doorway.

Candice wasted no time in accepting the invitation and rushed into the house. Sophia quickly closed the door behind her friend and the entryway started to warm up. Without warning, Candice lurched towards Sophia.

“Ah!” Sophia yelped in surprise as she was engulfed in a tight embrace.

“I’m so sorry!” Candice cried. “I’ve missed you so much! I never wanted to hurt you and I did! I didn’t take your side and now you’re in trouble and it’s all my fault! I’m such a terrible friend!”

“I’ve missed you too!” Sophia got out after Candice finally had to breathe.

She isn’t mad at me? Returning the embrace, Sophia’s vision blurred as tears formed. I thought she was holding me back and she was the only one keeping me afloat.

The familiar strawberry aroma of Candice’s shampoo only amplified the release of pent-up emotion, as did the faint traces of tea tree oil she had long associated with Candice’s house. Even Wolfgirl seemed mollified by the memories they evoked despite the presence of more human odors.

“No, it’s my fault! I’m the bad friend!” Sophia blurted out, choking up. “It wasn’t fair of me to ask you to choose between your friends.”

“Patty understands,” Candice told Sophia, not seeming to hear the confession. “She’s okay with us not hanging out anymore.”

Wow, Sophia let go of her friend in surprise. Candice would do that for me?

“You don’t need to do that,” Sophia replied breathily. “I know it was just a silly mistake.”

“I just wanted you to meet my other friends!” Words tumbled out of Candice’s mouth. “You had been so miserable and Rachel told me about the legend and you love wolves so much and… and I thought playing around with the wolf skin would cheer you up! But all it did was embarrass you!”

Well, not all it did… But she doesn’t need to know that. Not yet.

Candice finally let go of Sophia and took a step back. The girl’s blue eyes glistened and tears ran down her cheeks.

Maybe everything can go back to the way it was.

“It’s okay!” Sophia assured Candice gently and then leaned in to affectionately flick her tongue across Candice’s cheek.

Candice’s head snapped back in surprise. She looked at Sophia with shock and then let out an uncertain laugh.

Why did she pull away? Sophia looked at her friend, feeling a little hurt and confused. Aren’t we friends again?

“What’s wrong?” Sophia asked in alarm.

“You, uh, licked me,” Candice replied, touching her cheek where Sophia’s tongue had brushed her.

Oh, Sophia froze as her eyes widened in horror. Ohhh…

Candice gave an uneasy laugh, brushed a strand of her blonde hair from her face and then changed the subject, “Were you, uh, cooking? You smell a little like meat.”

The steak is still on the table!

“I…” Sophia hesitated and then blushed. “Sort of.”

“We… should go to my room,” Sophia stammered. “It would be easier to catch up there.”

“Okay!” Candice replied, starting to recover some of her usual cheery disposition. “Let me get this stuff off.” She started taking off her winter clothes. “It’s been a really long time since I was here. Not much has changed though.” The girl hung her coat on an empty hook and then bent down to pull off her boots. “Do you still have your stuffed animals? You used to carry that big stuffed wolf everywh…”

“You didn’t have to miss Drama Club tonight for me,” Sophia broke in hastily.

Candice paused taking off her last boot and looked up at her, “It was just a boring meeting. Alexa said she’d let me know if I missed anything.” The girl squinted at Sophia, “Weird, your eyes are a lot more yellow than I remember.”

If she finds out, I’ll lose her again.

“Huh,” Sophia replied and fidgeted uncomfortably with her robe.

“Maybe it’s just the lighting?” Candice shrugged and pulled off her remaining boot. “Alright, to your room!”

Trembling a bit, Sophia led the way to her room. Her robe and clothes had started feeling particularly uncomfortable and distracting.

“Ah, having steak tonight?” Candice asked conversationally from behind her. “Sounds yummy!”

“Yeah…” Sophia answered distantly.

They entered her room and Sophia reflexively shut the door despite them being the only two people in the house. She grimaced when she realized the room had a noticeably lupine musk to it. However, Candice simply looked around the room and then turned around.

“Just like I remember it,” Candice smiled wistfully and then stepped over to where Lucy sat on Sophia’s bedside table. “Here’s the big bad wolf!” She grabbed the top of its head and giggled.

Bringing her in here was a terrible idea! Shame and panic gripped Sophia and she nearly lunged for the toy.

Luckily, her friend didn’t notice.

“Wow, this is really good,” Candice commented appreciatively and reached down to pick up Sophia’s sketchpad. “You’ve gotten so good at drawing.”

“Thanks,” Sophia could feel her ears trying to flatten in embarrassment. “I’ve been practicing.”

“A wolf couple, very cute,” Candice said with a grin and then set the sketchpad back down. “Still my wolf-girl.” She looked up at Sophia, “So, what did you want to talk about?”

Not yet. Sophia’s cheek twitched and her room suddenly felt very claustrophobic.

“I just wanted to apologize for how I acted,” Sophia told her. “You didn’t deserve it and I want to be friends again. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Sophia, you don’t have anything to forgive!” Candice laughed and then became serious. “But that’s not what’s bothering you, is it? Your house and room may not have changed but you’re not the Sophia I remember. And not just your eyes.”

“Like your whole vibe has changed…” Logan’s words echoed in Sophia’s mind. If he noticed, of course, Candice would notice. Damn her!

“Changed… how?” Sophia prompted cautiously.

“How you move, how you carry yourself. Just seeing you… Being near you… You’re… different… Almost scary.” Candice looked away and blushed. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean it like that! I mean, you’re still you but…” Her mouth worked but nothing came out.

Trapped between two worlds… Sophia closed her eyes for a moment and sighed. There’s no hiding it from her. I… I need to tell her.

“What’s going on Sophia?” Candice asked uncertainly.

If anyone is going to believe me, it’s Candice. A sense of peace and resolve settled over Sophia. I can’t face this on my own any longer.

Sophia opened her eyes and locked eyes with her friend, “Candice, I have something to tell you. Something you’re not going to believe and you’re probably going to think I’m insane.”

“How can you say that???? Of course, I’ll believe you!” Candice protested, sounding aghast. “Best friends forever, right?!!”

“Okay,” Sophia motioned for the other girl to sit on her bed. “I trust you.”

Once Candice was sitting, Sophia went over to her desk and pulled her chair over to face her friend. She sat down and then took a deep breath.

“You remember the party, right?” Sophia asked at last. “The legend?”

“The one where the tribe got wolf powers if they danced with a wolf pelt, right?” Candice replied. “What about it?”

“Yep,” Sophia confirmed. “You remember how we all wore the skin while pretending to be wolves?”

“And you got really into it and Patty filmed it and put it online and the whole school saw it!” Candice added, her eyes widening. “Oh, Sophia, is someone giving you trouble over it? I’m so sorry and, of course, I’ll…!”

Sophia leaned forward and reassuringly grasped the other girl’s hand, “No, nothing like that.”

“Oh,” Candice blinked. “Then what?”

“You remember how I got really sick after?” Sophia resumed her preamble, straightening.

“Yes,” Candice confirmed thoughtfully. “And my dad took you home early. Are you still sick? If you’re sick…”

“Not exactly,” Sophia interrupted. “Something happened to me that night. Something strange that I can’t explain.”

Candice stared at Sophia and whispered, “What?”

Here goes… Sophia took the deepest breath she had ever taken.

“Candice, I’m a werewolf."

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