Chapter 7 It wasn't lies.

The entire school went on with its activities like something strange didn't happen the other night. I got stared at and mocked like I made the whole story up.

"She's dying, she's dying,"One of the boys in my class mimicked my voice from the night at the party. The lecture hall burst into laughter. They threw a paper at me that read 'FREAK' on it.

'So much for keeping things low Ella..'

But I knew what I saw, I wasn't faking it like it was one of those dreams I had.

I turned back and watched as they pointed at me and laughed hard. My eyes met Nico's and I could tell for a moment he somehow believed what I said.

"Good morning class"The lecturer walked In and diverted my attention to him.

"So strange news came to me this morning about the party of last night"He continued.

I sat up straight believing it was time for me to be vindicated. Here it goes.

"I believe I spoke about you guys playing it low with the level of alcohol you drink at your parties"

I stared in unbelief. Was this it? Was this what he wanted to share with the class concerning last night's party?

"I got many calls this morning from students calling in sick,' he said, concerned "Please I believe we are all responsible adults, let us act as such, am I clear?"

"Yes sir,"The class echoed.

I buried my head on my desk and wondered if all I saw on the night of the party was just my imagination.

******

The class ended with research. I was paired with Nico and two others from my class to research the structure, habits and behaviour of any mammal of our choice.

I waited for Nico so we could plan how to go about our research with the others.

"Ehm, Hey,"I signalled him to where I was waiting. He walked towards me and I tried not to sound like a high school girl who just kissed her crush.

"So we would pick a day that would be suitable for us all to carry out our research. How about we create a group chat where we can all contribute? You know, just for easy access and stuff."Wow, I was beginning to sound like a nerd.

They all agreed to create a group chat and saved their contact on my phone. Nico refused.

"I don't need you texting me,"he said

'The nerve!..'

After clinging up to me last night and playing foul with another girl he was here acting up?

"It's not for my personal use Nico, it's for our research,"I tried to hide the pain in my voice.

"Well I don't need the research, plus I would know when you want to meet up,"he smirked.

He was flirty right now but I had no time to flirt around. Not after I was made a fool of yesterday, thinking I might have a chance with him. I wasn't going to be such an easy prey again.

"Well, unlike some people, I am not really into you, just my books."I fired back.

'Nice one Ella...'

His eyes went dim and he moved closer to me, pressing my back against the wall. "You sure about that?"he whispered in my ears, setting my entire body on fire.

He looked at me long and hard "You are feisty with me, but you can't stand up to others."He released me and wrote his number on a piece of paper

His words cut deep. But I had already run out of words to say to him. The only thing I could remember was the incident from last night. The girl.

"I know what I saw Nico,"I whispered to him and moved closer. My heart began to beat, revisiting the horrific scene of last night. "I was not making it up. Someone died in that house last night, and a werewolf was the cause."I looked into his eyes pleading for him to believe me.

"Drop it,"he dropped the piece of paper with his number on it "Don't chase after what isn't chasing after you."

Again he was leaving me speechless. I watched his back move and picked up the paper with the number written on it. I stared at it for a long while. What was out there that shouldn't be chased?

*****

I walked into my room exhausted and just trying to rest. But Ariana swore to sap the little life I had left.

"Tell me, tell me what happened"Ariana insisted "I promise I won't tell anybody."

"It's nothing Ari,"I tried to push her away "No one believes me anyway."

"I would believe you,"she said "I would"she repeated when I looked at her with distrust.

"Okay,"I said. I leaned forward and told her the entire story from last night.

Ariana stared back at me not blinking for a minute, then burst into laughter afterwards. I was regretful. The laughter continued for a long time and finally stopped.

"I am serious Ari,"I insisted. I didn't know why I bothered with her, but I just needed someone to believe me.

"Yeah, yeah, you are,"Ariana mocked "Just like how I ended up kissing Phil last night after he asked me out."

I knew that tone. She was been sarcastic with me. I sighed and lay on my bed. I pulled out my phone, it was high time I spoke to my dad.

"Caro Mio,"Nanny's voice ran from over the phone "How are you, my child?"

"Nanny Tabbs,"I said in a low voice. Trying to hide the tears and fear in my voice.

"Papa planned to call today because it's been a while since we heard from you. I have missed you Picolo."

God I missed home. It wasn't so rosy back there, I mean I was still trying to get over the process of moving away from the home I knew. But at least no monsters and dead girls were hanging around.

"Is everything okay my child?"Nanny asked.

"Yes Nanny,"I let out a sob. I just couldn't hold it.

"What's the wrong little one? Anybody bothering you?"

"No Nana,"I cleaned my tears. "I just miss you guys so much it hurts."

"Oh, Ella,"Nanny softened. "You could always come to see us. We are not so far from each other."

"You know,"She continued "If anyone is bothering you I can help put a stop to it right away. I have the skills of an elder you know."

I laughed and felt a sense of relief. "I am fine Nanny"I insisted. "What of papa?"

"Oh, he went to check out some appliances at the mall. We are having a little bit of a problem with the wiring here."

"Alright, Nana. Tell him I called to check up and I will call back later."

"That's okay piccolo,"Nanny replied excitedly.

"Take good care of yourself, Nanny, I love you both, much."

"We love you too Caro Mio. I would tell Papa you called. Bye."

"Bye Nana."

I dropped the phone and went straight to my box. I remembered something while I was talking to Nanny. I brought out the frame from my bag and looked at it. Lost in its mystery and beauty.

'so they were real??....'

Was that why Papa wanted me to throw it away? I stared long at the wolf in the picture again. What happened that night? Were werewolves protective creatures? Was the girl harmed by something or someone else and the werewolf only came to protect her?

I looked at the frame again.

'Maybe they were...maybe they weren't.''

I tucked in Milo and played with his fur. Maybe I should just let this werewolf thing go.

"Don't chase after what Isn't chasing after you right?"I asked Milo who whined in agreement like he understood me.

"Ari,"I turned to meet her painting her face "Uh, where are you going to this time?"I asked confused.

"Nowhere important, just to see Phil play at his game"she blushed.

I rolled my eyes. 'Oh sweet lord....'

"Do you have any idea who the third person of the Trinity is?" I pointed to the empty bed.

'Oh yes, she would be moving in today. I forgot to tell you."

Great! Maybe there would be someone who I could finally relate to in this room. Aside from Milo.

A knock came at the door and Ariana jumped up.

"She's here!!"

I didn't blame Ari for her excitement. I was excited too.

"Alright here she is,"Ariana screamed.

"Lola, this is Ella,"Ariana introduced. "Ella this is Lola, and she is the third person of the Trinity."Ariana gave a sheepish smile.

I looked up at the girl who stood before me and recognised her from the party. Ariana Welcomed her with one of her life stories and Lola giggled. A giggle I could never forget.