Mated To The Heartless Beast

...

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He arrived at the place, Melville town. One of the five places his instinct had offered him.

He had chosen here, just like every other time he has to pick but something was amiss, there was a sort of connection he felt with this place, a relation; he didn't exactly know how it relates to him. He just feels a sort of familiarity with the town and he could do nothing other than think hopelessly about where the familiarity came from.

His Brain grabbed nothing, and the fact that he felt familiar with this town, scares him.

*His time is very near. that is the only thing this strange relativeness could mean and it was more than enough to make the thick fur on his body rise.

He has lost hope of being the person he has always wanted to be..

It had been approximately five years since he has been choosing one town out of four and on every occasion, he has been wrong.

But he couldn't leave--even after the revelation of his failure gets to him--not until the time elasp and his instinct gives him new options..

He had gotten the options yesterday and had made the choice today and he was on the journey to find a home.

He could have given up--would have, without blinking twice-- or just simply surrendered to his predators but a stronger part of him obstructed him the next minute he made that decision.

It is almost impossible for him to detect how his life ends.

So, he'll just have to keep choosing, guessing and hoping he picked the option would land him to his helper; the only person that is capable of saving him and turning the pages of his life's book back to the right chapter; to when he wasn't a beast.

He sighed as people passed through him, none of them acting like a beast was passing right beside them. They, no doubt would flee if they could see him and it made him wish wistfully that he had started the journey at dawn, at least there wouldn't be so many humans.

He sighed again.

For the past years all he has done is pick, pray and hope that he makes the right choice and in the end it turns out to be the wrong one. But just like writing a vital promotional exam, he couldn't quit or stop trying until he picks the right option. So, he settled to do the only thing that he can; picking and hoping until he eventually picks the right one or until...

He dies.

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....Kayla's POV...

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News Headline: UNIDENTIFIED BEAST attacks Melville Town again, strikes at Demount and--

I turned off the TV with the remote before my mind could finish reading the headline.

It has been the same thing over again for the past two years and getting to see it everyday reminds me of just how much I hate this town... And this life.

I left the operator on the coffee table and adjust my glasses, looking back I stare at the opened widelife book I had shoved my face into last night and unfortunately slept on, all night. I stretch my neck and wince slightly when it gave a light snap. Releasing it, I walked to the door and pinned it lock. Mom wasn't home yesterday, that can be the only explanation as to why I met the TV on, the door still unlocked and myself sleeping on the dinner table with my book as a pillow.

The beast latest attack must've been what kept her away.

I had waited for her all night while trying fruitlessly not to fall asleep before she comes and if she had then I'd have woken up to myself sleeping on my bed's comfort and I definitely wouldn't have my eyes laid first on the annoying news.

Mom wasn't home last night as she had promised on phone and the night before.

I wonder what pushed me into believing her in the first place? She hardly fulfills any of her homecoming promises.

Maybe I just miss her too much.

Although she's been away many days than this. Work got her pretty much and it is even more frustrating to me that it had to be about this same voracious beast. I wonder why out of all the detectives in this town, mom has to be the one assigned to handle the beast's case.

I've seen pictures of the beast once or twice on TV and even I can't identify what specie of animal beasts it belongs to. It just keeps attacking daily and of recent, claiming lives and properties but one sad thing is that it still hasn't been caught even after all the terror it has caused; including my kid sister, Tracy's death.

At least it's what mom and everyone else that knows about her death, thinks. You can say that is one thing that left mom even more interested in the case, she was determined more than anything in the world, to capture that beast.

Only I knows that the beast wasn't responsible for Tracy's death. I know what was but I couldn't tell mom about it. I guess it's even more better if she remains in the dark about Tracy's death and work harder on this beast case so we can get out of this goddamned hellhole of a town.

I pushed my glasses up so they were perched perfectly on my nose bridge. Just in case you're wondering why I sleep with my glasses on, I have an eye defect; Long sightedness. It is something I was born and grew up with. I'd have gone for lenses as usual, it was what I used when my life was still perky and fashionable but after mom and I kept moving and moving and eventually landed here, I automatically went for the big nerdy glasses instead and I still don't know why I chose it over lenses.

I also don't know where the highly fashioned daddy's girl went too. I just woke up one day to be this person.. A loner, a weirdo and a nerd.

I walk to my room and stripped, grabbing a towel I walk into the bathroom, left my glasses on the sink handle and after having a brush and running a bath. I put my glasses back on and walked out of the bathroom.

Striding to my dressing table I applied my lotion generously on my body before running a brush through my short hair that only negatively contributed to my nerdy self.

I don't know how it happened but I just suddenly started fantasizing about short hair and I practically had to shorten mine. Literally everything about me changed when my life did; my looks , fashion sense and dislikes. The only thing that normally remained was my breathing.

It's obviously why I have no friends.

I settled for a pair of black highway skirt that stopped a little below my knees, a pink long sleeved shirt and black combat boots. I grabbed my backpack and journeyed to the kitchen.

I flip open the refrigerator and grabbed two apples from it for my breakfast and lunch respectively, I took a bottle of water and left it at the side of my backpack.

Walking out, I paused to take my phone at the dinning, closed the book beside it it and walked out of the house, locking the door and leaving the keys in the nearby shrubs close to our porch, in case mom returns before I do.

I take a bite out of the apple and glance at the time. I realised I was a minute late already. Quickly, I hailed a cab and joined the passengers in it, after giving the cabbie my destination, he started the cab.

Few minutes after, I got dropped at my school, I paid and hopped down from the taxi.

I walk down the passageway to my locker which happens to be among the few red colors. You can say that's the only unique thing this school has offered me..cos truly, it is.

I sight it among the other very few red lockers and head to it. Standing beside it, I stretch my hand to pull the door open..

"Out of my way four eyes!" A forceful wave in form of a person, pushed past me, sending my hand down with a tremendous force and I staggered back, landing on my butt painfully to the floor. The student--whoever it was--didn't stop to apologize, neither did she act like she just ran into someone and made her fall. Not that I expected her to anyways. I stood up, adjusted my glasses that had fallen sideways to my upper lip, I wiped my butt that was in pains and looked left and right before walking back to my locker, this time moving more closely to it.

I took my books for the first three periods, left my backpack in their place and walk to class, moving very close to the wall like a newbie so I don't get to be the victim of transferred aggression or bully's fun.

I got to my class and walk to an empty seat at the back of the classroom. I adjusted my glasses well and left the note on the table. Glad that I got no attention to myself before the English teacher walked in.

After our greetings, he commenced the days work which I paid quality attention to.

Mr Dennis, the English teacher happens to be my best teacher or maybe not exactly but he teaches my best subject. Don't get me wrong, I love all subject. I'm a nerd and a bookish person but I just have this extraordinary likeness for English.. It's also one of the things that didn't change about me.

Mr Dennis also have a sort of fondness for me, a teacher -- student kind. I could say he's the second person in the whole of Melville that I'm close to apart from Jake. Maybe, it's because I am the only one that is a bit fond of him among all the other students in my class or because I was always ready to answers most of his questions right.

As we go deeper into the topic that Mr Dennis was taking us--he stood, facing the whiteboard and writing some things on it-- I saw Andrew, the class notorious bully throw a piece of paper ball at his butt that stuck out funnily from the slim-fitted trouser he wore. I wonder why he chose to wear that today, cos it only made his butt pop out more. The whole class burst into chuckles at Andrews action and Mr Dennis turned, his eyes bore a furious look, he picked up the paper and gave everyone of us an angry look..

"Who threw this?" He asked, raising the squeezed ball up. The whole class went dead silent at the face he made at us. We all knew he was deadass angry.

"I said who threw this!?" He bellowed but still got no response.

I mean who isn't afraid of being bullied by Andrew and his mischievous crew?

They'll torture you for the rest of the school week or even more. And it's even more worse that he never changes after being punished.

"If you don't tell me who threw this paper ball then I will have you all punished" he said, meaning every word of it.

I felt the urge to talk but I couldn't.. But again, punishment on an empty stomach isn't good.

"Okay. Since you all have chosen to be punished for one person's crim,e then I'll gladly do it. All of you march out of the class n-

"Andrew did it, sir!" I reported, shutting my eyes and standing up. I heard gasps fly from different corner of the classroom and my heart thumped.

I needed no one to tell me that I had just made the biggest mistake of my life. I don't even know what pushed me to do it.

The teacher didn't ask any question, I guess he also suspected Andrew to be the culprit but just wanted someone bold enough to say it.. Also, he doesn't have any reason to doubt me, I'm a nerd and one thing about us is honesty. Personally he knows I wasn't telling a lie.

Seeing no objection on Andrew's side, the teacher ushered us back to our seats and I slowly sit down on my chair, I open my eyes but left it at my desk, refusing to look back at the desperate gawk plastered on me.

"On your feet, Mr Gavin. You'll be spending the whole school week in detention, that's your punishment" Mr Dennis lashed out. "Go to the disciplinarian and get your tag" he said and Andrew walked down to the back, instead of using the front door. He passed my table and paused there, I managed to tilt my head up a little and when my gaze caught his he gave me a smirk.. A smirk that made my blood cold.

"Now!" Mr Dennis ordered loudly and Andrew walked out of the class. A sigh pass through my lips..

Looks like the school week have been planned out for me.

Well, at least I have Jake to comfort me when everything's over.

After Andrew left, Mr Dennis continued with his teaching and I felt my phone buzz in my pocket.

Earlier I had it set to vibration mode so it doesn't cause distraction or earn me punishment if it rings. I reached for it in my pocket, assured that Mr Dennis was still engrossed on the board, I slowly took the phone out and peered. It was a text message. Seeing the sender, a smile cross to my lips and I quickly clicked on it..

**Kayla, it's Jake and I'm texting to tell you that I need a break from you and this relationship or better still a breakup. We're not working out and I can't endure dating you anymore. There's no even benefit in it and it's even worse that you're weird and a boring nerd. I'm sick and tired of you. Don't even try coming to talk to me, my new girlfriend won't take it lightly with you; she's a cheerleader and since you're a bookish person I guess it will be very easy to understand that IT'S OVER!**

I read the text, a frown replacing the smile on my face. Well, there goes my third boyfriend in less than two weeks. Looks like I've been the one dating them while they have been 'enduring me'

I put the phone down with a long silent sigh.

None even find me worthy enough for face to face verbal breakup.

Well, way to go Melville high..

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Chapter 2

...

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His hard grunts echoes loudly in the depth of the woods. He struggled; struggled effortlessly to get himself out of the trap that had trapped him and pinned his tail to its sharp point.

He looked at the farmer, his tormentor, giving him a mockery look as he tightened the trap more, making him feel more excruciating pain. It was what the farmer expected but he felt nothing, at least not in his beast state. The sharp chains cut deep into his beastly flesh.

As much as he wanted to help himself and devour this human whose blood wouldn't stop salivating him, he couldn't. He had vowed not to kill anyone else after the previous one.

If only this human would understand and simply release him. If he helped himself by using his powers, he would no doubt be unable to resist this human blood. But if he is released, he could still fight the urge since it was still at a satiable stage.

He groaned, his throat dry and thirsty as the stench hit him again. he grunted, fighting the urge while continuously struggling to free himself without applying a lot of force.

If only this damn farmer will understand, release him and save himself.

The urge grew powerful, accompanying it's ferociousness with a deep stab of hunger and severe want.

"H..elp me" he grunted to the man, thick red lines ran as veins on his hairy neck.. His hunger leveling higher.

"Hah!" The farmer mocked.. walking closer to him.

*No! No don't do that. Please don't. Don't come any closer!*

His insides pleaded since he couldn't voice out anymore word without charging forward to the tasty meal in front of him. The man kept walking toward him, few steps away, he stopped. Then took another step and another..

*I can't help you if you keep doing this! Stop coming closer you goddamned human!!*

His insides yelled to the farmer but he foolishly took yet another step. Making the beast helpless and intensifying his urge rapidly.. To rapid to fight off anymore.

Now he was only an inch close to him.

"I already called the cops, they'll be here any second from now to get you and guess what.. I'll be awarded greatly and there'll be so much fame with it. I'll be a hero while you will be taken away to be killed so releasing you is not happening!" He mocked him, pulling his head closer to his face. His breathing came out as heavy grunts as all his urge explodes..

"R..ru..run" he tried to warn him for the last time.. His strength failing him as he talked.

"Wh--

He didn't complete his statement before the beast tore himself loose for the trap and dashed toward him, at once he grabbed his head, bit deep into his neck and suck hungrily at his blood. He sucked, sucked and sucked until part of his urge got satisfied, he felt his strength renewing and he pulled away from the lifeless human.. On his knees, he cried out;

"NO!!" In sadness, anger and regret.

Yet, he couldn't help himself, he carries this body but it isn't his. He was owned by something more stronger, more powerful.

The next minute, he was back to the body, gulping hungrily at his blood, sucking it like his whole life depended on it. When was the last time he had taken a fresh blood like this one?

Tears crawled out of his eyes, feeling helpless, satisfied and sad at the same time but he kept gulping the blood.. After this, he would find a safer place next.

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...Kayla's POV...

. . .

Mr Dennis walked out of the class after giving us an exercise that was to be submitted in his next period. Students trooped out of class to the passageway.

I manage to look up and I saw Billy, Shane and Zachary; Andrew's closest friends and goons. They were glaring at me and walking towards my seat.

I stood up immediately, grabbed my books and tried to walk out when a palm shoved me roughly back to my seat. With a heavy breath, I pulled my glasses back onto my eyes and shifted away from them, squeezing myself to the corner of my chair.

"Are you going to report us too?" Shane asked, sitting on my desk and facing me but I kept my head down.

"What? Cat got your lousy tongue now?" He asked again and I gulped down nothing.

"Isn't she that detective daughter.. The one that got transferred here from Seattle?" Zach asked.

"Yeah. The old pussy in charge of the beast case is her mother. For your mom to be given such a task, she must be one really competent woman and I think a little part of it rubbed off on you since you were brave enough to tell on Andrew, so why are you suddenly hiding it?" Billy chipped in.

"Competent?" Shane repeated with a scoff and accompanied it with a laugh of mockery too. "Don't worry, her failure would be the funniest thing you'll ever witness. Since she became in charge of the case, the crises got even worst and I'm very sure, she'll be the next one to go pretty soon" he mocked.

"No, She won't!" I obliged, my head still faced downwards.

"Whoa! I finally got her to talk" Shane said. Obviously, in Andrew's absence he's the substitute.

He grabbed me up by my shirt's collar and made me look at his face, I felt the hurt on my neck.

He wore a smirk, a deadly one and when I looked up, the entire class had their eyes on us. He pushed me carelessly to the wall and I hit my back on it, landing to the floor on my butt. I pick up my glasses that had fallen off and quickly pull it on. Since I can't help myself, I should at least be forewarned of whatever was coming next.

As he marched toward me, one of his friends held him back and whispered something to his ear. He nodded, gave me a hateful glare and walked out of the class.

I sighed out in relief as he passed me, his friends followed solidly behind. I stood up and slapped the dust off my butt. Returning to my seat, I wince suddenly as I made to sit. I quickly checked the hand that hurt and I found a small cut on my wrist. It must have happened when I fell but right now I can't risk going to the school nurse.

What if I get accustomed by those bullies?

I took out a handkerchief from my pant pocket and wiped the blood that stayed at the top of the wound, I tied it around my wrist.

After the next two periods; lunch break was next and I stayed on my seat as usual, waiting until almost half of the class were out. I stood up and walked out, taking my books along. I reach my locker and dump my books in it. I grabbed my apple, the bottled water and a history book. I took the stairs to the hallway and instead of going to the cafeteria, I used the bench and read while eating the apple..

After the fruit-meal, I went to the school nurse and got my cut cleaned up and properly treated before heading back to class for the next period.

During closing hours, I used the bus home.

Getting home, I checked the driveway and mom's car wasn't parked there.

I knew at once that she isn't home.

I walk to the porch, grab the house key and insert it into the keyhole.

Walking into the house and leaving my backpack on the chair, I noticed a bit of change in the house. My gaze moved to a note on the coffee table, I stretch and took it..

**Hi honey. I'm sorry, I have to leave again, something really big came up at work but I'll be back before the day ends. It's a promise and I won't fail you this time. I made you lunch before leaving, I miss you a lot. Much love, Mom**

I finish reading the note and I left it on the couch before grabbing my backpack and standing up, heading to my room.

Leaving my bag on my bed, I took off my skirt that was already dirty from all the falls I encountered in school. It's a good thing Shane and the others didn't give me anymore trouble before school ended. Though I didn't know why but I was relieved all the same. I would've been way more mushed up than this.

I pulled into a sweatpant and wore my flip flops after taking my shoes off.

I dish some food for myself in the kitchen and ate it at the dinning, watching a TV programme.

After the meal, I washed the dishes and sat on the couch, focusing on the educational program being displayed on TV.

If only Tracy was here with me, it'd be more fun around here than now.

It's been a while since I last paid her a visit at the cemetery. I checked the time, it was few minutes past five. I rush to the garden and pluck out a rose flower. Grabbing the keys to my bike, I locked the house door and hop onto my bike, leaving the flower at the front basket. Inserting the key into the ignition, I started the bike and drive off to the cemetery, into the woods where my sister remains was dug into.

I parked outside and took out the key, I alight from the bike and grab the rose flower before walking into the woods to where the cemetery was located.

Amidst the other two graves of people that had been killed by the beast, I sight Tracy's, isolated at a far end. It might sounds crazy but this cemetery was made only for the people whose death was caused by the beast, it's a sort of culture in this town since the beast attack and only I knew that Tracy's grave shouldn't be among these two.

I walked over to her stone and first placed the rose flower on the sand before running my hand on the smoothness of the carved stone. I smiled sadly as sad memories flocked into my head..

She would still be with me if only she had listened to me. If only she had stayed when I told her to.

I shut my eyes, trying to push back the memories of her tragic death. My eyes flung open immediately when I heard a groan close by. I looked around for a presence but I found none. I was all alone in the woods. I'm pretty sure that I heard something and I was fully assured when the groan came again; This time very close by and it didn't stop.

I trailed the sound and it led me behind Tracy's grave. My brows cocked when I sight a guy sitting on the ground with his back resting on the gravestone, his groans continued.

"Hello?" I said and his eyes dart to me immediately, something flashed through it for a second and wiped off. His iris exceptionally blue.

He stood up, his expression blank but his gaze not leaving me..

"What were you doing over there?" I asked but he said nothing. My gaze roamed him and a loud gasp escaped from my lips when I saw holes in his body, small bullet holes with blood gushing out of them.. I looked back at his face but his expression was still blank and with no sign of pain.

My brows furrowed in confusion as I stared back at his body, I counted the bullet holes and they were seven.. Including one in his chest and and another in his lung area but he's still here. Standing like nothing is wrong.

"Were you shot?" I asked, to be sure if they were really bullet holes even though they looked exactly like it.

"Arrgh!" He suddenly yelped in pain like he was just starting to feel the pains of the injuries.. His gaze shot up at me quizically.

"Wait.. You didn't notice or what?" I asked, freaking out. But he yelped again, more ferociously this time before collapsing to the floor, I quickly rushed to him.

"Hey! Look at me!.. I will call for help, okay? Just don't stop looking at me" I assured him even though I very much knew that he wouldn't survive it.. I mean which sane person can survive seven bullets in their body and for this long?? Definitely not a guy that looked nothing more than twenty.

Nevertheless, I reached for my phone in my back pocket and turned it on. He groaned again and I squat beside him, still dialing the emergency line.

"Blood!" He gasped so loudly that it affected my ears, he stared at his palm filled with blood in an unexpected awed expression on his face. I gave him a look and almost immediately he gave me a cold and surprised glance.

"Why am I bleeding!?" He asked and I frowned at him.

What the heck..

Why won't he bleed?

He groaned again "Why do I feel p-pain" he stuttered at the pain. My grimace deepened

Hello? you got shot seven times, were you expecting to feel good or see tomato juice?? I answered inwardly and his gaze shot up at me, as if he heard my thoughts.

"I think the question should be how and why you got shot seven times" I said, hearing the emergency line ring..

"W-who are you?" He growled at me.. "What are you doing to me!? Arrgh!" He groaned in pain again and started to fall, I quickly reached out to help him and as I touched him I felt the extreme coldness of his body, just like ice.. His eyes closed after I held him but the shock look on his face didn't leave. I checked his pulse and felt nothing. Not even a single heartbeat.

The phone kept ringing without a response.

I took it off my ear and tried to turn it on but it was dead, I had a flat battery. My brows furrowed even more and I placed the phone on my ear again;

It was ringing!

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Chapter 3

...

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He ran as fast as his legs could bear, swooping past tall trees and dodging thick branches that stuck out to falter his steps..

His sharp ears caught the sound of the moving vehicle speeding up to meet his pace. He touched his shoulder, the one where a bullet had hit but he felt no pain. When he gets settled he will heal it completely. It didn't matter now.

He kept on going as fast as his legs could carry, one things he's positive about is the fact that these people that were after him wouldn't get to him, he knew that but he still couldn't take the risk.. His foot dash against a stone and he tumble, using it to his advantage and getting up. His speed intensifying.

A gunshot reached his ears.. The bullet flew past him..

"Quickly, we have to divide!. You guys, take this way and you, that way!!" She dished the orders like an expert and with his super sense of feeling.. He felt himself In the middle of the gang, none of them having a faltered step.. If he had been a beast then he wouldn't be here, within an eye twinkle he would be faraway, so far that they would hear nothing, not even the echoes of his steps.. But he's a human rights now and partly, he's acting like one.

Still, even at that, he knew they'd never be able to meet up to him. A corny tantrum slipped into his mind- he could mess with them a little. It's been a while since he's had such fun with Kincaid and her team.

The race-he calculated; they've been on it for hours, he didn't know how long but it was mant. The sun was out and he recollected how the cops had seen him but he was relieved that it wasn't in his human form.

He flared up when he heard the heavy footsteps and tyres screeches getting really closer, he had been too far in his thoughts and had given them the chance to get closer, they had used it to their advantage.

As he made to take a turn into the furthest part of the woods.. Sounds of gunshots rang out in the air like an annoying loud music, some of them touching him.

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...Kayla's POV..

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The phone slipped from my hand out of fear.. I pulled away from it and look back at the dead body in my arm who's eyes were now creepingly opened and fixed on me. His breaths came out in heavy pants and I felt it's coldness on my skin. His eyes stayed on me.

I looked down at his wound, his shirt was now soaked in blood and it dripped down to his pant.

"Who are you?" He asked within heavy pants. His voice cold and shriveling.

He's lucky to still be unconscious, probably he has a really powerful guardian angel. I could swear I didn't feel any heartbeat back there and as much as the question still burned my mind, I was relieved this stranger didn't die on me. Heaven knows I didn't sign up for this. I don't even have the slightest idea of how to handle a bullet wound talk more of seven!

"I'm Kay and don't worry, I'll try to get some help for you. You just save your breath" I told him. Stretching with a shaky hand to get a hold of my phone. He slapped it out of my grip as soon as I picked it.

I gave him a questioning look and saw him trying to get off my hold. Unable to, he gave me a questioning look.

"A little help.. Please?" He murmured, his voice constantly cracking. His eyes held so much pain and he was trying frantically to hide it.

I held his trembling body, ignoring the sparks that followed as my hand left his skin and made contact with it again. I'm sure he felt it too because he suddenly shuddered at my touch.

He left me and stood on his own, limping to balance himself on his feet. Without a word, he turned and started walking away..

"Wait.. You need to go to a hospital. I don't think you'll last up to a minute if you keep forcing yourself to move! You're worsening the wounds!" I yelled and he stopped and tilt his head at me.

"I can manage" he said.

"Okay you don't have to act all strong and energetic, you're obviously in so much pain and you really need help" I expanded and I really don't know why I'm being concerned about this stranger. He seems to be a hardheaded person.

He's in extreme pain and yet rejecting help..

Who does that??

"I said I'm fine," he repeated coldly "And I'll show you when we meet again" he said and turned, limping away.

Wait.. Did I just catch a smile on his face and at me or was that a hallucinations?

I turned and picked up my phone from the ground and when I turned back to see how far he had gone, I didn't see him. I strain my neck but he was nowhere in sight.. I tilt my head back and forth repeatedly, but didn't find him.

That was quick.. And strange.

I looked at how messed up my body was, my clothes had blood on them, lots of blood. I shook my head at the mess and walked out of the cemetery after giving a last glance at Tracy's grave.

I walked to my bike, hopped on it and started for home.

Once home, I walked to the bathroom, took my bloodstained clothes off and had a long bath, scrubbing my body over and over again. Getting every spec of his blood off my skin.

'I'll show you when we meet again' his words repeated in my head.

How is he sure we are going to meet again?

I find myself worrying about him..

What if he doesn't survive it?

I hope he's okay though.

I stopped scrubbing and sigh.. Seven bullets isn't something anyone survives just like that, it's rare to find survivors but him.. He sounded so sure. And what actually led to him being shot.

Since he got shot seven times then whoever the shooter was planned to kill him.. But why and who?? And why did he suddenly walk away so fast?..

I shook my head, shaking the thoughts off vigorously.

He's a stranger, I shouldn't feel disturbed about him. He refused my help and acted stubborn, if he dies then well, he kinda deserves it with all that bragging and pride. I scoffed and went back on washing my body.

I pulled into an evening dress and walk to the living room, I glance at the time.. It was past six.

I grab an apple and a cup of milkshake before walking to the living room.. I sit on the couch with a geographic book and began reading while having my light dinner.

****

I woke up when I felt something warm and soft rub against my cheek, I tilt my head to see mom and she smiled at me. I sat up and rubbed my eyes before looking properly at her.

"Hi baby" she said, sitting beside me.

"Hi mom. Wasn't expecting you this ear-" my voice trail off when my gaze landed on the wall clock. My gaze snapped at mom and she nodded.

"It's ten-thirty" she said my mind.

Geez.. I've been sit-sleeping for almost four hours.

I glance at the table and realize that the milkshake glass and the apple core has been cleared off.

"Come-on honey, you should go to bed, you have school tomorrow morning" she said. "You will tell me all about your day tomorrow"

I stood up and cladded my feet back into my flops.

She walked me to my room and tucked me in. I noticed she was still dressed in her work clothes. A pair of black pant, a shirt and a denim jacket on it, with black boots.

She raised the duvet up to my neck and planted a deep kiss on my forehead before sitting beside me, obviously waiting for me to fall asleep.

"You should go to bed too, mom. I'm sure you had a pretty long day at work and besides, you have work tomorrow as well" I said and she gave me a placating smile.

"Yes but I don't have work until four, I was given a small break. I want to watch you sleep tonight" she said, taking my palm. I smiled at her and looked away, clasping my palm back at hers. I shut my eyes and seconds later, I was fast asleep.

.

I got up the next morning to see mom lying beside me, her body around me while I snuggled under her.

She woke up after I stirred and left to go prepare breakfast while I prepared for school.

With her reaction, I knew something was up with her but I didn't ask. I just got myself ready for school.

I wore a long dark pant and a top that came with a flower shape design substituting as a small sleeve, I put a thick jacket over it and styled my hair, I put my boot on before grabbing my backpack and my phone and walking out.

I got to the living room and had a quick yet silent breakfast with mom and she drove me to school.

"Will you come home today?" I asked her and she nodded. She already parked the car in front of my school gate and we were both off it.

"I'll try" she said and I nodded slowly. At least it's better than getting my hopes high and breaking her promise.

"I love you," she kissed my cheeks "have a great day at school, okay?" She said and I nod again.

If only it can be that easy.

"Bye" I wave at her and she waved back before walking back to the car.

I walked into the school building, passing through the entrance door to the staircase. It was few hours to the normal school resumption time and I was among the few extra early students. The passage way was empty when I got there, so I just head for my locker and as I draw closer to it, I heard someone whisper my name from the upper floor..

I looked up, where the whisper came from and just as I raised my head up, A thick gooey liquid poured over my face.. Getting into my mouth.

Good thing I was able to close my eyes shut and thanks to my huge glasses, the substance couldn't find it's way into it. The liquid smeared over my hair down to my clothes.. Thick and gummy.

And just when I tried opening my eyes another bucket of what I just realized was paint; fell on me..

.

....