Avalon: the next generation

Chapter 18

Nathan's POV:

"Roxie!"

She disappeared when she ran into the woods.

I turned to Heather. "I'll go find her."

"I'm coming, too," she said.

"Um... I'm not sure if that's the best idea."

She nodded.

I ran off into the trees. I called Roxie's name over and over again, but she never answered.

I finally found her in a tree in the middle of the forest, her face resting in her hands.

I climbed the tree. I'm sure she knew I was there, but she never looked up. I sat next to her on the thick branch.

I had no idea what to say. I have never been in this situation before. What would you say to your best friend who's crying and is a werewolf?

"Are you okay?" I finally asked.

She glanced up at me, her yellow eyes full of sadness. "Of course not." She pulled her knees up to her chest and put her head down.

I put my hand on her shoulder. "Hey. It'll be okay."

She held her head up. "No, it won't. I would never forgive myself if I hurt anyone. You just don't understand. People throughout history have always said that werewolves are mean creatures. I don't want that to be correct. I can't help myself." Her head rested on her kneecaps again. "I'm a monster."

I shook my head. "Don't do that."

"What?" she replied as her head slightly went up.

"Don't say that. You're not a monster, and you never will. You're a wonderful girl, and I hate it when you talk about yourself like that. So what? You're a little different."

She raised her eyebrows.

"Okay, so you're a lot different."

She giggled. Gosh, I love her laugh.

"I just want you to know, you are amazing just the way you are. And personally, I like you better as a werewolf."

"Really?" she asked.

I leaned closer and looked deep into her eyes. "Really."

She smiled.

We were inching closer to each other. Our noses were inches apart. When our noses were almost touching, we heard Heather's voice.

"Roxie! Nathan! Where are you guys?"

We each pulled away. Heather spotted us.

"Guys! There you are! What are you doing up there?"

I laughed and climbed down the tree. Roxie stayed up there. I looked at Heather. "Say something."

She turned her head upward. "Roxie! Come down from there! It's okay! I forgive you! Please?!"

She nodded and jumped. Literally jumped. She landed perfectly on her hands and knees.

That. Was. Amazing.

Her back straightened. Heather ran up to hug her.

I smiled at the sight.