Wolf's Moon --- ONC 2022 (LONGLIST)

Chapter 5

Unpacking the car had been just as quiet as the ride up to the cabin had been. Callista couldn't imagine Noah being this upset with her still. She really hoped Noah wasn't upset with her anymore or it would make for a very awkward and stressful vacation for the two of them. She wanted to believe that her friend was thinking about things rather hard than giving her the silent treatment. What she could be thinking about, Callista could only imagine at this point. Plenty had happened that morning to leave anyone questioning if a vacation up in the mountains -secluded- was a good idea or not. 

After putting her stuff away in the upstairs loft bedroom, Noah getting her uncle's master bedroom downstairs, Callista had made her way downstairs to find something to do while she waited. That's how she found herself reclined on one of the living room couches. She had a book resting on her lap, but her eyes were locked on the bedroom door that Noah was to be occupying. She had yet to come back out since going in to unpack her own luggage. Callista was beginning to get worried something was terribly wrong. 

Tapping her fingers on the book cover deep in thought, Callista released a heavy sigh and decided it was about time to go check on Noah and make sure she was alright. She didn't like her being locked away when they should be having fun and relaxing finally. 

Setting the book down on the couch beside her, Callista stood and rounded the couch. She made quick strides to the bedroom door and stopped, her hand raised to the face of the door ready to knock. However, she hesitated momentarily, not wanting to agitate Noah anymore than she already had been that day. She was certain by this point that Noah felt as if nothing was going her way and that alone could be frustrating for anyone. Still, she needed to make sure that her best friend was okay and if there was anything she could do to help ease the frustration and agitation she may be feeling. 

Shaking away that hesitation, Callista knocked on the door in hopes of getting Noah's attention. 

"Noah?" 

Callista didn't wait for Noah to respond to her. Instead, she grasped the door knob and turned it. She pushed open the door, greeted by darkness and silence. The only evidence that Noah was actually in the room was her soft breathing and her black silhouette within the darkness. 

"Noah, are you okay?" 

Calling out once more, Callista carefully walked into the room and slowly approached her friend. As quiet as she was being, it worried her. She could only pray that Noah would talk to her and they could get to the bottom of what was bothering her. 

Hesitantly, Callista sat beside Noah and gently rested a hand upon her shoulder in reassurance. The quick movements of Noah finally acknowledging her startled Callista. She pulled her hand away just as fast, not sure if her friend wanted to be touched now or not. The blank, unamused look spoke far louder than her voice ever could. It forced Callista to fold her hands in her lap and to cautiously choose her next words. 

"What's going on? You've been quiet since the store, please talk to me." 

Callista wore the most pleading look upon her face, bordering on unleashing the puppy eyes upon Noah. Thankfully, she didn't have to do that, a flitting of emotion dancing across Noah's face already. However, she wasn't able to read it as Noah glanced away and looked out the single window within the bedroom. 

"This isn't how a vacation is supposed to go." 

"I know, it. . ." 

"No, you don't know. We aren't supposed to be chased by crazy cashiers, questioned by houdini police officers and no threats of wolves around us!" 

Wilver eyes met with desperately serious crystal blue ones as Noah turned her attention back onto her. Callista was stunned by what was said, it all feeling as if she were being accused of starting all of it. The very accusations stung, pinning her heart with tiny needles of guilt.