Eternal Wolf

Chapter 1

These early morning runs along the river might be one of the few things I like about this new town.

There are not many things to like really, perhaps the quiet, if you aren't me. I'm a city girl. I was born and bred in the city, schooled in the city and everything that comes with it.

Unlike most people, I loved it. Not everything but most things about it. Other trivial things I'm only realizing now how much they meant to me after I have lost them.

Like the fact that noone knows anyone is new in New York. We are all new or old depending on how you look at it.

Here in Trinity Town everyone knows everyone and you can't walk along the street for a distance of a kilometer without greeting at least five people.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a nice person. Nicer than most people I know, but it takes a very very big and kind heart to survive here and not fall apart.

Don't get me started on the gossiping, and the fact that church on Sunday is just as good as must. I am going to have to turn a new leaf to survive here for a month, what more the rest of my life.

I groan loudly, then I stiffen as the bushes to my right move and scuffle. I don't stop to check, I run faster towards home.

I once complained to my mom about the feeling I've had since the last two weeks we've been here that someone is watching me. She said she felt it too and that the ladies at church said that it was normal.

Like since when is being watched and feeling unsafe normal?

Mom is waiting for me at the poarch as I reach home. I check my watch, I'm only two minutes behind the time I'm usually back. This woman. I sigh heavily as I come to a stop in front of her and remove my ear pods. Let's hear it.

"Angela dear, do you know how worried I was? I was just about to call you. You never come back this late. These woods aren't safe and you are used to them. You can easily get lost. I'd feel much better if you took Josh with you, you know."

Josh, my soon to be step dad, the main reason why we moved half across the continent, is always up for any excuse to spend time with me. And apparently, mom is also of the opinion that we need to hang out more and learn to get along. I just think I'm too old for a new daddy.

I was guilt tripped into even come here with them. I wanted to stay behind and start a life on my own. Get a nice paying job, get a small apartment in a nice hood not too far from work. All those things kids learn to do after they become adults.

"Nothing could happen to me Mom, you said it was the safest place yourself."

"I did didn't I? But it doesn't mean you have to be reckless."

"I wasn't Mom I promise,"  I kiss her on the cheek as I pass into the house, love always softens her.

"Will you be coming to the bakery?"

"What else would I do all day?"

About an hour later, I'm making my way to the car and I'm all ready for my day at the bakery. I took a little more time than required to be honest, I couldn't miss a chance at an empty house with no fussing mom and nagging almost step dad.

There is that feeling again. Someone or something is surely watching me. I turn around but like always, I see nothing. How can this be normal? Wolves howl all night long and creepy shadows linger outside my window.

Without thinking much, I speed to the car and lock the doors as soon as I'm in, immediately checking that there is nothing creepy in the back seat.

But the creepy shadows and unnatural feeling have nothing on the stares I get from complete strangers in the streets. It goes way beyond the normal stare you give someone new- not that that is even normal. I've been getting looks and even pointed fingers since I've been here. Like everything else, I choose to ignore it.