Moonstone mysteries; The Werewolf Within

Beautiful Mistakes

Aiva noticed the shift in Adam's demeanor almost immediately. The bubbly, kind, and gentle-spirited man she had first known seemed to have vanished, replaced by someone distant and guarded. She couldn't quite put her finger on what had changed, but the transformation was undeniable. Despite her repeated attempts to reach out to him, Adam remained aloof, his responses curt and his interactions minimal.

One afternoon after class, Aiva decided to confront him directly. She found him packing his bag, his movements mechanical and hurried. Summoning her courage, she approached him.

"Adam, can we talk?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Adam barely looked up, his expression unreadable. "I'm really busy right now, Aiva. Maybe later."

"Please, Adam," she insisted, stepping closer. "I need to know what's going on with you. You've changed, and it's like you're a completely different person. What happened?"

Adam sighed, his frustration evident. "I don't want to talk about it, Aiva. Just let it go."

Her eyes searched his, desperation creeping into her voice. "I can't just let it go, Adam. I care about you, and seeing you like this—it's breaking my heart. Whatever it is, you can tell me. We can figure it out together."

He shook his head, his jaw set. "No, Aiva. You don't understand. It's not something you can help with. Just... stay out of it."

Aiva's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling. "Why are you pushing me away? What happened to us being there for each other? I thought we were friends."

Adam felt a pang of guilt and sympathy but knew he couldn't risk letting her get too close. If she discovered the truth about him, it would put her in danger. He steeled himself, keeping his tone firm. "Aiva, please. Just trust me on this. I need you to give me space."

Tears spilled down Aiva's cheeks, her heart aching. "I can't believe you're doing this. You don't have to go through whatever it is alone."

Adam turned away, his heart heavy. "I'm sorry, Aiva. I really am. But I have to go."

With that, he slung his bag over his shoulder and left the classroom, leaving Aiva standing alone, tears streaming down her face.

Feeling a surge of pent-up emotion, Aiva sought sanctuary in the one place she always found peace—the gardening club on the rooftop of the school. It was her refuge, a place where she could be alone with her thoughts and the soothing presence of nature. She climbed the stairs, her steps heavy, and pushed open the door to the rooftop garden.

The sight of the blooming flowers and the scent of fresh earth calmed her slightly, but the hurt in her heart remained. She walked to her favorite spot, a bench nestled among the roses, and sat down, burying her face in her hands. Sobs wracked her body as she let the tears flow freely, the isolation allowing her to release the emotions she had been holding back.

"Why, Adam? Why won't you let me in?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.

The garden, usually a place of solace, now felt empty and cold without Adam's presence. Aiva felt lost, unsure of how to help the person she cared about most. She gazed at the flowers, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart.

***

The school shimmered beneath a bruised daylight sky. Aiva sat huddled on the worn wooden bench in the rooftop garden, tears staining her cheeks. Memories of Adam and Bryce's taunts echoed in her head, a cruel soundtrack to her loneliness.

Suddenly, soft footsteps broke the silence. She looked up to see Bryce, his usual swagger toned down to a hesitant approach. He perched awkwardly on the opposite end of the bench.