Her New Moon

23

The sky became darker, clouds blocking out the sun. Driana sat on the newly made chair, staring out the window from across the room. Though her heart stopped beating, she still had feelings. Fiddling with her fingers, she watched the time go by on the wall clock, a gift from Emily. Would it be better reversed? A thud on the door pulled the girl from her thoughts. Her steps were heavy as she hesitantly reached for the door knob. Jared smiled at her, sitting down and holding out his paw. Driana returned the smile, grasping his forepaw. She picked up a bag filled with clothes.

"I'm ready," She told the wolf.

A pant escaped Jared's mouth, and he lowered his body down. Driana carefully climbed onto his back, afraid she'd accidentally crush him with her strength. Once Jared felt the girl secure herself, he sprinted back into the woods. He gruffed a few times, indicating that he and some pack members were communicating. Up ahead, Embry was in his wolf form. Jared slowed down, and Driana gracefully hopped off him. Embry nudged her with his head, sad eyes greeting her. The girl smiled, ruffling his fur. She placed the bag over Embry's nape and watched the two wolves run off to transform back into a human.

"You're underdressed," Sam teased, accompanied by Jacob.

"Ha ha," Driana sarcastically laughed.

"Is everyone ready?" Sam questioned.

Jared and Embry emerged from their spot, shoving each other. The pair bickered over the other who wore the wrong formal shoe. Paul stood behind Sam, gazing softly at Driana. Sam did a head count of his pack members, counting Driana and himself last.

"We'll take turns watching over Driana," Sam told the pack. "We have to keep this low-key, or else others will wonder why either of us gets up too quickly. Wait a considerable amount of time before staying here with Driana." Sam nodded at the girl. "I'll stay with you first."

Jared led the pack toward the rest of the gatherers. Sam smiled at Driana, giving out an arm. Driana sighed, looping her arm through his. They walked behind the pack, stopping yards from the treeline. The girl slightly gripped Sam tightly, and he placed a comforting hand on her arm.

"It feels weird," Driana said.

"I know," Sam agreed.

The attendees were Ms. Berold, close friends, and those acquainted with Driana. The girl could see Ms. Berold crying uncontrollably, being supported by Mrs. Maurice. Beside the woman was Mr. Maurice and Alex. Driana saw that he, Grace Jones, and Max Whitaker held hands. The sight of Grace and Max caused invisible tears to roll down Driana's cheeks. The two flew far to see their dead friend.

"Bless the young girl that I have known for years," Harry Clearwater spoke. Sue, Seth, and Leah stood behind the patriarch with teary eyes. "She was another child to me." Harry passed the mic to Sue. "We are blessed to have had her in our lives. The sun couldn't compare to her radiating energy." Leah shakily grabbed the mic, quivering as she spoke. "She's out there, hopefully living in peace. If the Creator could allow it, please bring her back to us." The girl choked, and Seth embraced his sister. The optimistic boy furrowed his brows, hesitantly speaking. "There'll be no one to replace our friend. You're forever in our hearts."

"She's always been there for me," Bella spoke, soothed by Chief Swan. "I can't express how guilty I feel being unable to reciprocate that to her. It pains me now that I won't be able to right my wrongs. I'm sorry!" She harshly wiped a tear. "I'm sorry, Driana! You mean so much to me. I wish none of this happened. If time travel exists, I'll lay my life for you. Oh, how I hoped it'd be me instead! Seeing you helped keep the memories from fading. Now, I'm scared. My worst fears came true. I lost you." Chief Swan carefully took the mic. "She was an interesting character. I haven't known her long, but she knows how to make a great impact. Without her, I wouldn't have opened up more thoughts or reasons. I'm grateful to have met someone who changed my views."

A couple of people continued their speech. Some spoke individually, while others came up in groups. Their words had the wolf pack constantly keep the girl from falling to the ground as she wailed. Paul sauntered from the treeline, reaching a hand out to her. Driana grabbed it without hesitation. She needed the pack more than ever.

"Once Grace and I heard the news, we booked our tickets right away," Max said, heaving. "I questioned whether this was all a prank. Now that I'm here, I wish this wasn't true. We were supposed to be together for Alex's graduation. But not like this," Grace continued, hugging herself. Alex clutched the mic, his knuckles turning white. "Driana's forever the reason why we came together. Her absence has left us feeling lonely. But Driana? Don't worry. We'll be with you at the right time."

The trio stepped back, giving Ms. Berold room to speak.

"Despite being her mother-" Ms. Berold sobbed. "Those who stand with me up here are her family. I have watched my youngest daughter grow beautifully." Ms. Berold smiled through the tears. "I am thankful to have held my daughter before this cruel world took her away. Sadly, I'd have no late-night conversations. Who'd argue with me now?" She laughed bitterly. "I'll always remember her first words, first steps, and days at school. But that's all I'll be able to do. Because my daughter is now a memory." Ms. Berold began shaking, covering her mouth. "Please, think kindly of my Driana. Don't forget her in your hearts. We love you, my baby. Mommy always loves you."