Across The Border

Prologue, part 2: New friends

Jay's pov:

It's already been about a month and a half since Cole moved in. They had talked a lot and his dad had built them a bunk bed, so they shared a room. Cole had always been on his nerves, he tried to hide it, but Jay could see it. It had taken him a lot of work to get Cole's trust, but even then, he couldn't get him to get very far from home. It was just when they were told school was going to start soon that Jay managed to get Cole out.

He couldn't just hide forever, so it would be better for him to practice just go out and be around people. Every time they went out for a walk, Cole would suddenly become cold to anyone but him. It made perfect sense, if anyone knew Cole's secret, they were screwed. So he didn't really push on to the subject. Especially since he knew that whenever Cole felt threatened or scared, he would accidentally transform back. So he always carried the beanie to hide his small horns.

After many days, Cole finally seemed more relaxed with people around. So it was time for the next step. After a long conversation and a bit of pleading, Jay had convinced Cole to meet up with two friends. He had told him about them many times, they were the ones Jay trusted the most for the situation. Especially since they were about to share the secret.

"You know what? Tell them I changed my mind. I'm out of here" Cole said while heading to the exit of the tree house.

"Wait, what? No! You just can't leave like that! They'll be here any second." Jay replied, standing between Cole and the exit.

"Another good reason to leave quickly" Cole protested.

"Look, I know you're worried-"

"Worried? I'm beyond terrified! What if they aren't as trustworthy as you claim they are!? They could sell us out to the royal guards!"

"Okay, I get from where you're coming. But believe me, they won't tell a soul. Besides, I won't be able to always cover you up, you need friends."

"I was doing just fine on my own, I think I can deal with this myself."

"Cole, the first time you went out you literally tried to run back to the forest when someone waved at you." Jay pointed out.

"That doesn't count." Cole snapped.

"Come on Cole, please... do it for me" Jay pleaded, doing his puppy eyes. They never failed. And to his luck, Cole had turned to face him.

"Ugh... fine! But I'll decide whether to tell them or not" Cole said, pointing at Jay.

"Deal"

"Tell us what?" A voice said from the ladder as a brunette climbed up.

Cole's eyes widened and he took a step back. Jay placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, making his brother calm down before turning back to his friends. They had already climbed up; the hot head was looking curiously at Cole while his sister was trying to see what they were hiding.

"Guys! You're here, let me introduce you to someone" Jay said while stepping aside to let them see Cole. "This is Cole, he's like my brother. Cole, these are Kai and Nya."

"Hey there" the Kai said with a wink.

"Hello" Nya wave.

"... hi" Cole said.

Silence took over the place, something that Jay couldn't stand. His eyes darted from Cole to Kai and Nya, the awkward silence getting to them. Nya locked eyes with him, questioning him about what he really wanted. Jay's heart flinched; he couldn't tell her. That was Cole's decision.

Instead, he motioned his head towards Cole. Who was still uneasy. Luckily, Nya got the message. It was at these moments he appreciated their long friendship. It was like a secret language the two had created and has been quite useful many times.