Cruel by nature

Chapter 5

I'm thankful for the old grandfather clock by the wall. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have kept track of the last few days that seem to have passed by in a blur.

Staying true to her words, Mila went into town last week and got me some new birth control pills. Convincing the doctor was easy, she said. All it took was a little white lie about seeing someone new and wanting to take precautions.

My body is still sore, but it does no longer feel like I've been run over by a truck. The bruises on my ribs have started to fade, but it still hurts to move and I spend most days in bed. It's boring as hell, but Mila keeps insisting that it's for my own good.

I know she's right, but the days just float into each other in an endless chain of eat, sleep and repeat. Mila did let me borrow her laptop, though. It feels odd to use such technology after being without it for so long, and I can't even remember the last time I watched tv.

When I'm not talking to Mila, I'm using her laptop to try to learn as much as I can about the new world, as I like to call it. To my disappointment, there's not much to find. Most of the things I've learned have come from Mila herself, and I'm surprised she hasn't told me off yet due to the excessive amount of questions I throw at her.

It's hard to admit, but I have come to the conclusion that I do consider Mila as a friend, even though she's a werewolf. Believe it or not, but she's even made me laugh on a few occasions, which surprised us both. I'm afraid to get too close to her though, because I know I'll be leaving soon. I'm just waiting for my ribs to heal enough for me to be able to properly carry my backpack without nearly tumbling over in pain.

"Leah!" Hearing my name being said out loud snaps me out of my thoughts, and I turn to look at the girl in the doorway.

"I have to run into town. I forgot about my stupid dentist appointment", Mila says, her cheeks a little flushed as if she's been running. "Dad's out on parole and won't be back until tomorrow morning, but I won't be gone for long. You think you can manage until I get back?"

I scoff at her. "Go, I'll be fine. I'm not a child, you know. I can take care of myself."

Mila raises a finger at me. "Barely. Don't forget who saved your life."

I playfully roll my eyes and wave my hand in the direction of the front door. "I won't. Now go."

She shakes her head at me and tells me not to do anything stupid right before she slips out the door.

I watch her through the window as she walks towards the driveway. The car is gone, seeing as Taras' out, and I furrow my eyebrows in confusion as she slips out of view.

How is she getting there, if not by car?

The first thought that comes into my mind makes my stomach twist in unease, but my worry is short-Iived as she comes back a moment later, leading a motorbike.

I scoff, a small smile pulling at the corner of my lips at my own imagination.

As if sensing my burning stare, Mila turns around and flashes me a cheeky grin before straddling the bike. I keep following her with my gaze until she's out of view.

Sinking back into the many pillows Mila's provided me with, I return to my previous activity; watching old news reports. Despite having been in the middle of the war at one point in my life, I've realized I know very little of it. Everything happened so quickly; there was no way we could've seen it coming. One second, everything was okay, until it suddenly wasn't. That day, that moment when all hell broke loose, is still etched into my mind, constantly reminding me of a time I'll never get to experience again.