TUNES

THREE: WEREWOLVES

The next day, I hid in the science lab, flipping through my math notes, hoping to prepare for the upcoming test before Pink and her crew could find me.

I barely had a moment of peace before two students—one girl, one boy—walked in. Their eyes widened when they saw me, as if I had no business being here.

They approached, and the guy casually waved.

"Hey, Terra."

I frowned. "How do you know my name?"

He chuckled. "You’re pretty popular around here. You can’t hang out with Pink and expect to stay under the radar."

I sighed. I’d only been in Caveroop for a few days, and I was already ‘popular.’ That was the last thing I wanted.

"I’m Genora," the girl said with a bright smile. Her dark blue eyes shimmered behind square glasses, her long blonde hair falling over her fair shoulders.

"And I’m Sam," the guy added. He had striking blue eyes, wore glasses too, and his overall nerdy vibe immediately gave me a sense of comfort.

This was the kind of company I wanted; smart, drama-free, and, hopefully, not involved in supernatural insanity.

"Nice to meet you both," I said, smiling.

"What brings you here?" Sam asked, pulling a thick math textbook from his bag.

Perfect timing.

"Studying for the math test."

"Same!" Genora beamed.

"You’re in class A4 too?" I asked, and they both nodded.

"You probably haven’t noticed us," Sam said with a grin. "Come on, let’s help you out."

I shifted my chair, sliding between them as we tackled equations together.

...

The test went surprisingly well, I was certain I had nailed it.

Afterwards, I decided to have lunch at the basketball court. The cafeteria was too crowded, and I wasn’t in the mood to sit with Pink and her group. I needed space.

The court was quiet, empty, just what I needed. I settled on the bleachers and called my best friend from back home.

We talked for a while, catching up. She told me how things had changed in Oxville, and I, in turn, told her about my bizarre discoveries in Caveroop. Of course, she didn’t believe a word of it.

When the call ended, I stared at my phone, a pang of nostalgia hitting me. I missed her.

I had just unwrapped my lunch when Jesse strolled onto the court.

His presence was impossible to ignore, even when I tried. The way his damp singlet clung to his skin, highlighting his toned abs, it was distracting, annoying even.

"Hey, you!" he called out.

I looked up and met his gaze.

"What are you doing here?"

I scoffed. "What does it look like I’m doing?"

His presence alone soured my appetite.

"Whatever. Suit yourself, bitch."

I froze. "Bitch?"

But he was already heading to the locker room.

Annoyed, I packed up my lunch. My peaceful escape was ruined.

After school, I went with Pink to Clary’s house for a sleepover.

Her room was massive, practically a mini apartment. Everything was shades of blue, from the walls to the furniture. While the others set up for the night, I slipped out to explore.