Second Fate

Seven Years Ago

My homework was strewn across the simple wooden desk which Jenny had bought last week to encourage my efforts at school. Not that there were any to speak of so far, but she'd hoped for me to busy myself with essays and math while I was grounded for my newest disappearing act.

I was putting the desk to good use, even if it wasn't exactly schoolwork, which I was using it for. Currently, I had built a nailcare station on top of it and was drawing small cherries onto the white base on my fingernails. The natural sunlight spilling in through the window of the cabin made the table the perfect place for my set-up; but it also meant that I got distracted as soon as I spied a curly top of hair outside.

Within seconds, I had cleared the room and blew through the living room, where Cara was washing dishes.

Her mouth opened when she saw me, probably because she thought I was attempting an escape from home-jail.

"I'll be back soon", I promised my golden-haired roommate. "I'm just going to talk to Vine."

"What, all of a sudden?", she repeated in confusion, hands plastered with foam up to her elbows. "Did the neighbors invite you over?"

Don't worry, you're not missing out on any shifter action. "No, I just saw him walk by the cabin."

"You shouldn't bother him too much, Nina, okay? I think you're coming on a little strong."

"He hasn't shot me down yet", I protested but the look of pity she gave me made me grimace.

"Not in words, exactly", I added.

Her sky-blue eyes didn't seem any less worried after my admission. "Just be ... your best version. Don't ... I don't know, don't make it so I have to apologize to the pack."

Not willing to listen to more of this, I muttered "will be back" to my foster sister once more, before I smashed the door shut behind me and ran.

The owner of the distracting curls had already passed our small house and walked up to the road next to the main house, where I spotted his broad-shouldered silhouette between the trees.

"Wait up, Vine!"

The 18-year-old turned around with some surprise on his face but waited patiently for me to catch up. He was wearing washed out jeans which had seen better times and a dark blue t-shirt unfit for the cool breeze. Despite the grey and wet weather, his bare arms showed no signs of goosebumps.

"Did you run after me?", he asked when I'd come to a skittering halt before him. As usual, he seemed calm and detached to anything around him. As if the world could burn down around him, and he wouldn't give a damn.

Maybe that's what I like about him, it shot through my head.

I was breathing heavy, not used to the exercise, but a smile had formed on my face despite the thin film of sweat on my forehead. Luck was on my side today.

"Just ... a little. I saw you passing by and came out to see you."

"You shouldn't do that", he mumbled, while his fir-green eyes wandered over my outfit which was meant for lazing about.

Feeling very aware of how sloppy I looked, I put even more confidence into my posture and threw my bleached hair with its black roots back. The green crop top and the baggy violet sweatpants were a bold fashion choice that could only be worn with attitude.

"I was bored anyway", I stated as indifferently as I managed to sound. In truth, I was always burning for a chance to see his face and hear him speak. Even though he didn't seem to share the sentiment, as he had yet to ask for my number or return my offers.