Pulse

^Pulse Two^

"OH MY GOD JAMES! SHE'S HOME OUR BABY IS HOME!" I could hear my mother all the way from the driveway where I was getting my bags out from the back of my car. I heard the screen door slam open and my mother, a petite women at size 4'9 rushing her way and winding her arms around me.

"I missed you so much Nola. How was it, are you eating right? Did any boy take advantage of you? Did you drink? How are your grades? JAMES GET OUT HERE" I flinched as she screamed the last part right in my ear. The screen door opened more easier this time and my dad, James stepped out heading towards me at a more mellow pace. My mom was still rambling in my ear as my dad gently pulled her away and enveloped me in his arms. I finally felt at home as his musky forest scent filled my senses.

"How you doing sweetie" his calm voice a nice difference to the women beside me.

"I'm doing fine, I was just home for spring break, I'm doing just as fine as I was then. I love you guys" My mom threw her arm around me walking me to the front door as my dad trailed behind with my luggage. Our house was a old farm home that has been around for generations in our family. It has been renovated since it was built but you could tell how old it was by its squeaky porch and the vine covered well in the back.

It was nice to be home after living in such a small space. I had just came back from university, I had to live at home for summer break since the dorms aren't open during this time. It was my first year studying veterinary sciences and so far I had loved everything that I had done in college.

Just as I stepped inside I was greeted by the sweet aroma of brownies cooking in the oven and I turned to my mom and hugged her.

"You are my savior" I teased.

She rolled her eyes and pushed me slightly toward the stairs leading to my room. "Go get ready, dinner will be done in 2 hours" she smacked my butt as I walked away with the towel. I turned and gave her a playful glare before I bounded up the stairs entering into my room.

My room was my sanctuary as it was the place that best expressed me. I had a light brown coating the wall, the bed sheets a ombre of blue. I had dream catchers lining the walls and pictures from high school hung up by string and clothespins. Deciding that it was a good time I changed into a sports bra and shorts getting ready to go on a quick run. It was unusually hot for the area that I lived by. The mountains were a couple miles away so it would usually be coldish around this time because of the snow melting on the tops of the mountain.

My mom saw my attire and sent me a disapproving glance, her eyes wandering to the wound on the front of my hip.

"I don't like you going out" My mother sad.

"Mom its been years, I'm more prepared. Plus animal control looked for 2 months after the incident the wolves have moved on, I'll be fine."

"I'm not happy about it, but you are old enough to make your own decisions" I nodded my head in respect for her opinion before walking out the door onto my old running route.

Once I got to the bridge I looked around half expecting there to be evidence of what happened five years ago. I lightly traced the scar on my hip and sighed. I had studied wolf behavior all I could and I don't blame the animal for biting me. He had just got startled by the other pack member.

A electrician van slowly drove by startling out of my thoughts. I saw the driver look intently at my scar and I covered it up my face heating up. Then we made eye contact before the man drove off towards the city area. I couldn't shake a feeling of dread so I turned around and headed home. When I got home my mom was putting the last of the casserole in the table.

"Just in time honey have a seat" my mom said. Shortly after my dad joined us at the table and we all ate together. Afterwards I headed upstairs wanting to take a long relaxing shower. My phone buzzed on my sink and I reached over looking at the message.