The Cold Ones

Chapter Five - Werewolves

Ashley had been able to drive home a little earlier because she didn’t have to make any stops on her way here. Although, she did go to the local supermarket to stock up on chocolate and Skittles.

Her Grandma seemed to have little of those in her cupboards.

She walked in thinking about her strange day at school. Marney had acted weird the entire day. She hung around a really nice looking boy who Ashley didn’t remember from middle school. Then again, maybe she did know him but couldn’t put her finger on it. Everyone looked different, like Regina for example.

She had a leftover egg roll and some steak pie because Grandma was tired the night before.

She’d ask if she could go to Josh’s bonfire party. The whole ride home that was all she could think about.

It seemed weird that she was invited to such a popular boy’s party, but it was happening. And she was super excited.

Her grandmother came out of her room.

‘You’re home,’ she said and smiled.

‘Yes, I am. Uhm, grandma I was wondering if I could go this bonfire party that my friend was throwing on Saturday?’ she asked hoping that she would say yes.

She looked at Ashley and then said, ‘Where is this party going to take place?’

‘In the woods.’ Ashley said as casually as possible.

She looked at her like she was a mad woman.

‘Mayor Staples said that Animal Control caught what killed Sadie, and it won’t harm anyone. So it’s safe to go in the woods now.’ Ashley said milking it.

‘I don’t think so. They could not have caught what has killed your friend Sadie.’ Zara said, her face pinched and lips pursed.

‘Yes they did. The town is safe.’ She said wondering what she was saying.

‘This town is far from safe. They have returned.’ She said sadly.

‘Who’s “they”’? Ashley asked curiosly.

Zara looked confused and then said nothing for a long time.

Then she looked up, and said, ‘If I told you, you would not believe what I am saying.’

‘Yes, I would. What is it?’ Ashley pressed hoping that she would fess up.

But, Zara just sat at the table staring blankly into space.

‘You know what killed one of my friends but you don’t want to tell anyone? You just sit there like everything’s fine when nothing is. You know what’s going on in the woods, but you don’t even want to let the mayor or police know what’s going on?!’ Ashley yelled at the top of her voice.

She felt her cheeks getting red.

She didn’t mean to yell at her Grandma. But she was aggravating her. Zara knew what was really in those woods and Ashley was dying to know the truth. She hated being lied to.

But, Zara didn’t move.

‘You have to tell me. I have a right to know.’ Ashley hoped that this threat convinced Zara to spill the beans but she didn’t.

Ashley gave up. Her Grandma always stood up for what she believed in and now wasn’t any different. She wasn’t going to tell what was really out there. So she decided to go to her room and finish her math homework.

‘Rogues.’ Zara said under her breath. She said it very softly, almost as if she didn’t want Ashley to turn around and ask questions.

But, Ashley did hear. She turned hot on her heels and was excited that her Grandma had given up.