The Hidden Maiden

Chapter 11 - Crimson butterflies

Victoria's POV

He took my hands in his. I bit my lips nervously. He tilted his head a little and smiled.

"Yeah sure." I replied. He started talking about his plans while I zoned out. My eyes darted back and forth as I scanned the area uneasily. If it was the usual "him", he should be here by now to stop us.

"Alright cool! I will tell you again about the details..!" His smile broadened.

I bid him farewell before going back to join Megan and Heather, who were giggling at one corner. I rolled my eyes playfully at the both of them and we walked together into the school. Since it was a hectic week at school, students were like ants on a hot pan, frantically running to photocopy their lecture notes and answer sheets in preparation for our exams. Although we are werewolves, we still do study basic syllabus like Mathematics, Science, Languages and their derivatives. So regular pack members can work in the human society as well to earn some income for our daily uses. Of course that is if you have time on your hand outside your pack duties. While walking, many people bumped into us, urgent to get through. Amongst the chaos we found our lockers.

"So...." Megan leaned forward and wiggled her eyebrows. I frowned with a questionable look.

"What?"

"Well don't give me that face! I want details!" Heather took her books and listened in as well.

"What Oliver?? It's nothing he just wanted a date and I gave him one. That's it."

"Did he say where he's taking you to?"

"Nope. He said he'd tell me again."

"Ok.. Aren't you excited at least??"

"Well.. I guess..? It's not the first time we went out together.. Although he made it sound like this one would be any different." We proceeded towards our classrooms while talking.

"Those aren't called dates. Those are called grabbing a bite together. Or a drink. Oh well, he better step up his game soon before you lose interest in him."

I gave her the 'are-you-serious' face and we continued talking about other stuff.

I phased out from the conversation the moment Lewis walked across us with a few of his pack members. His hands were in his pockets and he was wearing a thin V-neck sweater, and yup that cold expression on his face.

My gaze followed him, and my heart pounded almost painfully. My stomach churned with a weird sensation when I saw him. I let out my breath that I held onto and decided to look elsewhere instead. I jumped as two pair of bright eyes next to my face stared into mine.

"What are you looking at?" Both of them asked at the same time.

"... Nothing." I laughed guiltily and walked quickly to my classroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The whole day I felt like I had a time jump or something. I couldn't register anything in my mind. I'm stoned. I bet even if someone got into a fight I wouldn't have noticed. The only time my train of thoughts was cut off was when the bell rang.

I've been feeling really melancholic and empty. I don't know it's weird. So I just wasted my precious time in school doing nothing. Megan and Heather must have found me strange since they kept telling me to come back down to Earth or shaking me out of my mini bubble of nothingness. But there was nothing they could do, or I could do, to shake the feeling off. I thought it might be best for me to just go home, lay down lifelessly and do everything that's counter-productive.

But as usual life gives you shit. I have archery practice today and for once I dreaded them. Keith took me with him to the royal pack after school and he didn't said a word during the car ride. He just gave me quick glances every now and then. I unwound his car window and let the wind brush through my open palms. I stuck my head out and breathed in as the wind blew my hair back, turning them into a frizzy mess. As the scenery came into view, I looked out beyond with faraway eyes. I must have been dreaming the whole day.

I dragged my feet towards the archery section and changed. Denise and Jake greeted me first and I replied lazily with a tired smile. Their faces gradually dropped and they decided to leave me in my own bubble afterwards. Not that I mind. We did our usual warm ups and went out field for our roving course. The rules are a bit different for us. Basically there are five unmarked targets boards lined up along the course deep in the woods. This course uses 2D animal targets, and for us it is in the shape of a wolf. So there is only a kill zone and wound zone drawn on it. We would take turns shooting target 1 through 5, it is either you hit or you don't. The final score is then assessed by the number of attempts taken to finish the course. The lesser the arrows used, the higher the score.

After waiting for the group in front, Denise shot her first target in the kill zone and moved on to the second target. I stepped up and drew my bow, aiming on target 1. I released and the arrow landed on the wound zone on the animal target. I tried two more times, none hitting the kill zone.

Target 2. I felt my concentration slipping away with every shot. My arrows did not even make it near the wound zone. Unable to continue, I informed Denise that I wasn't feeling well and asked her to pass the message to the in-charge of the day. She reluctantly let me off as I persuaded her that I was ok and just needed to rest. I strolled back, following the same route we took to come here. Finally, I was back at the archery section. I returned the equipment and gears before packing up to leave. I reached the elevator, and ended up changing my mind.

~~~~~~~~

I slowly opened the door and was welcomed by the same sweaty smell as before and lots of grunting noises in the background as the guys struck the punching bags over and over again. I walked around, trying to find who I was looking for. I went over all the faces and still couldn't find Lewis. Perhaps he didn't come for his boxing today?

I did another sweep and was disappointed yet again. I wonder where he went. I searched the gym downstairs to no avail either. In the end, I sat in the lounging area inside the gym and waited until it was time for him to drive me home. This was the only way to find him now. But what was I going to tell him? All I know is I needed to see him. Maybe he could give me the answers I want, and settle this unrest I'm feeling.

I stared at my phone, half expecting to receive a phone call or a text message from him, but none came. By 8pm I was already frustrated and restless by the constant wait, so I quickly rang Lewis. The ringback tone sounded for some time and my uneasiness doubles with every ring. Why wasn't he picking up?? Is he with someone? What is he doing right now? Is it just me that he don't want to speak to? My mind was filled with endless questions as I tried dialing his number again. Nope he's still not picking up. I exited the gym hastily and went to the car garage where I would meet him when he send me home. I twisted the door knob and it was locked. That means he isn't coming or what?

I stood outside for a good 15 minutes, staring at the starry night sky above, then decided against waiting for him. He's not coming. I slouched my back in defeat and walked out of their pack. I stopped by a convenient store and got some gummy bears.

I walked to the bus stop and once I got on the bus, I plucked in my ear piece to my phone and started playing my playlist. My inner thoughts were so jumbled up, my conscious mind was incapable to process anything. I laid the side of my head on the glass window and looked out as the trees and dimly lit streets flashed by quickly. My vision blurred with unshed tears. My nose tingled and the lump in my throat made it hard to breathe. I looked up and fought back the tears from falling. My own reflection on the window stared back at me, reminding me of how pathetic I am right now.

When my brave front collapses, no one is going to be my salvation. I shouldn't hope for anything more. And I was angry at myself for needing him. I betrayed myself. The first streak of tears fell, and more followed, out of control. I choked back on my tears and tried breathing normally but my breaths got even more shaky.

All I could do was to cry silently and wallow in my own misery and loneliness.