The Girl With The Lunar Necklace

One

Serena

Hailey and I gave my parents one last tear filled hug, "I'll call as soon as we arrive I swear, but we need to go before it gets to late." Smiling through tears I step away from my family, they hated to see me go but they knew I was right.

"Alright dear, be safe you have a long drive ahead of you," mom said squeezing dads hand like it was a life line.

Dad staid quiet and nodded, I gave him a warm smile and got in the passenger seat while Hailey took the drivers. The slam of doors and roar of the engine had the tears coming back, I closed my eyes and tried to think of anything but leaving. From the day they said I was dropped off I had been the shadow of one of them, never wanting to be alone. Which even though as I grew older I ventured away it still pained me to realize they wont be just a few minutes away.

A warm hand grabbed mine and squeezed, "Don't be so sad its not like you wont ever see them again, college isn't a jail you're able to leave." She joked, I squeezed back nodding not able to speak.

It wasn't long before the white noise of the road lulled me to sleep, leaving me to the wonders of my dreams.

 I was in wolf form running in unfamiliar woods, something chasing me but I felt no threat from the creature. Before I knew the thing chasing me sped up easily closing the distance. It leaped over me and landed a few feet in front of me, making me skid to a stop. What stood in front of me on all fours was a wolf twice my size. Its black coat flowing from the gentle breeze, and his golden eyes twinkled with joy and curiosity. I've seen this wolf so many times in my dreams since the change happened, part of me was terrified of him but the rest was drawn to him. 

The wolf yipped and lowered his head and tail showing he was of no threat, to scared of his size and presence I turned and ran. His howl of sadness and yearn echoed off the trees as I quickened my speed.

A hard tug on my hair brought me back to reality, " You awake now? I've been calling your name since we made it into town."

Blinking back the grogginess I looked out the window, " You drove the whole way? Why didn't you wake me up for my share of the driving?" 

She laughed, "You looked so peaceful I didn't want to disturb you, plus the drive was nice. So many acres of meadows and woods."

I sighed feeling guilty, I was so adamant about splitting the drive and here I was sleeping. "I'm sorry Hail, wish you would have at least tried to wake me." 

"The nickname isn't going to help your case Rena, there is no need to say sorry, you can just make it up later," she teased.

The college town was surrounded by thick woods, which made my wolf happy, while the college itself had a very good art program, which made me happy. It was late afternoon and neither of us had eaten due to wanting to get here before dark. The house Hailey had rented was a few block away from the campus and main section of restaurants. Having sent all of our luggage the day before we were free to eat before unpacking.

As if reading my thoughts Hailey spoke up, "What do you want to eat Serena?"

Thinking about what we were told was good one place stuck out, " How about Max's Dinner? Id kill for a good burger."

Hailey giggled and turned down the road where it was at, "How did I know that was what you were gona pick."

I shrugged joining in on the giggles, "Cuz  you just know me that well, or that's what I eat like its going out of style."

She pulled into the parking lot and found a spot under the security light, "Maybe the ladder option Rena." 

The dinner was pretty busy but we were seated fast, we ordered our burgers and started a war throwing our straw wrappings at each other laughing.  When we ran out of ammo we stretched out across the booth looking around the dinner seeing who was around.

"Couple of cute guys here Hail, see any that catch you eye" I teased knowing she was shy about guys.

She blushed and looked at her coke, "Shut up Rena you know I hate when you do that."

I chuckled and saw our food coming, sitting up I motioned to Hailey to do the same. Like we were told the burgers were amazing, juicy and fattening. We scarfed the food down till all that was left was grease and ketchup. 

Remembering what I said to my parents I sighed and took my phone out of my purse and motioned out the window. Hailey nodded and I slipped out of the booth and went outside to the much quieter environment.

The sun was sinking into the horizon making the sky full of soft oranges and pinks. People were walking here and there to busy in their life to see the beauty nature held right above their head.

I took a deep breath and called home. Before the second ring even ended mom answered.

"Hey honey how was the drive, y'all make it there safely?" Concern laced her melodic voice, I smiled happy hearing her voice.

"Yea mom we made it fine, and uh it was good. Kinda slept the whole way cuz a certain someone didn't wake me up." I huffed out still upset that I slacked off.

She laughed which made me grin, "Why am I not surprised, well i'll tell your father you made it. Stay safe and call me when you can alright? Watch out for each other, we love you Serena and tell Hailey we love her too."

Tears came to my eyes but I blinked them back, "I will, don't have to much fun with out me you hear." 

She laughed agreeing and we hung up, putting my phone in my pocket I grabbed my pendent. The golden moon calming the storm of emotions running through my head. " I hope you're proud, where ever you are," I whispered to the wind.