What's in a Smile

Chapter 20: What's in a smile Part 2

"Scott," I said. "Are you okay?" I was afraid to ask the question but we had been sitting in silence now for several minutes. Scott was starring off at something in the distance while still holding back tears. "Am I okay? Seriously? I just scared the living daylight's out of you and you still want to know if I'm okay? How is that even possible?" Scott almost seemed annoyed. I could tell that it wasn't me that he was annoyed at, it was himself.

"Scott. Look at me." Scott turned towards me. His blue eyes looked more grey now and they were bloodshot. "You were my best friend Scott. I know your not okay, but I don't know what to say. I am still trying to get my brain to understand that your a werewolf." Scott put his hand to his head and again looked off into the distance. Then he finally spoke. "Kristina. I am still trying to understand what I am. I didn't even know my father was one until the night I first turned. I didn't ask for this you know. I didn't want this, but this is who I am for three nights out of a month. After I realized what I did to those chickens I was mortified. After the first night I turned my mother cried for three straight days. I am sorry that you had to see me like that Kristina. Truly I am."

  After Scott finished talking I looked at him and smiled. "Did you know that your fur is as black as a Ravens feathers?" Scott looked at me and laughed. "After everything you have seen, that's the first thing you have to say?" "Well yeah. Your fur is the same color as my hair!" Scott shook his head. "Does it hurt, when you become a werewolf, does it hurt?" Scott looked at his feet "it hurts when I turn like no pain you can imagine. The first time I turned it was so long and painful. It gets easier and after a while it only takes a few minutes to turn. Once I turn I'm fine, but I can recall the pain." "Do you know who you are after you turn?" "Yes, and I know who you are too." "It must be scary, having chains all around you." Scott's eyes were closed now. I could tell that he was remembering the chains around him. Scott opened his eyes and looked straight at me. "The worst part was seeing you standing there. You were so scared... Of me. I never thought you would look at me like that. My best friend, terrified of me. I don't blame you though. I would have been scared too." I looked away from Scott. "It was weird. Even though I was scared I knew you would never hurt me." "I could never hurt you! I...I... love you." "You love me!!?? We are kids Scott!" "I don't know about you, but I don't feel much like a kid anymore." I looked at Scott. "I love you too Scott. I promise I will never tell a soul." Scott smiled. "I know you won't." This time his smile was a happy one. Scott had his smile back and I had my best friend back.

  Years later at the ages of 24 and 25, Scott and I were still inseparable. In fact we bought a home together, basement included. It was two blocks from our parents homes. We couldn't bear to leave our neighborhood where we met, fell in love, and shared our deepest secrets. We were married in my parents backyard, in our treehouse. We later moved and repaired the treehouse. It now proudly sits in our own tree. Maybe what I saw in Scott's smile that first day was my future, or maybe it was that I knew I had found my best friend. Whatever it was I still see it everyday and I wouldn't trade it or him for anything in this world.

The End