To jikku_m for the simple fact of always being there.
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C H A P T E R S I X T E E N
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CALLIE
Staring at a panoramic picture from the pocket-sized book in my hands, I tried to immerse myself in what I was supposedly reading and play deaf to all the noise around me. I'd been in a vehicle before – two or three times already – but I still couldn't steady my emotions. Settled in a corner beside a window with only a small space in front and in the sides, I couldn't help the anxiety boring itself gradually in my heart. It felt like I was trapped inside a box, paralyzed in the dark.
Everyone is excited.
Even though most of them were strangers to each other, they had somewhat befriended everyone, except me, and were now relentlessly chattering, clearly looking forward to the camp.
Although it may not seem like it, I was excited as well. Yes, I might be alone later on but having the opportunity to face the unknowns in this world... it was already perfect for me.
Besides, this might be a suitable time to just set whatever's happening with me and Zeke aside. It appeared like he was not going to the camp, as there was no sign of him around. It was unlikely for him to come along in the first place. It was obvious that he couldn't leave behind his girlfriend for a week.
Nibbling the inside of my mouth, I began to read once more the travel guide I brought with me. It was a simple book, yet very amusing. I made me yearn for a longer time in Earth so I could have all the chance to see every places listed on this book.
I was flipping through the pages when someone suddenly sat in the vacant space beside me. I looked up to see a gaunt guy, wearing a pair of noticeably thick- lensed eyeglasses, and on his shoulders hung a huge backpack.
He smiled at me widely, the braces on his crooked teeth glinting from saliva. "Hi!"
Smiling back, I moved an inch in my seat to give him more space. "Hello!"
"Ned." He offered his pale bony fingers, a weird snickering sound coming from his mouth.
"Callie."
His shaky hands clasped my hands tightly, the sweat from it making mine slide slightly from his grasp. Instead of letting go of my hands, he squeezed it more, his unsteady eyes suddenly focusing on my face.
"They're right. You're very beautiful..." he said and mumbled something so quietly that I missed what he said.
"Pardon?"
Releasing my hand immediately, he shook his head and laughed awkwardly. "Y-your h-hair... It's p-pretty, I mean."
"Thank you," I said, unsure of what to say.
Hearing the booming voice of a man calling for all the students to come onboard, my heart jumped in joy when the engine of the bus was turned on. There was a chorus of happy shouts around and whistles as the final instructions were being read aloud by a teacher.
Goosebumps ran down my shoulders as I comprehended the fact that I was just like a normal human now. Excited and nervous at the same time.
What will be happening in this camp, I wonder? Would I be happy and satisfied after this?

YOU ARE READING
Taint, Time and Tangents✔️
Werewolf(COMPLETED) There were creatures in this world lurking behind the shadows, unseen and unrelenting. But among them, standing proud and mighty were nine angels known as 'Amaranths'. Being the only white-winged Amaranth, Nine was deemed special. Force...