It started with a wolf.

Chapter 2: Rhys

Rhys

I knew it was wrong for Ella to be here with me. But I just wanted to keep her here next to me, where I was sure she could never disappear. I left my cocoa untouched. I didn’t want anything going into my stomach whilst it was feeling so strange. I wound my free hand’s fingers aroung Ella’s. It felt so normal. Like it was how we should be. I heard a shuffling upstairs. ‘My parents…’ I whispered. I slowly unwound my fingers and sat up, moving my chair slightly away from Ella’s.

My mum came down in her faded-pink dressing gown, hair tyed up in a loose bun. Her flip flops slapping against the hard, wooden floor. My mum always wore flip flops. Even through the winter. She aimed a smile at Ella. ‘Good morning, honey. Can I get you any breakfast? We don’t have much to offer, but I’m sure we can find you something.’ She stated. The tone in her voice made it obvious she wasn’t surprised to see Ella here so early. Ella practically lived here. ‘No, thank you.’ Ella said, eyeing the half drunk cup of cocoa in front of her. I didn’t want to waste mine, but I also didn’t want to waste it. I gulped it down quickly. As I put the cup down on the table I noticed Ella look at me. Then at my mum. They both burst out laughing. I turned to look at my mum for an explanation, I knew I wouldn’t get one from Ella. ‘What? What is it?’ I asked. Wary when my mum shot a glance at Ella, and stared laughing all over again. ‘Come here, Rhys.’ My mum chuckled. She licked her thumb, then had a go at wiping my face. I ducked. ‘Ew! Mum!’ I said in detest.

I hurried up to the bathroom to see what was on my face, though I already knew. A ring of cocoa circled my mouth, creating a chocolate beard/moustasche combo. I washed my face then ran back downstairs, taking two stairs at a time. I could hear the high pitched chuckle of my mum, mixing in with Ella’s quiet, low laughter. The atmostphere had lifted whilst I had been upstairs, dealing with the cocoa. From awkward, breakfast conversation to easy going chatter. With both Ella and my mum in the room at the same time, the room seemed insanely bright. Like two suns in one solar system. Keeping me, the moon, in perfect orbit.