Jasmin

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

The meeting circle is full of people this new moon. The circle is out hidden in the trees out north of the town centre by about a ten minute walk. The circle is a gathering place for most of the pack every month on the darkest of nights. A time where everyone comes together. Off to the south side of the circle is an old lodge that is sometimes used by Segenam for different rites. Being fall many of the older and younger pack have come as they will often skip out on a few of the winter runs, preferring to stay away from the deep cold and snow.

The dark night shows my human eyes see nothing but blobs of black. The sky filled with bright diamonds in one direction and an orange glow in the other, hazards of living so close to the city. As always, each month when the pack runs in the darkness, I am on the edge. With so many already in the throws of the change I slip to the eastern side of the clearing that has only a few people and I crouch to start my change. It seems so easy now to slip into my fur. I remember the first few times it took forever to force my body into unnatural angles as I listened to my fathers voice as he talked calmly to me, giving me advise on how to hold off the pain lest my mind panic and trap me. Those days are over, both the pain and panic and my fathers voice. Now I slip into my fur in less than three minutes. I stand and stretch my body and my senses to those still changing. I see little more than movements along the ground, the youth in the centre still being talked through as they are watched for years to make sure they are safe. I see Chris and his warriors already on four feet. Always the first to shift and watch over everyone else.

This week has been wonderful, my tongue panting as I remember being able to walk through the school the last few days and brush past her, a light touch to remind her that I am there. A light touch that reminded me that my mate was there, and mine to touch. Each time my heart soared. Eric's interference was a set back in her trust but I knew to simply allow her time.

I dig my claws into the hard packed dirt of the circle and see who else is ready to run. I see David standing over Sherri, guarding her in the middle of her most vulnerable time. I wait till they are ready and slowly join them, my mouth wide in a grin, tongue lolling out, ready to run between the trees.

...

Spending the weekend with Gretta, prepping so much of our garden for preserving, serves to keep my mind off Marcus. I agreed to spending the day with him again on Tuesday, as a repeat of last time, math help, supper. See where things go from there.

The abundance of veggies from the garden and a case of peaches I was able to pick up at a major discount due to almost being spoiled, all will go into some canning or freezing for the winter. Gretta has also said that she will have some for me to do with as I please. Since the last few years have been great harvests, and my extra help and planning may I add, the backyard has given us a bounty. I can give extra to Helena for the mission, and have been dropping off fresh stuff to a park downtown the last few months. I was sneaking in to the backyard anytime I could, when Pat's car was not out front, to grab some stuff for me and a bit to drop off. With my help the last few years the small garden that was in the back yard grows beautifully. It will be a busy few weeks to prep all this food. I will just wait to look for a new job until harvest is done.

...

The days turn to weeks, a flow to the time becomes comfortable. Sally and Justin have become a tight couple, yet we found time to still visit when we can, and even have a sleep over tonight to catch up. Its going to be nice.

"We hardly ever talk, how has things been." It comes out of her mouth in a whine. Makes me smile.

"Boyfriends do not trump best friends, a bit of space will never change who we are to each other." I proclaim with a regal nod of my head. Time changes everything, I accept that, but Sally always resists change. I try think of things to remind her that we are the same as we have ever been. Girl Talk!