The Wolf

Ch. 24: Alex's POV

~Alex~

Everything is going great. My grades are high, I've got tons of friends at school, and I have a beautiful girlfriend. But right now the last place I want to be is stuck in a classroom. I can barely keep my focus as the teacher drones on with his lecture, and it's all because of Nico.

Just like always, Nico floods my mind. He's finally awake and he's up and about. A pit of guilt has settled in my stomach. I wasn't there for him when he needed me; when he woke up. What's new? It always seems that I'm somewhere else when I should've been beside him.

"Alex!" The teacher calls, making me snap out of my reverie.

"Ah, yes?!" I look up at him while the class snickers all around us.

"Please pay attention," He says in exasperation.

"Yes, sir," I say.

Sighing, he turns back to the board and continues his teaching. I hate when teachers do that. If I'm not paying attention, then you should just leave me be. I put my chin on the palm of my hand and look out the window. Clouds are starting to form, and I guess that signals the arrival of snow later today.

I wonder what Nico's doing right now. He was acting strangely last night, so I feel an unreasonable amount of worry for him. Or maybe it is reasonable, I don't know. I knew I should have visited him this morning. My fingers massage the bridge of my nose. I just get so caught up when I'm with Kayla, that I forget sometimes.

During the time that Nico was incapacitated, I was depressed. I could barely function, eat, and my grades were falling drastically. But Kayla was there when I needed her. She would always say the things I needed to hear and help me in any way she could. Eventually, she helped me to accept that Nico was injured and that he'll wake up someday, but that doesn't mean I have to fall apart while waiting. She convinced me that he would hate to see me in such a miserable state.

Over time, Kayla and I grew closer. After camp Thanksgiving, she pulled me to the side and asked me out. I was so surprised, I never imagined the demure Kayla to ask me out. The mere fact that she had more to herself than I knew was intriguing and I said yes. We had our first kiss and became a couple.

The bell rings making me jump. I grab my book bag and follow the crowd as they file out of the classroom. Blake sidles up next to me.

"You really got called out by that teacher, huh? What's on your mind?" Blake seems calmer ever since he started living with the pack. He seems surer of himself and doesn't lash out as much.

"Just thinking about Nico, wondering if he's OK," I admit.

Blake's face is solemn. "I think I should have told him about Kayla before we went to see you."

"You didn't? And why is that so important?" I question, feeling defensive.

"Well, it caught him by surprise. Remember how he just woke up? So it was like an overload of information. I feel bad for him." Blake frowns.

"But why does it bother him so much? I don't get it?"

"Of course you don't, you're too dense." Blake says, "Well, I'll catch you later, my class is over there." He takes a right corner and disappears into a sea of people.

Just what does he mean that I'm "too dense"? I don't understand. Heaving a sigh I head to my next period while I mull over what he said. It doesn't make any sense. Why would Nico be so upset over it? I raise my head and my eyes land on Kayla. I grin when I see her, forgetting all my worries.

"Hey!" I call out, jogging toward her.

She looks up and gives me a pretty smile. "Hey, yourself."