It's surprising what human beings can accomplish when death is staring them right in the face. When things began plummeting, few knew how to react. Most were confused, seeking guidance from the very foundations and institutions that, once meant to h...
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Three rapid knocks followed by two faint taps came from the front door, as we were just about to finish dinner. Our secret signal since I had first moved to Haven all those years ago.
I quickly clear my area at the table and drop my empty dishes in the sink, earning a questioning look from both Declan and my Aunt.
"I'm not washing those," says Auntie Clara pointing to the forming pile in the sink, "I cooked. A deal is a deal."
"I know Auntie, it's Declan's turn," I reply with a smirk directed at my brother who is still shoveling stew into his mouth. He peers up at me from his bowl with a challenging glare. He never wants to do the dishes or any housework for that matter.
"But Auntie," he pleads, "I'm already running late. I'm sure Adelaide can cover for me this time, right Addie?" he asks, looking at me with charm and mischief. I laugh and slightly roll my eyes.
"You said that last time dude. I'm not buying it." I maneuver out of the kitchen in three long strides before he can make-up another excuse for his laziness. I swear my Aunt treats that boy like a prince sometimes.
As I open the door, two arms and a mass of curls instantly attack me, almost making me lose my footing. I laugh and hug the figure back while trying to breathe between the spirals of her dark hair.
"I missed you," we both say in unison. She tightens the bear hug and almost lifts me off the ground.
"Remy, my sides. I love you but for the love of the Moon Goddess put me down, please," I squeak as the curls slowly move away from my face. No werewolf strength can compare to the excited bear hugs from Remy Cordero.
"Oh sorry girl! I am just so excited to be back," Remy beams while smoothing out her hair and rushing to sit on the edge of our sectional.
She looks so radiant and happiness shines in her hazel eyes. Warmth spreads across my chest as I look at my best friend in front of me. I am beyond happy to see her in person after six months of videochats and texts.
"Hi, first you look amazing! Second, tell me all about the trip. How many lives did you change?" I ask as I rush over to her side.
"Not enough," she states and a frown forms on her face. "But I am nowhere near done." The determination in her voice tells me that she lives by these words.
Remy has been volunteering in the parts of the world that The Council pretends don't exist for the last six months. After we graduated, she took her passion for social work and turned it into action with the help of her parents.
The Cordero Foundation seeks to provide food security, clean water, and small loans to populations living in horrible conditions. Mostly humans, who lack publicity potential for The Council's charitable façade. Since Remy's family has been human for generations, this cause is very close to their hearts. But, they, like us, believe in the peaceful harmony of all species.
Remy and I are the same in the fact that we are motivated by a desire to help others. To give even what we don't have. I wanted nothing more than to go with her when she asked me, but I knew that I needed to be at home for the ascending and transformation. Even though we have seen each other through everything, in this she could not help me.
We understand that in this way we are different, but these difference have never gotten in the way of us being friends and learning from each other. This is not to say we are perfect. We acknowledge our discomforts and, like I said, we learn from each other. Our differences help us understand and empathize with others to realize that we are all part of one, global community. What a beautiful thought.
"You should've been there Addie," Remy says locking my eyes in her determined ones, "some of these people had never even met a werewolf before because of generations and generations of outbreeding. Some were so full of hatred because of their situations and others were just blissfully happy." She looks down at her hands.
I squeeze her shoulder lightly, comforting and assuring her that she is doing the best that she can.
"I am so proud of you," I say, "you know I want to be there with you every step of the way. But, you really are doing great work. And, as soon as I'm myself again, we'll get moving on all of our big plans for clean water and getting girls and women in schools and businesses."
As soon as I am myself again, Remy, I promise.
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