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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I gaze at my reflection in the mirror, taking in the light gray eyes staring back at me wide with anticipation. I curl my lashes with Remy's curler, apply some mascara, and line my eyes to accentuate their almond shape. We stopped at Remy's house so that I could get a change of clothes before heading to The Bode.
I smooth Remy's black t-shirt and tuck it into the pair of ripped jeans she is letting me borrow. I adjust the shirt to make sure that the crescent shaped birthmark in the middle of my back is fully covered.
The clothes are a little loose since Remy is curvier than I am, but my belt and cross-body satchel hold everything in place. I tie up my own combat boots and quickly braid my dark golden-brown hair to the side.
I have never told Auntie Clara about this part. It would only worry her more to know that it is better for me to try to cover up my werewolf scent and blend in with the other human volunteers during my shifts at The Bode. There have been incidents in the past with other wolf volunteers, so this is just safer.
At first, Declan wasn't too pleased to hear about why I was going through all this trouble. But, it gave him some peace of mind. He still insists on walking us into the main building every single night.
As I finish packing my satchel with my journal, pencils, and sketchpad, three rapid knocks followed by two quick taps come from the door. Remy sticks her head into the room and asks if I'm ready to go.
"Yeah, I was just about to come down," I reply moving towards the door.
"Oh," she states holding her hands out to stop me. "That book you love so much...uh you know The Great Garfield or whatever, is on my dresser. Bring it with?" I laugh.
"The disrespect!" I reply in mock disgust as I grab the book off of her bureau. "It's called The Great Gatsby and clearly you still haven't read it even though you've been 'borrowing' it for over a year." I chuckle as I playfully swat her shoulder with my favorite book from Auntie Clara's collection.
Auntie Clara loves finding literature from ancient civilizations and preserving or even reprinting it for those of us living in the present. It's a hobby I fully support and beg her to turn into a bookstore or library constantly.
"I know, I know," she sighs shaking her head. "It's such a riveting tale of love and betrayal told from an outside perspective," she mimics as I gently push her out the door.
"Is that what I sound like?"
"All the time! You and Declan both," she jokes shrugging her shoulders as we exit her house.
We reach a very impatient looking Declan tapping the steering wheel and quickly scramble into his car. He runs a hand through his thick, short hair and huffs, clearly frustrated with this whole situation.
"Wow, you guys took so long. I thought we were in a rush here," he says, slightly annoyed. Remy and I share a look and I stifle a laugh as she mouths "General D" into the rearview mirror.
"Sorry, but you know I'm late to everything big bro," I say as we pull out onto the open road.
I stare out the window at the passing trees to quell the uneasy feeling forming in my stomach. My fingertips tap quietly and anxiously on my thighs, forcing me to intertwine my fingers before anyone else notices my fidgeting.
It's not uncommon for me to feel nervous heading to The Bode. I usually have to mentally prepare myself, but there is something different about tonight. I cannot place this sudden wave of intuition or anxiety, but I pray that it passes and is not the beginning of another hot flash.
That cannot happen to me while I am there.
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Author's Note:
Hi everyone sorry to interrupt the experience!
I want to say thanks so much for reading so far and want to encourage everyone to vote and comment on the chapters. I have an idea of where I want this story to go, but I would love some feedback so that I can see what's working and what's not. Let's work together to make this an interactive experience. Again, thanks so much for giving this story a chance!
