Wolfsbane

Escape

I was finishing the dinner dishes when I heard Michael retching. I had to bite back a smile. I tapped on the bathroom door with a knuckle. "Hey, are you okay?" I asked my voice dripping with fake concern. He threw up noisily before he answered, "I think so. I don't know what's wrong." More retching. "We ate the same thing. How do you I feel?" He doesn't sound suspicious. "I feel fine." The bathroom door open slowly and he leaned heavily against the door jamb. His face was pale. His eyes looked dull. "My face feels slightly numb." He pushed his sweaty hair off of his forehead. I took his hand and led him to the bedroom. "Let's get you to bed. I'll have to run alone tonight." I said trying to show apprehensiveness over the prospect. He groaned as he got into bed but when he looked at me, his eyes softened. He reached out to caress my face and I forced myself to stay still. "I'll make it up to you." I smiled at him and once again the thought of how easy it would be to become like the women around here came back but I quickly pushed it away. I put a small trash can next to the bed and on a whim kissed his forehead. It wasn't until I walked out of the house that I realized I was saying goodbye.

As I walked to the woods, I saw someone coming towards me. Too late I realized that it was Marissa. I thought about quickly going in between two of the houses and bypassing her but she had already seen me. "Ellaria." Her smile didn't touch her eyes. "Where's my son?" I glanced back in the direction of the house. "And why is he at home?" She inquired. "He's sick." I tried to step past her but she cut me off. "Sick?" There was sudden anger in her voice. "What did you do to my son?" I sighed. "I didn't do anything. He's sick and he's in bed." I said in a slow measured voice. "He knows I'm running alone and he's fine with it." She gave me a long look but stepped out of the way. As I walked away, her voice stopped me. "I'm going to go check on him and he better be okay." I shrugged my shoulders and kept going.

Subconsciously, I took the path that would take me by Lola's house. She was outside picking flowers from her various bushes. "Hey!" she yelled with a smile. "Going for a run?" I nodded and tried to smile back. Her smile faltered and then faded. "Are you okay?" She asked as she walked towards me. "Oh, I'm fine." I said. "Michael's sick." I finished lamely. She looked confused but nodded, "I'm sure he'll be okay. Go enjoy your run." The word alone was unspoken but palpable. I smiled at her and as I turned away I whispered goodbye. So quietly that there was no hope for her to hear. I barely heard it myself. I wouldn't miss anyone else but I would miss her.

The woods were full of normal nocturnal sounds. I didn't smell or hear any other wolves. That brought me comfort. I stripped down and began my change, trying to hurry it along. I was worried that Marissa would come searching for me or Lola would decide to join me and then my plan would be ruined. After my change was complete, I took a moment to enjoy the night. I wouldn't be able to enjoy it while I was running for my life. I started off slow, trying to converse energy but finally took off. I was picking up more speed when I heard the thunder of paws behind me. My ears swiveled to listen to the pursuer. Just one wolf but who? I chanced a glance back and saw a blur of black. Not Michael or Lola. Marissa? I couldn't be sure because I couldn't get the scent. Whoever it was was having a hard time catching up. Suddenly the wolf skidded to a stop, sat back on its haunches and poised its head to howl. No! I wheeled around and raced towards the wolf. Just as the first notes of the howl came out of its throat, I lunged forward and ripped it open. Blood gushed into my mouth. Hot and salty. The wolf convulsed on the ground and through the iron smell of blood, I got a scent. Joel. I waited until he was still and ran again. I'm so sorry, Lola. I was miles away when I finally heard another howl. It came from the commune and it was full of anguish. I ran faster.