Beast

present.2

"Please tell me you're coming tonight." Karley begged, practically on her knees. I gave her a loopy smile, and shook my head. She started yelling at me, about how I was basically a social outcast and that I promised her I'd be there.

It's not like I didn't want to go because god. It would be a dream to stay out later than five thirty. But I couldn't. Well technically I could, but after last night, I knew I would never step outside the house after dark ever. I was attached to a string made of metal and ice, it was so strong, that it kept pulling me back once I started to stray.

I excused myself from a glowering Karley. She was furious, I could tell by her nose turning tomato red and her eyes slit like the black cat in the alleyway. I would need to make it up to her. Somehow.

Strolling into math I pulled out my headphones and textbook. Our teacher didn't really care enough to tell us what to do, his job was simple. Hand out the tests, correct them, and put in our grades. Perhaps he had to deal with troublemakers from time to time, like Bryce Hill or Jackson Roberts, but I never paid them any attention. They just weren't worth my time.

"Ms. Rose. Please take out your headphones. That would be greatly appreciated." I glanced up to the teacher towering above me and his hand stuck out near my face. At first, I was confused. I had always been allowed to listen to music in class, mostly the sweet tunes from the seventies or when I'm feeling really spontaneous I rock out to the Beatles.

I took a second to realize that someone was here in the class to present. My cheeks flamed to a crisp blush, and I couldn't help but stare at my busted up vans, extremely embarrassed.

Our teacher introduced the presenter though I didn't really listen. I could only concentrate on the glass window beside me. Someone was there, no.

You're just paranoid, Marguerite.

I forced my attention to the front. But that string kept my head towards the forest. It pulled me back so roughly I thought I was going insane.

I squinted, not knowing what I was searching for.

There it was.

Two beady eyes stalking me down. My breaths became ragged, I saw fur and claws and teeth that were as sharp as-

"Ms. Rose! Do you need to excuse yourself!" The teacher bellowed. I snapped out of my trance, and quietly told him no. Snickers were heard around the class and I knew instantly that this would be the talk of the school for a long time.

Good one. I mentally slapped myself. Slowly, I inched my way to the window. Weight was lifted off of my shoulders and I relaxed into my seat.

Nothing is there.