Not Human

Friend or Boyfriend?

It's been a few weeks since I spoke to Bradley. He's been stealing glances at me after the almost-kiss. Finally, after 2nd period, I find him against his locker, reading a note. "Hi." He stares at me and quickly glues his eyes back onto the paper. "I got a note," he says. "I can see that. What about?" I ask sarcastically. He looks at me with uncertain eyes and replies, "A secret admirer." I swallow my growl, trying not to be jealous. "Oh really? That's nice," I lie, covering my hazel eyes. "What's wrong? Do you know who it's from? Can you smell the paper and find out?" Bradley questions. I take a deep breath, take the paper, and sniff it. "One of Penny's friends, that's for sure."

Bradley shrugs, takes the note, and balls it up. He walks over to Penny and whispers, "I know Jennifer wrote it. Stop harassing me and Jana. She never did anything to you." Penny snickers and says, "I can do whatever I want. After all, I am older than you." I stare at Penny, and then at Bradley, and back to Penny. Siblings?! They're SIBLINGS?! I try to calm myself, reassuring my brain that Bradley isn't as much of a jerk as Penny is. Bradley walks back over to me and before he starts talking, I say, "Your sister, huh? Why didn't you tell me this?" "Because I didn't want to ruin our friendship. Sorry, I guess," he apologizes. I retort, "You should've told me this before you tried to kiss me! It's hard to think that I even talk to you."

Bradley begins to shake again, and his eyes turn yellow. "Bradley calm down. I didn't mean to--" "Shut up! He's my brother, not yours you monster. I can take care of him," Penny comes from behind me and shoves me back. I scoff and pull her blond hair. She gasps and steps on my foot. I push her out of the way and before she can speak, out of reflexes, I punch her in the nose. She screams and all the cheerleaders come running to her rescue. I roll my eyes and focus my attention back on Bradley. I don't know how to stop him from shaking, so I kiss him on the lips. Immediately, Bradley stops shaking and stares at me.

I know he stopped shaking, but I keep kissing him. Finally, after a few seconds, Bradley kisses me back. Everyone stops what they're doing and stares. My eyes flash hazel and sadly I stop kissing him. Bradley stands there, eyes yellow, and walks away.

"You. Jerk! Why would you kiss that freak!" I hear Penny scream from the lunch table. "She's not a freak. You are," Bradley snaps. I smile slightly and blush. "How am I the freak when she grew white hair on her arms!" Penny argues. "Look, stay out of my way and Jana's way, too. Or else," Bradley growls. Penny puts on her best puppy dog face and says, "Please would be nice." Bradley looks at me and says, "Not today," and walks away.

I follow Bradley and ask, "What was that about?" Bradley ignores me and walks faster. "Hey! Answer me!" He walks faster, and I catch up to him. He goes out to the track field and starts jogging. I let out a low growl and hit his back. Bradley turns around and flashes his eyes. "Don't flash your eyes at me!" I say, sounding like my mom. He gets down on all fours and turns into a wolf. He snarls at me and I back away.

"Go ahead. Transform! I don't really care if you're ticked off. That's your problem, not mine," I yell. Bradley cocks his head at me and lunges forward. I yelp and land perfectly on my feet--wait, paws? I transformed by accident! I always let my feelings get the best of me. I growl at Bradley and turn my back as he tries to lunge forward again. I walk away, my tail moving side to side. Bradley nips at my ankle and I snarl. He backs away and whimpers; I don't apologize. Bradley stands there for a second, and howls at the sky.