In the Moon's Gaze

Chapter 3: The Bonfire

The last bell of the day finally rings and I begin my route home. I decide against taking the bus home since I haven't really paid much attention to this town since I first came. I walk through the grove of trees, each equally vibrant browns, reds, oranges and each dying. As I walk through the town I realize that there isn't much to this town. There's a few diners, the clinic where I'm going to work on the weekends, some other buildings and collections of houses and apartments scattered about. The only similarity between this town and Portland is the giant forests and the rivers. I walk some more until I see Helena's place. I enter through the front door to see that no one's home. Ugh it's been like a week since we first met and she barely talks to me or even stay in the same room as me. I genuinely feel like she only took me in so as not to feel bad about the rest of my family dying or abandoning me. I see a note on the kitchen table that says "I went grocery shopping will be back soon!" Yeah right i just bought groceries yesterday, either she completely forgot or she just doesn't want to be near me. Whatever, I might as well go out and explore more, not like she'll miss me.

When I leave the house, I remember there isn't much to do in this town. It's a regular small town on the coast just with werewolves. You'd think that be exciting but this isn't some sort of supernatural teen drama. I'm feeling hungry so I decide to head to the local diner. It takes me awhile to get there since it's all the way on the other side of the town near the beach. By the time I get there, I'm breathless and so tired i collapse in the nearest booth. An elderly waitress comes up to take my order and I order an apple pie. While I'm waiting I overhear some people in the booth behind me.

" Noah what are you are bringing to the bonfire?" a girl says

"Just a six pack, scored them using my brother's ID" Noah replied confidently.

"Dude I can't believe that actually worked, your brother looks nothing like you" a voice i recognize said mockingly, Oh my god it was Nick! What's he doing here! Also what's this about a bonfire?

"Doesn't matter, by the way you think Rachel's gonna be there?"

"Of course, why?"

"Dude don't you know? She totally likes you!" the girl piped in, "I wonder, why aren't you two together again?"

"Allie, you know I don't see her in that way" I feel a little relieved hearing Nick's response, though I don't know why. " Anyway back to the party, when are we going?" It seems to me he just wants to end the conversation.

"What's this about a party?" Shit! I cover my mouth, I can't believe I just said that without thinking! Ugh they're gonna think I'm some sort of stalker or something. God, I wish that the earth could just swallow me up and I'll never be seen again! I'm literally dying from embarrassment.

Noah turns around and smiles, "Look who we have here, a little fan" I wanna die!

"Shut up Noah, it's just the new girl," Allie waves, "Hi, I'm Allie, the go-to girl when you wanna know about parties and..." she chuckles as she leans into Noah, " this idiot's girlfriend as of a month. Anyway if you wanna know, the party's at 7 and is on the beach!"

"Ummm, you should come with us, I mean you don't know many people here, right? So like we could bring you there, it might be awkward for you to come alone." Nick said

"Uhh sure, do we meet up at the beach or what?" my heart is pounding so fast, I've never been invited by a guy anywhere!

"Yes at the pier, don't forget the party starts at 7" He says this so confidently and naturally as if he's done this many times before. And so he and his friends start to pack up, and before I can say goodbye, he grabs my hand and starts writing his number with a pen. "Call me sometime ok?" And just like that he leaves, leaving me breathless.