The Outcast

Into the Night

Each team was assigned a cabin to stay in for the entire camping trip. Theirs was a quaint little log house. The interiors were warm and cozy,  Mona just wanna sit near the fire and open her books.  But it's just impossible. Her groupmates immediately occupied the room and are already playing tag.  She's not excited with her team at all, for she happens to belong to a group of meanies.

Myrtle and Paula prove to be bad girls,  paired with Bruno Horn and Burris Long, already bullying the other pups.  Now she's sure that she will be in trouble. 

"Oi!  Who do we have here?" Burris' mocking voice echoed in the room.  

"It's little Miss Silver rat, eh?" he approached her and brusquely dragged her to the center of the room.  She dropped her bag in the process.  That's what they call her,  a rat, because she's nothing but a toy for the other pups.  Easy to pick on whenever any of them got bored. To them, rats are disgusting and dirty, it causes disease.  And that's her for them. 

"Look here!  Look at that cursed hair!!! Still trying hard to belong in this pack with those dirty brown strands??" Paula laughed heartily and pulled Mona's hair back so that Mona could see each of their sneering faces.  

"Say something, freak! Say something!!" pulling it even harder.  A tear is forming at the corner of her eye.

"Oh,  no,  little Miss Silver Rat is starting to cry... What a crybaby!!!" Myrtle teased, and the others followed suit, chanting crybaby. 

"Don't you have anything to say, little rat??" Paula sneered, pulling her hair tighter. She just closed her eyes to stop the pain.

"Well, I say you stop, or I'll send you home at this instant." Tristan Jones said as he came walking in. His authoritative voice is enough to freeze Paula in her spot.  She jerked her hand off Mona's hair.  The latter's braid was now a mess.  The other pups moved back as if cornered. 

"Rule number 1. No one is to hurt or harm anyone during this camp.  This camp aims to promote camaraderie, friendship, and discipline, and what do you think you are doing?" Tristan continued pacing back and forth in the common room and stopped in front of Paula.  The culprits just bowed their heads lower;  no one dares to return the piercing gaze of the next alpha in line.  He continued reciting all the rules they have to adhere to.

"Girls' room is on the left,  the boys' at the right. Settle your things in your quarters and be back in a minute.  Lunch is ready in the mess hall." As he said it,  he stopped in front of Mona's bag.  He stooped and picked it,  then he slowly paced towards Mona,  still seated like a lump of rag on the floor. He gave it to Mona and calmly asked if she was okay.

Mona nodded and grabbed her bag without looking at Tristan.  He's just doing his duty as the Troop Leader.  She must not assume more than that.  All the pups hurriedly picked up their bags and went to their respective quarters.  After a minute, they are back and are falling in line. They started walking out towards the Mess Hall while she stood rooted on the spot. 

"Why are you not moving, Mayfield?" Tristan inquired. "Have you not heard? To the Mess Hall now..." he ordered.  

"Sorry, sir,  but I want to go to the comfort room. My stomach is unwell..." she lied. She just wanted to be alone.  

"We can have you checked by the Camp's Nurse if your stomach hurts," he replied,  a hint of worry in his voice. 

"No, thank you.  Nan packed me some medicine in case something like this happens." For the first time,  she looked at him,  directly in his hazel eyes. He looked away instantly.  She pursed her lips. Really,  no one can stand her, even Tristan.