Free as a Bird

Abye

The next day, Newt, Tina, Jacob, Queenie along with Theseus, Anna and Dakota visited Nate. He was to be discharged today and he was given a few doses of Aconite so that he wouldn't transform into a werewolf instantly. 

"Thanks guys" Nate said, shuffling out of his room, towards them. He was still dazed, but he managed to regain his composure. 

"No problem" Anna wiped a tear, "Nate, are you going to return home?"

"I've got a boat ticket tonight" he said, "I'll miss you, Anna"

"Promise you'll write" she hugged him tightly, "You are still my best friend".

Dakota came over to them. She looked at her sister and Nate and hugged the latter. Nate was quite taken aback. Even Theseus.

"I'll never forgive myself for doubting you" Dakota said, "You saved my sister's life".

"It's nothing".

"It's something" Tina spoke up. Everyone looked at her. "Uh--" she began, "I mean, if someone else saves Queenie, I would say the same too".

"Pity we never got to talk" Queenie began, "You've changed a lot since school, Nate".

"I must have" Nate grinned, "Before, I wasn't a werewolf. Now I am".

Everyone exchanged smiles, but inside it hurt them. They just let Nate into the trap.

"You were awesome, pal" Jacob patted him on the shoulder, "I'm Jacob, anyway. Queenie's husband".

"Oh that's wonderful. Congratulations!" Nate said. This time, he had a genuine smile, something he wasn't used to.

"You're great" Theseus said, "Just be safe out there".

"If you are being teased, just call us" Newt added, "I can send an army of nifflers---"

"Newt, that's enough" Tina said, giving his hand a little squeeze.

"Although dragons could be a better option" Newt smiled.

"Thanks everyone. I should get going now. Bloody, I must've left my luggage in the hotel!" Nate swore.

"We brought it here" Tina said, "It's in the front desk".

"My wand?" Nate checked his pockets. Tina pulled out his wand and handed it to him.

"How long have you been having that?" Nate chuckled, "I've been looking all over for it". 

"Not long" she said, heaving a sigh.

"C'mon, let's go" Theseus said.

Everyone left, except for Anna, Tina and Nate.

"Anna?" Tina said, "Could you. . ?"

"Of course" Anna excused herself, "Anything for you".

Tina turned to Nate, her hands in her pockets. Nate turned to her, giving her a shrug.

"That was awful" she said, "You're now a werewolf".

"Guess it is some sort of a punishment for lying to you back at school" Nate said, "I guess, I sort of wanted this to happen".

"So you can become a narcissistic hero?" Tina folded her arms.

"You really haven't changed, Tina" Nate grinned.

Tina paused. Nate let the whole thing sink in.

"He's a nice guy. Newt"

"Oh".

"Is a better match for you" Nate started, "Much better than Tolliver".

"How do you know about Tolliver?" Tina retorted.