At first it didn’t seem real. Until I realized it when I was standing in front of one in the woods outside my father’s house in Montana. That’s when it made sense. All of it. His disappearing, the way he acted and everything. Though I didn’t understand until now that I was one too.
My name is Monica Sweden. I grew up on the south side of Louisiana. My great grandfather was Oliver Grey. He, and many others, were very well known from that area. My father lived with my mother and me until I was two. About twelve years ago they got a divorce. Their divorce wasn’t legal until the following two years. Within those two years, my mother found out she was diagnosed with leukemia. Two weeks ago, she left me in this hell hole with my father.
My father was granted access to only see me twice every two years. So he only saw me on my birthday and Christmas. He is a wealthy business man and so he missed a visitation which has caused me to not see him for three and a half years.
And the best life award goes to…
Now I am packing to head to my father’s house in Montana, and leave behind the only place I’ve ever called home. My social worker says I need to hurry or they will become impatient. Lucky for him, I am too tired to even tell him to be patient. And lucky for both of us, I was almost done. I was told I needed to bring everything important with me. Too bad, everything in that house was important. To me any ways. No one understood how, or why, it was important. I grew up here, my family problems were started here. My mother and I burned food in the exact kitchen I was standing in. We watched stupid shows in the living room, and threw popcorn at the TV when we got angry when a character did something so dumb. But to everyone else, it was just a house.
I went over to the fireplace and looked at all the pictures of my mother and me. My eyes fell upon a picture that they seemed to enjoy very much. We were outside on the old swing set and I was sitting on the swing while my mother stood behind me and hugged me around the neck while we both smiled. I quickly grabbed the picture and stuffed it in my bag. Then my eyes found a picture of my mother and father smiling and looking at each other with love. I grabbed the picture off the fireplace and held it in the air for a second. Finally, I threw it on the floor, glass shattering and flying in all different places.
My social worker came running down the stairs, a look of worry plastered his face when he hit the bottom step.
“What happened? Are you all right?” he requested.
“I’m fine. It…fell.” I replied, referring to the picture.
“OK we need to pack your things into the taxi to head to the airport, and meet your father’s jet there. Are you ready?
“As I’ll ever be.” I said with a tone of dismay.
We packed my many bags into the trunk of the taxi and off we went to the airport of my doom. “Now your father won’t be there to greet you but he said his wife will be so please, try and be nice.” He requested of me pleadingly.
“Wife? Great. Can’t wait to meet the slut who caused my father and mother to separate.” I replied drily.
“Just try, okay? It can’t be that bad.”
“You’re right it can’t. I guess I could, for once, ignore the fact that he told my mom he no longer loved her, yet she stayed, oh and then she found a woman in his closet a year later.” I said calmly, while reading my book.
“Okay, so it may be hard but do it for your mom.”
“Fine, but I can’t promise I will be nice.”
He gave out a heavy sigh and returned to his book work. He was right, I did need to make it work since I would be stuck there for three years.
I had been homeschooled the whole time I was living with my mother and now I was having to be put in to public school. I was not looking forward to that at all. The making new friends, seeing all of the couples showing their display of affection, the teachers that had favorite students. But that is high school and I was starting off as a sophomore at the school closest to my father’s house, supposedly.
When we arrived at the airport, a woman in a white designer dress, was standing at the nose of the airplane, pardon me − jet − with her arms folded across her chest and her face splashed with a scowl. Before she saw us, she checked her watch, and I promise you I saw the slightest movement of her foot tapping. She was impatient. Great. I could tell that this was going to be the longest three years of my life.
I stepped out of the taxi, and her expression and body language changed. She stood up straighter, forced a smile upon her face, and walked over to me and greeted me with a hug. First thing she was going to know about me, I was claustrophobic. And I didn’t like hugs. Or her.
“Monica! Hi!” She said opening her arms to give me a hug, “I’m Lori Jacobs and-
I took a step back, warning her not to come closer. She stopped mid-way with her arms still spread out but the scowl had reappeared on her face.
“Hi, Miss Jacobs, I’m claustrophobic and don’t really care for hugs…or you so if you don’t mind…” I said extending my hand out to her. My social worker shifted in his shoes as I said the last part.
“Please, Monica, call me Mom.” She said, a smug smile coming to her face.
I took her hand and pulled her closer, making my social worker alarmed. I made sure her eyes met mine and spoke to her so that she could hear every word clearly but still spoke quietly.
“Not even if someone were holding a gun to my head.” I replied, grinning.
She cleared her throat and stood up straighter. In those heels, she was taller than me, but without them, I dominated her. I stood a good five foot six which meant she was at least five foot four. But in those shoes she was at least two inches taller than me. Those stupid torture devices that girls, and women, called fashion.
“Well, Monica, it is rather rousing to have you around and we hope to make this a good home for you.” She said happily.
“Not likely.” I replied wryly.
She pursed her lips like she had eaten something sour and squinted her eyes as if sand had gotten into them. I walked to the back of the taxi to grab my belongings, paid the driver, and started walking to the jet. I didn’t bother saying goodbye to my social worker, I just walked off. I turned around before I went inside to make sure Lori was following me. She was. In fact she even strutted over to the jet door. I moved into the jet, not bothering to look around and gawk at how gorgeous the inside was, I was trying to avoid conversation with Lori. Especially for the rest of the trip. And hopefully the next few years.
I was listening to music and reading my book when I was rudely interrupted with a hand touching my knee. I looked up to see who the hand was attached to and mourned it right away, once I realized it was Lori’s. She was speaking to me and I didn’t really understand her. At first I thought I went deaf but then I realized I had my music turned up to drown her out.
“I’m sorry what? I had my music on so I wouldn’t hear any annoying noises…guess some of the noises didn’t get the message.”
She took a deep breath and let it out. “Look, I know you may not like the situation or your father and I’s relationship, but let’s at least try to get a long, okay? For your mom.”
That sentence sent me ticking. “You don’t get to tell me to do anything for my mother. So if you don’t mind, I would like it if you and your designer shoes and dress, would leave me to it.”
“Fine. Absolutely. I was just wondering if you wanted anything to eat.”
“No, I’m quite fine, thank you.”
Then a man in a black suit and bow tie, with white gloves, and gray hair to go along with it, walked out of a room in the back of the jet and paraded over to me. I had to strain my neck so I could look at him.
“Good afternoon Miss Sweden. Would you like anything to eat?”
“Oh no, James-
“Yes, please. A salad would do.” I interrupted.
James took a polite bow and left me in there with the witch, I mean, sweetest angel ever. She turned in her chair to look at me and I gave her the bitterest smile I could offer.
An hour later we arrived at my father’s house…at least I thought it was. The house was huge. It looked at least three stories and sat on what looked like 50 acres. It had a garden and pool in the back that seemed to have people to take care of both. There were two garages, one bigger than the other. One appeared to be for the jet and the other for the cars. The lawn was greener than my eyes and it looked very healthy. I looked around and noticed the one thing I knew I couldn’t live without: volleyball. There seemed to be a court for basketball, volleyball, and tennis.
The house was made of wood, like one of those large cabin houses. It had an arch in front of the door way that had pillars that were wood but the bottom was made of concrete. The driveway came under the arch and circled back out to the road, the road as to which I could not see, and came all the way back to the house.
When we landed, and the jet stopped, I quickly got out, again, to avoid conversing with Lori. Though I think that I would have rather gone through that pain than see my father come out of the house with his business smile on his face and his eyes welcoming.
“Monica! Look at you. You’re all grown up. It’s been how many years since I last saw you? Two?”
“Three and a half actually. And in case you’ve forgotten, I’m fifteen and will be sixteen in a week.”
“What? How could I forget your birthday? I always come and visit you.”
“You forgot what day and month my birthday was last time you came.”
“Yes…well a lot has been-
“That doesn’t give you an excuse to call me a month and three days after my birthday.”
“Well, I deeply apologize, but it’s in the past so why don’t you go grab your things and I will show you your room.”
“Sounds like a pleasant idea, Henry. Why didn’t I think of it?” I replied in a sarcastic tone.
Henry Sweden. The wealthiest, well known, business man of his time. Though people didn’t know what I knew about him. He was a cheat, a liar, a conman. He conned customers into buying his business products. He lied to them about how well it worked, and cheated them out of their money. My grandfather, Jackson Sweden, was the same way. Though he cheated on his wife, gambled away his money, conned my grandma and other woman into thinking he loved them. Well my father did cheat on my mom. The main reason I don’t like Henry’s girlfriend…or him.
He followed me inside to show me my room. I walked up a flight of stairs that consisted of fourteen steps. (I know, I have a problem). We came to the top of the stairs and turned right down a long hallway. My room was in the middle of the hallway. I opened the door and walked into a green colored room with a bed to my left and a dresser just across the way. There was a window seat a few steps in front of me. It was a rather large room, much bigger than my room in Louisiana. There was a walk in closet by the seat and a bathroom to the right of it. To the left of the window seat sat a desk in the corner. The trim was brown and it suited the color scheme of the room. I guess it would do.
“I hope you like it. It may be nothing like the one in Louisiana, but I expect it to work.” He said. I could feel him watching me as I looked around and set my things down to begin unpacking.
I looked up at him. “You can go now.” I said, returning to my work.
“Look I know this move hasn’t been easy for you-
“No, in fact the past few years haven’t been easy, thanks to you.” I interjected.
“It was not just me Moni, it was my work, and your mother-
“First, you don’t have the right to call me Moni any more. Second, it was you. You are the one that took the job. You are the one that cheated and lied, not only to mom, but to me as well.” All the memories were flooding back and it was infuriating me! But no, I didn’t stop there.
“You are the one who decided to get drunk one night and meet some skank at a bar, then continue to see her afterwards. You are the one that caused this family to separate. No me, not mom. You. Now get out. I will see you at dinner.” I said, pushing him out.
As I started to unpack, I realized that I left the picture in my bag. I got it out and inspected it to make sure nothing had happened to it. The picture was still in good shape and hopefully it would stay that way. I looked at my mother and remembered the day we took that picture.
I recall looking at my mom and remembering how beautiful she was before she got sick. But even then she looked breathtaking. She had long, brown hair that went to the middle of her back, and the same, big, green eyes that I had. She had a pointy nose where as I had my father’s round one. Compared to her, I never thought of myself as beautiful. My mother was just graduating high school when she became pregnant with me. Her and my father got married a few months later.
Since the divorce, my mom has been my best friend…my only friend really. And now she was gone. And tomorrow I would be starting at Hill Crest High School.
And I am definitely not looking forward to it.
Morning came quicker than I wanted it to, but after dinner I just felt like going to bed.
I went down the fourteen steps, into the living area and walked past the couch, through the foyer and into the dining hall where I found my father and the Wicked Witch of the West dinning together. Classic. The table was bigger than one should be. It looked as though it could seat 4 people on each side and two at the ends. Which is where I found the two laughing over a story that she was explaining to him. When I sat down in the middle of them both, Lori cleared her throat and set her wine down giving my father a glare.
“Are you moved in? Is everything where you like it?” He asked, trying to make casual conversation.
“As a matter of fact, no it isn’t. I would like my things to be two thousand miles from here. Back in my own room.” I replied calmly.
“Moni…ca,” he replied slowly, catching himself on my name, “like I’ve said before, I know you don’t like it here, but once you get used to it, I’m sure you will come to like it more than Louisiana.”
“Oh really father? And why would you say that?” I said propping my elbows on the table and folding my hands beneath my chin.
I watched as he struggled with his next sentence, trying to get the wording right. I put up my hand to let him know not to try any more. But I went ahead and talked.
“I don’t think you understand that I grew up there. That place has always been my home. Always. So if you think that your rich boy house, and super model girlfriend will make me like it more, you are dead wrong.” Then I turned to Lori, “And no Miss Jacobs, that was not a compliment.” I scooted my chair out and went to bed without another word and no dinner.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
I finally got myself out of bed five minutes after I heard Henry knock to wake me up. I couldn’t figure out what I was going to wear so I decided to step outside for a bit. It was the beginning of October and school had already started here. It was chilly but not too cold for shorts. So I went with a long sleeved, Green bay Packers shirt, shorts and some slip on shoes with my signature beany to go along with it.
The beany was a Christmas gift from my mother one year. She said it showed how different I was and different was good. She also told me that it would keep the boys away. I replied that my face would be enough. She just smiled and kissed my head. I was always envious of her. She had perfect hair, the super model body, and the big, bright green eyes. Where I just had dirty blonde hair and green eyes. I had my mother’s legs and chest. But not the body that God so helpfully blessed her with.
I came down stairs to find Lori at the head of the table where she seemed to have think she belonged. James was in the kitchen making oatmeal.
“Good morning Miss Sweden. What would you like for breakfast?”
“First off, James, call me Monica. Or Moni. No more of this Miss Sweden crap, okay? Second I am just going to have some toast and a banana if that is okay with you.”
“Well Miss…I mean Monica that is perfectly fine by me.” He replied with a smile
“Thank you, James. Actually, on second thought, just call me Moni.” I replied as I searched for the bread.
When I got my breakfast together, I went into the dining room and sat down where Henry sat last night. I began eating my almost burnt toast when I realized Lori had asked me a question.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?”
She took a deep breath and repeated her question, “Are you ready for school?”
“Well I’ve never been to public school and I don’t know anybody here. What do you think?” I asked smugly.
She gave me a death glare, as if she was trying to put holes in my head. Before my mom passed I watched this Discovery Channel show with her one day. It was about a mongoose. The mongoose could kill snakes but to do so he had to make sure the snake wouldn’t take him first. By doing this, he had to keep his eye on the snake and he could not blink, for if he blinked, he would be dead. You could say that in this situation, I was the mongoose and my snake was ready to kill me.
I heard footsteps coming down the stairs and I realized they were Henry’s. When he stepped into the room, Lori broke her gaze and forced a smile on her face. I had won. My prey was deceased.
“What’s going on in here ladies?”
“Just some girl time.” Lori replied.
“Ready?” he questioned referring to me.
“Sure. Highway to hell here I come.” I mumbled. “Not that I’m not already here.”
He leaned down and gave Lori a kiss. A big one too. Which is why I couldn’t help say: “Oh, get a room you two. Some people still enjoy eating.”
I grabbed my bag and out the door we went. I opened the car door and plopped myself in the seat and waited for Henry to get in. The entire ride there was inaudible. I didn’t delight in it. It was like I was being choked by the quietness. Finally, Henry broke the peace.
“So, there is a Halloween dance at the school next week. Are you going to go?”
“And be the only one without a date or friends? Hell no.” I replied tersely.
“Maybe if you try and make friends, it would help.”
“I’ve been homeschooled since you left. It’s not that easy. Did you know that if homeschooled children don’t get out of their secluded shell, they become shyer?”
“Didn’t you play a sport in Louisiana?”
“Yeah. Volleyball. But the girls on my team didn’t bother saying hi or getting to know me. Which is probably why we lost. But I didn’t want to know them either. They were stupid skanks who didn’t know their right from left. Or how to hit either. All they cared about was their hair and who was dating who.”
“So, you’ve never had a boyfriend?” he asked too happily.
“Nope.”
We pulled up to the school fifteen minutes before it started. Henry parked the car and followed me inside. We walked down the hall and I took everything in. It was easy to pick out who was with who. I figured out who the quarter back was. He was tall, had jet black hair and a body a wrestler could use. He was also a clump nugget who was dating a cheerleader. He was touching her butt and she didn’t mind, so it was obvious.
We reached the administration office and I noticed two guys sitting in the chairs by the principal’s door. Henry signed me in and left me in there so I could meet the principal.
“Okay. You’re all signed up. I will pick you up at three after school. See you in a bit.” He said giving me his business smile.
And he left. I sat down in one of the chairs on the other side of the room. One of the guys in the chair was looking at me as if he was undressing me in his mind. I covered my chest with my arms. The principal came out which broke his gaze and gestured me to his office before he saw the other two. I walked inside and sat in one of the chairs as he requested.
“Hi Monica, my name is Joshua King. As you can see, I am the principal of Hill Crest High and I am so pleased to have you here. You can call me Mr. King. Do you have any questions?”
“Um, yes I was wondering if your volleyball team had started yet.” I replied shyly.
“You, young lady are lucky you came today. Volleyball tryouts start right after school.”
“Great. I will call Henry and let him know I am staying longer. What time does it begin and end?”
“It starts at three o’clock and ends at four fifteen.”
“Excellent. I shall let him know then. Thank you.”
I walked out of his office and right before I could put my hand on the door knob, Mr. King stopped me.
“Oh, Monica. I’m going to send Jack with you to show you around.”
When I turned around, Jack was standing up, and holy shit, I lost my cool. He was taller than me by maybe five inches, had dark, brown hair that went just past his eyebrows, a red shirt that wrapped around his well-built body and jeans that were ripped and stained with grease that also complimented his hips just barely. He stalked over to me and I could smell his cologne. Now, being me and not having any experience with guys before, this feeling was definitely new.
“Hi, Jackson VanDerman. My friends call me Jack.”
He held out his hand and I realized I couldn’t move. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I stuck my hand out and introduced myself, while also trying to keep the little ounce of calm I had left.
“Uh, hi…I’m Monica. Monica Sweden. My family calls me Moni. It’s nice to meet you.” I replied quietly.
“Likewise.” He replied with a heart stopping smile.
“Ah, c’mon Mr. K! Why can’t I show the new, hot girl around?”
“Because, knowing you, Mr. Daniels, you would rather show her other things than the school.” Mr. King said wryly.
“Plus, Scooter, you’re the one that got in trouble, not me. I just came ‘cause you were scared.”
“I wasn’t scared. Worried? Definitely.”
Scooter, I assumed was his name, was a small, stubby guy. He was round in the gut and had a five o’clock shadow. He had red, curly hair and blue eyes to go along with. He smelled as if he came out of a gym locker five minutes ago. I guess he never heard of a shower. Or deodorant.
Mr. King handed Jack and I slips that let the teacher know why we were late. After that, I walked out of the office with Jack in tow. His cologne was one of those manly ones that smelled magnificent at first but it got old after a while but you could never stop smelling it. I know, I’m weird.
When we walked down the hallway, everyone kept looking at me. At least it felt like they were. I’m a really self-conscious person. It wasn’t but maybe two minutes before a girl in a miniskirt was walking down the hall looking at Jack with…never mind, it’s too disgusting.
The minute she was close enough to touch him, she did. Everywhere. Their lips locked and I felt like I was re-reading Fifty Shades of Grey. Well dammit. He was obviously taken. And it obviously, was serious.
“Whoa, whoa. Kelsi, what the hell are you doing?” he asked with surprise.
“Showing the best guy in the world that I love him.” She said flashing a pearly white smile.
“Kels, I ended our relationship four months ago. It’s time for you to move on. I told you I wasn’t the right guy.”
“But Jack, babe, we were perfect for each other. Sure we went off and on but-
She stopped dead cold, like she just realized my presence. She squinted at me. “Um, excuse me, little freshman, yeah are you lost?”
“I… uh-
“Well, if you’re not, why don’t you go ahead and do so. Okay?”
Did she just call me little freshman? I’m not that short. You know, I finally figured out that all those blonde jokes weren’t about me.
“Kelsi, this is Monica Sweden. She just started here today and I’m showing her around before class.” Jack chimed in.
“Wait, Monica Sweden? Daughter of Henry Sweden?” she asked.
“Guess so.” I replied.
“Oh. My. Gosh. Your dad is so cool. He has so many good products and my dad loves his stuff and him being good looking is a plus.” She said winking.
“If only you knew.” I muttered under my breath.
“Well, we should probably go.”
Jack grabbed my wrist which made me freak out and try and pull my arm away, but he had a tight grip on it, and we fled the area.
Jack walked fast down the hall, obviously trying to get away from his ex-girlfriend, who was following closely behind. We took a right down a hall that was deserted and Jack opened a closet and shoved us in before the crazy girl with relationship problems could see us.
It was dark in the closet and the only sign of light was coming from the crack beneath the door. I could feel Jack’s hot breath on my forehead which caused me to freak.
“What the hell?” I asked. Before he answered, he put his hand to my mouth.
“Shut up. I don’t think she is gone.”
“Here is an idea, put your ear to the door and listen.” I said sarcastically.
“No need. I can hear just fine.” He said proudly. “Okay she’s gone.” I heard a click and a light came on. The room was smaller than I expected and I could feel the walls closing in on me. Stupid claustrophobia. And it didn’t help that Jack had his chest nearly an inch from my chin.
“I’ve got to get out of here.” I said quietly. I looked up and Jack had a questionable look on his face. “First thing you’re going to learn about me, I’m very claustrophobic. So, um, being in this uh, tiny space with you an inch away, kind of makes me, skittish.” I said, my voice becoming like a mouse.
“Really? That bad huh?”
“Yes. Now please let me out so I can go to class alive.”
“Well aren’t you in a cranky mood. You know you really should work on the sarcasm, it tends to get a bit mean.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know I was supposed to spare feelings here.”
“So, you’re Henry’s kid huh? How old are you, exactly?”
“Sadly, yes. I’m fifteen. Almost sixteen.”
“Oh, so you know abo-
Before he could finish, the door flew open and Scooter was standing in the door frame.
“Bro, not cool. It’s only her first day.” He said.
“Shut your hole, Scooter. Kelsi chased us and I found the Closet. It was a quick decision.”
“Sure it was.” Scooter turned to me “Sup, Scott Daniels, friends call me Scooter,” He looked me up and down and smiled, “For many reasons.” Jack quickly socked him in the arm. “Ouch! The hell man? I was only kidding.”
“No, you forget I know you dawg, and that you definitely were not kidding.” Jack replied.
“Just listen, okay? Those legs,” He said gesturing to my long, tan legs, “Are amazing. Please tell me that you think the same.” Scooter finished beseechingly.
I suddenly became self-conscious as if there were a dozen eyes on me even though it was just the three of us. It appeared to be that the bugs were judging me. Wow, I really need to get out more.
“Man, I’m not answering that question. Come on, let’s go.” He said holding his arm out to me. I just walked out of there. I didn’t even bother looking back over my shoulder to make sure Jack was following me. I would find my first class by myself. As well as the rest of them. Well I thought I was until I heard hurried foot steps behind me, though I kept walking.
“Wait, wait, wait. I need to escort you to class.” Jack said running up beside me.
“I don’t think I need the escort. Scott, on the other hand, probably does.” I replied under my breath,
“Probably is an understatement. Plus, I would rather escort you to class than be stuck with him. And my first class is with you.”
“It is? Great. Can’t wait.” I replied drily.
“C’mon, at least pretend to be excited.”
We walked into our first class which was economics with some teacher named Donald Douglas. And this time, I knew everyone was watching me. When I stepped in, the classroom fell silent and all eyes were staring daggers into my soul. I put my head down and walked over to Mr. Douglas and handed him my slip. He gestured me to a desk where I found Jack sitting right behind it and took in a deep breath before I fell into my seat.
“Students,” Mr. Douglas said pointing in my direction, “we have a new student. Her name is Monica Sweden. Please welcome her kindly to our school.”
After he finished his introduction, everyone turned around and two girls gave me a snarky look. I think I remember them from earlier that morning when Jack’s crazed ex-girlfriend made it very clear that she didn’t like me. I assumed that they were a part of Kelsi’s own little Plastics. Yes, I did refer to Mean Girls. It was a good movie. What can I say?
Through the whole class I didn’t really pay attention to Mr. Douglas. I was too busy thinking and wasn’t able to concentrate. Earlier when I was in what seemed like a closet for the janitors tools, I remember Scooter talking about the closet as something that wasn’t used just for the janitor’s things. He gave it the name: the Closet.
As I was running from Kelsi, I had realized that Jack didn’t hesitate at every turn wondering where he was going. That’s because he knew exactly where he was going. And he took me straight to it. A chill went up my back as I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I turned around and found Jack pointing towards Mr. Douglas.
“I’m sorry. What exactly did I miss?” I asked as a few smirks went around the room.
“Miss Sweden, I realize that you are trying to be funny and it is your first day here but in my classroom, I do not tolerate that behavior. So please pay attention.”
‘I’m surprised you can tolerate anything thing with that short temper.’ I said to myself. I heard a small cough from behind me and looked to see Jack laughing to himself. He is an eccentric person. Not in a good way either.
“Something funny Mr. VanDerman?”
He cleared his throat, “Uh, no. Nope everything is A-Okay Mr. Douglas.”
“That’s what I thought. Now back to the lesson….” I blocked him out the rest of the period.
After class I went to my locker and not even a second after, it slams shut and I see tan legs and a white miniskirt along with a skinny hand decorated with rings and bracelets touching my locker.
“Monica, is it?” she said with sneer.
“Maybe. Who’s asking?” I recoiled.
“Your worst nightmare. I’m-
“The wicked bitch of the west? Oh, no I already know her.” I said straight faced.
She glared at me, “Listen here skank, I’m watching you. You stay away from Jack, he’s mine.” She said, pointing a skinny finger at me. She wasn’t very threatening, she was like a fierce bunny rabbit.
“I wasn’t planning on getting close to him. Besides, looks like he’s got a pet bitch to worry about.” And with that I left and never looked back.
As I was walking to my second hour class, something caught my eye: the hallway Jack dragged me down earlier that morning. I noticed a couple going in the door I wanted to know more about. I think I just figured out why they called it the Closet. I shook my head and kept walking.
After school I quickly found my way to the gym where I found Kelsi patiently waiting.
“What are you doing here?” she asked squinting her eyes.
“Oh, well I was looking for the gym but I walked into a slut fashion show. And look who’s the lead model?” I heard foot steps behind me.
“Ladies! Let’s go! Get ready! Come on! We don’t have all day here!” A lady, who I assumed was the coach, said.
Kelsi walked off with a stomp and I followed to go and get changed. The locker room was big and accompanied by showers and three bathroom stalls that were decorated with a Halloween theme. I walked into the area to get changed by the lockers and everything fell silent. No one was moving, lockers weren’t being opened. I went on with my business like anybody else would when I got a tap on my shoulder.
“You the new girl?” a girl about my height asked.
“Yeah…guess so.” I replied quietly.
“Cool. I’m April. I’m a sophomore. What’s your name?”
“I’m Monica. Monica Sweden. You can call me Moni.” I said.
I looked around past her at the other girls and they went back to what they were doing except for Kelsi; who stood there and watched as I made my third new friend of the day. Her death glare just got funnier so when I realized April was asking me a question, I looked back at her with a smirk on my face.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. What did you ask?”
“Well one, I asked what position you play and two, what was with that smirk? Did I say something amusing?” she asked.
“Oh, sorry. To answer your first question, I can play both front and back. But your second question I shall answer with a question. What is her problem with me?” I asked pointing at Kelsi.
April returned a look of amusement and surprise, “She saw you this morning talking to “her boyfriend”, Jack. I thought you knew.”
“He did say they broke up four months ago…right?”
April laughed, “Ha, to her they didn’t.”
Day one of try outs took longer than wanted but can you blame me? The coach liked me and at the end she told us she was happy and excited about the upcoming season.
I walked outside and awaited the arrival of Henry. I was drawing the leaves blowing in the wind while listening to Panic! At The Disco (I highly recommend them) when I was rudely interrupted by a tap on my shoulder. What was it with people in this town? Don’t they know that two headphones in means go the hell away?
“I don’t know who you are but from where I come from, it’s very rude to interrupt someone while they’re in a state of peace.” I replied to the stranger without looking up.
“My bad. Just thought you might like some company.” I looked up at the stranger and got lost in a pair of golden brown eyes.
“I…uh…I mean…you…” I stumbled to get the words out.
“It’s okay, I understand. But honestly I didn’t go to the Closet on purpose.” Jack said a tone of defeat in his voice.
“What? No, I don’t care about that. But you were asking me a question while we were in there, weren’t you?”
“Oh yeah! When did you say your birthday was?”
“Two days from now, actually…why?”
“I think it’d be best if your dad told you.”
Henry pulled up in the car and I got up from my spot by Jack wondering what it was exactly he wasn’t telling me. Jack bid me a do and waved to Henry, who willingly waved back flashing his business smile that I hated so much.
After a long silence (something that we seemed to have become accustomed to), Henry tried to strike up a conversation. “So, I see you made friends with Jack. How did you two meet?”
Taken back by his question I answered. “I-I met him this morning while checking into the office. The principle had him escort me to class.” I said, kind of telling the truth.
“Ah I see. What were you guys talking about when I picked you up?” Ah damn, I thought I got out of that one…
“He was just asking ‘getting to know you’ questions. Although he only got to one…”
“Oh? And what might have that been?” He asked not taking his eyes off the road.
“He asked how old I was and when my birthday is. Though he said something after wards that didn’t make since. It was weird.” I said, giving him the (almost) full report of my five minute conversation with Jack.
“Huh, how strange…” his phrase was followed by a sense of irritation and question. It had occurred to me that he hadn’t asked what Jack had said and that had me worried.
When we arrived home, Lori was sitting on the couch reading a book that looked bigger than her head that had me questioning.
“I didn’t know creatures could read. Wow, you can make so many discoveries in a day.” I said wryly going into the kitchen. When I got in there, James was making dinner. I could smell it before I walked in and walked up to him to see what it was.
“Whatcha cooking, James?”
“Steak. Your father’s favorite.”
“And no longer mine.” I replied.
“So you won’t be eating this fine dinner I’ve spent the past hour on?” he replied pretending to cry.
“Fine. You mangy butler. I’ll eat your gosh darn steak. If it means that much to you.”
“You’re a good kid, Moni. I guess I can keep you.” James replied, winking at me.
We sat down to dinner where James sat on the left side of me making sure I wouldn’t beat up Lori. Stubborn old person. Henry and Lori were talking about their days where as James and I were talking about ours. No one bothered asking how my first day went, who I made friends with all that kindergarten shit. They didn’t even bother asking if I made the team. This was how I was going to spend the rest of my high school years here? Seriously?
But why should I even care right? It’s not like Henry cared fourteen years ago or anything, am I right?
After dinner, I went upstairs to work on home work only to find that I had a present on my bed. There was a card by the little box that said: ‘You’ll figure it out soon enough ;)’. Well that was strange. The really bizarre question I had though was how it got in my room. I guess I’d figure it out sooner or later like the card said.
After homework, I went straight to bed. Falling asleep never came easy to me anymore though. I missed the days when falling asleep came so naturally to me. Being able to dream without waking up in horror or loneliness. Actually going to sleep would be nice though… I got up from my bed and went over to the window and climbed out onto the roof like I did back in Louisiana. I sat up there for a while until I heard rustling in the trees. I stayed for a second to listen to what it was. The noise sounded heavy, crunching the sticks and dry leaves. But what frightened me the most was that the noise turned into noises and they were headed my way. I hurried off the roof, careful not to fall (which was surprisingly easy) and hopped back through my window and shut it forcefully, yet quietly, before hopping into bed and covering my head with my blanket. I was not going to stay up and find out what the noises were.
I woke up in the middle of night to howling. It was too deep to be a coyote howl so I guessed it was a wolves. Shortly after waking up to the gorgeous singing of the king of night, I fell back asleep.
I woke up in the woods, lying on my back amongst a floor of leaves while in my pajamas. I hear the crunching of dry leaves and snapping of dead twigs. Soon, it sounds as though the noise is coming closer to me. Heavy foot prints slowly approach as if they are widely spread out and then the noise stops. When I turn my head around, I’m staring into the face of a beast with glowing golden brown eyes that look pissed and hair standing up on the back of its’ neck. Its’ feet spread out in a ready to pounce position as if it had landed that way. I look up and notice the moon is full and illuminating the sky with its radiant color. When I look back at the creature, it no longer is a beast, but a man. More of a boy really. I sit looking at the being sitting in front of me, barley covered by the leaves. Before he turns around so I can see his face-
“Monica, it’s time for your second day of school!” I hear Henry announce happily.
I do a little “ugh” into my pillow and force myself to get up out of my bed that I wish I was married to. Sadly, we are only engaged and moving in before marriage does not sound pleasant to me.
On our way to school, Henry broke the awkward silence that seemed to have followed us everywhere now, even though I hoped and prayed he wouldn’t do that such thing.
“So, you and Jack are good friends I take it then?”
“I’ve only known the guy for twenty-four hours, Henry, what do you think?” I replied.
“What exactly are you wanting to do for your birthday?”
“It’s my sixteenth birthday, it’s not that big of a deal.”
“It is a big deal! It is your sixteenth birthday! The big ONE SIX!” by this time he is shouting which is making me even more weirded out and actually wanting to get to school faster. By the time we arrive, Henry calms down and before I get out he stops me.
“When you get home tonight, we need to talk about something.” I nodded my head and quietly left the vehicle while thinking of what Henry Sweden would possibly want to talk about with me.
Reaching for the handle of the school, I had a second thought of even showing up at school today. I convinced myself that I need to go to get into a good college. Walking to my locker, I had convinced myself that it was just one day, what the hell? But once I got to my locker, I had told myself that staying was a much better way to go instead staying with Ms. Jacobs at home. The plus side you may ask? I get to see Jack and those beautiful, golden brown eyes that I’ve lost myself in every time I look at them.
After talking to myself, I felt the slightest bit of warmth creep up on me. It was a weird yet good feeling. Like my conscience was smiling or something. Then I felt the sudden urge to chuckle a little. Oh my Lord, I think I was finally going bonkers…
All day I worried about what Henry wanted to talk to me about after school. Maybe he wanted to talk to me about Jack? No. He already did that. Or did he? Could it be about how I treat his wealthy, fake, not human girlfriend? Nah. He also would have confronted me about that. So what the fudge-nuggets could it be?
On my way to practice, I was thinking about everything that one could possibly think about. My dream last night, what exactly Henry wanted to talk about, and those golden brown eyes I saw when I closed mine. I didn’t focus during practice and it honestly was one of the worst practices I had ever done. My game was off. I guess sports are mental and physical.
I waited outside the school again, drawing like no other. I pictured the way the creature looked at me in my dream. What I saw is what I drew. The eyes being the shape of the moon, feet or paws in a ready to attack position, the way it looked, how angry it looked. The darkness that cloaked it amazed me, especially since the moon was full and illuminating. I was shading the darkness around the figure when I felt a sense of relief as a shadow approached me.
“You’re blocking my light.” I say, sighing.
“Excuse me, oh master artist. What are you drawing?” Jack asks looking over my shoulder.
“Uh, a dream I had last night after hearing some howling.” I answer.
“Huh, how interesting.” He says with a smirk. I ignore the smile that is gnawing at the corners of his mouth. Henry pulled up and honked the horn.
“Ah fudge-nuggets.” Jack says. I stop walking towards the car and turn and face him. I stare at him, trying to find the right words to say.
“How the hell did you know that?” I asked, my eyes wide, cheeks flushed with anger and confusion.
“Know what?” He asked, shifting his eyes.
“You know what. Don’t play “answer the question with a question” game. It’s common use to confuse someone. How the hell did you know that?”
“I think I ought to let Henry explain that once you get home.” He said and then left.
What the hell just happened? I sat in the car with a sigh and Henry gave me a look of concern. Without question, he pulled out of the parking lot and we headed home, the place I dreaded to go to next. When we arrived, I was thinking about running away to avoid having the conversation with my father. But no. I would have rather stayed in the car than come face to face with the Wicked Witch of the West. Yet again I forced myself inside the door, threw my bag on the couch and shoved my way into a chair.
I waited patiently in the dining room for Henry to come in, but it seemed as though he wanted to take his own sweet time and say ‘hi’ to her and get some food and a drink from the kitchen. I noticed my leg was bouncing up and down (a nervous habit I had) and then when Henry came in, I made sure it stopped and that I looked as comfortable as ever, like I wasn’t nervous or anything.
“Monica, you don’t have to pretend. It’s just me. It’s also nothing to worry about. I just need to explain a few things to you that’s all.” He said, flashing his smile.
“How the-? I mean you just…what on earth…?” Was all I could say.
“Yes, I know you have a lot of questions and yes there have been a lot of crazy things happening since you’ve come down but I assure you I will answer every question as long as you listen to me before you ask.” I nodded my head and he proceeded.
“Long time ago before I was even born, there were some changes to world. Minor changes of course, but they were monumental in the human world. Indians believed there was evil among them, evil that could drain you by looking at you. So, on a night when the moon was full, an elder called to the spirits and asked for help to defend her tribe.” By this moment I start drawing a picture in my mind. I see these creatures (whom I assume are now called vampires) with blood dripping from their two top fangs, and then I see an elderly woman drawing in the dust, calling to her ancestors or spirits or whatever for help.
Henry continued, “Later on, her ancestors answer her by bestowing upon her tribe to boys with a gift of shape-shifting in the night.” (Werewolves. Okay, what exactly does that have to do with me?) “He is getting there Luna.” What in tarnation?
“Monica, what I’m trying to say is, is that you are a werewolf. You have been since you were born. I am one, Jack is one and your mother…well she was one too.”
“Excuse me?” Is all I can manage to say. “You mean, I’m a…huh?”
“Moni, you’re a werewolf.” Saying every word slowly as if I was a deaf child.
“I don’t understand…how is that possible?”
“Well, sweetheart, when a mommy and daddy love each other they-
“Woah! I am NOT going through the talk again. It was not my idea of fun.”
“Right, yes. When two wolves…you know…they acquire one of their own which is how it’s possible.” He replied.
“Wait when you say two wolves does that mean that for most of my life, I lived with a wolf?” I replied, astounded. That means that my mother kept the biggest secret ever from me for most of my life when I told her everything. “So, my mother kept it to herself and didn’t bother sharing it with me?”
“Moni, you have to understand that she couldn’t tell you until you turned the age of sixteen. She needed to wait.”
“What does the age have to do with any of this?”
“By the age of sixteen is when you are fully a wolf. Some of the signs start showing more as you progress to the age of sixteen. Then again, I didn’t notice the signs when I was close to that age so you are going to be a wild one tomorrow night…
Literary Magazine Submission: Life Unxpected
May 5, 2015