Bewilderment by Briarna Dal Col
Bewilderment by Briarna Dal Col
The wolves howled to each other in the night as I stared at my bedroom ceiling.
I have always wondered what a howl so sad and mellow could mean.
It could be a cry of sorrow, a romantic poem to its lover or an alarm that danger is coming.
It could mean anything. I have always wanted to understand the wolves.
I may sound like a poster saying "Andrea L'Amora the freak, buy tickets now!" I have never cared what people thought of me.
Ever since mom left me when I was six, I guess I taught myself how to live life.
I have recently moved to my dad's hometown in Italy. School is tomorrow. I am a bit nervous but I'll get through the day.
Soon my eyes felt heavy and black swallowed me whole.
Those golden beady eyes of the wolf of my dreams stared from the forest waiting for me to come. But this is a dream. Anyway I smiled.
"SUBITO Andrea, you be late for school!" I woke up to find my dad, Lorenzo in my face.
I jumped out of bed and shoved on my uniform, tied my hair back, choked down a piece of toast and finished off with a piece of gum when the bus arrived in front of me.
At the next stop a guy with golden shaggy hair came in. "Is this spot taken?" he asked pointing at the seat beside me. I nodded.
Our eyes met and he smiled. Those eyes seemed so familiar but I had never met the guy.
Golden bright eyes like the wolf of my dreams. A chill ran down my spine.
"So... You speak English, that's great because I thought I would be alone on my first say," I told him.
"Yes, I do speak English. It's my first day too. My name is Xavier Waltz and yours?"
His voice was like a music box, so appealing to the ear.
Get a grip Andrea! "Andrea L'Amora," I replied.
Well looks like you've made a friend. Congrats.
In History Xavier sat next to me. I couldn't understand a freakin' thing the teacher was saying.
Xavier offered to translate my notes in English. He's so sweet.
"Andrea, Ascoltate per favore!" Signora Tide-Ope snapped.
I was flushed with embarrassment but then I was saved by the bell.
On the way out Xavier came out from the side and led me to the garden. He's so mysterious.
"Hey, I know we haven't known each other for that long, but the thing is I kinda like you. Andrea, can you go on a date with me?''
My insides melted.
I am going on a date with Xavier!
I couldn't believe it. We are going to watch Full Moon Days.
I pulled on my shiny black dress with leggings and wedges. I went for the natural look to bring out my green eyes. I left my long dark hair down.
My heart thumped hard when the doorbell rang.
The movie was amazing! After the movie he took me to a nearby pizzeria.
Walking up the queue, something caught my eye. He had the exact same scar as me but on his left ankle, the same scar as my wolf.
I shook the thought away. We found a table for two and sat down.
"Andrea, there is something I need to confess to you. You would probably think I'm crazy, so please just hear me out," Xavier asked in a gentle voice but his eyes were serious.
"Shoot," I said.
"I know a lot about you and even things you don't know. I know about how your mom left you when you were six. I know how you've wanted to understand the wolves. I know about your dream wolf".
I was stunned. I had never told anyone about my dreams. People were staring at us and whispering in their annoying Italian ways.
"But how?" I asked. This guy is no stalker.
"We both have the same mark on our ankles. Our eyes are too bright to be natural. The thing is , you're a werewolf and I'm the wolf of your dreams."
Then he spoke to me without moving his mouth.
"I will help you understand the wolves and find your mom." I just stared at him speechless.
It was night once again and I was feeling confused about my place in the world.
While I was deep in thought, a thump on the window disturbed me.
A wolf silhouetted in its place.
"Xavier?" I called out.
Out of the blue, I was sweating and my whole body ached.
My jaw cracked.
My spine jerked and before I knew it I was on all four paws howling to at the full moon.
I followed Xavier to meet his clan. Then I saw her.
Mom.
Her coat was like a bronze plaque.
I snuggled into her shoulder.
I wanted to say I love you but instead a whine escaped from my mouth.
Her body vibrated but I understood what she meant.
My life is perfect right here in this moment.
Version 2 Coming Soon