Chapter 2

The rest of the week was a blur. I was feeling a bit worn out so my days consisted of school, nap, homework, nap, food, and bed. It's a sad existence to sleep your life away.

I began to have vivid dreams at night. Most of them made no sense to me. I dream of Alex sometimes he was the gorgeous boy in my kitchen, other times he was a beautiful wolf. I could tell it was him in my dream, I just couldn't explain why I knew it was him. The big wolf didn't frighten me, it felt like my protector, like he was my own personal protector. It was a comforting thought.

In reality I had no claim on Alex. I barely knew him. My imagination had run wild. I hadn't even seen Alex since the first day of school.

Finally it was Saturday and I could expend energy on something other than school. It was only raining lightly, a rarity in this area, so I grabbed a blanket and umbrella and headed into the forest behind my father's house. A short ways into the woods I found a big flat rock and laid my blanket on the top of it, I crawled up onto my makeshift seat and let my mind wander. I don't know how long I rested there before I knew I wasn't alone.

I could always tell when someone was near by, and I could always tell if it was someone I knew. I used to know if my mom came in my room to check or me or if it was my step dad even without looking.

I knew right away that this presence in the woods was not someone I knew. My instincts also told me it wasn't anyone I wanted to meet. It was a presence unlike any I had felt before, I had goosebumps for some unexplained reason. I had the sudden urge to run away.

I got up, trying to look casual but feeling paranoid. That's when I saw a flash in the corner of my eye. It was the oddest thing I had ever seen. It was just a blur and then it was gone. It flew by so quickly I couldn't get a good look at it. I left my blanket and umbrella and started running full force towards my house. As I ran I thought I saw the wolf from my dream for just a second but as I craned my head toward where I saw it, it was gone.

When I got home I sat down on the sofa and tried to think of a logical reason for what I had seen. I was concerned that my tumor had increased and was causing paranoia or hallucinations. I decided it might be best to visit the doctor and check. I picked up the phone and called Grace.

"Hi Grace, it's Rayne. I'm sorry to bother you but I was wondering if you'd be willing to drive me to the hospital. I have a massive migraine and I don't want to risk wrecking my car."

"Oh, Rayne, I'm really sorry but I am taking care of Mr. Black today. I tell you what, I'll send up Alex to take you. He's a good boy and he's been looking for an excuse to see you again. Are you sure you are okay though?" Grace knew I was sick, but dad didn't tell her about the cancer, just that I had migraines sometimes that needed medical attention, which was all true, my tumor caused me some massive migraines.

"I'm okay, thanks Grace. I just need to see Dr. Cullen and it's not bad enough to worry my dad. I'll wait for Alex, thank you."

Less than ten minutes passed before I heard the knock on the door. I couldn't believe it, it was a 15 minute drive to the reservation if you sped the whole way.

"You must drive like a nut." I said as I opened the door. He stands in my doorway, taller and more defined than I remember. His black hair lays down at his shoulders, and I again notice how beautiful he is.

He smiles his crooked smile and laughs. "I'm known to be a little reckless behind the wheel, but I've never been in an accident, I have perfect reflexes."

Internally I roll my eyes at his cocky attitude, but I decide to play nice. "I hope you'll drive more carefully with me in your car."

He smiles and nods as if agreeing, but the wicked glint in his eyes concerns me.

"Maybe I should drive myself. It might be safer after all." Hallucinations can't be that much of a driving hazard can they?

"Don't be absurd Rayne, we'll be fine. I'm a better driver than you with both my eyes closed."

Did he just snort at me? "I don't believe it. Boys are much worse drivers, that's why their insurance rates are so much higher than girls."

He just shrugs and walks over to me, looping his arm around my waist to pull me along. My shirt slides up slightly as he wraps his arm around my back, and where his skin touches mine I feel very warm.

"Are you running a fever?" I reach my hand up and touch his forehead, he's burning up.

"No." He laughs, but this time his laugh is uncomfortable, like I'm being to nosy. "Now, let's go get your head looked at, I'm pretty sure you need it."

I decide to let that one slide, although it takes me chewing on my cheek to keep from opening my mouth. I get into his car and let him drive me to the hospital.

He does drive like a maniac, I'm shocked when we make it to the hospital in one piece. He offers to wait outside in the car, some how sensing my reluctance to allow him to accompany me.

Inside the hospital I ask at reception for Dr. Cullen. I had called ahead and they were expecting me. The doctor arrives swiftly and takes me to his private office.

"How can I help you today Rayne?" he asks in his beautiful, soft, bell voice.

"Um.." what do I say? I'm reluctant to give him all the details, so I decide to go with partial truths. "I'm concerned that my tumor might have grown."

"Rayne, I'd be happy to run some test if you are concerned." He looks at me, as if he's waiting for me to volunteer more information, but I just smile and nod.

"Thanks you." I give him my best "grateful but not giving you anymore details than that" look that I can manage.

I spend the next three hours being shuffled from machine to machine, being pricked by needles, and waiting. I spend my time thinking about Alex. Hoping he's not sick. Wondering if he's still outside waiting for me. I suppose I can walk home if he's left. Finally Dr. Cullen enters the waiting room and invites me back to his office.

"Rayne, I've got good news, I can tell you with confidence that the tumor has not spread. I know there must be a reason for your concern, would you like to talk about it?"

"No, no, I'm fine." I lied. "Thanks Dr. Cullen." I hurry out to leave before he can ask me anymore questions. I need to get home and think about what happened in the woods and decide if I should be concerned, or if it was just my imagination run wild again.

Outside, to my shock (and pleasure) I find Alex is still waiting for me. I climb into his car and thank him.

"No problem. Hey, are you okay?" He looks genuinely concerned and it reminds me of the looks I got in Jacksonville.

"Yes, I'm fine." I snap. I jump out of his parked car and start to stomp across the parking lot. I decide to just walk home.

As soon as I hit the trees I feel the tears sliding down my face. I hate myself for being so nasty to Alex. I know he doesn't understand why I snapped. I stop at a large rock and sit in the wet moss.

I place my head in my hands and sob. I cry for the people I am hurting, for the friends I'll never have, for the life I will barely get to live...