Chapter 2
Emily POV
I wake with a familiar pounding in my head. One that I basically had all summer. I reach over for the bottle of aspirin I keep at Hannahs for mornings like this. I smile at the memories of last night. Then my eyes grow wide when my memory gets fuzzy. Oh god. I hope I didn't embarrass myself. I hope I didn't embarrass myself in front of Paige. I try to think harder as I lay still under the covers. I just remember the warmth of the fire. And the warmth of her body as she held me close. I must not have been too much of a mess for her to ask me on a date. I smile gleefully to myself. Then I hear a groan to my right.
" What a way to bring in the new school year?" Hannah grumbles. We both laugh.
" I have a date with Paige tonight" I say after our laughter as died down. Hannah shoots up in bed.
" I knew it. I knew it. You two are like so cute together. What are you wearing? Where is she taking you?"
" Hannah! I just woke up. I haven't even texted her. I don't want to seem to desperate"
" Em. It's one in the afternoon" she says pointing at her nightstand. I yank my phone off the charger looking to see if I have any notifications. None. I eagerly search for her number and type her a quick text.
Thank you for last night. Can't wait to see you. :)
I add my address and hit send. As I gather my clothes from all over Hannah's room my phone dings. I read the message.
No problem. I will see you then.
I smile at the text. I continue collecting my things and putting them in my overnight bag. Downstairs I join Hannah and Ms. Marin for lunch.
" Hannah what is that on your neck?" her mom asks pushing her t shirt aside. I look at what seems to be lipstick.
" What? What is it? Get it off" she yelps.
" I think it's lipstick" I say still examining the red mark. Hannah hops out of her chair and heads to the mirror in the front foyer.
" How the hell did that get here? Emily?" she says walking back into the kitchen.
" No. It wasn't me. I didn't even wear lipstick last night. Plus why would I be kissing you?" I say with a smirk.
" Because I am hot and you love me"
" Besides the obvious reasons Hannah" I smile at her.
" I really don't know how that got there"
" I really can't ever let you leave this house without getting into trouble Hannah Ms. Marin said walking out the kitchen. Hannah checked to make sure her mother was out of ear shot.
" It was totally Spencer. She like carried me all the way to my bed last night and kissed me"
" Spencer isn't even your type. Ya know girl"
" I'm not saying I'm in love with her or anything. It was just very sweet" she huffed in response.
" Well how about I date one sister and you date the other" I joked
" Oh. That would be so cool" I roll my eyes at her. After hanging out with Hannah I return home. I work on some homework to distract my mind from the jitters in my stomach. I check my facebook to see some pretty embarrassing photos from last night. Mostly of us acting a fool around the fire. Aria has posted one of Paige standing behind the fire her red hair gleaming in the light. She has a slight smirk on her face too.
I get a little weird and decide to search for her on Facebook. Mccullers isn't a very common name so she is easy to find. Her profile picture is of her and Spencer. Both girls are wearing workout clothes and flexing in silly poses. They both appear sweaty so I figure it must be after a workout. Looking at her body in the photo I can tell she is ripped. I never noticed it before. She is always wearing a jacket or peacoat. Her profile is private so I can only see that and her cover photo. It's her and a pretty blonde. They are both smiling leaning in to each other. I wonder if that is her girlfriend back home. Well ex girlfriend I hope. She doesn't seem the cheating type. I send her a friend request. After stalking her page I continue tidying the house. My mother and I go grocery shopping. Hannah texts me numerous times asking me what I'm wearing. Aria finally got up around 6 texting me asking if I made it home safe. Well if I didn't I would dead by now I joke with her. When 7 rolls around I am all ready. I keep it simple since I don't know what were doing exactly. I wear some thigh high leather boots, leggings, and a v neck. I throw on some hoop earrings and a little eyeliner.
" You look nice sweetie" my mom comments as I come into the living room.
" Thanks" I say. She must notice that I am nervous.
" Are you alright Em?" she questions.
" Yea. A little nervous. I really want this girl to like me"
" She wouldn't have asked you out if she didn't like you already"
" I know. I know. Just first date jitters" I say pacing back and fourth. A few minutes pass and begin to think maybe she got lost. So I shoot her a text
Hey are you on your way?
I get no answer. About 7:15 I decide to call her. It goes straight to voicemail.
This is P. You know what to do:
Hey Paige. It's Emily. Just hoping you didn't get lost or anything. Call me back.
7:30 comes. Still no response. I sit in the living room making small talk with my mom. She is giving me that sympathetic look. The you just got stood up look. At 7:45 I decide to call it a night. In bed my heart aches thinking how excited I was. I think about how I have been drawn to this girl since she moved here. Always asking Aria about her and then last night when we kept making eye contact. I thought we had something. Now I have to face her at school. Everyone will know I got stood up.
Paige's POV
On Monday I miss school. Partly because I was sick and partly because I was too ashamed to face Emily. Saturday night had taken a turn for the worst. I had completely forgotten it was a full moon. I guess theirs something I should tell ya. My family is part of an ancient line of werewolves. Yes werewolves. I can't change it or fight it so I have had to learn to adjust. Every full moon I change full wolf. There is nothing I can do to stop it. I become a wild out of control monster who needs to be locked up. I morph into a somewhat larger wolf than you would see in the woods. I can also morph at will. When I morph by choice I can change in to a werewolf which is half human half wolf. I can speak and have full control of my body. My hair, teeth, and nails grow but I look mostly human. I was born with it. My curse as I like to call it has some upsides. I am faster and stronger than your average human. My senses are more potent.
When Spencer reminded me 30 minutes before I was supposed to be picking up Emily I tossed my phone against the wall breaking it out of anger for this curse. I couldn't remember her number or her address. I had no way of reaching her. I had to leave it be. I had to get ready for the moon. So I bolted my heavy metal door shut. Pulled down the hidden metal curtain so no one could see into the house. Next I pulled down the bars so that I couldn't break the window or escape. I got naked and waiting for the moon to take me. I could hear grunting coming from Spencer's room as we both lost control. The sound of the last bell ringing snapped me out of my thoughts. I lean on my bike in the student parking lot waiting until the girls came outside.
I spot Spencer first with Hannah and Aria following closely behind. Then I see her. Emily. I could tell she is unhappy and I hoped I am not the cause. Spencer notices me quickly giving me a small wave.
" You have some nerve. Jerk face" Hannah is the first to speak. Her voice makes Emily look up from the ground. She doesn't look mad or upset. She looks tired. I give Hannah an apologetic look before passing them. I stop in front of Emily. She doesn't say anything. We look at each other for few seconds. I can feel everyones eyes on my back. The next thing surprises me. I feel a quick sting across my face. And like that she is gone. I could have easily stopped her. I could have grabbed her hand no problem but I deserved it. It's not her fault I am some super freak who has to be locked in her room once a month. My face doesn't hurt. I turn my head to look in the direction to see her stomping to her car. I trail her quickly.
" Emily. Please let me explain"
" You don't have to I get it" she says without looking back. I swiftly run in front of her stopping her movement.
" Emily. Stop. I'm sorry. I got sick on Saturday"
" So you couldn't answer your phone to tell me that" she said folding her arms over her chest.
" No I dropped my phone in some paint. I was painting some of the banister upstairs and my phone fell right into a big bucket of paint" I lie. I hate lying but I am used to it. She looked like she is considering my story.
" Let me make it up to you. Tonight. Whatever you want to do" I said with pleading eyes. She bites her lip in thought.
" Fine" she says finally. I let out a sigh.
" Thank you. You won't regret this" I smile.
" 7. Don't be late"
" 7. Gotcha" She looked at me warily as she walked to her car. I joined the rest of the group who was looking at us from afar.
" Sooo" Aria said.
" I know I messed up guys. But she is going to let me make it up to her tonight"
" Good for you. Better be glad it wasn't me because I probably would have slit your tires or threw a brick through your window" Hannah says as they get into Spencer's car. I get on my bike.
" I gotta go get a new phone"
" Oh. Let's go to the mall then" Hannah says excitedly.
" Alright I will follow you since I don't know where I am going" I said putting my helmet on. I trail behind them as we make our way through town. In the parking lot of the huge conjoined building I park in a space closest to the car. Spencer and the girls walk ahead of me leading me to the cell phone kiosk. As I look around for phones they saunter off to one the girly stores.
" What is the hottest phone on the market?" I ask the sales guy behind the counter. He walks me over to a sleek looking phone. He begins to talk but I cut him short.
" I'll take it. In black please" I say. He bends behind the counter pulling out a brand new phone still in the box. He links it to my account and transfers my data over that I backed up online.
" That's going to be 300 dollars. Then sign right here for your contract agreement" I scribble something unreadable on the line. I swipe my credit card waiting for it to say approved. He hands me a bag with all the paperwork and accessories. I smile politely and make my way to the girls. I easily follow Spencer's scent to a store on the second floor. I look at Aria who is waiting for Hannah to come out of the dressing room. In the short amount of time it took to set up my new phone it seems they had already acquired a few bags. I sit next to Aria on the cushioned seat.
" So what do you have planned for tonight?" she asks.
" It's a secret"
" Oh. Come on. I won't tell Em" she pleads.
" Alright. I was just planning on taking her to Philly for a nice dinner"
" On a school night" she retorts. I hadn't thought about that. It was easily a hour there and a hour back.
" Give me some ideas. She is your best friend"
" Emily is simple. She likes sweet gestures" I think about her comment. I know exactly what I am going to do. I look around the department store looking for Spencer. I notice her over by the shoes.
" Would you do me a huge favor tonight?" I say.
" What?"
" I want to bring Emily over for dinner. I need you to be invisible"
" That should be easy. I'll just stay in my room. Or make plans with the girls"
" Thank you" I say kissing her cheek.
" I'll catch you at home. Your dinner will be in the oven" I say walking away. I retrace the drive in my head as I make my way home. I yank out a recipe book I bought for the move and begin pulling out the ingredients I need for a simple meatloaf. I complete the steps with little problems. I throw the meat loaf in the oven while trying to decide what sides I want. I throw some mashed potatoes and peas on the stove on low. I clean up the kitchen and wash my hands. I look at the clock. Its almost 6. I run upstairs to clean my room. I don't intend on taking her up to my room but just in case. I throw the metal bars up back to their hiding place. Opening the curtains to let some sun in. I begin chucking clothes off the floor into the dirty hamper in my closet. I make my bed which I had to change last night because I ripped the previous sheets to shreds. I sweep the floor removing the obscene amount of fur that I had shed Saturday night. The room looks good again. There are scuff marks on the wall and floor from my claws. If she asks I'll just say we haven't gotten around to fixing those yet. I spray some air freshener all through the house as I make my way downstairs. I fluff the pillows on the couch and dust the furniture. We have been here for a month but I don't think either of us actually go in the living room.
I slide open the back door. The yard looks good. Nice and tidy grass. The fence well over 6 feet guarding our house from the rest of the world. I beam my eyes at the attraction I have planned for tonight. I really hope Emily likes it. It is now 6:30 so I shoot her a quick text before running upstairs to get dressed.
Address?
She replies quickly with the address. I quickly brush my hair after throwing on a plain sleeveless white t shirt with some black jeans and my boots. I own a lot of plain white t shirts. I love showing off my arms and shoulders. I find them to be my favorite body part on myself. I smile in the mirror at my appearance. Keeping it simple. I stir the food and check the meatloaf before heading out the door. Her house is less than 10 minutes away so I hop on my bike instead of taking Spencer's car.
A few minutes later I pull up to a light blue house with a white porch. Very cute. I walk up to the door but hesitate before I knock. I've never taken someone on a date like this. I mean the whole pick up and go out with a kiss goodnight crap. I usually meet girls in an inappropriate manner and it becomes nothing more than that. Emily is different. This town is different. I don't want to date a bunch of girls. I just want to be normal. I knock lightly. The door swings open seconds later. A middle aged woman who looks a lot like Emily answers the door.
" Hi. You must be Paige. I'm Pam. Come on in. Emily should be down any minute now" she says stepping aside to let me in. I take in my surroundings. I can smell cinnamon and apples in the air. The house is very homely. Very welcoming.
" Can I get you anything while you wait?"
" Oh. No thank you. You have a lovely home by the way"
" Well thank you" she beams. I follow her to what I presume to be the family room. Their are pictures all over the walls. I take a quick look before heading to the couch with Mrs. Fields.
" So how are you and your sister liking Rosewood so far Paige?"
" I like it very much. It's nice and quiet. Seems like a wonderful place to grow up in"
" Emily told me about you and Spencer being all alone in that big house. If you ever need anything feel free to ask"
" That's very nice of you"
" Emily hasn't stopped talking about you. Especially Saturday night." I can hear a hint of emotion in her voice.
" Yes. I apologized to Emily for my mess up. I think I got sick from all the paint fumes and wood dust from the construction. I felt terrible plus on top of that I had broken my phone. It was a terrible day for the both of us it seems" She smiles having accepted my excuse for standing up her daughter.
" Well I hope you two have a good time tonight. I am going to go check on her" she says excusing herself from the room. I hear her footsteps on the stairs and then a small knock. I hear mumbling as I try not to listen to the conversation. A few seconds later more footsteps. I turn to see Emily descending the stairs.
" Hey Emily"
" Hey" she smiles. She looks amazing as always.
" Are you ready to go?" I ask. She nods. She say a quick goodbye to her mom and we head out.
" Your going to make me ride that thing?" she said looking at my bike.
" What? Never rode a motorcycle before? Come on. Take a walk on the wild side" I say pressuring her. She takes the bait. Our drive is silent as we go through town. I can feel her arms wrapped around me in the cool breeze. I feel her tense when the bikes lurches at a stop light. We pull into the drive as the garage lifts.
" Your house?" she asks curiously.
" Yes. My home" I say letting her in the garage door to the kitchen.
" After dinner maybe I will give you a little tour" I tease. She is looking around just like anyone does when you walk into a new house.
" Let me show you where you will be dining tonight" I say mockingly as I lead her to the sliding back door. I slide it open letting her step out first. She gasps. I take a look at the great job I have done for our first date. The previous owners left a beautiful wooden gazebo in the backyard. It had needed a little work but was beautiful all the same. The painters repainted it making it look brand new. The craftsmanship of the wood work is amazing. Small ships and castles in the molding under the roof. Roses carved in the posts. All its beauty lit by small white Christmas lights that are twirled around the posts and onto the roof. In the middle of the gazebo is a small table with two chairs. She continues walking down the cobble walk way that separates the backyard into two halves.
" This is really nice. Aria told me you were the romantic type but I wasn't thinking this romantic" she jokes.
" Well I try" I scurry ahead of her to pull her chair out. She nods and takes her seat.
" I'll be right back" I say going back into the house. The meatloaf turns out perfect. I portion out the food putting it on three plates. I put Spencers in the oven before pouring 2 glasses of sweet tea. I put that, napkins, silverware, and salt/pepper on a large serving tray. I make my way out the door easily gaining her attention when the door behind me. She smiles and giggles. I place her plate down then mine. I assemble everything else out on the table taking my seat.
" Paige. This looks amazing" she says looking down at her plate. The more she laughs and smiles the more I can't take my eyes off of her.
" So you read poetry, cook, drive a death mobile, and is a romantic. Anything else I should know about you Mccullers?" she asked eying me across the table.
" What do you want to know" I retorted leaning back in my chair.
" I don't know. I mean you mysteriously swing into town"
" What do you mean "mysteriously swing into town"? I ask laughing.
" You and your sister are just like so quiet and brooding. Especially her"
" Were not mysterious. Were just like everyone else"
" 2 teens living by themselves in a house that has been vacant since I was 5. Your town worthy news"
" Spencer can be a little defensive. She is just hard to get along with sometimes. You just have to give her a chance" I say changing the subject.
" Aria seems to like her a lot. Hannah too. Maybe a little too much"
" She seems to like them too"
" Is she gay?"
" She is" I say with certainty.
" What's the chances of 2 gay sisters huh?"
" Stepsisters. That's a funny story"
" Tell me" she challenges.
" I didn't meet Spencer until I was 14. My dad had an affair with her mother a few months before I was born. We didn't find out until he told the family after Spencer's mother died and she had no where else to go. At first we didn't get along at all. Always bickering and fighting for like the first 4 months. I think our dislike of our father brought us together eventually. We've been inseparable since"
" I'm sorry to hear those were the circumstances but it ended well"
" That you are right. She is my best friend" I blushed. I couldn't believe I was telling this girl all my business.
" Awww you love her" she teased. I rolled my eyes.
" What about you? Any siblings" I continues.
" Nope. Just me but Aria and Hannah are like my sisters"
" I hear you girls are very close"
" and where did you hear that?"
" People talk. Small town"
" So what did you for fun back home? Play any sports? Hobbies?"
" I swam competitively and played rugby. Spencer plays rugby too"
" No way. I knew you had to play some sport. Your so in shape. I swim too. Or swam. I hurt my shoulder this summer so I can't really swim like I used to" I saw the saddening look on her face.
" What happened if you don't mind me asking?"
" I was drunk at a party this summer. Some of us were in the woods messing around, I tripped and hit my shoulder on a large rock. It wasn't broken but I damaged some of the nerves so it will never be at competing strength"
" I'm really sorry. Were you any good?"
" Yes. I was very good. One of the fastest girls on the team" she smiled lightly.
" Maybe we can swim for fun sometimes" I say trying to cheer her up.
" That sounds great. What kind of TV shows do you like?"
" I don't really watch much TV. I am more an outdoor person"
" How long is your longest relationship?" she asked curiously.
" Hmmm. About 10 months. You?"
" 4 months. I've never really had a serious relationship. Would you consider yours serious?"
" Yea I thought it was while I was in it. Once it ended I realized it wasn't at all"
" Don't think I'm weird or anything but I searched you on Facebook. It wouldn't happen to be that pretty blonde in your cover photo would it?"
" Yes actually it it. Were still really good friends"
" Why did you break up with her?"
" We just had different views on things. She was kind of wild. Always wanted to party and be the center of attention. We just changed I guess"
" I don't mean to be all in your business. I'm just curious"
" It's alright. I want you to get to know me. So... your mom seems sweet" I say trying to change the subject to a lighter topic.
" She is very sweet"
" She got at me for Saturday"
" I'm sorry about that. I did.."
" No. No. It's totally ok. I deserved it. I am just really glad you gave me another chance" her head shot up.
" You are?"
" Yes. I'm having a great time with you" She blushed looking down.
" Do you want that tour?" She nodded. I grabbed the plates and cups setting them on my tray. She followed me into the house where I dumped the items in the sink. I walked back into the living room turning on the glass chandelier above our heads. The room lit up. The living room was simple. A long couch, a love seat, and a wooden table in the middle. The old fireplace was covered in painters plastic. A week or two more and everything should be done.
" So did your mom pay for this place?" she said taking in the room.
" My parents did. Yes" she turned around looking at me.
" Oh. Your mom stayed with your dad after the whole Spencer thing?"
" Uhhh yea. She did. Their was a lot of fighting, crying, leaving, coming back, and finally they decided to stay together. I mean my dad fought very hard to win her back after that"
" And you approve?" she said quickly
" Yea. I mean that was years ago. I think everyone is happy with them together including my mom" I start to feel like I am being judged.
" I just don't believe in cheating. I mean I am totally against it. I think if you are with someone then that is that. If you want to be with someone else you end it before things get messy"
" I wish my dad had your clarity back then but I wouldn't have met Spencer"
" Was it awkward with Spencer moving in?"
" It was for a while. My mom was as nice as can be but sometimes she would just look at her and start crying. She treated Spencer just like she would me. No difference because of the circumstances. It all worked out. They are very close now" I answered softly.
" Good" she added simply. She walked behind me looking into the kitchen. She nodded approvingly and we headed for the stairs. I flicked my bedroom light on once upstairs happy that I cleaned it.
" I haven't finished packing all the way" I say referencing some of the unpacked boxes. She lingers in the doorway a few seconds before stepping in. The heel of her boots click on the wooden floor as she steps slowly. I lean on the door frame taking in her looking at my room. I smile as she grazes her hand across a picture frame on my dresser.
" You were a cute kid" she says playfully.
" Thanks" she makes her way over to the bed.
" I don't think I have ever seen a bed so huge. Do you really need a bed so big?" she challenges. I can tell she is fishing for information about my life before Rosewood. The part that would involve girls being in my bed. The reason I really have it is so that I can sleep on it when I change during the full moon.
" I don't need it but I like having it" then she jumps straight to the point.
" So did you leave anyone back home?" she says slowly lowering herself on the bed.
" No I didn't" I make my way over to her taking a seat next to her. I reach for her hand holding it gently.
" I don't believe in cheating either" she looks at our hands intertwined then looks at me. Our eyes meet but she jerks them away. I giggle at her blushing face.
" Your beautiful" I hear it but I hadn't meant to say it aloud. Now it was me who was blushing. Her slim fingers held my face facing me towards her. Her eyes were dark pools. I could look into them all day.
" Your too sweet"
"It's the truth"
" Your beautiful too" she smiled. Then we both laughed.
" It's late. I should get home" she says. I look at my clock. It's already 10 at night. We had easily talked for over 2 hours.
" Yea. We both have school tomorrow" I stated the obvious. She chuckled at me as I trailed behind her down the stairs. I grabbed Spencer's car keys knowing it was probably a little to chilly for her to be on the bike.
" Is this your car too?" she asks slipping into the drivers seat.
" No. Spencers. But we trade off sometimes" she nods.
" Your family must be well off. I mean to be supporting your life here and theirs as well"
" Yea. My family is pretty well off. My dad does a lot of business with celebrities and powerful people. He specializes in transportation contracts. Private jet and planes. Helicopters. European cars and specialty air crafts"
" Sounds like a lot of fancy stuff I know nothing about"
" It is all very fancy" I say laughing at her. She puts her hand over mine as it settles on the console. I drive slower through town so we have more time to talk.
" I would really like to take you out again" I say as confident as I can get it out.
" How about you let me take you out this time?"
" Uhhh. It's usually me taking girls out"
" How is Friday night for you?" she says ignoring my statement.
" Great" I answer reluctantly. She smiles at me as we pull in front of her house. We both get out and I follow her up the pathway.
" I had a really good time Emily and again I am really sorry about Saturday"
" All is forgiven. You definitely made up for it tonight" This is the part I had never done. The goodnight kiss.
" Well I will see you at school tomorrow" I say smiling awkwardly.
" Ok. Goodnight" I walked hastily back to my car hating myself for ruining my chances for a kiss.
" Hey Paige. You forgot something" I turned around just as Emily met me on the sidewalk. She tilted her head up and I could feel her lips on mine. It was like fireworks. She tasted like heaven. I slowly began moving my lips with hers. I moved my hands on her hips holding her to me relishing in her sweet scent and soft lips. When she pulled away my expression turned into that of a sad puppy.
" I'm glad one of us has balls" I said softly not wanting to ruin the moment. My arms were still around her waist as she wrapped her arms around me. Again she was looking up at me. I leaned down and gave her a quick peck. I pulled away but she leaned in again. This time she added tongue. It slipped through my lips and between my teeth. She ended the kiss as her tongue exited my mouth with a flick of my teeth. She giggled at my dazed expression using her arms to push off me. I laughed when she put her hands behind her back like an innocent school girl. I leaned back on my car just taking in this girl. Her kiss was nothing like I had felt before. Touching her set my skin on fire even though I was 7 degrees hotter than normal people.
" Goodnight" she said skipping all the way to the porch.
" Goodnight" I said still in a daze. It took me a few seconds to register that she had went in the house before I made the move to get in the car. I drove to an offroad area near the woods about 20 minutes away. I was far too wired to go to sleep. I locked the door behind me as I stepped into the treeline. I found a nice spot under a bush to leave my belongings. I stripped down quickly needing to relinquish all this energy I had. I let the moon take me as I let out a howl. My back arched as light red brown hair covered my body. I quickly jetted off on all fours into the night with the still lingering smell of Emily Fields.