Memories

"So," Kara started, following me inside with Kay and Katrina. The door fell shut and they stood in a line, arms crossed.

I raised an eyebrow and copied their stance, not feeling the least bit intimidated.

"Let's just make this clear. The new boy, Rhydian, would never like you. He is ours."

Kay sneered, Kara and Katrina nodding in support. At that moment the door opened and the said topic of discussion appeared, frowning.

"Rhydian!" The Three K's chorused, their demeanour switching effortlessly to the starry –eyed girls everyone knew.

"Hi. Mr Jefferies told me to tell you to get to your next lessons. Maddy is supposed to be my guide."

He spoke politely and somewhat awkwardly, just like the new kid is expected to. They side in awe once more, shooting me a nasty look and walking out with their heels clicking against the floor. Their heads turned backwards even as they began to strut to their next lesson.

Rhydian turned to me, frown twisting into a smile.

"Long time, no see" he chuckled and stepped forwards, opening his arms.

My legs moved of their own accord but I wasn't complaining, he was first and foremost one of my closest friends. We met a few years ago on holiday.


"It'll be fun, go on make some friends!" Mum ushered me out of the tent we were staying in.

The day was sunny and the grass tickling my bare feet. I sighed, pushing hair from my eyes and heading in the direction of the trees. There were always kids playing hide and seek or tag in them. There was a park but that could get boring very quickly. Also not many people came here meaning it was ideal, just in case of wolfing out.

I paused halfway there and jogged back, partially stalling and partially realising I would never make friends with no shoes on. Once I had reluctantly pulled both socks and trainers on I stated the walk back across the campsite. It was split by the block of toilets and the Games Room next to it that was always occupied by any older kids. It seemed as though any of the few tents were one onside with the park whereas any Caravans or Campervans were on the other side, with the quickest access to the shop and check-in building in the field over.

There were, as expected, a group of kids running through the trees. I sighed and fuelled my courage, palms sweaty and playing with a thread on my jumper as I wandered over to what seemed like the leader. It was a boy with mousy brown hair and a cut on his chin.

"Excuse me, Can I play too?"

I mentally winced at how pathetic I probably sounded. The boy, about twelve, three years older than me, raised an eyebrow.

"You want to play with us?" His voice came out like a sneer yet he kept it light.

"Uh, well..yes" I ventured awkwardly. He snorted, rolling his eyes and shoving me. I stumbled backwards, falling over some root. I grimaced, ducking my head at his laugh.

"This is big boy play," he mocked, two of his friends appearing near him "go back to the park or whatever little kids do these days, you wouldn't stand a chance" His voice was now less mocking, more warning. He rolled his eyes at his friends and they ran off, yelling things to each other.

I frowned, stumbling to my feet. Would that always happen? Shannon was nice, she never pushed her, but she was a bit boring. Tom was more fun, but always playing football with his friend Liam.

I winced knowing there would be some bruising on my back.

"Hey"

I jumped as a voice echoed from behind me. A Red head stood there, with no shoes on, wild hair tied back and clothes muddy. She was frowning after the older boys. That's when her sent hit me. She was also a Wolfblood!

"Hi, you smell like my parents!"

She giggled as I blurted out the last part before saying "I'm Jana!"

"I'm Maddy" I grinned. She smirked and grabbed my wrist pulling me through the trees until we reached a hedge.

"My Daddy said I could go find other cubs to play with, so I have!"

We scrambled through a hole finding ourselves in a clearing surrounded by blackberry bushes and flowers.

"This is Matei, Emilia and Rhydian. Everyone, this is Maddy!"


For two years we kept coming back in the holidays, Mam and Dad were glad I'd made friends. We taught each other what we knew. I learnt about Wild Wolfbloods, but after broaching the subject with my parents and seeing their reactions, I decided not to say anything. Jana left first, he pack moved on after her father Alric found out she was fraternising near humans. Then Matei and Emilia disappeared, last I heard they were searching for Jana and the Wild Pack. It was just me and Rhydian on our last holiday, we were eleven. We tried to keep in touch but he kept moving, at least now he knew what was going to happen, it helped him stay in homes longer.

"It's great to see you again" I laughed and pulled back from his comforting embrace, accidentally ending up staring into his eyes. I blushed slightly and ducked my head, grabbing his hand and dragging him from the dark room with a playful grin.

"Come on Wolf Boy, time to endure PE"

He groaned loudly and pulled out of my grip, but squeezing my hand before he did so.