Ch. 11 Old Friends
After Embry dropped me off for school, I went to find Penelope. I had to tell her about the dog. I rounded a corner and ran into my old friend David.
"Melody! Hi, did you have a nice break? I feel like I never see you anymore!" David said with a little too much enthusiasm.
"Hi David. Um, my break was fun. I got a dog. And, I know what you mean. We should do another trip to the beach. I miss everybody."
"That's a great idea! I'll start asking people," David replied running a hand through his black hair, "Oh, speaking of which, are you uh…dating that La Push guy now? Not that it's any of my business. But if you are, you should invite him!"
"Uh, yeah I am dating Embry."
"Oh, is that is name? That's…great. I'll see you around Mel," David said waving his hand.
I continued walking until the bell rang. "Fine," I muttered to myself, "I'll tell her in class."
When I walked into Chem. Mr. Hazel was just about to begin his lecture. He glared at me as I took my seat next to Penelope. I smiled at her as I sat down, and she just looked back. Something was wrong. I felt bad for not spending as much time with her as I used to.
"What's up? I called last night but no one answered," I whispered while I pretended to take notes.
She looked at me again, "Oh you're returning phone calls now?"
"Look, I'm really sorry alright. I've never had a real boyfriend before so I got caught up. I've never really had a best friend before either so I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing here, okay?"
Penelope half smiled. "I understand I just felt kind of left out. Why'd you call?"
I looked up to make sure the teacher hadn't noticed us, then whispered, "My dad got me a dog! She's adorable; she has black hair, she's medium sized, and she's the sweetest dog ever. Her name is Siprey. I didn't pick the name so I don't know what it means."
Penelope's blue eyes widened, "Oh my god! That's awesome. Now I wish I had picked up."
"Well, it's my fault you didn't. Hey, why don't you come over after school to meet her!"
Before Penelope could respond, Mr. Hazel called, "Ms. Swift, I hate to interrupt your conversation with Ms. Clark. Would either of you happen to know what I was just saying?"
"That you were sorry for interrupting us. We accept your apology." I retorted. Several students giggled. I always hated anyone who taught science in any form.
Our teacher narrowed his eyes, "A mouth like that belongs in detention, Ms. Swift. I was saying that there is a unit test tomorrow. I hope you both are prepared."
"We know that, you should have asked if we knew what you were saying before you interrupted us, so I don't really think Melody deserves detention," Penelope said.
Raising his eyebrows, Mr. Hazel said, "Perhaps you would like to join her? I'll see you both after school." Just then, the bell rang.
"So I guess I'll come over after detention then," Penelope said as we walked to our next classes.
I laughed, "Sure. I'll call Embry and tell him that he doesn't have to pick me up today." I glanced at the sky. It was cloudy like usual, but with white fluffy clouds instead of the usual purple menacing ones. "We could walk; I don't think it will rain."
"Sure see you in French!"
I got a pass from my English teacher to use the public telephone. Embry's mom, Bev, answered.
"Hello?" I heard the familiar voice.
"Hi, Bev, it's me, Melody"
"Shouldn't you be in school?" she asked confused.
"Oh, I am. I'm using the public phone. Could you tell Embry that I don't need a ride home today and that I'll call him later?"
"Sure, honey. It was nice talking to you! Have a wonderful day!"
"Thanks, bye." I hung up the phone and ran back to English class.
After detention, Penelope and I walked home laughing about Mr. Hazel the whole way. I unlocked the front door and stuck my leg in first, just in case Siprey tried to escape. I held my dog by the collar as Penelope entered.
"Awe, she's so cute, Mel!" she said as she pat Siprey's head.
I smiled. "Oh, you never saw the piano!" I grabbed my friend's hand and led her up the stairs to my room, with my dog trailing closely behind.
Penelope and I had a lot of catching up to do. I fooled around on the piano as she picked up my guitar and played along. I soon started singing and we demonstrated every song we knew.
Four red bulls, a bag of chips, and 20 songs later…
"I'll make room for girl time," I promised my best friend as she left.
"Okay, bye!"
As soon as Penelope was out the door, the phone was in my hand, and I was dialing my soul mate's number.
"Hello?" Embry's anxious voice answered on the first ring.
"Hey, it's me!"
I heard a sigh of relief, "Why didn't you need a ride today?"
"I um…" How would he feel about the detention? "Well, I got detention, so did Penelope. Then we walked to my house and hung out for a while."
"Detention? Wonderful I imprinted on a trouble maker," Embry said jokingly. "I'm glad you got to spend some time with Penelope. I felt bad for taking up all of your time. You should have other friends too."
"You should too! I've been selfish; don't your friends miss you?"
"My friends are all werewolves. They understand imprinting. Yours are human. It's different."
I was speechless, suddenly realizing what he meant. "You're human too," I whispered.
"Not really. How many humans explode into wolves when they get pissed off?"
"Not many," I admitted, "Only the cool ones."
Embry laughed and I smiled. "I'm still a freak," he said softly.
"Maybe, but I love you anyway."
"I love you too."
I smiled again. "You know, I'm a freak too." I said trying to comfort Embry. "I mean, how many normal people do you know that move a million times per year? Nobody ever likes the new girl."
"I do. In fact, I'm crazy about her."
I laughed. "You're right, you aren't normal!"
He chuckled, "Normal's overrated anyway."
"That's my new motto," I said still laughing.
"Would you, umm…you probably wouldn't…never mind."
"What? You know you can ask me anything."
Embry sighed. "I know I can, but it's stupid and…fine. Would you like to go to a dance with me at my school this weekend?"
"Sure! That will be fun!" I said excited, except for the fact that I would have to get a dress.
"Great! The pack is meeting up for dinner then going. Well, those of us that are in high school anyway. I'll pick you up at 6:00. Okay?"
"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Oh, so I have to drive you again."
"Yes you do. Didn't anyone tell you? Personal chauffer is included in the whole soul mate thing. At least until I'm 16."
He laughed.