Author's Note: After who knows how long, I'm finally back with a new chapter! Sorry this took a lot longer than I had hoped for, life kind of got busy and I was a little stumped how to write this for a while, but it's finally here. Howleen makes her debut in this chapter! Hope you like it!

Chapter 3: Honest Heart

Howleen Wolf headed for her next class. She was a werewolf with a caramel skin tone, golden eyes, long wavy pink hair that was dyed, and a slighter build. She was spunky, spry, and held a fierce determination about finding her place in this world. She arrived to see Twyla already sitting down and didn't hesitate to greet her, taking a seat next to her, "Hey Twyla!"

Twyla didn't respond, her eyes off focus as she stared in the distance. While she was the type to escape into their own head to process things, something was off. Both curious and concerned, Howleen placed her hand on Twyla's shoulder and asked, "Are you ok, Twyla? You seem kind of frazzled."

Upon hearing the voice of her best friend, Twyla let out a surprised gasp, finally snapping back into reality. She gave Howleen a shaky smile as she said, "Hi Howleen." She shook her head before continuing, "It's nothing, don't worry. I was just lost in thought..."

Howleen wasn't convinced, but she got the feeling it was best not to pry Twyla for answers. No matter what, she wanted to respect her boundaries. If Twyla ever wanted to confide in her about it, Howleen would be there to listen and support her, as her best friend. She merely shrugged, "If you say so."

They sat silently for a while, each wrapped in their own thoughts. Neither of them knew how much time had passed, the teacher was well into their daily lectures before Twyla finally spoke, her voice was faint, but Howleen heard it clearly, "Howleen?"

Howleen replied, "Yeah?"

Twyla paused again, the gears turning in her head, trying to formulate the words. She began, "I'm sorry I used to condemn you and the others over lust, it was wrong of me."

"Huh?" Howleen was confused for moment. Why was Twyla apologizing over such a thing? Howleen was a red-blooded teenage werewolf, she could acknowledge and appreciate a hot guy when she saw one.

Twyla, by contrast, was very reserved in regard to romance and sexuality, even though they both thought some of the same guys were attractive, no one ever seemed to spark her interest. Howleen smiled softly, assuring her, "It's ok, I wasn't mad at you or anything. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Just because I think someone is attractive doesn't mean you have to.""

Hearing that gave Twyla a sense of relief as she nodded, "Thank you."

Still, something confused the werewolf, so she voiced it, "But why are you apologizing now? I didn't think you needed to."

Twyla wondered why herself, she never felt guilty about those sentiments until now. "I-I'm not even sure why," She admitted hesitantly, "I guess I've realized I'm sort of a hypocrite..."

If Twyla was saying such things, then Howleen could only think of one possible explanation. A sly expression crept across Howleen's face as she asked, just dying to know, "So, who's the manster or ghoul who's got you all in a tizzy? Dish!"

Twyla looked away, feeling her cheeks warm and heart skipping a beat. She should've expected Howleen would want to know, such was her way. She folded her hands in her lap, trying to gather her thoughts. She finally whispered, voice unsteady, "H-His name is L-Laito..."

Why is it merely thinking about him makes me so nervous...?

Howleen blinked, perplexed. She never heard of the name before, making her wonder if there was such a student at this school. With that said, there were a couple thousand students in attendance at Monster High, it was impossible to know everyone. Perhaps he was one of those six brothers that transferred to their school today she read about on Spectra's blog. Howleen gave a giggle, "He's got to be really hot for YOU to be this flustered."

Twyla felt her cheeks heat up again and she buried her face in her hands. She uttered out, that shamefaced feeling overtaking her again, "Y-Yes... Howleen, can we please change the subject...? This is embarrassing..."

Howleen smiled brightly, "Sorry, I was just teasing you." She placed her hand on Twyla's shoulder before continuing, "It's okay. Physical attraction isn't a bad thing, it makes you'll want to get to know them better. We're best friends, Twyla, I'll be there to support you through anything."

Twyla nodded, "Thank you... And likewise..."

Despite their contrasting personalities and differing opinions at times, they tried their best to understand and support each other. Accepting others freaky flaws seemed so easy, for as long as their hearts were good, nothing else mattered. Regardless, she was grateful to Howleen, happy she accepted her accepted her with open arms.

But didn't she accept herself?

Upon realizing where her thoughts were leading, she chided herself. Stop with this petty pity party. Stop thinking about that...Just focus on class...

The next few classes passed by rather uneventfully and it was lunch time now, everyone else rushing along to the cafeteria, or the creepateria, as the others liked to call it. Such puns were very common at Monster High, from locations to class subjects, they liked to put their own spin on things. So many coming and goings, the same little routine. Like a river's flow, Twyla moves with the currents of the water and goes through the motions, going about life on autopilot.

Lunch itself was a blur, as Howleen chatted away with Twyla following along, occasionally offering her input if she thought it was warranted. Socialization had never been her forte, she was content with just listening. Before long, they had finished their food and made their way to their next classes.

In spite of her attempts to quell it, ever since their encounter in psychology, Laito dominated her thoughts. She found him fascinating, she wanted to know more.

As she was walking with Howleen, she saw him. He was talking to a few other girls, seemingly enjoying the attention.

She paused for a moment, observing him from the shadows, strange sentiments she couldn't identify festering inside of her. For the first time in ages, she was somehow out of touch with her own feelings.

She had a small sound that no one else heard, "..."

How was he able to withstand being the center of attention like that? It baffled her to no end; she simply couldn't wrap her head around it. She should've expected it, he was handsome and oozed charisma. Sex appeal was something he had plenty of, naturally he'd be noticed straight away. Had it been her, such attention would horrify her.

Is he some sort of playboy...? She pondered, unsure of what it was she was feeling. Her throat burned with bile and her stomach twisted in nausea, as a bitterness lingered inside of her as she unconsciously clutched her things just a bit tighter. I hate womanizer types; they make you think you're special and then throw you away...

But was that the real reason she felt like this? No, that was wrong, at least partly. Was this jealousy? For her to feel an emotion like envy, it surprised her. Since when did I become a jealous type...? On instinct, she hesitantly raised her hand and reached out towards him slightly, dying to say something. She was about to call out to him, his name on her tongue, but she paused, stopping herself. No... I can't... I shouldn't be feeling this way... Why do I feel like this...?

Even more than jealousy or longing, she still felt a loneliness plaguing her, eating away at her like a psychic vampire.

What does it mean to regard someone as special? She found herself wondering that once more. She often would see various couples, such as Clawd and Draculaura or Deuce and Cleo, among several others, loving each other unconditionally regardless of their differences or obstacles they must face. Did she want to be regarded as special to someone? What was it like to love someone and be loved by someone? What is it like to be loved, understood, and cherished...? She placed a hand on her on chest, feeling a strange heartache. Why am I acting like this...? I don't feel like myself...

Laito's words rang through her mind.

"I wonder if you're being honest with yourself."

For so long, she had convinced herself that she had reached a point where she was content with herself. She was satisfied, regardless of the fact that there was plenty about herself she disliked, whether it was personality or physical traits. It simply wasn't possible to like every aspect about yourself, no one was perfect. But nevertheless, she wasn't perfect either, but she was ok this way, right?

No, that was bullshit, and she knew it. She was far from self-acceptance, she just wanted others to believe that she reached it. Everything that she was, there was no way she could accept it. All this time, she's just been living in severe denial of that fact. Deep down, she knew she hated herself.

In the end, Laito had seen right through her, she hadn't been honest at all.

Howleen turned back to see Twyla staring blankly into space, so she called out, "Twyla? Are you ok?"

Trying to put her best foot forward, Twyla put on the most convincing smile she could and said, "Yeah, sorry I just got lost in thought for a second."

She didn't want to dwell on petty emotions like jealousy, as envy meant losing sight of what was most important. She had to treasure what she had, lest she'd take it for granted. No matter what, she wanted to live sincerely and humbly.

And yet, she found herself thinking about Laito even now. Part of me tells me I should run away and hide from him, but another wants to get to know him. What should I do...? What are these feelings I'm feeling...? Why are they so conflicting...?

Unbeknownst to Twyla, Laito did indeed notice her.

For a moment, the expression on her face was a wistful one, he wondered if she recognized the emotion she was feeling. Clearly things like jealousy or yearning weren't typical for her, so she seemed to feel guilty for feeling such things. He rather enjoyed seeing both her flustered and melancholic reactions. But even more than that, she had a loneliness in her eyes that fascinated him.

I wonder how lonely you must feel. Could it be that you wanted to be loved? He had to suppress a laugh, finding the notion ludicrous. If you truly believe in the illusion that is love, then you must be a naïve fool. She really held a syrupy innocence, but he didn't dislike that. In fact, he found it appealing.

He was pleasantly surprised. She was trying to suppress her baser instincts by keeping her distance, a form of subtle resistance to him. For such a timid girl, she was not easy, just her attempting to put up a tough front wasn't bad, he quite liked girls who held that quiet intensity, it was more fun when there's a little fire.

He imagined her potential emotions. Could she feel happiness and give a smile that radiated joy brighter than any sun? Did she ever feel those forbidden temptations of carnal lust despite her attempts to deny it? Was she capable of feeling despair with her face contorting into anguish as tears flowed down her cheeks? Can she feel a blazing rage with eyes laced with venomous hatred? The possibilities were endless, but he was curious to say the least. In fact, it even excited him.

The more sadistic part of him wanted to break that little shy and innocent façade of hers, it made his heart flutter at the prospect. Yes, he wanted to corrupt her, exposing the lust that lurked inside of her, showing her depravity and ecstasy, until she was rotten and ruined, just like him.

Her secret self was just dying to get out, he had to be the one to show her, he just knew. After all, he couldn't ignore the plight of her real self, especially when she really wasn't honest with herself.

Author's Note: I can't say I'm entirely satisfied with this chapter as it feels rather short, so I may revise this at a later date and expand upon it. In fact, it probably will be within the coming days, so stay tuned for that.

-Luminous Luminita