I'm am so, so, so sorry for the really long wait. I'm not going to make up some excuse and say that something came up, 'cause nothing did. I just, I don't know. I didn't have any motivation to write. And it doesn't help that I was hanging out with my cousin. She didn't get to update either. But I really am sorry. Hopefully you guys aren't too angry that you start hating on the story because of one dumbass mistake. I love you all! Oh, and do you know how amazing it is for a writer to get comments? It's just... undescribably good.

Chapter 8:

"What the hell do you mean he's on vacation!?" Ok, I know I don't have a job but aren't the business calls supposed to be made in the daytime? I groaned and pulled my pillow over my face, mentally cursing whoever my mom was yelling at on the phone. It's their fault that she screamed and it's their fault that I'm now awake.

"No, that won't do! Are you crazy!? We need the whole team!" Seriously, whoever she's talking to, listen to her! Growling low in my chest, I threw my pillow off of me and to god knows where. Getting on my elbows, I blinked a few times to wake me up a little to even see in my dark room. Then I looked over to my alarm clock as the time flashed in bright red; 2 o'clock.

Oh, my god. It's 2 o'clock in the freakin' morning! Why don't I just go out and yell at the dumbass on the other end of the phone? Yes, I would love to do that. Maybe then that idiot will shut up.

Groggily, I stood up from my warm bed and started towards my door. Let's just say it didn't go as planned. I leaned a little too much forwards so gravity decided to take effect and I fell, on my face, against the cold wood flooring. Ok, I'm going to kill whoever's on the other line of the phone call. Yes, I'm going to kill them.

But when I went to get up, my mother's stressed-out voice stopped me, "Ok, ok, alright. Just make sure he's back by next week." I could almost see her rubbing her temples. There was the sound of a phone closing right before a much stressed out sigh filled the air. Ok, time to comfort mom.

Using as much strength I could even muster this early in the morning, I stood up and began to walk towards the door. But as I grasped the doorknob, I yet again stopped at a voice saying, "Don't worry Catherine. Everything's going to turn out the way it should be."

Wait, who's voice is that? My eyebrows furrowed as I raked my brain, trying to remember that voice but to no avail. I groaned lowly, not wanting them to know I was awake and listening.

"I hope you're right", my mother's voice sounded weak, as if she was about to break right there. Then there was a few clicks of heels hitting the wood flooring before the mystery female's voice said, "Shh, don't worry. Just stick to the plan."

Instinctively, I leaned against the door to listen more closely but it didn't really do anything. I could hear the same amount I could before. Hmm, I guess the movies are wrong.

"Did you tell Maya about any of this?" My eyebrows shot up to my hairline at the edge in the woman's tone. Wait, tell me what? Uhg, this is demented. "No", my mother's voice was now hoarse and I could almost see her shaking her head.

There was a pause before the woman said, "Good." I let out a deep breath through my nose, aggravated that my mom couldn't tell me something. I mean, who does that woman think she is; making a mother keep secrets from her own child!? I swear I just want to… ok, stop it Maya. You know it's not right to hurt people. But I really want to! Oh god, I sound like a kindergartener.

"Now go to bed before we wake up your daughter", ok, this woman is seriously asking for a punch in the face. "What about you? You can't just stay in my house"- "I'm leaving, don't worry." Two punches, she asking for two punches. I mean, you don't interrupt my mom! Well, not when, well… ok, I'm just going to shut up. But that did piss me off!

"And besides, if I didn't leave than wouldn't it be hard to explain why I'm here?" Huh, now you grow a brain. There was a few more clicks before my mom said, "Ok, I'll see you tomorrow." Then there were footsteps on the stairs; my mother's footsteps. "Goodnight", the woman yelled before the clicking started again.

"Oh shit", I muttered under my breath as my mom stopped in the middle of the hall. Then I turned around and speed walked to my bed where I crawled under the covers as fast and as quiet as I could. And right as I settled in, my door creaked open. My eyes went wide before they quickly shut. Ok, breathe deeply so she thinks you're asleep.

The bed sank next to me. I kept chanting in my head 'breathe deeply, breathe deeply, breathe deeply!' Then my mother's breath hit my face as she brushed back my bangs. Breathe deeply, breathe deeply, breathe deeply! "I love you, Hun", she whispered before kissing my forehead. And with that, she got up and walked out of my room, closing the door behind her.

I sighed quietly as I flipped onto my side. What's going on? Does it have to do with my mom's work and why she yelled at me for pestering her with questions? Who was that woman and why was she in my house? Or a better question: what were they talking about?

Beep, beep, beep! My eyes opened and closed a few times, trying to wake me up a little. Then I sat up, running my fingers through my tangled mess of hair. I looked around and noticed it was morning. Oh, I feel asleep. Good job Maya, good job.

I groaned slightly as I threw my legs over the edge of my bed and stood. Then I clumsily walked over to my closet and picked out an outfit, slipping it on without any troubles. Once I was dressed, I walked over to the bathroom and brushed my hair.

I hate mornings. I hate them with a fiery passion. And I have to drive, great just- wait a second. My car's still in the school's parking lot. What am I going to do? Stiles drove me yesterday! Stiles…

Butterflies started banging against my insides at the thought of him; Stiles; my boyfriend. I let out a staggered breath and looked up at my reflection, finally realizing that I was still brushing my detangled dark wavy hair. I quickly set the brush down and put my hair in a messy bun.

Then I applied my makeup with one question in my head; how am I going to get to school? Well, you could ask your mom for a ride but would that be as romantic as asking your boyfriend. Ok mind, if you were someone else, I would hit you right now.

Ok, so I call Stiles and ask him. But what if he can't? Then he's not a good boyfriend. Oh hush up! He's a great boyfriend! Uhg, I seriously need to stop arguing with myself. It's not getting me anywhere.

Once I finished, I walked back into my room, grabbed my phone and shoes, and sat on my bed. I dialed Stiles's number as I put one of my shoes on my feet before I put the other one on.

The phone rang three times before he picked up saying, "Good morning beautiful." Oh god. It felt like he's words took the breath right out of me. He really thinks I'm beautiful? Oh, my god, say something! "Oh, how am I supposed to top that?" He chuckled before saying, "I don't know." I tucked my lips into my mouth as heat rose rapidly to my cheeks.

Then I remembered why I called him in the first place. I sighed and asked, "Um, can you drive me to school?" "Of course", he replied without hesitation which caused me to chuckle slightly. "Thanks", I said sweetly. "No problem. I'm on my way. Are you ready?" I nodded though he couldn't see. "I'm ready for anything."

"Ok, I'll see you in a little bit. Bye beautiful." There goes the cheeks… "Bye cutie", I said before hanging up. I bit my lip and sat there for a little bit, staring off into nothing just thinking of him. Is this what happens to all girls when they fall for a guy? I mean, yeah I've had boyfriends before but Stiles, he's just… I don't know how to explain it.

But soon, I put my phone away in my bag and went downstairs, swinging my bag over my shoulder. I ran into the kitchen and grabbed a muffin. Taking a small bite out of it, there was honk from outside. Stiles… I smiled and walked out of the house, locking it up.

Taking the key out of the lock, I put it away and turned around. Sure enough, there Stiles was, in his jeep, in the driveway, waiting for me. My eyes instantly glued with his as he's breath-taking smile shone. I smiled and started speed walking towards the passenger seat.

I climbed in and threw my bag in the back. Then I looked over to see Stiles smiling big at me. I smiled back as he started leaning a little closer. My throat tightened in anticipation and my eyes shut as his did. And then his soft, plump lips were on mine.

I kissed him back, leaning a little more in so he didn't have to lean so far over. His hand cupped the back of my neck, holding my face to his even though I wasn't on planning to pull away. One of my hands reached up and grabbed the collar of his tee-shirt, pulling his chest a little closer to mine to feel his body heat.

Right as we scooted a little closer, I felt a heat wave of attraction rushed through me. My grip tightened on his collar though it wouldn't do anything. His usual vanilla scent intoxicated my senses, dulling all others.

Stiles's tongue traced my lower lip, asking for an entrance. Opening my mouth for him, our tongues instantly met, pairing up in their own little dance. His hand that was on the back of my neck slowly crept down my shoulder and arm, leaving a trail of warmth as it went. Then his hand took a grasp of my free one, entwining our fingers instantly.

More heat boiled inside of me. There was a little voice in the back of my head though that nagged, "What are you feeling!? You're 16! You shouldn't be feeling this!" But it wasn't big enough. No, not near as big as my attraction to him right now. And the best part: I don't have to deny it or hide it.

But of course, everything has to come to an end at some point. He pulled away and looked into my eyes. I swear, if he wasn't holding me, I'd probably have melted right there. His eyes were shinning with care and desire. Oh god, he's so irresistible.

"Hey", he whispered, his minty, warm breath hitting my face gently. I smiled at his grin and whispered back, "Hey." Ok, I know everyone says its bad to be at a loss of words but honestly, in this situation, it's probably the best thing to have. I mean, who wouldn't want to be in their boyfriend's car staring into their amazing eyes after a mind-blowing make out session?

But, of course, me being the idiot I am glanced down at the clock on the dash to notice that we were running late. Stiles followed my gaze and groaned openly, causing me to giggle a little. Then we fully pulled away from each other so he could drive. He backed out of the driveway while taking one of my hands in his, entwining our fingers. God, I could get used to this.

We parked in a spot close to the school which surprised me. How could a parking spot like that still be open? Eh, I don't really care. I looked out of the window to see Scott storming towards Stiles's jeep. But when he got there and looked at me, his facial features softened and he shot me a smile. I smiled back and gave a small wave before turning around and grabbing my bag from the back.

Once I got my bag and was climbing out of the jeep, I heard Scott say, "Dude, you could have told me you wanted to drive Maya. I would've understood." I shut the door and raised an eyebrow at them. Stiles just smiled while rubbing the back of his neck.

As I walked over to them, I swung my bag over my shoulder and said, "Ok, I know I'm new and everything but what would you have understood? If it's not too personal of me asking." Scott smirked my way and said smoothly, "Oh, it's just Stiles", he patted his friend on the shoulder before continuing, "Usually drives me to school but I understand if he wanted to drive with you instead."

I nodded slowly before saying, "Well, sorry about that. You probably waited for him." He nodded which made me smile. Then I pointed to the school and said, "Shall we?"

Stiles looked at me and breathed out through his nose. I bit my lip, wanting him closer but not knowing if it was ok to do so around Scott. But Scott's his best friend. He should be able to show his best friend his girlfriend, right? Maybe he's embarrassed of me or- shut it Maya! You're overthinking everything.

Scott started walking past us so I turned around and started after him. Just then, a hand slipped into mine, our fingers entwined. I knew that soft but stern grip… I looked up to see Stiles smiling down at me. Heat rose a little to my cheeks but not much.

I turned back forward to see Scott raising his eyebrows at us. Biting my lip, I looked down to my shoes. And with that, I started walking which was, ironically, in sync with Stiles. We walked inside and to Scott's locker.

Just then, the bell rang. I looked up at Stiles out of instinct to see him looking down at me. Shooting him a smile, I said, "Bye guys." And with that, I walked away from them and didn't turn back. After all, if I did then they would have seen my cheeks which were probably bright pink. Uhg, that boy's going to be the end of me, just watch.

Ok, I'm going crazy. I am going crazy. Just all these thoughts are clouding my head. First, and probably the most intoxicating, is the whole relationship thing. Stiles is great, amazing… the whole package. But why did he choose me?

Next would be the whole dance flyer thing. I really want to check it out. I mean, dancing again would release a lot of stress. It could take those big knots in my back right out. But I would break my promise. I promised that I'd never dance again. And to add on, I did it over my dad's coffin. It was closed though because my mom told the church that she didn't want to put me through the pain of seeing my dad's motionless, cold, dead body.

And what about Erica? Is she ever going to talk to me again? Will I even get the chance to talk to her? Because belief me when I say that I've looked for her around campus. But I haven't seen her. She must have known somehow that I was looking for her or I was even around. Maybe it's those enhanced senses of hers that allow her to avoid me.

She's avoiding me. That brick hit down hard. My best friend was avoiding me and yes, I still think of her as my best friend. I just hope she still thinks of me that way. That hit harder; the fact that I don't know if she still thinks of me as a friend. I hope she does. After all, would she send the flyer if she didn't?

And finally, there's this morning. Who was that woman? What was she doing in my house? What were her and my mom talking about? What plan did my mom need to stick to? Why did my mom go all berserk when she found out that one guy she works with is going on vacation? And what does my mom even work as? Uhg, too many questions!

At least I do know one thing; I need to figure this all out. But it's easier said than done. I mean, I don't think I've had to figure out so many complicated things. Well, not since my dad's death.

So how long is this going to take? Um, not that long if I put all my focus into it. But I can't do that. I mean, I have school and now a boyfriend so… no; I can't just blow it all off to solve my own questions.

I exhaled heavily through my mouth and set my head in my hands. My eyes lazily stared at the clock, waiting for the bell to ring and signal the end of the day. It felt as if the seconds ticked loudly in my head; tick, tock, tick, tock. Uhg, this is taking forever!

Biting my lip softly, I slumped a little in my seat. The teacher kept on with the lesson even though I couldn't focus on one word of it. My fingers started tapping lightly on my jean leg to the ticking in my head. Oh, c'mon! Just a few more minutes!

All of the sudden, I felt as if someone was looking at me. So I looked over only to be sucked into those all too familiar hazel orbs. Stiles smiled at me with those pearly whites of his and my stomach became a war zone of butterflies. My heart beat started picking up a little bit which seemed to make the ticking grow distant. A smile happily set itself upon my face. I felt my spirit lift up just from the sight of him. Does that happen to everyone?

Just then, the bell rang. I jumped a little before cursing under my breath. Wow, can one guy seriously make time fly by that fast? Eh, it was only a few minutes.

Quickly, I put all of my stuff away and stood up. But before I could make it out the door, Stiles was next to me; his hand in mine and our fingers entwined. A light blush grew as I glanced up and shot a smile at my boyfriend. Oh god, I'll never get used to saying that.

"So, how was your day?" He asked. I shrugged and said, "I survived. What about you?" He looked down at me, smiled a bit wider, and said softly, "I'm with you and that's enough to erase everything negative that's happened today." My blush deepened as I sucked my lips in between my teeth.

Once we were in the parking lot, I turned so I was in front of Stiles. He smirked slightly and set his hands on my hips. I smiled up at him and said, "Sorry but I've got to go." And just like that, his whole face seemed to sadden.

Then his grip tightened as he shook his head and whined like a little kid, "No!" I chuckled and bit my lip. He looked down at me and said again, "No." Oh, that's it! I reached up and kissed him, my arms snaking around his neck. And apparently he was expecting this (or hoping it would happen) because he didn't hesitate one second to kiss me back.

His arms tightened a little and pulled me closer to him which I was thankful for. I mean, that was seriously started to hurt my neck! His tongue slid across my lower lip and I instantly let him in.

But right as our tongues met, I heard Scott yell, "Stiles, hurry up!" Stiles groaned against my lips as we separated. I smiled at his cuteness and leaned up to his ear, whispering, "Its ok. Maybe next time we won't be interrupted."

His breath started getting a little heavier against my neck as I kissed his check. Then I pulled away and started walking to my car. As I climbed into my car, I looked back and saw him smiling widely at me. I waved at him at the same time he started waving at me.

Once he gave me one last smile, he turned to Scott who was leaning against his jeep. Stiles gave him a 'are you serious?' look and stomped forward. I laughed a little. Awe, he's so cute!

I looked down at my bag and searched through it, pulling out the neon green flyer. Hmm, well, I do need to release some stress. But I promised not to dance! I'm sure dad would understand, wouldn't he? I tapped my fingers against the stirring wheel, contemplating on whether or not I should go.

"Just go!" I jumped up and slightly hit my head on the roof. "Ah, damn it", I muttered under my breath as I settled back down and started rubbing my head. Then I looked over to see Erica in my passenger seat, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Wh- Erica? What are you doing here?" Damn, don't I sound like a dumbass? She just smirked and said, "C'mon, we don't have all day." I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the smile creeping on my face. Mentally, I threw my fist in the air and yelled, "Yay! She's not mad at me!" Aren't I special? So I did as I was told and started the car, pulling out of the parking lot.

As we pulled up to the dance academy, I felt my stomach twist in tight knots. Oh god, I'm going to throw up. I gripped my stomach as I parked. Ok, calm down Maya; just calm down.

The knots tightened and I closed my eyes tight, a whimper balling up in my throat. I bent down a little, my mind gazing back to my dad. You're tough, Maya. So be the warrior you are and conquer the pain. Ok, so apparently my dad's words are permanently implanted into my brain.

"Are you okay?" Her voice rang in my ears, echoed by all the other voices that asked that very question over and over again for years. People asked me that before I went on stage to dance, they asked me that on my first day of school, and they asked me that when my dad died. You know, those words are getting very annoying.

I took deep breaths and cleared my mind of all thoughts of the pain. I know it sounds cliché but it's worked for me countless times. After doing that for a few minutes, the pain finally subsided.

Once I was ok, I sat back up straight and opened my car door. I started climbing out as Erica rushed to follow, saying, "Maya are you okay?" "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I said nonchalantly as I locked up the car.

She hurried to my side and said, "Well you looked like you were going to vomit." "I felt like it, yes. But did I? Nope." She tilted her head and looked at me with a smirk on her face. Then she said, "Whatever has gotten into you, I like it." I laughed and said, "Glad you like it."

It went silent for a while before I spoke again, "My dad used to say that before I went on stage, I would get all, well, like this. He said it was because I was going in front of so many people and my body needed to get pumped. So, that's how it got pumped. Weird, huh?" She laughed, shook her head, and said, "No, not at all."

And with that, we started forwards towards the studio. I could feel my heart speeding up with anticipation. I blinked a few times and started rubbing my hands together, trying to keep myself from running towards that room full of mirrors and railings on the walls.

Apparently Erica could hear my heart because she looked over at me, smirked, and asked, "Still getting pumped?" I forced a laugh and said, "Not really. I'm just… I don't know how to explain it actually." She nodded once before gesturing towards the big wooden doors that I hadn't notice appear in front of us.

I took a deep breath before I took a grasp of the cool metal handle. And with one turn, I pushed the door open and start walking in. But once I saw the huge room with mirrors and railings lining the walls, I froze solid. My eyes wondered around the room, taking in everything. The only light was streaming in from a couple of windows at the very top of the walls. And I have to say, this was one of the best studios I've ever been to.

"So… I take that you like it." I jumped a little which caused Erica to chuckle at me. I slumped a little while I turned. "Oh hush", I told her.

She just crossed her arms, leaned against one of the walls, and eyed me. Ok, either she thinks I'm an alien or she's waiting for me to do something. I'm gonna go with the second one.

I took a deep breath and turned around, searching the room for the music station. When my eyes saw a shelf with a radio and a couple stacks of cds, I mentally cheered. Oh god, has it really been so long that I'm now cheering to dance?

My feet moved before my mind and I was standing in front of the station in no time. I started searching through the cds, trying to find one I could dance to. I stopped when I found a Taylor Swift cd. No, I don't really listen to her music but she is good and easy to dance to. Well, she is for lyrical. I'm not so sure for hip hop or tap.

I popped the cd in the player and grabbed the remote. Then I moved to one side of the room and stripped myself of Stiles's jacket, my shoes, and my socks.

Rolling my shoulders a bit, I thought back to a couple years ago when I danced to Invisible by Taylor Swift. I traced over the steps in my head until I was sure I remembered the whole thing.

I lifted the remote and pressed play before fast forwarding it to Invisible. Throwing the remote lightly away from me, I crouched down a little. Ok Maya, you can do this. Feet forward, face down, and fingers pressed against the floor. And with that, I leaned back, my head barely touching the floor. I swept my arms around in a clockwise circular motion.

The lyrics invaded my mind, the music lulling me to another place. And sooner than I had hoped, the song ended. I raised my arms in the air as if they were coming together, my fingers in the right position. My eyes were glued to the ceiling for dramatic effect; something my 8th grade teacher taught me.

Clapping erupted in the big room but it wasn't just one person. Wait, only Erica came with me. Who else is here? Well I don't know. Why don't you see!? Oh god, sometimes I really am annoyed with my inner voice; such a smartass.

My arms gracefully fell to my sides as I looked forward. There was Erica clapping with awe leaking from her facial features. But what really caught my attention was the woman right next to her who clapped along with a big smile plastered on her face. She looked in her late 50s with grey hair slicked back in a bun. Since she was wearing a leotard, I think it's safe to say she's a dancer, maybe even a dance instructor.

The woman began walking towards me as she said, "Well that was very impressive young woman." I felt a light blush begin to grow. I pulled my arms behind my back, my hands holding onto each other. "Thank you, ma'am", I said politely.

She stopped right in front of me and stuck her hand in the space between us. "I'm Kelly Newman but everyone calls me Instructor Kelly." I shook her hand and said, "I'm Maya Wilmington." As our hands separated as she said, "It's nice to meet you, Maya." I nodded a little and said, "You too."

And with that, a kind of awkward silence veiled over us. I looked down at my feet and switched so my weight was on my other foot. Erica soon moved away from the wall and came to stand next to me. But the silence stayed.

Finally, Kelly cleared her throat. "So", she began as she looked right into my eyes. Damn, that's intimidating. "Were you planning on signing up for some courses?" Hmm, getting back into dance would be good for letting out stress. Plus, I could eat more and just dance off the fat.

Erica elbowed me in the ribs which I winced to. Then I looked up to see both of them looking at me with anticipation. I bit my bottom lip, thinking for a minute.

"Um, actually", I started off and paused when I saw both of their expressions change. It was as if they were dreading the worst, which, in this case, would have been me saying no. I sucked in a silent breath and said, "Is there any chance that I could just come in once an hour every day and dance without an instructor or classmates?"

Kelly's eyebrows furrowed and her eyes grew distant. I looked over at Erica who had her lips pursed. Turning back to Kelly, I started to rub my hands together nervously.

But after a while, she looked at me and said, "I think that's possible. What about you come in at 4:30? No one's giving a class at that time. Not for an hour or so." I smiled at her. Without thinking, I hugged her gently and said excitedly, "Thank you so, so much!" The old woman chuckled, patted my back a few times, and said, "No, it's a pleasure to have a young lady like you so enthusiastic about dance."

I pulled away and shot her a smile. Kelly returned the smile and gave a slight nod. Just then, Erica's arm linked with mine and I heard her voice in a polite voice say, "I'm sorry but my friend and I should get going. Have a nice day." And with that, I was dragged out of the building.

"Erica, hold up!" I said loudly as I began to feel like my arm was detached from the rest of my body. She just growled lightly which made my eyebrows furrow. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, did you just growl at me?" My voice portrayed my confusion. She just nodded. Ok, that's not strange at all. No, no, people growl at me all the time.

"Why may I ask?" We stopped at my car and I pulled my arm away from her treacherous grip. She looked at me, smirked, and shrugged as if to say 'I don't know'. I chuckled while shaking my head.

"Ok then", I said as I unlocked the car. But when I went to get in, Erica's arm shot in front of me, stopping me. I looked up at her, tilting my head a bit. She had a poker face on. Oh god, is something wrong? I don't know, why don't you ask her?

"Um, is everything alright?" I asked innocently. She looked over at me with her eyebrows raised. Ok, I said the wrong thing, didn't I?

After a while of me rubbing my hands together and her staring off into space, she finally said, "Get in the car." I raised an eyebrow and said, "What?" Erica looked back at me and almost smiled with her eyes as she said, "Please?" I laughed and climbed in.

Once we both were settled and I started back onto the road, Erica turned to me and took a deep breath. I glanced at her before turning back to the road. "So…is there something you'd like to talk about?" She sighed and said very quietly, "What am I to you?"

I raised an eyebrow and said, "What are you to me?" She nodded a confirmation. Pursing my lips, I thought. But before I could even realize it, I was saying, "You're my best friend, an independent woman, and under that tough act is a very nice girl."

Her eyes went huge at me. Ok, I know I'm no genius but I defiantly said something wrong. Erica stayed silent for a while before she stuttered, "Y-You r-really think that a-about m-me?" I laughed loudly, looking over at her for a little while longer before turning back to the road and saying, "Of course I do! How else would I look at you?"

"As a monster who needs to die", she responded quickly. My eyebrows shot up to my hairline as I almost yelled out in confusion, "What do you mean monster?" She cleared her throat before saying in a smartass tone, "Well I am a werewolf."

My eyes went a little wide. A werewolf? She's a werewolf? I knew that she was something inhuman but a werewolf? Isn't that a little bit stretching it? I mean, they only exist in stories, don't they? No, they are real and my best friend's one. Whoa, I have a werewolf best friend!

"Maya?" I snapped back to reality and said, "Yeah?" Erica gave me a worried yet understanding look as she asked, "Are you ok?" I furrowed my eyebrows. "Yes, why wouldn't I be? On second thought, don't answer that."

She nodded and looked out the window, her blonde curls falling in her face. I let out a deep breath through my nose. Then I said, "Erica, you are my best friend. I'd never think of you as a monster or anything like that. Ok, you're a werewolf. So what? That doesn't mean that we still can't hang out! Just trust me when I say that I' not going anywhere." And just like that, her face was bright again and a smirk back on her face. "Yeah, same here."