I got kicked out of my sleep, sitting up immediately and rubbing my cheek to calm the stinging pain I felt. My dad woke me up with a slap today.
“Dress up and head over to Dylan’s house. Arthur’ll be the one dropping you off at school.”, I simply nodded, already forgetting about how I was woken up.?
I hopped out of bed, rushing to the bathroom. I was excited. I couldn’t wait to be away from this mad man and his house but then I wasn’t ready to be in the same car with Dylan. I didn’t know the school’s location so I couldn’t walk there.
I didn’t bother being picky with clothes. I had nice ones because Mr. Arthur kept buying me some but I didn’t want to stand out. I wanted space.
After making my dad breakfast, I hurried to Mr. Arthur’s, hoping I wasn’t late. I was glad to see he was the one that opened the door today. Anyone else would have been awkward.?
“You’re up early. I see you don’t want to be late on your first day of school.”, he smiled, moving aside for me to come in.
“I guess so…”, I trailed, looking around, searching for Dylan or his mom. I just wanted to see them for no reason.
“Dylan’s still asleep. It’s impossible to wake him up so early.”
“But it’s past seven.”, I said, glancing at the clock.
“No honey, it’s past five. This is why you need to go to school. School starts by nine so you have more than three hours to rest. There’s no need to be up so early.”, he said, giving me a small smile.
I remained quiet, low key embarrassed that I read the time wrongly.
“Come.”, Mr. Arthur held my hand, pulling me with him till we got to the front of a room. “This is your room.”
I stared at the door, noticing my name was designed on it. I loved it. “It’s beautiful.”, I said staring at it. “But why give me a room when I don’t live here?”, I asked, turning to look at him.?
“I wanted you to move in but your dad was against it. That was the original plan that’s why I dedicated this room to you.”, he explained. “But it wasn’t a waste though. You’ll be coming here a lot and would need a place to sleep so here’s your room.”?
“Oh.”, I said, looking at the door and my name on it. “Thank you for caring so much.”
“You should go in and take a nap. I’ll wake you up when it’s time to get going.”, he said, opening the rooms door, giving me small pushes to go inside.
Once I was in, he shut the door, saying ‘Good morning’.?
I stood on the spot, taking a look around. The temperature was perfect for a nice rest. The bed was large and soft same with the duvet. The run wasn’t too big. It wasn’t too small either. I loved everything about it. Part of me found it hard to believe. He really wants me to have this room?
Would I ever get used to how nice Mr. Arthur is?
Would my dad let me come here more often?
What damages would my presence here cause?
Staying in this room for as long as I wanted seemed like a fantasy to me but I might as well enjoy it while I still have it.
I walked to the closet, almost too sure Mr. Arthur had filled it up with clothes already.?
I didn’t want to sleep on the dress I’m wearing for school so I changed into something else and hopped on the bed, enjoying how I bounced and sunk. I already knew this would be the best sleep I’d have in years.
******************************
I woke up when I heard a knock at my door. “Who is it?!”, I asked, hopping off the bed to open the door.
“It’s Arthur. You should start preparing for school.” he said before I reached the door.?
“Alright.” I said, turning around again then racing to the bed and hopping on it.?
I was right about knowing it’d be the best sleep I have in years.
After a few minutes of enjoying the comfort of the bed, I stretched, satisfied by the sound of my bones cracking. I took a deep breath, preparing my soul for what ever happens it school today. I shouldn’t end up more broken than I already am.
I changed back to my old clothes, rushing out immediately. My nose was greeted by the amazing smell of meat balls. My eyes followed the scent and so did my feet. I found myself at the dining where Dylan and Mr. Arthur sat.?
“Great! You’re ready for breakfast.”, Mr. Arthur said smiling at me.
“Uh…”, I trailed, glancing at Dylan, noticing how hard he struggled to ignore my presence.
I couldn’t help but frown when I noticed he was still on his jammies. When was he planning on dressing up? He wasn’t even eating like he had somewhere he needs to go.
“Take a seat.” Mr. Arthur ordered after a few seconds. I sat immediately. His tone compelled me to sit and so did the smell of the dish in front of me.
“Did you make this yourself?”, I asked, already intoxicated by the scent of the food.
“Yup”
“It smells great!”?
“Wait till you have a bite.”
I noticed as Dylan glared at me when I took the first bite but I ignored. I finished my breakfast before I could realize.
I’m such a terrible cook compared to Mr. Arthur.
“Dylan. You should hurry up and get dressed. You don’t want to make Avery late on her first day now do you?”, Mr. Arthur said as soon as he noticed I was done eating. Dylan on the other hand had barely eaten half of what was dished on his plate. He stopped eating a while back, probably out of irritation of seeing me eat on the same table as him. I could read him for now. Just seeing my face changed his whole mood.
“If she doesn’t want to be late why can’t she just go by herself. I don’t feel like being early today.”, he said calmly, taking another bit of his food and chewing slowly. I could bet it was cold now.
“Hm.”, the sound escaped my lips while I watched. I don’t know why but I was interested in him. I wanted to know more about him but it seems he’d rather die than let that happen.
“Dylan if I end up taking her to school and leaving you behind, you’ll walk to school yourself.”, Mr. Arthur dropped his threat and watched to see his son’s reaction.
Dylan remained calm, still maintaining his bored expression and slow chewing pace before swallowing and letting out a small sigh, “Dad. I’d rather walk to school everyday than sit in the same car as her.”, he said, taking another bite of his meal but chewed a bit faster this time and swallowed. “But then again, I don’t want to miss chances of us being together, so I’ll just hurry up now.”, he said. It almost sounded like he didn’t mean it.
It was cute how much he loved spending time with his dad.
I just wish he’d let me feel what he felt. I wish he wasn’t so selfish.
“Stop starring at me you creep.”, Dylan said, without even looking at me. He pushed his chair back them stood. “I know I’m gorgeous but sheesh.”, he continued, rolling his eyes and leaving.
I watched him go up the stairs till he was out of sight. I didn’t want to stare but my eyes were stuck.?
“You guys are going to get along pretty well.”, Mr. Arthur said, as a small smile grew on his face.
“Why do you say so?”, I asked with my eyes attached to his, I was checking if he was being serious.
“For someone he hates, he sure talks about you a lot.”
“I think it’s normal to talk about people you hate a lot.”
“Don’t worry. I know you guys will get it along. Sooner or later. Dylan’s very lovable. From the way you look at him, you definitely want him as a friend.”
I remained quiet, listening to Mr. Arthur without giving him a hint to know if he’s right out wrong.
“But one advice to you. When you guys catch on, try not to fall in love. Remember every wolf has its mate.”
My expression remained blank.
I found the information unnecessary. “Thank you.”, I said casually, “For everything except what you just said now.”, I felt the need to say.