“Selena is dead, we all know that, so do not come here pretending otherwise.”
Titus sneered. “If she is gone, why am I still standing?”
“Perhaps the doctor saved your life!”
“You are a joke, Alexander. Selena is still alive and breathing, I am not sure where you heard that. You can tell I am not lying by reading my heartbeat.”
The council member began murmuring. “He is not lying; Luna still lives.” one of them went on to clarify.
“I would like you to leave the house with your... things. The Alpha has returned.” Titus’s gaze shifted to the other side of the room. “I know you are around, Max. I am not mad at you for trying to support your brother, but I will borrow your novel for the time being. I borrowed it after seeing it on your bed. The story is so good that I will have to finish it first before we can have a proper conversation.” he said as he turned around to leave.
* * * *
The next morning, Selena was woken up by her alarm. As she got out of bed in her baggy pyjamas, she approached the window and opened it, taking in the morning sun.
“What is wrong, Hania? Why?” Dalett opened her eyes with a groan. When she saw Selena, she was shocked. “What exactly are you doing? Why have you gotten up so early? You are not an early riser.” She rubbed the back of her hand across her eyes.
“When you wake up early, your body becomes used to it, and it also keeps you fit.” Selena dragged Dalett from her bed. Their gaze fell on Trisha, who was still fast asleep.
“Why are you awake?” Dalett inquired again.
“To exercise.” She found her way to the door.
“How about Trisha? The last time you worked out was when we were 17.”
Selena gave her an awkward look. “Am I not 17?”
Dalett shook her head. “You are 20, Selena.”
“Is that so?” Selena returned her attention to her body after Dalett nodded. “Why do I feel like I am still 17?” she muttered. “Alright, let us go. We want to remain fit.” She threw her hand into the air. “...and leave Trisha alone; I don’t think she needs it. You need it more. You and I both do.”
As Dalett followed her, she muttered to herself. “You are thinner than Trisha.”
The girls had stopped by the O’Brien mansion around 7 p.m. yesterday. They had done everything possible to ensure Selena had a wonderful night. Even though Dalett kept bringing it up, there was no drinking. Fortunately, she could not because Trisha kept shutting her out, making Selena suspicious that they were hiding something from her. She did not even think she enjoyed playing chess. Dalett claimed that was her favorite game, but Selena is skeptical of that. She had always considered herself more of an athlete than a chess player.
They both stepped down the stairs. “Wait here for me; I will be back.” Selena excused herself for a moment before heading towards a room. She came back with yoga mats and skipping ropes. “There you go.”
“How did you know those were there?” Hania’s voice caused her to look up the stairs.
“What?”
“How did you know those things were there? Did Dalett tell you?”
Dalett immediately shook her head. “I didn’t; I am as shocked as you are.”
Selena laughed. “Oh, I just know. I am not sure how I knew, but I do. I walked down the stairs, and my mind directed me to that room.”
Dalett let out a gasp. “Does that mean you are regaining your memories?”
Selena placed her empty hand on her head and started scratching. “I am not sure, it does not seem like I remember anything.” She turned her gaze back to Hania. “Where is Mom?” She asked.
How could she have known? She had not spoken to Isabel since what happened with them yesterday. “She should be somewhere around the house.” Hania’s throat cleared. She rolled her eyes. “And you do not practice yoga or jump rope. You quit for the last three years after finally getting the body you wanted. You are a better athlete now. Who enjoys basketball.” She said this as she walked away.
Selena was no longer beside Dalett when she turned her head to face her with a frown. When Selena noticed Dalett approaching the pool door, she let out a slow groan. As she opened the door, she walked to a free space and spread her mat.
“Can I borrow your phone? I am not sure I have any yoga exercises in mind.”
“I got you.” Dalett reached for the pouch that had been placed around her leg. She handed Selena her phone as she was taking it out. “Yours are in your room.” Just in case she asked, they had to remove some phone numbers from her phone, including Titus’s and Tyler’s. All except Xavier. He was her best friend as well. She must also be aware of the first person she ever liked.
Selena discovered a video on the internet. Dalett joined her as she began stretching. “What are your feelings?”
“What are you saying? Do I not look good to you?”
“You look really good,” Dalett spoke. She paused for a moment to consider whether or not to tell Selena what was on her mind. Then she fucked it. “How did you know the equipment room was in that room?”
“I said it before, and I just did. My mind led me there.”
“So, has your mind ever suggested that you might have a boy who likes you?”
When Selena heard this, she paused. She stood up straight and turned to face Dalett. “I like a boy?” Dalett hesitated to nod. “Ooof!”
“What is wrong? Are you remembering anything now?”
“Not that. I thought I liked girls.”
Dalett let out a gasp. “What? No! No! You don’t!” she yelled. “You like boys. Boys like Xavier and Ti...” She immediately covered her mouth. When she took her hand out of her mouth, she shook her head. She continued to tell herself not to mention Titus’s name. It could awaken a part of Selena. Also, Trisha is going to kill her. “I mean, Xavier.”
“I liked a guy named Xavier.”
Dalett nodded. “Yes, you did. We grew up together, and you had a big crush on him. You always beat any girl you see next to him.” Now she is exaggerating.
“I did? I did? I did all these for a guy?”
“Yes, you did. You really liked Xavier.” Speaking of which, they had not heard from Xavier since summer began.
“I cannot believe I like a boy so much that I beat up other girls. Does he like me back?” Dalett paused and cast a glance at Selena. She began to nod her head as soon as their eyes met. Faster. That was definitely a lie-telling nod. “I see. He does.”
They immediately heard a knock, which cut short Selena’s sentences. “Who could it be?” Dalett inquired. She left Selena’s side as soon as possible. She was relieved when the knock appeared. She will not have to spend another minute feeling awkward next to her best friend.
Selena followed them as they approached the door.
Dalett gasped as he opened the door. She was not expecting to see the person she did.