After a long morning of classes, lunchtime finally arrived. Anne and I headed to the cafeteria. Ever since the teacher mentioned we'd be going to Jhonson, I haven't been able to concentrate, and the worst part is that Kayler is going. I don't know how I'll react to seeing Will again; we were together for two years, and I grew to care for him. But it's strange because I never felt that special something I feel when I kiss Kayler. Kissing Will was different.
We got our lunch and sat at a table in the back. I told Anne what happened last night with Kayler and, above all, that I heard a howl. I kept glancing at the cafeteria entrance, hoping to see him come in. I don't know where they went. These guys are so strange. The rest of the day was super boring. Deep down, I knew something was missing. Today I would meet Kayler at the lake, and I don't know what he's going to tell me. Will I go alone today? How is he going to take me and bring me back? Pff, just talk.
Although I should be happy about it, right? That he won't take me today. Ugh! I hate this confusion. I left school after saying goodbye to Anne. I stopped in front of the road, maybe I can find a taxi or something. I urgently need a car. I imagine I'm the only one here who doesn't have one... Anne, too. At least she has a bike.
I sighed deeply.
I took out my cell phone and checked my messages. I had one from Carla. Oh, she finally remembered me. Carla was a friend from Jhonson High.
From: Carla
We miss you, friend :(
Doesn't seem like it, I thought. I didn't reply. A horn honked, startling me so much I almost dropped my phone. I looked at the car. Kayler was in front of me in his car, hiding a smile.
"You scared me!" I complained.
"Don't whine and get in," he said.
I looked at him for a few seconds, my inner voice saying: admit it, you want to get in. The damn voice is right. I bit my lower lip and got in.
"I'm only going with you because I have no other way to go," I pointed out.
He laughed.
"Whatever you say."
He started the car, and we headed towards the forest. The creepy forest.
"Kayler, I heard a howl yesterday," I commented unintentionally. I closed my eyes for a moment and looked at him again.
He glanced at me for a second and frowned.
"They're just ordinary wolves. I don't understand why you make such a big deal out of it," he said.
I rolled my eyes. I'll never convince him otherwise.
"And they're not ordinary wolves like you say, Kayler. I saw them. They were huge," I raised my voice.
"Alright, whatever you say," he calmed me.
I took a deep breath. Kayler is acting weird, unusually smiley and all. He's not like this; the last time I told him about wolves and the forest, he got very angry and tense. How strange.
The rest of the way, we were silent until we got to my house.
"I'll see you at the lake at seven," he murmured.
I looked at him. He was looking at me, and that's when my heart beat faster. Kayler's deep gaze is my weakness.
"I know."
I smiled and tried to open the door, but he stopped me. I looked back at him immediately, and before I could say anything, he took my face and kissed me. It was a soft and quick kiss. I don't even know what we are, and we're kissing. It doesn't matter; kissing Kayler is like eating chocolate, and I love chocolate.
We separated. I gave him one last look and got out as quickly as I could, closing my house door behind me. I only heard the car drive away. I don't know what's happening to me with Kayler. But I know I'll suffer; I feel it deep inside.
***
The time had come. It was seven o'clock. The moon shone in the sky, and there were thousands of super bright stars; they looked amazing. I was standing on the dock, arms crossed, looking at the sky. I admit I was a bit nervous. I don't know what Kayler will say, will it be something bad? What I do know is that curiosity is killing me.
I heard footsteps behind me. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. I smiled and turned to look, but my smile faded as soon as I saw what was standing in front of me. My breathing slowed, and I stood motionless, staring at the enormous wolf in front of me. It was the black wolf that saved me that time.
Oh God! What do I do? I put my hands over my mouth as if trying to prevent a gasp from escaping. There's no one at home; I'm alone, and I don't think I have a way out this time. But the wolf just looks at me, no growls or cold gaze. Its gaze is calm. It stepped forward until it was just inches from my face. I looked into its eyes; they were black too. It brought its nose close to my neck and sniffed. I was in shock, motionless, not knowing what to do. I closed my eyes at its touch. Then it looked at me again. It gave one last growl and ran off into the forest.
I could finally exhale when I was alone. I sat down on the dock and stayed there thinking. That wolf didn't eat me. It always does the same thing. However, when it sniffed my neck, I felt a strange sensation, a sensation I only feel with one person. And that person hasn't come. Was it a trap by Kayler? Oh my God! I don't think he's capable. I believe and trust him. I stayed there for a few minutes on my knees, trying to calm down.
"Carolina," I heard someone call. I gasped instantly and put a hand to my chest in fright.
I looked up at the person. Kayler was looking at me with concern.
"What are you doing?" he asked, leaning towards me and taking my face. I looked into his eyes; they weren't black, but... I pushed those thoughts out of my head and stood up.
"I'm fine," I murmured. "I was just... thinking."
"Alright," he said, with his hands in his pockets.
I tried to calm down. It wasn't the first time a wolf had appeared to me. I still don't understand why it doesn't harm me. He took off his shoes and sat on the dock with his feet in the water. Isn't he cold? That water is freezing. He looked at me.
"Come here," he patted the spot next to him.
"What?" I questioned. "No, that water is too cold."
He smiled sideways.
"Just come," he said.
I thought about it for a moment before complying. I took off my shoes too and sat next to him, my feet touching the water. It's freezing! Damn Kayler, only he makes me do these things. Ugh.
"Now, tell me why you asked me to meet you here," I looked at him.
He was staring at the moon. I could see his profile perfectly; he's so handsome... His nose, his mouth, his gaze. Oh no, I'm liking Kayler more than normal. I even feel something in my chest when I look at him. Then he looked at me, and seeing that I was staring at him, he laughed.
Suddenly he got serious.
"I don't know if my life is perfect," he began. "Maybe I've made mistakes, many mistakes, but I think that's what life is about, making mistakes and then learning from them. I never found someone who made me stop making those mistakes, who made me want to change, want to be a better person; because I don't want to disappoint her." He looked at me. "Carolina, I can't tell you that I haven't made mistakes because I'd be lying; in the past, I did many things I'm not proud of, but when you came into my life, everything changed. Now I just want to be with you, and I want you to be with me despite everything, no matter what happens," he finished.
I was stunned by everything he said.
"Kayler, where are you going with all this?" I asked.
He took my hands and joined them with his.
"Carolina Lane, here under the moon and the light of thousands of stars... will you be my girlfriend?"