I'm forgetting something.

I thought as I made my way towards class.

I had this feeling ever since I woke up Saturday morning with the worst, and very first, case of hangover. I couldn't believe I had eaten freaking pot brownies!

I always knew my love for chocolate would land me in trouble.

Haley and Sam had been teasing me the entire weekend. Apparently, I turned into a whiny, over demanding brat when I was high.

The icing on the cake was how they said I had been all over Ezra! I wished the ground would open and swallow me up, especially after I caught Ezra's eyes when they said that. He'd winked, his expression as close to a smile as it had ever been.

I was a little attracted to Ezra. Okay, maybe more than a little. That must be the reason I was all over him. They say when you are drunk, your true feelings come out.

Stupid brownies.

I had been feeling exhausted the past couple of days. I spent all my time at home, either sleeping or hanging out with the others downstairs. Our cabin had become the homebase for our group.

I still couldn't believe I had made so many friends in so little time. It was pleasantly overwhelming to think about it, to think that only a few months ago the only friends I had were books, chocolate bars and the woods behind our house.

I adjusted the strap of my backpack over my black t-shirt. The walk from the cabins to the lecture halls was a lovely change of scenery. The paved road, filled with walking students instead of cars, cut through thick trees. The morning sun was warm on my arms and face, and the soft autumn breeze held notes of pines and warmth in it.

Five minutes later, I was in the lecture hall where my first class of college would be held. It was both thrilling and nerve-wrecking. The white walls blended in with the floor. Black tiered seats behind connected white desks. And a massive chalkboard behind the professor's desk below.

Students sat on the professor's desk, on the front row desks, some stood around the room. It seemed like everyone knew everyone.

I glanced around. There were a few familiar faces I'd spotted the past week, but never spoke to. I also spotted Sarah and her blond friend sitting on the front row with a group of students standing nearby. Remembering my past experience in the cafeteria with them, I just walked past them to a seat on the other end of the class.

Blondie scoffed. "Someone should put her in her place. She's been sticking to him like glue."

I kept walking. She wouldn't be talking about me, right? I shook my head and chose a seat. I checked my phone. No missed calls, no new messages. I chewed on my bottom lip. Should I call again? Or maybe leave another message?

Thud.

I snapped my head up. The group of students I'd walked past were snickering. A brown haired guy was on his knees on the floor next to them, trying to gather the things spilled out of his backpack.

One of the guys from the group, with a mass of brownish, gelled back hair, fist bumped his friend.

"Nice move!" The girl squealed.

"He didn't even see my leg! like, what the hell!"

A few students around the class looked over, some disapproving, but no one moved. Something hot unfurled in my chest. I rose and made my way toward them.

"What the heck is wrong with you?" I asked the obnoxious guy. He just laughed harder, running his fingers through his greasy hair. I crouched to help the brown-haired guy with his things.

"Hey! We don't need his ugly mug around, he should just disappear," the prick said out loud.

I stood up with a few notebooks and glared at him. "What we don't need is that greasy shock on your head you call hair."

Ugly Hair sneered, taking a step forward. "You little -"

"Alright, everyone. Take your seats!" The professor called, striding through the door.

Ugly Hair scowled at me, then dispersed with the rest of his friends to their seats.

I smiled at the guy I'd helped and nodded my head to my seat. Wide-eyed, he smiled back hesitantly and followed me.

The classroom buzzed with movements as students took their seats.

"Thanks," he mumbled sinking to the seat next to me. "You didn't have to do that."

"Don't worry about it," I said. "I'm Orla by the way."

"Blake," the guy mumbled, his back hunched. His brown hair fell in soft curls over his blue eyes. He pushed them back, but they just bounced back down.

"Nice to meet you," I said. He smiled and looked down, shifting in his seat. The professor called our attention, and class started.

Blake was nice enough to show me the way to our next class. I didn't know my way around that well, so I appreciated his help.

He was tall and lanky, not as tall as Ezra. I doubted anyone was. We chatted the entire way to our next class then played tic-tac-toe when it got too boring and bonded over our mutual love for chocolate. We just clicked.

Heappeared shy, but the longer we spoke, the more he opened up. By the time we made our way to lunch together, he was comfortable around me. Comfortable enough to tease me when I told him how I had gotten high on brownies at the bonfire party.

We strolled to the cafeteria, the midday sun bringing out reddish highlights in Blake's hair. "I swear I'll never look at brownies the same," I said. "I don't even know if I'll be able to eat them again."

"I don't envy you. Brownies are my favorites."

"I'm just glad my friends were there. I don't know what could've happened if they weren't. I don't remember anything."

"You didn't miss much," Blake said, putting his hands in his jean pickets, hunching his shoulders further. "The party was wrapped up early anyways."

"Really?" I didn't hear about this. "Why?"

Blake's eyes flickered away. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Apparently, there was a loose wild animal running around. They made everyone go inside."

"What? Are there wild animals in the woods here?" I looked at the woods on either side of the road. The thick trees stretched deep as far as the eye could see.

"Yeah," Blake mumbled. "But they captured it, I think..."

I wondered why Ashley and the others didn't tell me about it. Maybe they didn't think it was important, especially since the animal was already captured. Yeah, that must be it.

"When you said friends earlier, you mean his hi-I mean, Ezra and the others, right?"

"How do you know?" I asked, trying to play it cool despite the heat rising to my face.

Blake chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, they're sort of a big shot around here. And you've been hanging out with them since day one, so..."

"Oh."

"Yeah, 'oh'" Blake snickered.

I slapped his arm playfully. "I mean, I know they must be poplular since they're part of the student council..."

Blake frowned for a second before his expression cleared up and he nodded. "Yeah. Right. The student council."

We reached the cafeteria and joined the line of hungry students. After piling food and dessert on my plates, I scanned the dining hall for familiar faces. They were nowhere to be seen, so I sat in an empty table and Blake took the seat across from me.

Blake was easy going once he opened up. We chatted lightly as we ate. After a few minutes, a familiar voice called my name.

"Hey!" Haley said, her bright eyes twinkling. Ashley, Zach and Ezra followed. Ezra looked between me and Blake, and for once, I couldn't quite place the emotion in his eyes. Was he angry?

Blake looked down, his grip around the fork white-knuckled.

"How was your first class?" Haley asked, sitting to my left. Ashley and Zach next to Blake. Ezra sat to my right.

My chair screeched against the floor. My eyes widened. Ezra dragged it closer to him until our arms touched.

"What are you doing?" I asked, looking at him. Big mistake. He had bent his head down so his face was inches from mine. I was very sure my face was beginning to resemble a tomato.

"Nothing," he whispered, his eyes melting with affection. My heart danced. He straightened and focused his intense gaze on his plate. I turned my head, stabbing an asparagus with my fork, my heart still misbehaving.

Blake looked like he'd just seen a ghost. He gaped, looking between Ezra and me.

"Orla, you didn't introduce your friend," Haley said, her face breaking to a grin. What did she find so amusing?

"Oh. Sorry. This is Blake," I said. "Blake, this is Haley, Ashley, Zach and Ezra."

Zach smiled, replying almost absentmindedly as he cut through his steak, "we know Blake."

"You do?" I frowned. Blake never said he personally knew them.

"Yeah, we're from the same town," Ashley said. Then mumbled, "so to speak."

"Really? I didn't know."

"So how did you guys meet?" Haley asked.

"Class, same major" I answered, Blake smiled at me and I returned it.

Ezra's knee bumped against mine. I looked over.

"Sorry," he mumbled, taking a sip of his water.

Lunch progressed that way. Ezra seemed to be extremely touchy feely today. He'd bump his knee against mine, or press his arm to me, or lay his arms around my chair, grazing my hair.

He was acting odd. Blake as well. He seemed thoughtful, almost subdued, and he never looked up at Ezra. I guess they weren't close?

We all made our way back together. Blake's cabin was in the same street as ours. He looked almost relieved when we reached it. He waved a stick goodbye and all but sprinted to his cabin, slamming the door behind him.

I frowned. He was acting like he was... afraid of Ezra. My eyes went to the supposed culprit. He was looking at Ezra's cabin.

"Do you not like him or something?" I asked. The others were ahead of us. Ezra raised his eyebrow.

"Blake," I clarified.

His hand, which had been against my back, moved to my waist and squeezed lightly. I jumped and yelped. "Eeeh! Don't do that."

His eyes smiled down at me. "Do what?"

He squeezed my waist again and I jumped. "That!" I said, my voice high-pitched. I tried moving away, but he just pulled me closer, his hand tightening on my waist. I giggled, trying to wiggle away. "Stop! I'm ticklish."

One corner of his lips tugged up. "You are?"

A few people lingering around gave us odd looks. I didn't care. His half smile took my breath away. We were almost to our cabin, where the others had disappeared. A devious light sparkled in Ezra's eyes.

His other hand came to my waist, and before I could understand his intention, he was tickling me. The tingles on my skin where his warmth touched only made it worse. I giggled and squealed. Ezra's smile stretched, and I would've been mesmerized if my lungs weren't screaming for oxygen.

By miracle, I managed to pry his hands off and escaped to my cabin. I barreled inside, out of breath and a huge grin splitting my face.

Ashley, Zach and Haley looked amused. They must've heard my annoying high-pitched screams from here.

I plopped down on the couch next to Haley, still wheezing. She winked. "Having fun?"

I didn't have a response, so I just stuck my tongue out. Very mature.

Ezra walked in, more elegantly than I did, and took the seat beside me. I hugged my sides protectively, giving him a warning look that was no doubt ruined by the smile I couldn't hold back.

He inched closer to me, as Zach and Ashley talked about a class they all had together. My muscles slowly relaxed, and I leaned back in the couch.

Exhaustion descended on me like a heavy blanket. I yawned. The combination of the food and the remainder of my hangover, no doubt. My eyelids felt heavy. I closed my eyes. Just for a little bit

Their voices lulled me to sleep. Warmth surrounded me, and tingles flittered across my skin. I stirred.

"Shh. Rest." A deep voice whispered. It was reassuring. I snuggled closer to the warmth and surrendered to sleep.

I was in the dark woods. The sound of music in the distance filled my ears. Two guys argued about something. Their faces were obscured by the darkness, and their voices muffled, as if I was underwater. The tall shadows of trees all around me swayed, their branches reaching for me like maleficent fingers.

My heart thumped hard and fast. I stood frozen. Suddenly, one of the men was in my face, murmuring something unintelligible. Then he buried his face in my neck.

Pain.

There was pain but I didn't move. I couldn't. I wanted to scream. But it felt like I was in the middle of viscous dark lava and my body couldn't obey no matter how much my mind screamed.

Something was awfully wrong. I felt in my gut. But all I could do was stand still as the pain continued.

I woke up with a start, my arms flailing. I could move. My breath came out in shallow, loud gasps.

With shaky fingers, I touched my neck. I could still feel the sharp sting of pain.

I scrambled out of my bed and ran to the bathroom. I checked my neck in the mirror. The skin was smooth. The fantom pain disappeared.

It felt so real...

I shook my head. Don't be silly. It was just a dream.

I splashed cold water on my face and looked at my reflection. My mismatched eyes stared back, huge in my pale face. A droplet of water dripped from my chin into the sink.

"It's just a dream."

But the niggling foreboding in the pit of my stomach refused to disappear.

I left the bathroom. The blinds in my room were drawn, bathing it in darkness. The sun shone through the edges of the curtains. Daylight was still strong outside. I checked the time. Three P.M.

I frowned to myself. How had I made it up to my bed? The last thing I remembered was dozing off on the couch while the others were speaking.

The memory of tingles and warmth broke goosebumps over my skin. I knew exactly how I made it up here, and the thought made me bite back a smile, feeling warmth flood my face.

I peeked out the window. The weather was nice and the woods looked inviting. Taking a stroll out there would rid me of the sinking feeling the nightmare left me with. Yeah. A walk in the woods sounded very nice.

The cabin was empty. I slipped out through the back door. The grass crunched under my feet, the majestic evergreens standing tall and proud all around me. A soft breeze rustled their leaves and brushed against my skin, fanning away the remnants of the nightmare.

I took a deep breath, letting the greenery all around me heal my eyes. This felt nice.

I was deep enough to see the cabins through the trees in the distance. I stopped walking. Blake had said there were wild animals. I liked animals, but an encounter with a bear or a wild cat wasn't in my bucket list.

I sank down on the ground, leaning my back against a tree, and closed my eyes. My thoughts cleared up as the woods settled in around me.

A soft sound stirred the air.

My eyes blinked open and I was looking at a gray puppy.

It was the same one I had fell down chasing the other day. I smiled. He was sitting a few feet away on his haunches, his head tilted and his tongue lolling out. His oversized ears flickered.

Oh my gosh! He was so adorable!

I reined in my squeal. I didn't want to scare him like last time, so I sat completely still. To my utter delight, the puppy cautiously advanced towards me. I looked at him over my stretched out legs. He bent his small head and sniffed my sneakers. Then he moved to my legs. He approached slowly but steadily. My hand laid on the ground, and I kept still as he sniffed at it. He was so close now! His nose felt cold against my skin. The gray puppy looked up. Then he licked my hand.

Aaah! So freaking cute!

I raised my hand slowly. He watched it approach his head. He didn't move. I took that as a good sign and scratched his neck. His eyes fluttered shut and I almost died. Cuteness overload.

He turned his head and licked my hand, then he was jumping over me and playing around me. I laughed when he attacked my braid, laying over my shoulder. After a few minutes, he stopped and laid down with his head on my lap. I petted his side. His ribs stuck out. He was so thin.

Maybe he lost his mother?

The sky was growing dark when I decided it was time for me to head back. I didn't want to leave him alone. Should I take him home?

The puppy made the decision for me. He sauntered behind me the entire way back to my cabin. At the edge of the woods, I crouched and looked at him. He tilted his head and nudged my hand with his nose. Awe.

"You better hope Ashley doesn't mind." I picked him up and went inside.

Everyone was inside, sitting or standing around the kitchen island. They all looked at me, looked at the puppy.

Then Sam laughed out loud. "Oh my god! The irony!"

Um... what? What was he going on about? The puppy snuggled closer to me. Ashley approached slowly, her eyes on the puppy.

"Orla, you know what that is, right?"

"Uh..." I held the puppy up to my face. His ears flickered. I frowned and looked at Ashley. "A puppy?"

"Yes, but what kind of puppy? iIt's not a dog puppy" She came closer and petted the puppy's head. she leaned her head closer and... Did she just sniff?

"What do you mean?" I asked.

She sighed and straightened up. "It's a wolf."

"A what?!" I shouted looking down at the gray fur ball in my arms. He looked up, blinking his big dark eyes at me.

I immediately knew I didn't care wether it was a dog or a wolf. I would take care of him as long as I could.

I looked up at Ashley, doing my best to imitate the puppy's eyes. "Can we keep him?"

Ashley bit her lips. "Well, he doesn't smell like his mother is still around. He was probably abandoned."

"What do you mean he doesn't smell like it?" I asked.

Her eyes widened. She laughed a little, glancing away. "I mean... I said it doesn't seem like his mother is still around. You know, since he looked a little too skinny."

"Oh." I nodded. "So, can we?"

"I don't know." She sighed. "He's not just a dog, you know."

My shoulders slumped down. "But he's all alone," I mumbled, feeling a pang of sympathy for the abandoned pup.

Ashley sighed again and looked at Ezra. As he came closer, the puppy whimpered, his ears flattening and he pressed deeper into my arms. "Shh, it's okay," I cooed, rubbing his furry neck.

"He's adorable," Haley said, coming to stand next to me. His ears flickered up and he raised his head from the crook of my arm to look at her.

"Awe! Can I hold him?" She asked as Gray sniffed her hand. I handed him to her. After a thorough sniff, he snuggled into her arms just as easily.

"I'm definitely voting for keeping it!" Haley said. "How could you not want to. It's so damn cute."

"He's a wolf, Haley. It's not going to be as easy as a dog," Ezra said, his hands lazily resting low on his hips.

"Pleaaaaase, I'll take care of him! I promise!"

I had no idea why I was begging Ezra. I should be begging Ashley. She was my roommate. But she seemed to wait for Ezra to give his okay before she agreed, for whatever reason. I didn't really care what I had to do as long as she agreed to let me keep him in our cabin.

Ezra's expression softened. He sighed and looked at Ashley for a few seconds. It was like they were communicating without speaking. A telepathic conversation? I internally snorted at my silly thought.

Ezra looked like he was about to give in, so I gave him one last push. I tilted my head to catch his eyes. I widened my eyes and blinked, trying my best for a puppy-eyed look. Was it working?

"Please, Ezra," I said. "Pretty please?"

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, then nodded, his eyes resigned.

I squealed, grinning so wide it hurt my cheeks. I didn't even realize what I was doing before I threw my hands around Ezra's waist and hugged him tightly. "Thank you thank you thank you!"

Ezra stiffened for a fraction of a second before his arms came around me, hugging me to him just as tightly. Tingles exploded all over my body.

"You're welcome," he whispered, and I felt his nose on my crown, his chest rose as he inhaled deeply before letting out a long breath.

I squirmed in his arms before he let me go, rather reluctantly. Heat crawled up my neck. I had just hugged him in front of everyone.

Wait? So if the others weren't here, it would be okay? Ugh. I didn't even want to think about it. Turning on my heels towards Haley and Ashley, who had been watching us with matching smiles.

The girls and I sat down on the living room carpet and let Gray down. He sniffed around, his ears flickering and his tail wagging.

"Man, you're whipped, Ezra." Sam snickered. I looked towards them. Ezra was leaning on the island with his elbow, his eyes trained on me. I looked away, but not before I saw him shrug.

"Dude, aren't you even going to deny it?" Sam asked with an incredulous laugh.

"Why would I? I am whipped."

My eyes snapped back to Ezra's. He winked before turning his attention to Sam and Zach.

Oh...Oh my... Did he just admit to what I think he did?

Haley nudged my side playfully, snapping me out of my thoughts. She and Ashley were grinning like cheshire cats. Gray played around with the frills of Haley's skirt.

I had never had a boyfriend. Even my friendships had been distant and shirt-lived. I was sort of known as a crazy chick back home. So people, especially boys, gave me wide berth. It never really bothered me, though. I never been eager to have a boyfriend, maybe friends, yes. But not really a boyfriend.

Not that I wanted Ezra to be my boyfriend. Well, I did... I mean I wouldn't say no. But it's not like I expected him to ask me or anything, not that I'd say no. Did that mean I'd say yes.

Ugh, I didn't even know what I mean!

Moving on!

Gray flattened against the carpet, his cute little bum wiggling in the air as his tail moved back and forth so fast, before he threw himself on my fingers that were absent-mindedly playing with the plush carpet naps.

The girls and I giggled when he nipped at my fingers.

"I wonder if the grocery store here has some dog food?" I wondered out loud.

"I doubt it," Ashley answered. "They only have the bare necessities, really."

"Oh."

I should take the bus to the closest town, then, as soon as possible.

"We'll go grocery shopping tomorrow," Ezra said, coming to crouch next to us, his knee touched my arm. Gray looked at him, his ears flattening against his head and his tail tucked in.

Ezra held his palm out for the puppy, who sniffed at it before licking it.

I smiled at him. "You don't have to. I can go on my own."

He shook his head, running his hand on Gray's fur. The pup straightened, looking more at ease around Ezra. "I want to. I need to buy some things. Do you have classes in the afternoon?"

"No. I have one morning class." Gray climbed into my lap and tried nipping at my fingers again. I tugged gently on his ear.

"Good, we'll go after," Ezra said, watching the puppy.

Gray put his paws on my chest and licked my face, then nipped at my chin, making the girls chuckle.

"So, what did you name the new brat?" Sam asked, coming to sit on the couch with Zach. Ashley leaned back against Zach's legs, and he ran his fingers through her hair.

"Gray," I answered.

Sam snorted. "Very original."

I smirked. "You call me Little Red, so you're not one to talk."

"Touché!" Zach said, giving me a high five.

"And I bet you just named him Gray without knowing if he was a male of a female," Sam replied smugly.

I froze, my lips slightly ajar. I hadn't even considered it. I just assumed it was a he. "How do- Is it- can you tell?" I stammered looking at Sam. He laughed out, slapping his thigh.

I narrowed my eyes at Sam and picked up Gray, holding him, or her, eye level with me.

"That's not how you check!" Sam wheezed out, holding his stomach. Zach joined him.

My face grew hot and I glared at them.

"I know!" I mumbled. I did know, I just thought maybe I could tell from his, or her, face. I didn't want to check his down there with all these eyes watching. It would be embarrassingg, for both Gray and me.

"It's a boy," Ezra said, his eyes smiling.

"How can you tell?"

"I checked earlier," he mumbled and looked away. I frowned. Was there guilt in his eyes?

I frowned but nodded slowly. When? I didn't remember him checking.

Ashley, Haley and I had fun giving Gray a shower after dinner. He was the cutest, fluffiest fur ball after we had blow dried him. Ashley gave him some ham and we took him outside for a while. Fortunately, he did his business there before we turned in for the night. He slept next to me on bed, snuggling inside my comforter with me.

The next morning I woke up to Gray jumping all over me with his soft paws. I gave him more ham, that was what we had that he could eat so far, and took his outside again.

I left him curling on the couch and went to class, my mood buoyant. I had maths this morning. I took it as an elective because I had wanted to. I loved math.

Shocking, I know.

The classroom wasn't as crowded. The professor gave us a forty five minutes placement test. I finished it in twenty and walked with my paper towards the teacher.

He glanced up from his book, his thick-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. "A question, miss?"

"No, I uh- I actually finished," I said, my voice pitched low in the quiet of the classroom, giving him my paper. His brows raised slightly. He scanned my answer sheet. I went back to my seat and started doodling a puppy figure. I wonder what Gray was doing?

"Miss White," the professor called after a couple of minutes. I made my way there. A few students turned to look.

The professor pushed his glasses up his nose and looked at me through the spectacles. "The answers are all correct," he mumbled, rummaging through a stack of documents on his desk. He pulled out a sheet of paper and gave it to me. "Why don't you give this a go, please."

I took the test and was back at his desk in fifteen minutes. He held up his finger when I moved to go back to my seat. "A moment."

He scanned my answers, then nodded to himself. "As I expected. This class will be a walk in the park for you. How do you feel about advancing to the sophomore program?"

Oh. "I don't mind."

"Perfect," he scribbled something on a note, folded it, then on another wrote a classroom number and handed both notes to me. "I believe Mr. Brock is holding a class right now. Why don't you join them straight away."

"Right now?" I asked taking the note from him.

He nodded and waved me on. "Yes. Someone on your level will only be wasting time here. Mr. Brock's class is more advanced, you'll learn more. Go on."

I picked up my things and made my way to the class scribbled on the note. My steps echoed in the silent hallways. It hadn't even been an hour since classes began. I found the correct class after a few minutes of being lost.

The class was in full swing, I could see through the small window on the door. My heart skipped. I knocked and got in.

The professor and students all turned my way. Feeling self-conscious, I made my way to the professor and gave him the note. Students whispered among themselves, and I could feel the heavy weight of their eyes. Must be my imagination.

He hummed while reading it, then gave me a kind smile, waving to the seats. "Go on, Miss White. Take a seat."

I turned, scanning the class for an empty seat, when a flailing arm caught my attention. A relieved smile broke free on my face. I beelined to where Haley, Ashley, Zach and Ezra sat in the third row, occupying one of the long tables of the tiered seats.

They made space for me, and I sat next to Haley on the edge. "Hey," I whispered. My eyes flickered to Ezra, who was already looking at me. I smiled, and his eyes smiled back.

The murmurs of the class grew louder. The professor clapped his hand. "Settle down, please. Miss White will be joining our class from now on.

"She's a freshman!" A girl called from the front row. I frowned.

Haley cursed under her breath. "That little bitch."

The professor raised his brows at the girl. "I believe I run this class, Miss Daniels. But you're right, Miss White is a freshman. Her professor judged she will benefit more in taking an advanced class." The professor found me and said. "If you have a problem, Miss White, feel free to ask for help."

I nodded.

"Now, where were we?" The professor said, turning to the white board.

Ashley leaned over Haley and grinned at me. "Smart cookie."

I smiled sheepishly.

The class was pleasantly challenging. I loved it. Although Haley almost ripped her hair out by the end.

The bell rang, and we filed out of the class. We decided to go to town then. Ezra and Zach went ahead to fetch their cars, which, according to the girls, were kept somewhere close by. I had no idea where they could keep them other than on campus. We were in the middle of the woods.

We checked on Gray, who welcomed us home with tail wiggles and a dollop of poop right in the middle of the floor. Thank God he didn't do it on the carpet.

We cleaned up and took him outside for while. I wished there was a doggy door.

We waited for the boys in front of our cabin. Students were heading to or from lunch.

"You're all coming along?" I asked Haley with a smile.

"Yes. But don't worry," Haley said, her eyes twinkling. "I'll ride with Zach and Ashley."

I frowned. "Why would I worry?"

"Well, you'll be riding with Ezra, of course. So we'll Gove you guys some privacy." She wiggled her eyebrows.

I gaped at her, feeling my face burn. "Why would we need privacy?! If anything, it's Zach and Ashely who'd need it. They're the couple here."

"Oh sweetie! Zach and I have plenty of private moments, don't worry," Ashley said. "Besides, who said we're the only couple here?"

"Wha- But- We- We're not a couple?!" I whisper yelled. Why did it come out as a question?

"Not yet," Haley and Ashley said at the same time, then looked at each other with wide smiles while my face exploded with heat.

"Ugh, you guys!" I groaned, burying my face in my hands.

The sound of engines approaching drowned out their laughter. Two black cars ran down the street. I had no idea what brand they were, except that they were sleek and smooth. If airplanes were cars and black, they would look like that.

They stopped right by us. Zach and Sam stepped out of one, while Ezra and another guy exited the other.

"Is Jason coming along?" Ashley asked, wrapping her arm around Zach's waist when he came closer.

"No," Ezra replied.

The blonde guy looked at me, his green eyes piercing. He was built like a tree trunk, tall but stocky. He was almost taller than Ezra, which was special in itself.

But even shorter than Jason, Ezra stood out next to him. For some reason, he exuded a sense of authority and power. Maybe it was the way he walked, the way he talked or simply the way he held himself, but everyone around seem to show deep respect and admiration, even fear at times, towards him.

"Oh, you haven't really met yet" Ashley said, looking between me and the new guy, Jason.

Ezra stood next to me, his hand on my back. "Orla, this is Jason."

I smiled at Jason. "Hi."

He bowed his head deeply in a very formal greeting. Oh. Maybe he grew up somewhere in Asia? I bowed my head as well.

When I looked up, Ashley hid her face in Zach's chest. Zach's face faced away from me, like Haley and Sam, their shoulders shaking.

Was something amusing?

Ezra and Jason stared at each other for a long moment. It reminded me of yesterday, when I thought he and Ashley were having a telepathic conversation.

Weird...

Jason walked down the street. Ezra sighed and looked down at me. "Ready?"

"Yeah."

"Alright. Let's go."

Everyone rushed to Zach's car, except Jason who walked away down the street. Ezra opened the passenger door of his car and waved me in with an elegant sweep of his hand.

"Thanks," I mumbled, ducking inside. He closed the door and rounded the car to the driver's side.

The leather under my fingertips was cool. I shifted, feeling the chill seeping into my butt. The silky black interior matched Ezra' esthetic, with his all black closet and stark demeanor. Maybe he matched the car to his personality. I smiled at the thought.

Ezra got in the car, and it was suddenly small. He rolled down both windows, and we drove out of campus.

At the main gate of the university, the guard stood outside his booth, his head bowed. I frowned, glancing at him as we rolled by. What's with all the bowing today?

The engine's purr was the only sound, but the silence was comfortable. The trees on either side of the road thinned out the farther we got from the university.

The open windows let in a cool breeze. It was pleasant in the beginning, but as time went by, goosebumps broke over my skin. I hugged myself.

"Cold?" Ezra asked.

"Just a little. It's okay," I said.

"It's not," he grumbled, closing both windows and turning on the heater. Oooh, the seat was heated as well. My butt was very grateful for that.

Ezra's knuckles turned white on the steering wheel. Glanced at him. His nostrils flared and a muscle ticked in his jaw.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

He gave a firm nod. Ok, then. I focused on the passing scenery. With the windows closed, the car smelled like Ezra. I shivered, and this time it wasn't from the cold.

"So, you're a math genius," he suddenly blurted out.

I chuckled. "I don't know about a genius. I just like it."

"You like math?"

I grinned. "Odd, I know."

He glanced at me, his eyes full with an emotion that made my blood turn warm. "A good kind of odd."

"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up. Was it getting hot in here or was it just me?

We drove in silence until he broke it again, much to my surprise. "What did you mean the other day? When you said our eyes are different."

I stared at him in confusion until it hit me.

Oh! His father and him!

"I'm not really sure..." I chewed on my bottom lip. "Something is so different about them, but I can't put my finger on it."

Ezra nodded slowly, as if he knew what I was talking about.

"It probably doesn't make any sense. I mean, you guys are almost identical."

"No. You're not the only one," he mumbled. The sadness in his eyes made my heart ache.

The car stopped. We were in the parking lot of a Walmart. It was located on the fringe of a small town down the road.

The parking lot was mildly crowded. Zach parked right next to us. I stepped out and shivered, the air outside was cooler compared to the toasty car. I stretched my arms up with a groan. Haley thought it would be funny to poke my vulnerable side then. I squealed, hugging my sides. She laughed and ran ahead.

"I'll get you back for it!" I called. Ezra put his arm around my shoulder, and we walked to the store.

I was grateful for his warmth. I wanted to hug him. I fisted my hands together and settled for leaning into his side. He generated enough warmth to rival a heater.

How could he be so warm with only a t-shirt on? His body must be working in very different way from mine.

Sam and Zach were each pushing a cart. Ashley was sandwiched between Zach and his cart, her feet on that bar in the bottom of the cart and her hands on the handle next to Zach's.

Ooooh! That looked like fun! Apparently, I wasn't the only one with that thought.

"Sam! I want to try that, too!" Haley said, tugging on sam's arm.

"I'm not your ma- boyfriend! There's no way I pushing your heavy ass around."

"I am not heavy!" Haley protested, slapping his arm. They bickered while we made our way to the pet section.

There were so many kinds of food I was in a loss. I observed the array of brands. "What do wolves like to eat?"

Someone choked. I turned to find Zach rubbing his chest in discomfort.

"Yeah, Ezra," Sam said, his smile cheeky. "You should know best. What do wolves like to eat?"

I heard a growl and I jumped, looking around with wide eyes. What the heck was that? Did someone bring their dog into the store? But it sounded so close, and there was no one in the aisle other than us. The others all looked like they hadn't heard it. It must be the next aisle.

"Meat," Ezra said, glaring at Sam. "We should get him a diverse diet. Some dry kibble and different kinds of meat will do."

We. He said 'we'. I didn't know why, but that made me feel so cozy and fuzzy inside.

We got Gray's food and some treats, then we headed for the tools section. Ezra and Zach crouched down, studying something on the bottom shelf.

"You're making a pet door?" I asked, wide-eyed, when Sam told me why we were here. "On the door of the cabin?"

"No, on the window," Sam said with a teasing grin. I ignored him.

Ezra nodded. "Yes. It'll be easier for him to get in and out when you're not around."

"But it's school property," I said. "Won't we like, get in trouble?"

Ezra and Zach stood up, dropping things in the cart. Ashley chuckled. "We won't. Don't worry."

Haley snorted. "Orla, sweety. You can paint all the cabins pink and you won't get into trouble for it."

"Why in the world would I not get into trouble?" I asked.

"Because it's you," she said nudging my arm with a wink and a cheeky smile.

I stopped in my track for a few seconds before following as they all walked ahead.

huh?

We reached the grocery section, and they all piled items into the cart. There was so much I wanted to buy, especially some chocolate truffles I spied in the candy aisle. The scholarship did provide a decent monthly allowance, and I had some saved up from working part-time during high school. But caring for Gray would cost me money, and I needed to save for emergency. So I only got the bare necessities.

"No snacks?" Haley asked, making me wrench my gaze from the truffles. I gulped. Drooling would be embarrassing.

"No, no snacks." I smiled, linking my arm through hers and walking away from the chocolate temptation.

At the checkout, Ezra took out a black credit card when it was my turn to pay. I pushed his hand. "What are you doing?"

"Paying," he said.

"No! I'll pay for my things," I said. He was being very kind. Already, taking me grocery shopping and getting the pet door were more than enough. There was no reason for him to pay for my things. It was like taking advantage of him and I didn't like that.

He opened his mouth. Ashley nudged him. He looked at her, then sighed and put his card back. I smiled at him. "Thank you for offering."

He gave a nod, a muscle twitching in his jaw.

The boys transferred everything to the cars, then we drove to lunch. The closest diner was busy. We filled a corner booth. I sat between Ezra and Haley.

The poor waiter's eyes almost bugged out at the amount of food we ordered. Zach, Ezra and Ashley being the ones who ordered the most. Haley and I decided to split a pizza, and I ordered a serving of onion rings, which Sam kept stealing.

I was swatting Sam's hand away when my phone rang. I startled and scrambled to get it out of my pocket. The caller ID made my heart jumped. I grinned so wide my molars were probably showing. "Excuse me," I told Ezra.

He scooted out of the way to let me through, his eyes inscrutable, and I ran outside to take the call.

"Hello? Mom?"

There was rustling on the other side of the line and unintelligible voices. I walked along the sidewalk.

"Hello?" I repeated.

More rustling before my mother spoke. "Hello? who's this?"

"Mom, it's me, Orla." I frowned, standing with my back to the diner's glass wall.

"Orla." My mother sighed. "What is it?"

"Um- you called," I replied, tugging on the edge of my sweatshirt.

"Alexander was playing with my phone. He obviously called you by mistake."

"Oh." I said, disappointment clear in my voice.

"Well, bye then."

"Wait, mom!"

"What?" She sighed.

"Um- I left you a message the other day. You weren't picking up."

"I know."

"You know?"

"Yes, I know, Orla," she said, a familiar thread of annoyance seeping into her voice. "Look, I'm busy, what do you want?"

"Nothing, I just..you didn't call back..." I trailed off, swallowing past the knot in my throat.

"Why do you want me to call? huh? You're in college now, grow up and live your own life," she bit off. "Is it money you need?"

"What? No, I don't-"

"If you do, you better learn to work for it. You're no longer my responsibility. Grow up."

"I-I don't need money," I mumbled, hating how small and shaky my voice sounded.

"Then what the hell do you want?!" She almost shouted. "I thought sending you to college would be the end of it, but you just... Bye, Orla."

The line died. My hand dropped. My chest felt tight. I took deep breaths and rubbed my sternum. Thunder crackled in the distance, and a chilling wind blew.

Shoving my phone in my pockets, I took a few seconds to compose myself before plastering a smile on my face and going back inside.

Ezra stood to let me in. I couldn't meet any of their eyes, afraid they could see through my fake smile.

"Who was it?" Haley asked after I sat down.

"My Um- My mom," I said taking a big bite of my slice of Pizza, chewing on my pathetic mess of a life.

We ate quietly, the noise of the diner keeping us company. It was as if they felt my mood. No one said a word to me and I didn't either. After drowning my sorrow in food, we left the diner and drove back to campus. The weather had been nice this morning, now gray clouds dimmed the sky and rain drizzled down.

I leaned my head against the window, staring absentmindedly at the passing scenery and pondering on my life. The rain came down harder, the rhythmic swishing of the wipers the only sound in the car.

It only takes one moment for things to turn from bright to somber, one stupid mistake committed by an eight year old deprived her of her father, deprived her mother of her loving husband, and deprived a child of never knowing his father.

An eight year old pulled a trigger, thinking it was a toy, and shot the man who took her in as one of his own.

Stupid eight year old me.

I swallowed back the tears right as I felt warmth envelop one of my fisted hands in my lap.

I glanced at the large warm hand then at Ezra. His focus was on the road. But the way he squeezed my hand told me he knew. He knew there was a storm roaring inside my heart.

I looked out of my window again. Opening my hand, I turned it so our palms touched, then linked my fingers with his. He squeezed my hand.

And for the rest of the way back, the rain outside subsided, and my heart felt a little lighter.

--- ---- ---

Hey guys!

This was a pretty long chapter. I hope you enjoyed it.

Also, it's not thoroughly edited, so if you notice any mistakes, please point them out in the comments. I appreciate it.

Don't forget to vote and comment.

Much love <3 <3 <3

M.B.