Chapter 35: Stubborn.

HELENA. 'So, why did you come to the library again?" Caleb asked, keeping his eyes focused on the road. I shouldn't be here. I didn't want to be. I didn't want to be so close to him. His scent made me nostalgic. I recalled the way he used to stare at me whenever I read, and how he always listened about the books I read. We were happy. We were perfect. But he ruined it all. Was it him or me? I don't know. I always thought I was the perfect partner. But now, as I sat in the passenger's seat of his truck, I thought otherwise. 'I have a lot of memories there. I used to go there as a child." My voice was a little above a whisper. He glanced at me slightly, and I had to turn towards the window to hide the heat rising in my cheeks. What the hell is wrong with you Helena? I steadied my breathing. 'I understand. It's a special place for a lot of reasons. Not to mention you're a reader." The corner of his lips curved into an upward smile. I hadn't seen that smile in months. I rubbed my arms. 'Why did you come to the library? You never cared about anything like that." 'I always listened to you talk about books. I preferred it. They just weren't for me." He shrugged. 'I know that." He exhaled, driving under the bridge. There was a bit of traffic on the road, and I wasn't surprised. It was a little close to 10pm by now, and the curfew was 12am. The government decided to impose it as a result of the constant disappearances. It was eerie, strange. There were no kidnappers in Henley, but something told me those occurrences were related to something more dangerous than anyone thought. 'My uncle sent me here." He said shortly, almost reluctant. 'Which one?" Caleb had three uncles. Ignatius, Loyd, and Kelly. Out of the three, I preferred Uncle Loyd. He was very jovial and heartwarming, and easy to approach as well. Uncle Kelly made me shudder with dread. He was too mysterious. Too deadly. Uncle Ignatius was never around, so I can't say what his attitude is like. 'Uncle Kelly. Sent me to find some scroll." My heart sank. Scroll? Could it be… 'Seriously? What scroll?" My fingers were trembling now. If it was the same scroll.. 'Let's just forget about that for now. Where do I turn?" We had gotten to Gelio's, the store where he met me a few weeks ago. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn't realize when we got here. 'Left. Just keep going." I said, watching the inflow and outflow of customers. It was late, and Gelio's was still bubbling with life. He swerved the car around, and pulled up to the farmhouse. He turned off the engine, staring intently at the house. I could see Vee's silhouette from the sitting room window. She'd be worried as hell. 'Is this the farmhouse you always talked about?" Caleb's voice rang through my ears. I turned sharply at him. 'Yes." I tried opening the passenger's door. Then I realized it was locked. 'Um, can you?" 'Oh yeah, sure." He clicked the button and the door unlocked. I hurried down. 'Helena." I stopped in my tracks. I should just go. I should just walk into the house and forget this ever happened. I shouldn't think of how he smelled. I shouldn't think of how he looked at me when he pulled me out the hole. I shouldn't think of how he betrayed us….. 'Thank you, Caleb." I left him there, probably with his own thoughts. It was for the best. CALEB. It was 10pm. Helena still wasn't home. I was losing it, scratch that, I already lost it. Veronica told me to calm down, Helena isn't a child. If something was wrong she'd tell them. But what if she couldn't. Every ticking second was like an hour. Why wasn't she home yet? I grabbed a bone and began to chew on it. The hunting from the last trip had been useful after all. 'Look, she's back!" Veronica's voice rang out just as I finished the last of the bone. My ears perked up, and I dashed to the door, ready for a confrontation. We'll see how she likes it. My excitement, and or anger died down the moment I saw her face. Her face was flushed, her clothes looked dusty and worn, her hair was covered in dust and sand, and there was another scent on her…. I clenched my teeth, but maintained my calm. 'Helena.." I drawled. God I just wanted to hold her. 'Hey, I'm home." She smiled, but it looked forced. 'Sheesh mind telling someone before you run off to have fun?" Veronica said, wheeling into the living room with a smug smile. She examined Helena's form and gasped. 'Lenny…what happened?" Luna walked out of her room, and caught herself up in the situation. 'Where did you go?" She asked, narrowing her eyes. Helena rubbed her arms. Just tell us goddamnit! I could've gone over and shook her out of whatever reverie she had, but I stayed put. 'I don't wanna talk about it." Was all she said. 'Helena, come on." I reached out to her, caressing her shoulders. She looked up at me, and my eyes softened. I expected her to fall into my embrace. I wanted to feel the softness of her skin, the freshness of her scent. If she wanted to cry, I wanted her to cry in my arms. Instead, she pushed me away, and turned to go to her room. 'That was..weird." Luna's voice sounded behind me. Yeah, it was. I peered outside the window. I was too absorbed in my own anger and relief that I forgot to check who or what dropped her off here. There was still that unfamiliar scent on her, and it was almost masculine. 'I'll go check on her." Vee said, creasing her brows. She turned in her wheelchair, in the same direction Helena went. A small part of me wanted to go too, but I had no right. I went to prepare dinner, a tasty treat I found online. They called it 'Lasagne". Not exactly the weirdest name I've heard, and I've heard some pretty crazy names. After I set the plates and set down the pot, I decided to go outside and wait. What was I waiting for? I had no clue. I sat down on the porch, gazing into the night. The weather was cool. The sky was a deep shade of indigo, with several stars scattered around. The scenery here was a sharp contrast to the chaos that filled my days. I slipped to my werewolf form, allowing the wind fan my fur. The elders still hadn't replied to my message, and I was getting worried. The entire bane of my existence was being threatened. I noticed a squirrel on the ground. Its mouth was full with nuts, and another squirrel trailed behind it. Soon, the second squirrel hit the first one, unleashing all its nuts. The second squirrel didn't bother to apologize. Instead, it just moved on. 'What the…" The other squirrel remained focused, picking up his nuts. It reminded me of myself. Regardless of who tries to stop you, just keep going. I shut my eyes, my mind drifting to Lunaville. I wouldn't lie, I did miss that place. I missed the pack fights, the constant competition on who could bring back the biggest meat, and who could beat a stray. Lunaville. I remembered its towering buildings, crafted with fresh timber and stone. The intricate markings of the moon and lunar symbols on the walls of each house. The local craft shops where artisans sold their potions, gems, and trinkets. The more expensive items imbued with gods and a touch of magic. I missed it all. Would it be a good idea to go back? I heard a soft rustle followed by the creaking of hinges. Luna emerged from the house. 'They're here you know." I turned to look at her. She crossed her arms, her blue eyes shining brightly. 'Who's here?" 'The elders, Aaron. I can sense their energy." My heart sank. 'What do they want? Couldn't they have replied to my request?" Why did they have to show their 'dominance"? 'Because they're elders. I warned you, Aaron. We can keep them occupied for a while, but it'll only take so long before they find you and Helena. Nothing should happen to her." 'Says the wolf who only wants her to find a scroll." I rolled my fingers into fists. Luna exhaled, and walked back into the house. I trodded into the woods, and punched a tree in frustration. 'This isn't just fair…" I heard a small squeak behind me. Turning around, I found Luna's little blue monster. Her ears were perked up, and she looked scared. 'Hey little fella. I'm not really in the mood right now. What do you want?" She squeaked louder and tugged on my jeans, pointing in a specific direction. I narrowed my eyes, gazing at the emptiness. 'There's no one there." I whispered for no apparent reason. Just then, I noticed a faint movement within the bushes.