The Wolf

Ch. 37: Alex's Memories

~Alex~

It's always been you.

Nico's words keep echoing through my ears. Even now, days later, I can't forget what he said. I don't get it. What does he mean? Why does he always have to be so cryptic? Does he mean it in a good way or a bad way? I groan aloud.

"What's wrong, Alex?" Kayla inquires.

"Oh, it's nothing, just thinking about something that Nico said that I don't understand." My brow scrunches in concentration.

Kayla straightens my tie. "What did he say?"

"He said 'It's always been you.' What does that even mean?" I look down at Kayla who is dressed up in a long sleeve knitted red dress that hugs her frame, she looks gorgeous. Her hair is styled up in an elegant bun with pearls laced throughout the locks of hair.

Her green eyes get this weird glint in them. Before she smiles up at me. "Who knows?"

"Right?" I huff.

Kayla links her arm between mine. Tonight is the night of the Christmas party. We're both excited to finally relax and enjoy ourselves before we have to go on our mission. We walk from my house to the mess hall where the party is being held. The party is always held on Christmas Eve so that families can enjoy Christmas day together.

"So," Kayla says, "How has Nico been doing anyway? I thought that you would be hanging out with him more now that he's awake."

Snow swirls down gently from the sky, twinkling golden in the lamplight. The walkway to the mess hall is shoveled and sprinkled with salt, letting us arrive with ease. Many other couples and families are streaming into the building. Laughter and chattering can be heard all around, the jovial atmosphere helps make it feel more like a holiday.

Kayla tugs on my arm expectantly. "Did you hear what I asked?" She inquires.

"Yeah, sorry," I smile sheepishly. "We had a little falling out is all. But I think he's starting to open up to me. Well, at least it seemed like he was going to, but then he ran off again. I just don't get him sometimes."

"Oh, well, give him some time. I'm sure you guys will make up once we're on the mission." She smiles warmly while pulling me toward the party.

Festive music spills out of the open doors and lights glint off the snow. We step into the building, coming face to face with a sea of people all in their best attire. I keep Kayla close as we squeeze through the crowds. People stop to greet us and wish us happy holidays. By the time we make it to the dance floor, we must have said hi to half of the camp.

The music is nice and jolly, so Kayla and I dance with everyone else. The smell of cinnamon and apple and pine is strong in the room, adding to the Christmas appeal. A giant Christmas tree stands proudly in the corner, decorated handsomely, a large silver Luna goddess adorns the top.

"I'm parched," Kayla informs in a funny accent, "let's get something to drink."

We walk hand-in-hand to the drink table. Kayla picks out some eggnog, while I stick to old-fashioned fruit punch. I'm pouring the red liquid into my solo cup when I spot Nico at the end of the table. He's standing alone, sipping a drink, looking bored.

"Hey, isn't that Nico?" Kayla questions. "Let's go say hello."

"Sounds good," I concur.

Both of us push past a group of people to reach Nico. He looks up at us as we arrive. His face widens into a grin. "Hey, Alex. Hey, Kayla," He says brightly.