I wish I didn't have to return home and go back to reality. I actually had a good time on Saturday, but now it was time to face everyone at school after that confrontation with Blake, and I definitely wasn't ready. One person I would have to face is Wesley, who I completely forgot about when I was wrapped up in everything that has happened. Truthfully, I was being selfish, enjoying myself at that lake while Wesley was hurting. His hurting is because of me—because I said something out loud that I shouldn't have. I had no right. It's his dad and his life. All I can do is pray that he doesn't hate me. I would never have a chance with him now, and I don't blame him.
"You okay, Rae?" Sawyer asked while I stared at the front of the school.
After taking in a deep breath, I answered him, "Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks for walkin' me today by the way. It's been awhile."
Sawyer put his hand behind his head awkwardly and squinted his eyes.
"Yeah, sorry about that."
"It's okay. I know why now, so I understand. I'm just happy to have my brother back," I accepted his apology and playfully shoved him. "Are you gonna go back on the team?"
He looked away solemnly, avoiding eye contact.
"Uh...no," he sighed and gave me a sad smile. "That was my dream before I changed, and it will always stay a dream. I can't risk hurtin' anyone if I loose control, and there's no way I would leave my pack to go to college. I wouldn't want to."
"But, Sawyer, you love football and have always wanted to make it to the NFL. You can't just give it up."
I rested my hand on his shoulder. It made me sad to see my brother give up on something that he loves, especially because of something that is in no way his fault.
He looked up at me, and his face showed no hint of regret, almost like he was content.
"Rae, I'm okay with givin' it up. At first I was mad, but then I came to terms with it. I've changed, and not just into what I am now. I'm different and have different priorities. Things aren't the same anymore for me. I promise you that I'm fine with not playin' football. I have an entire pack now, and they have showed me things more important than just throwin' a ball."
Looking into his blue eyes, I knew he meant what he said. When he spoke about his pack, I could see the pride he has for them. In a way, him turning into a werewolf has made him into a better person—has matured him.
"Okay," I nodded understandably. "I'm happy for you."
His arms then wrapped around my small frame, "Thanks for understanding, Rae. My little sister isn't so little anymore."
"Hey, I'm only two minutes younger than you, but you're welcome," I laughed and hugged him back.
"Come on," he motioned towards the school. "Only seven more months of this and we are out of this hell hole."
The walk through the front doors seemed like eternity, but I wished that it really was when I finally stepped into the halls. Everyone immediately started whispering and staring at me like I had a third head. I expected this from them; it's a small town, but it doesn't make the situation any better. Now I understand what Rhett, Owen, and Parker have gone through for so long.
After walking me to my locker, Sawyer left me to join his wolf friends, leaving me alone to bask in the new attention I was getting. It didn't take long for my friends to show up though. Savannah looked uncomfortable with everyone staring in our direction while Molly was glaring at them and telling them to beat it.
"What happened this weekend, Rae? Molly and I have been callin' you ever since that fight with Blake. You just disappeared after Sawyer took you outside. We were worried. I've never seen you that mad before."
I completely forgot about calling them back after everything that has happened. After Friday night, I kind of ditched my phone in effort to ignore the rest of the world. I wanted to stay in my bubble a little longer before dealing with problems.
"I was with Sawyer all weekend...and the Dixons and their friends. I didn't have my phone on me. Sorry," I explained while sorting through my books in my locker.
"The Dixons?!" Savannah half-whispered. "Why are you hangin' out with them?"
Molly chimed in, "I didn't know you made up with Sawyer."
I rolled my eyes when I looked away from my best friend. I understand she is paranoid and means well, but she's acting like the rest of the people in this town and how they are quick to judge.
"They aren't like what everyone says they are. They are actually decent people, and I enjoy hangin' out with them," I countered before turning to Molly. "Yeah, we did on Friday night. Where were you on Friday by the way?"
"I was with Austin. He took me out to breakfast at Sugar's before school, and we kind of ran late. I wish I could have seen it though. The look on Blake's face must have been priceless," Molly snorted, and I could tell she was fantasizing about the whole thing in her head.
"It wasn't funny, Molly," Savannah scolded while tucking her straight, long hair behind her ear.
Molly gave Savannah a pointed look. Savannah was always the more conservative one out of us, and was like the mom of the group. I knew Savannah didn't approve of my antics that day. Sometimes I wish she would just understand and see things the way Molly and I see them.
"Lighten up, Sav. Blake deserved it. You know that," Molly retorted.
"Yeah, right. I didn't even get to hit her, so no satisfaction there."
Savannah sighed, "Well, I'm happy you didn't. I know how Blake is, okay? I just don't want to see my best friend get hurt. Blake can destroy the things you care about."
She's right about that. The Lawsons are fully capable of ruining lives. I shut my locker and leaned my back against it.
"You don't get it, Sav. She already has. The Lawsons removed me from the debutante and took my mom's job. There's nothin' else for them to destroy."
My eyebrows furrowed at the memory of Polly and Blake telling me that I couldn't participate anymore and when Savannah told me about my mom. Thinking about it began to stir up anger.
"I'm sorry, Rae. I couldn't imagine how you're feelin'," Savannah apologized and gave me a hug.
"I guess there's nothin' else to lose if we get revenge then?" Molly asked with a smirk on her lips and a sinister look in her eyes.
Savannah rolled her eyes and scolded, "Molly! Why do you gotta be so violent all the time?"
Molly tilted her head slightly and laughed at Savannah's remark. Her brown curls fell against her cheek.
"Why you gotta be so prude all the time?" Molly shot back.
I held my hands up between them to stop their fighting. They do this all the time, and while it is amusing, I'm not in the mood with all this talk about the Lawsons.
"Why do you guys always have to bicker?" I gave them an annoyed look. "I need you to stop because I would like all of us to hang out tonight. In peace."
"Fine."
"Fine."
Both of them crossed their arms, and Molly was the first to walk away to her class. I looked at Savannah, who was still pouting, and grabbed her arm to lead her down the crowded hallway.
When it came to lunch time, I decided that sitting at my table with my friends wasn't the same after this weekend. My heart pounded in my chest as I got up and left the table. I wasn't sure what they were thinking, or how they would react. Savannah, Molly, Austin, and a few other guys from the football team stared at me in confusion as I made my way to where my brother and Rhett was sitting.
One person that I noticed who wasn't staring was Wesley. He wasn't at the table, and he wasn't in any of our classes either. Guilt about how he found out about his dad washed over me as I took a seat next to Sawyer. I would have to go to his house after school and apologize to him. Hopefully he forgives me. I don't know what I would do if he never talked to me again.
As soon as my tray touched the table, I looked up and saw Rhett, Sawyer, Owen, and Parker looking at me with shocked expressions. My eyes bounced between them as I took a bite of food.
"What?"
Sawyer smiled at me while the corner of Rhett's lips lifted up slightly. They then went back to eating their food like they were doing before. I try to suppress the small grin that was forming on my face and go back to eating. The whispers echo around us, and I can feel people staring, but for some reason, I don't care. I'm where I want to be.
"Are you gonna eat that?" Sawyer asked with a hopeful look.
"Well, yeah..."
Without hesitation, he grabs a few fries and pops them into his mouth. I guess that was in invitation because soon the other boys followed suit until my fries were gone.
"Really?" I glared at them. "You guys are animals."
With that, they broke out into a fit of laughter and I can't help but join them, which causes the other students to get quiet and gawk at us again. Despite this, we continue our hysterics like we are in our own, little world, which feels great for once.
•••
A/N
Sorry for the delay! I was finally able to get the chapter up. For some reason, I still can't respond to comments though. It just keeps telling me I have to log in, even though I am. I'll try to reply as soon as it lets me.
Thanks for reading! Comment and vote! (: