Can't Love a Werewolf, Without Getting Fleas.

*

I was currently unpacking clothing. Trying to develop a photographic memory to where I put everything. Making sure not to forget. I’ve lost many pieces of clothing to my horrible memory.

I tapped my food against the hardwood floor and the sound echoed in my big room. White trim lined the hot pink walls, and my bed was made up of zebra print sheets and a black and white polka dot comforter. I had a plain white dresser with gold knobs and a semi-large mirror. I had a huge walk in closet, probably one bigger than I really needed. My bathroom had black and gray granite counter tops and a shower that could fit three people with a comfortable amount of space in between. It was girly, with intricate designs, and curves to the counters, and an old vintage bathtub- something I’ve always wanted but never had back in New York.

I sighed, lovingly as dinner arrived. I could smell mom’s famous Lasagna steam from downstairs, as my tummy rumbled. I flopped on my bed and sat up to view the TV that sat on another piece of furniture parallel to my bed. Spongebob was on screen singing the F-U-N song to Plankton. I hummed along, knowing that I’ve seen this same episode well over eight times. I laid there not really wanting to move. Who knew moving could exhaust you so much.

“Shaylee, dear. Dinner’s ready!” My mother called from the bottom of the staircase. I kicked my shoes off to reveal fuzzy yellow socks, and galloped lazily down the stairs. I could hear laughter and chit-chatting take place in the new kitchen. Though my senses could barely overcome to smell of that delicious lasagna. It seemed to be screaming at me, like the little boy from the chef boy-ar-die commercial. The beast inside me was about to be released.

A head of full bright almost white, blonde hair was the first thing I noticed. Another duller form of the hair stood beside her with another tall figure, which had dark silver hair. My mother’s familiar auburn head, and pearly white smile appeared in front of them. I cleared my throat, as if to make my presence noticeable to everyone who was in the room.

The three figures shuffled around. It was apparent to be a husband, wife, and their daughter. Their brilliant smiles almost blinded me. They looked too perfect to be real.

“Shaylee, this is Mr and Mrs Cunningham, and their daughter Brook Cunningham.

I looked at the daughter. She had bright blue eyes, menacingly looking as if the color of a white tiger’s before it strikes it prey, and something about the way her lips curled just looked… fake.

I glanced at her designer outfit. Everything aligned in place and expensive.

What was this girl trying to prove?

“Shaylee!” Her voice bellowed out, a perfect cheerleading voice.

My heart panged. I use to cheer at my old school, but we weren’t the stuck up kind, it was actually more like a big family- everyone was nice to everyone. No one was left out.

She embraced me into a tight, chest-to-chest hug. I coughed unexpectedly from the impact.

She pulled me away at arms length; the movement sort of jerked me around. “Do you remember me?”

My mind went blank. Had I seen her before? Memories flashed through my head, different places; different faces, but I just couldn’t place hers.

“It’s Brookie!” Her enthusiasm was sort of shocking. So much hype in such a tiny girl.

“Uh, sorry. I-it’s just-well, I’ve had a long day of packing. These memories are all a little fresh…” I trailed off, feeling bad. I didn’t like disappointing people, but what I said was true. My whole head was crowded with the new smell and scene of this place.

It was no place near home.

Her face cracked into a frown, like a shattered window pain. I felt my stomach drop. I didn’t mean for her to be so upset.

Her face turned kind of glum, and a tad bit angry.

“Well, we were young anyways.” She said, trying to blow the whole situation off.

“Yeah, see. I can’t even remember what I had for dinner yesterday.” I laughed half heartedly, rubbing the back of my head awkwardly; glancing at both our parents talking hoping one of my rent’s would make eye contact and help with my memory struggle. No such luck.

I could have sworn I saw her roll her eyes. Maybe it’s just jet lag…?

“Well, I’m so oober excited for you to come to our school. Can’t wait for everyone to meet my old bestie!” She tapped my shoulder in excitement and I smiled genuinely at her. A sigh of relief washed through me. I wouldn’t be a total lost puppy, I’d have…Brook..ie…there. I winced to myself. I wasn’t one to really call people by pet names.

“That’s such a relief, I was scared I’d go through that awkward ‘new girl’ stage alone.” I rubbed my elbow. She continued to smile like her life depended on it.

“Nonsense. You’ll totally fit in with me and my group of friends.” Then she leaned in. “We’re sort of the more ‘known’ crowd of the school, you know, away from the losers.” She laughed hysterically, and I didn’t really understand the humor, was there an inside joke I was supposed to be getting?

“Oh. Does your school have social classes?” My eyebrows furrowed. I know this might seem corny and cliché, but at my school- everyone just got along. I mean besides gender, and the typical bitchy people who didn’t want to talk to anyone but other bitchy people, everyone associated with each other.

Was it because of the drug deal? Who knows. But still- there were no social classes.

“Honey, where did you live? Every High school has a social class, you probably just never noticed it before.” She made a ‘tisk’ sound with her tongue.

“But that’s why I’m here. To help you learn.” She giggled, and I had to respect her kindness. I’d rather be accepted than be the opposite, especially in such a new state. Well, new to me at least. Soon we were interrupted by our parents, and I couldn’t help but feel thankful.

“Are you all going to stay for dinner?” My mom suggested, motioning toward the freshly wiped-down kitchen table.

“No. We just stopped by to welcome our long lost friends, and new neighbors!” Brooke’s mom stated.

My mom told them they could ‘come by any time’ and they smiled and soon left. Not to be rude or anything, but I thought my stomach would flip inside out and attack me if I didn’t eat anything soon.

I immediately sat down, and as my mom served up the dinner, and I gulped it down, I couldn’t help but go back to what Mrs. Cunningham had said.

New Neighbors? Does that mean Brooke lives next door?

I guess I’d find out sooner or later.