*Note: I have like zero medical knowledge (I spent days doing research for the few chapters about Julie’s diagnosis), so if someone else is up to the task of writing the “surgery chapter”, be my guest.
And on another subject, I did kinda write in Chapter 123: Oh CRAP, that it was December. But we can fast forward things a few weeks if that works better for everyone. - bj88
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Back to MLHS…
As the day came to a close, Eric found himself checking his watch ever other minute. His last class of the day was P.E, and given that it was winter, the class was indoors playing floor hockey. Even if he had a bit more of an edge now that he was a werewolf, he was about as athletic as an elderly person with arthritis. Eric had no interest in sports.
“Anderson pay attention!” the gym teacher shouted. Eric looked up from his wrist, and jumped out of the way of the puck being shot in his direction. The puck slammed against the wall, out of bounds. The rest of the class looked at Eric like he’d just grown a second head.
Coach Leelin sighed and decided to end the class there.
“Alright, that’s enough. Go hit the showers. And Anderson, next time trying hitting the puck instead of jumping it. We don’t start long jumping until the spring.” he said.
Eric blushed and followed the other guys into the locker. He got a lot of good natured ribbing about his being a werewolf, but still sucking at sports. Eric didn’t mind. It was the first time today anyone said anything to him about something other than Julie. His little announcement in the cafeteria didn’t stop people from saying things. Just created one more piece of gossip.
After the bell rang, Eric was happy to sprint from the locker room and wait for his brother and Cassie in the parking lot. Nate appeared first, with a trail of girls behind him.
“Dude, next time you think about shouting in the middle of lunch, try to leave me out of it.” Nate said when he reached the place his brother was standing.
“I didn’t say a thing about you!”
“Really? Then why do all these girls keep coming up to me saying things about how they hope I’m just as sensitive and dashing as you?”
“Uh, I dunno.” Eric flushed immediately. Had all those girls really been saying that? For the first time in his life, was he the object of affection instead of Nate? Normally it was the other way around.
“Look, the only thing I said earlier was about Julie and me. Not a single mention about you.” Eric said.
“Well I just don’t get it. Why they suddenly showing me so much attention?. And it’s just the girls! I told them I wasn’t interested, but they don’t take no for an answer. God, they’re driving me mad, I’m glad I’m into women.” Nate said.
“Good. Means I don’t have any competition.” Alex appeared behind the two.
“Like I would want someone else.” Nate smiled. Eric turned away while his brother was busy sticking his tongue down his boyfriend’s throat. He didn’t have a problem with Nate being gay. But like any brother would (or wouldn’t), Eric would rather not watch Nate making out in the school parking lot.
Ten minutes later, and Cassie was still nowhere to be seen. When Eric tried to text her, he got the same “failed to deliver” message. So Eric decided to go in search of her.
“She’s probably just in the bathroom or something, don’t worry so much Eric.” Nate said.
“Maybe she fell in.” Eric retorted. Nate actually seemed to consider that possibility. Eric rolled his eyes and told them if he wasn’t back in five minutes to just head home without him. He jogged back into the building, ignoring the girls giving him this devious look.
“Hey, Eric! Where are you going? The parking lot is that way!” Ben was standing in the office when he saw Eric rush past.
“Looking for Cassie.“
“Oh, pretty sure I saw her talking with a teacher upstairs.” Ben informed him.
“Thanks, see you in a bit!” Eric made a shooing movement with his hands before returning to the hunt for his girlfriend. His new nose had a hard time picking up her scent mixed with all the other weres. Eric hadn’t had any experience in tracking. So he wandered up and down the corridors for any sign of Cassie.
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A few minutes earlier…
Arthur was walking down the stairs still a bit defeated. So much for his macho confrontation with Eric. He didn’t get a chance to say half the things he wanted to, and what’s worse Eric pretty much chewed him out. The rest of the day, the rumors kept swirling around him. The ones that annoyed Arthur the most were the ones about how Arthur was jealous of Eric for getting Julie.
That wasn’t true. He was angry at Eric for getting Julie, and then breaking her heart into little pieces. And then there were all the girls giggling over how cool and tough Eric suddenly was. Apparently his transformation pumped some testosterone into that wimpy body of his.
It was a struggle not to just start punching the lockers Arthur walked past. When he began down the staircase, he focused on counting the stairs.
“Arthur wait up!” Someone called his name from the top of the staircase. Arthur looked back and saw Cassie O’Sullivan chasing after him. Which was a surprise to say the least. She was with Eric this afternoon, what could she possibly want? Was she here to yell at him too?