Julie Stovall knew she was in trouble. Not just with her parents who she knows is looking for her. But she has no idea where she is. Soaking wet, and completely lost. She ran the opposite direction of Brian. Not knowing what became of him. She wished there was a moon up in the sky. At least then she might be able to see where she is. But at the moment, Julie was merely groping aimlessly in the dark.
It was roughly an hour after her wandering about that she happened on a lone lamp illuminating a trail map. Julie silently cried with joy. Running to the lighted area she soon discovered that she wandered at one of the many hiking trails she and her family used to trek during happier times. After looking at the map she deduced that this trail was the one that led back to the picnic spot where her parents showed up.
Debating whether or not to head back, Julie felt a cold chill. Realizing that facing her parents wrath was better than freezing to death; Julie heads off back to where all the drama happened. Now that she knew where she was, it took Julie only 20 minutes to head back to the lake entrance. She sighed with relief that her parents where not there. Continuing to head home, Julie hears a twig snap not far from her. Julie freezes in pure panic. Who could this be she wonders?
******
John Shaffer was an unassuming 16 year old teenager with above average teenager problems. He had average grades. No girlfriend, few friends and taste in music that every parent loathes. That is if his parents were ever around to voice their opinion on the matter. He was the typical school loner. He was also a werewolf with grey and white fur similar to the of a Timber Wolf. He was currently in his fursona enjoying the quiet when the wind slightly shifts and John picks up a fishy scent. Following it he spot a young girl soaked to the bone walking from the lake. Taking a small step, he inadvertently steps on a twig snapping it. The girl freezes in her tracks completely scared. John calms his nerves and slowly approaches. As he does he makes sure that she notices him.
“Sorry to frighten you.” John says to the girl. “I was just walking about on this brisk night.”
Julie turns around to see a large wolf slowly approach her. She is completely terrified by his size. Standing upright on digitgrade legs, the wolf is an even 7 feet tall and possibly 300 pounds of pure predator. Yet this werewolf made no such violent moves towards her. Instead, the wolf reverts to a human boy with raven black hair and a terrible case of acne.
“Are you lost?” John asks. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. I can help walk you home if you want.”
Julie is still stunned. It takes her a good solid minute to collect herself before she is able to answer.
“I’m not lost.” She responds. “Just having a really bad day.”
“Tell me about.” John remarks. “Oh where are my manners. My name is John Shaffer.”
“Julie. Julie Stovall.”
“The Mayors’ daughter?” John comments. “That would explain the fish smell I caught a couple of minutes ago. Sorry about that. Us werewolves have a strong sense of smell. I meant no offense.”
“That’s ok.” Julie responds. “Haven’t I seen you before?”
John smile. “We are in the same chemistry class. I usually sit in the back while you and your friends spend the time gossiping. But getting back to the matter at hand. Do you want an escort home?”
Julie thinks for a second. “Sure why not. It’s not as if I can’t get into any more trouble.”
John quickly puts on the clothes in the backpack he had with him. “Broke curfew?” He comments as they begin walking.
“Curfew is the least of it. I am supposed to be ground until new year’s.” Julie continues with her problems. Telling John all about Eric Anderson and Spencer Lawson. Her parent’s marital strife and a nagging suspicion that one of her friends has stabbed her in the back.
John whistles. “Those are some problems you have.”
“Oh and you can do better?” Julie chides.
“Alcoholic mother who spends more time sleeping off her binges at jail, then being a proper parent.” John mumbles. “As for dad? He left when I was four years old.”
Julie was silent as John continued.
“I spend most of my after school time working part time at the nearby diner, Just to get by. What little money I make, usually goes to bailing my mother out.” John laments.
“I-I had no ideal John.” Julie comments. Truly feeling remorseful, especially for all the teasing she instigated behind his back at school.
There is an awkward silence just as the two reached Julia’s street. Julie breaks the silence. “I think its best I head the rest of the way alone.” Seeing the family car in the driveway and the porch light on; Julia knew she would not be able to lie her way out of sneaking out. Knowing my parents, they just might kill you for being with me.”
“Well then, I wish you luck.” John continues as he walks away. “And if you survive the night, I’ll see you at school tomorrow.”
Julie summons a weak smile. With a deep breath she makes it to the front door of her house when it opens suddenly and her father yanks her inside.