The Chase

Chapter 21

“I’m sorry our date got ruined,” Anthony apologized as he washed some leftover dishes. I fidgeted in my seat.

“Nah, don’t worry about it. I . . . I just want to say thank you.”

“For what,” he asked. “That’s supposed to be my line.”

I smiled warily. “For not running away or trying to kill me.”

“Why would I do that?” he inquired.

“I mean when you saw me as a black panther,” I clarified.

“Why would I do that?” he repeated and I felt a soft soothing feeling coarse through me. I tucked my legs up and wrapped my arms around my knees. He dried off his hands and came up to me. I felt his hand ruffle my hair and I looked up at his sincere face. I closed my eyes and forced the tears to stay back.

“Let’s get you back home,” he announced as he left the room. I rubbed at my eyes and followed him out.

“You don’t have to take me home,” I proclaimed hating that he would have to leave his family for me.

He shrugged his jacket on before saying, “A good date always sees his date off at the door. Come on, it’ll be fine.”

I followed him out the door. It took a while to reach my part of town. I never realized how big the town actually was. I guess that’s what happens when you live on the outskirts.

“When did you find out you were a Shifter?” Anthony wondered out loud as his tongue slipped over the last word.

“It’s not a taboo. You don’t have to freak it when you say it.” He flushed at my comment. “When I was really young, I Changed in front of my parents. I was disowned and then adopted by Jacob. Jane helps me Control it. My turn; when did your dad start drinking?”

He looked down and mumbled, “He’s always been a drinker.”

“Let me rephrase that. When did your dad turn into an abusive drinker?”

He winced as if finally hearing those words out loud allowed them to be true. “It’s been years.”

I didn’t push him for more even though I wanted to. If he wanted to tell me, I would always be willing to listen.

We got to my front door and I hugged Anthony, whispered, “Thank you,” and walked inside.

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“You guys need to stop coming to me every time something happens . . .” I exclaimed even though I knew I would be ignored once again. Romeo and Joudy sat at my kitchen table for the second time this week.

After losing the race, Gabi had won the bet. He said that he would ask me a very special question within three days and I would have to answer yes. It was Monday meaning that two days have passed and still nothing. I haven’t even been seeing him not including the walks to and from school.

“It was horrible!” Joudy called out in distress. Romeo patted her back soothingly.  “At this rate, I’m never going to get a job!”

“Hey, hey, don’t say that! It couldn’t have been that bad! I’m sure your just exaggerating,” Romeo murmured as he continued to rub her back.

I sighed. “What happened exactly?” Romeo shot me a warning look. I shrugged it off.

“They were asking me all sorts of questions and I simply couldn’t keep up! I was ready to run when they asked me the most dreaded question in interview history . . .” Joudy explained as she shuddered.