CHAPTER 15

The sun is shinning. It is going to be a good day. I stretch myself languidly and for the first time I feel complete. I wake up and start getting ready for school. As I move around my room I spot the journal. Elise's journal. I was supposed to read it yesterday but we talked with Eden the whole night and slept. I put it under my pillow and decide I will continue reading it tonight.

My mom drops me off as usual at school and I spot Eden immediately I'm out of the car. I wonder if he is always is there when I come to school every morning in the past. I'm still not sure if this makes us a couple; if he is now my boyfriend. I feel awkward I don't k now if I should go in for a hug or what, but he takes my hand and smiles at me making everything better. He has a way of doing that even without saying a word. We make our way in the school hallway hand in hand and I decide to ask him what yesterday meant and how we will go about this.

My first class is English 2 and the minute I sit down Shirley plants herself next to me with a bewildered look on her face. "Oh. My. God. Eveline!" she squeals and people start looking at us.

"Shirley you are drawing attention" I hush her, giggling

"Rumor has it that you and Eden walked in like a power couple and everything and you didn't even tell me anything! I had to find out this elsewhere?" she punches me playfully

"Ouch. And yes. We did." I smile remembering how it felt.

"C'mon now, tell me everything I need to know this new development" she is so eager.

I roll my eyes at her and tell her everything that happened between us yesterday omitting my parents part and Eden's father part too.

"so you are actually mates? That's so wild. I always knew there was something I didn't realize it was the mate bond thing. So what are you guys going to do next?"

I sigh and look at her thoughtfully, thinking about it myself "I don't know. I don't know what this means for us, so yeah"

"I still can't believe Eden is your mate" she claps her hands.

"I think I'm starting to get insulted here" I tell her as I frown.

She waves me off "oh c'mon, you know what I mean" the teacher enters and start the class.

***EDEN***

I always wait by the parking lot for the bell to ring and start the classes. That means I see Eveline everyday when her mom drops her off. By that time, it's usually when I make my way to class with Victoria with me because we have a parking spot, me and my friends.

When I didn't wait for Victoria or walk with her like I normally do and walked with Eveline holding hands, that raised all my friends eyebrows. I didn't miss the confused then hurt expression on Vic's face.

I haven't told my friends what happened yesterday but Doug commented on how my scent seems a bit off. I had time to tell them; before classes started but I didn't. for some reason I want to tell Victoria first privately. We have been friends for the longest time and there has been some history between us, not to mention our families have always thought we would be mates. I want to be gentle when telling her this because I know she has feelings for me. I am not blind; I just choose not to acknowledge that because I can't reciprocate.

I think about her. Eveline. It makes me feel warm and I find myself forming a smile.

"Dude, what's going on with you?" Doug asks me. we are in class.

"nothing" I put on my nonchalant face.

"You have been smiling might I dare say, way more in the last couple of hours than I have seen since I have known you"

I look at him and raise my eyebrow

"Everyone is noticing. Nicole told me that Victoria is noticing too" he goes on

"Well, I guess I can't hide it for much longer. Eveline is my mate. We found out yesterday "

He seems surprised but not like I expected him to be "I guess that explains everything" he laughs

"So what are you going to do? You do realize that Victoria-"

"I know about that. I will tell her too it's not like this is a secret."

"hey, I'm here for you man" he pats my shoulder and we continue with the class.

***EVELINE***

I make my way to the bathroom during break period. When I walk in I meet Victoria there. She is the only one there. She looks like she was crying too.

"hey" I say out of courtesy. I have no reason to ask her if she is okay when she has been a complete bitch to me

She doesn't even acknowledge me but she is fixing her makeup on the mirror. "you are lucky"

I was making my way to the bathroom stalls when she says this

"why"

She rolls her eyes at me like I am dumb "Eden for a mate is everything a girl wants. I am sure you know that I just want you to appreciate him more."

"I don't know-"

"I am sure you aren't dumb as you seem so cut the crap. I know you are mates and you discovered that yesterday. Congratulations."

She tears up at the end. I don't want to feel sorry for her and she is helping with that by insulting me. she laughs but it's a painful laugh. One that is to cover or distract one not to fall apart.

"you have had it so easy. The new girl comes to a new life, new school, new everything. And finds a mate so easily, just like that. "

"don't talk about my life like you know anything." I snap at her

"oh, but I'm saying the truth. Do you know how many people would wish for a fresh start? What they would be willing to do for a fresh start? Of course you don't. so don't come walking on everyone because you don't know anything either of the life you are living right now. Some of us have been living in it for decades and you don't realize it, but you are messing people's lives in the process."

She closes her makeup kit, takes her handbag and leaves. I am left in the bathroom wondering what she just said.

I look myself in the mirror trying to decipher her words.

"who's life I'm I messing with?"