Chapter 32: Is this for real?

(Ned POV)

Nick is getting out of control. The idiot actually launched a petition in an attempt to dethrone JJ. I have never seen such vindictiveness before in my life.

Being JJ's supportive friend, I have to find a way to stop Nick. I have to know what his downfall is going to be.

Anyway, I was driving back from the pharmacy after getting the medicine that momma needed when I spotted someone familiar walking along the alley.

As I stopped the car and took a closer look, I realized it was Nick and he's entering inside a bar.

I parked the car, turned off the engine and hopped off, curious to see where he went. As I was about to go in, security stopped me.

"Excuse me, sir! Do you have any form of ID?" He asked.

"I do."

"I have to see it." He said. I took out my ID and showed him that I am already of legal age before he allowed me to go in.

As I made my way in, I was left speechless because all I saw is men making out with another men. What the hell? I have nothing against gay people but where the hell am I right now? Most of all, what is Nick doing here?

Don't tell me that the biggest homophobe of all is…gay.

"Hey there, cute stuff! Welcome to XOXO club! What drink do you want?" A bartender greeted me.

"Um, nothing. I am just looking for someone." I said.

"Oh really? What's his name? Maybe I know him. Maybe he's a loyal customer here."

"His name is Nick, do you know him?"

"Nick, the Waldorf hunk?" He asked.

"Yes, him!! Where is he?" I asked.

"He's always here every Thursday. He's right over there." The bartender pointed and I looked, only to see Nick making out with a nerdy twink.

Is this for real? Am I dreaming right now? The so-called "manly" moralistic douche is making out with someone of the same sex. What happened to "Saving the Vanderbilt pack from moral collapse"? What happened to his "We should save children from homosexuality" project?

I guess some people really are capable of intense self-loathing. How pathetic! Hiding under this toxic masculine façade just to show the public he's straight and to kiss other guys when no one's looking, what a joke!

I took out my phone and snapped a photo of him and his friend, eating each other's faces.

Ha! This will definitely come in handy! I am now holding Nick by his neck and I get to decide when his downfall will be if he continues to piss me off and harass JJ and Ravine.

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(Frida POV)

"Easy does it!" Marco said while helping me walk along the hospital hallway.

I used my crutches and tried to lift my bandaged foot as carefully as I can every time I take a step. It really is a challenge since this was the part that suffered the most from the impact of the accident.

"Take your time, Frida." Marco said.

"I am."

Marco has been taking care of me non-stop and a part of me feels bad because he looks restless some days and other days, he looks way worse than before. It's definitely killing me.

"What do you think Ravine and JJ are doing right now?" I asked.

"They're probably having the time of their lives in JJ's cabin." Marco said.

"I don't even want to know." I laughed.

"Hey, we could also have fun, you know. I'll tell you what, after you get discharged here in the hospital, I'm going to personally take you on a road trip."

"I can't wait." I said.

After spending almost an hour, walking back and forth and exercising my leg, I finally decided to have a rest and sit down on one of the benches. Marco sat beside me and rested his hand on my thigh.

"Frida?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I tell you something?" Marco said.

"Go ahead."

"I would really love it if you could move in with me." He said.

"What?" I asked in surprise.

"I don't think I can forgive myself if something happens to you again." He said.

"Marco, you're not making any sense right now."

"How am I not making any sense?"

"First of all, I am okay with us dating but to move in with you just like that? Don't you think we're going a little too fast?" I explained.

"But Frida, you're my mate!" He said.

"Your what?"

"Never mind! I guess I'll just wait for the right time to tell you." Marco said.

Right now, it seems like Marco has something in his chest that he needs to get out. It seems like he wants to tell me something but he's still skeptical about it.

"Marco, if you want to tell me something, you know you can tell me anytime right?" I said.

"I just don't want you to be scared of me, that's all."

"Why will I be scared of you? Did you commit a crime or something?" I asked.

"No, it's not like that, Frida!

"Then what is it?" I asked, getting kind of impatient already.

"It's something beyond your imagination and if I tell you right now, you're just going to think I am crazy. I need to show you in person so you'll believe me."

"Just tell me right now, Marco!" I snapped.

"Okay fine! I am a werewolf!"

"Huh?" I am so confused right now!

"I am a werewolf and I can show and prove it to you right now if only we aren't in the hospital!" He said.

"Marco, are you messing with me today?" I asked.

"You see! I knew I would get that reaction from you! Why did I even bother telling you if I knew you aren't going to believe me?" He said.

"It's not that I don't believe you, Marco. It just sounds ridiculous."

"Alright, that's it!" Marco said before picking me up bridal style.

"Um…Marco, where are we going?" I asked.

He didn't respond to my question. Instead, he just took me inside an empty janitor's closet. He made me sit on a chair before locking the door.

"What are we doing here, Marco?" I asked.

Marco then began stripping his clothes off while I looked away in embarrassment.

"Marco, if you don't tell me what's going on, I am going to scream for help right now!" I warned him.

All of a sudden, Marco transformed into a freakishly enormous wolf.

I fell out of my chair in fear and I backed away from him.

"Fuck! It is true!" I cried.

"Frida, please, don't be afraid of me, I am not going to hurt you!" A voice inside my head said.

"Marco, is that you?"

"Believe me now?"

"I think so." I replied.

Suddenly, Marco reverted back to his human form and he's now standing in front of me, naked.

"I'm glad you're back but could you put your clothes on please?"

"Is that the only thing you have to say?"

"Marco, it's going to take a while for me to digest what just happened." I said to him.

"Not to sound demanding or anything but you need to digest it faster because there are a lot of things that you still need to know about me."

Shit! What did I get myself into?