Inherited (Hybrid series book 1)

By D.M. Moody

In the town of Wells, Washington lies a mysterious, hidden world. Angela had no knowledge or even considered the possibility of there being other breeds and races in the world that she was tossed into. Turns out her family had a secret that they were keeping from her. She will never look at the world the same.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667878669

Book preview

Chapter 1

It‘s Thursday morning, my alarm goes off but it’s hard to get up. Lingering images of a dream that’s been on repeat every night the past few weeks are still fresh in my head. They fade before too long and I am left with an empty feeling. It’s the same thing every morning, a feeling of something missing. Like the last piece to a puzzle that’s been lost.

My name is Angela Cavanagh, I’m your typical 15-year-old girl, sort of. My birthday is October 13th  which happens to fall on Friday this year, which also happens to be tomorrow. Why should my 16th birthday not fall on a Friday the 13th? Good thing I’m not superstitious or this could be disastrous. Most girls my age want huge parties for their 16th birthdays but not me, I’m okay with a small gathering. I’m quiet, shy and usually keep to myself, I hate to be the center of attention.

I roll out of bed and shower, wondering what to wear today. I walked into my walk-in closet and chose a pair of faded skinny jeans, a blue cami with a black button up shirt and black flats. I’m only 5‘2 with a small waist, I have trouble finding clothes that actually fit me. I typically straighten my hair but today I just threw it into a messy bun. I have thick black hair with blue streaks that ends at the middle of my back. My makeup consists of black eyeliner and mascara. To me, my eyes are my best feature, mostly because they are so different from what people usually see. They are violet with specs of yellow, they don’t really need the makeup to stand out but I like it.

I go downstairs to the kitchen. My mom, Vivienne, is cooking bacon and eggs. She always says breakfast is the most important meal of the day. My mom is tall, blonde and beautiful with dark blue eyes. She’s always been a morning person, whereas my dad, Jonah, is still in bed as he does not like the morning. As I get my coffee, which I don’t know how people can function without it, I notice my brother Joel is already digging into what appears to be a plate full of nothing but bacon.

I am pretty sure that much bacon isn’t healthy, I said to him teasingly as I got some eggs and fresh fruit.

It is when you’re trying to bulk up for the game tomorrow. You know it’s a huge game and I am determined we will win this year. he said with conviction in his voice.

My brother is captain of the football team, it’s his life. He is a good-looking guy and girls always swoon over him. He’s taller than me, muscular and has blonde hair that is kept buzzed with baby blue eyes. However, most of the guys on the team are attractive and all of them are muscular, they all spend a lot of time working out! Eyeroll.

Anything planned for tomorrow? mom asks me.

Well I am planning to go to the football game after school. Adam, Sophia and I may be doing something this weekend but I’m not sure what yet. I replied, since I am going to be 16, I was thinking I could get my permit soon. I said hopefully.

We can talk about it later. she said dismissively.

Have you found my birth certificate yet? I will need it to get my permit.

My birth certificate has been missing for a while, mom said it was probably in a box somewhere  but they were unable to find it. I wonder if they can submit for a copy….you can do that right?

I will talk to your father about it. she said with a tone that meant she would talk about it anymore right now.

I glanced at my mom, I always hoped I would get a car for my birthday since Joel had gotten one when he turned 16. I knew it was a reach but oh well. I guess I will have to continue hitching rides with Joel for now, he’s a senior and will be graduating this year. If he goes to college he won’t be able to take it with, maybe I can just use his truck.

I’m leaving in 5 minutes Angie my brother says to me as he heads out to start the truck, it has started to rain.

I finish my breakfast and while putting my dishes in the sink my brother starts to honk. I grabbed my jacket and backpack running out to the truck, trying to avoid getting too wet. This is typical weather here in Wells, cold, rain, and the occasional snow storm. Our summers only last for about two months and even then it rains a lot, but at least it’s warmer.

We arrive at school about 15 minutes later, taking an extra 5 mins because of the weather. Wells, Washington is not a large place, a map dot with about 3 stop lights, a few stop signs and a lot of back roads. It’s a secluded small town in the middle of a forest near a mountain range. We don’t get many tourists and even fewer new residents.

I wonder who that belongs to. My brother pointed to a shiny new Hummer parked at the back of the lot. I was curious who it belonged to as well since no one ever moves in or out of Wells. This is one of those places where everyone knows everyone and most of us cannot afford something that new. I have only ever seen one new student and she moved away within a month. It was strange to be honest.

My brother parked his truck and we both headed towards the school. He left me to join the other seniors from the team that were waiting near the entrance under the awning. They waved to me as I continued by and a few said good morning, I waved back mumbling good morning.. I’m sure if I wasn’t Joel’s sister they wouldn’t even notice me, they are just being polite. However, that fact is lost on the jealous girls of the school who have to be the center of attention.

My two best friends Sophia Michaelson and Adam Levi were waiting for me in the lobby. Our moms are best friends and grew up together so naturally the three of us also grew up together as our parents still hang out a lot. They were talking about a new student when I walked up to them, which would explain the new vehicle in the parking lot.

That is definitely a guy’s vehicle, I hope he’s hot. Sophia said dreamily. I saw Adam’s face fall, I tried to change the subject.

Is there really a new student? I asked, interrupting their banter. Do you know for sure that it’s a guy?

I mean we haven’t seen anyone new yet but that would suggest there is. she gestured to the new truck sitting in the lot. No, not for sure but I doubt a girl would drive something that big. She had a point. I shrugged and had to agree but there is always a chance it could be a girl.

Sophia is a wild child, a free spirit and oblivious to a lot of things around her. She is small in frame like me but taller than my 5’2, she has mid length auburn hair with brown eyes. She hates following trends and purposefully stands out, she loves attention but doesn’t like to be touched. Adam is the smart kid that everyone comes to for help, especially Sophia. School doesn’t come easily to her, mostly because her attention is always elsewhere. Adam is a sweet hearted ginger with pale green eyes, he has the biggest crush on Sophia. Though I’m sure she doesn’t even notice how upset he gets when she fawns over other boys. They would make a cute couple.

Are you ready for this test Angie? Because I feel like everything blended together.  Sophia whined.

Sophia, you know Angie won’t have any trouble with it. I could have helped you study. Adam said.

I know, she stamped her foot in child-like fashion.

The locker next to mine has been vacant since we started high school. They allow us to pick our lockers at the beginning of the year. On the other side of mine was Sophia’s than Adam’s. I leaned against my locker as Sophia and Adam stood in front of me, we were making plans for my birthday weekend. There aren’t many options of things to do in this town, it wouldn’t be hard to come up with something. I was suddenly overcome with a heavy earthy scent that engulfed my senses, the world quieted as the feeling of being pulled towards something took over. Confused, I looked down the hall that I have looked down many times before and never felt something like this before. What I saw was a very attractive guy with jet black hair making his way down the hall towards us, he was looking at the floor as he walked, I couldn’t make out his face. He was tall and I could see the muscular build under his white form fitting V-neck. He had on jeans with a belt and a leather jacket left open.

Oh My God Sophia whispered beside me looking in the same direction as me. My thoughts exactly! Every girl in the hall was watching him with lust filled eyes.

He stopped in front of us, finally looking up from the floor. He has a very defined chiseled jaw with a neatly trimmed chinstrap, a short, straight nose but the most prominent feature being his piercing green eyes. My heart stopped when he met my gaze with his own, his eyes widening and I heard an intake of breath. I quickly looked away as a blush crept to my cheeks.

Hi, he said aloud to no one in particular. I couldn’t form a response and refused to look up.

Hi Sophia responded, thankfully You’re new here, right? Can we help you?

I am new here but that’s my locker, he said, pointing to the one I was partially covering.

I quickly moved aside as he stepped up and began working at the lock, a small smile played at his lips. Sophia grabbed my arm and drug me away towards our class. What is wrong with me? I sighed as I glanced back at him with a look of longing, I saw his eyes following me but he quickly looked back to his locker. Is he the reason for that feeling? Is it a sign? An internal monologue took place as I considered the feelings he caused me to feel and what they meant.

History is our First class of the day, the only class the three of us have together besides lunch. Our teacher Mr. King has been our teacher for as long as I can remember. He must love our class so much because each year he moves on with us. After the first couple years of this happening, the students questioned him and his response was He invested a lot of time in our class and he wants to see to it that we get the best education. He was by far my favorite teacher and it had nothing to do with the fact that history was my favorite class. Mr. King was tall and scrawny, with muddy blonde colored hair and hazel colored eyes. He wore black rimmed square glasses.

Good Morning Mr. King we all said as we passed him to go to our seats. There was a commotion happening at the door, we looked over after taking our seats to see the new kid enter with Mr. King. What are the odds?

The three of us always sat together, Sophia sat beside me while Adam sat behind Sophia. I could tell he had a crush on her but I wasn’t saying anything until he was ready to face those feelings. The new kid stood in front of the class beside Mr. King who looked a little nervous as he fidgeted. That’s a first. I shamelessly stared at him, as did every other girl in the class. He looked around the room, when his eyes found mine once again he looked no further. I blushed as I looked down at my notebook in front of me.

I looked up as Mr. King started to say Everyone, this is Axel Hudson, obviously he’s new here. We all laughed. I know we don’t get new students often but please make him feel welcome. he said while looking around at us all, I felt like his eyes lingered on me a moment longer than usual.

Please find a seat, Axel. he said, turning back to Axel.

The only available seat in the class was behind me, he ignored all of the other girls he passed, he appeared to not even notice them trying to get his attention. He gave me a small smile as he passed by me, the only person he seemed to show any interest in. Weird. No one ever shows interest in me, I’m plain. I could hear the murmur from the girls already whispering about the new hotness.

Okay students, put everything away except a pencil. It’s test time! Mr. King said excitedly, while everyone groaned over the reminder. Now Axel, I am going to ask you to take the test but it is just so I know where you’re at.

I glanced over my shoulder to try and get another look at Axel, but I was met with a pair of green eyes, he gave a small knowing smile, I quickly turned forward again. Damn, he was gorgeous. I resisted the urge to look at him again, afraid he’d catch me staring. When class was over I gathered up my things, said bye to my friends and headed out of the class in a rush. I was heading down the hall when someone yelled my name. I turned to find Mr. King standing there with Axel beside him, I walked back to them.

Yes Mr. King? I asked. Internally groaning.

Angela, it appears Mr. Hudson here has the same class next period and needs some help getting there. Would you mind showing him?

Nodding to him I replied sure Mr. King, not a problem. Sophia and Adam came out of the classroom at the same time and she winked at me with a smirk as Adam pushed her towards their next period. Seriously?

Thank you Angela, enjoy your first day Axel. Mr. King said, returning to his classroom.

I turned and began back down the hall towards our next period, Axel matched my pace. While we were walking, he asked which do you prefer to be called Angela or Angie?

You know, I never actually thought about it. Why? I replied. It caught me a little off guard.

No reason, I just heard you called both and was wondering which I should use.

My friends and family typically use Angie but either one is fine.

He appeared to be in thought and we arrived at the classroom a moment later. He went to the teachers desk while I went to take my seat. He handed his paperwork to the teacher, they introduced him and told him to take a seat.

Although there were other empty seats in the class he once again took the one behind me. I turned around to face him May I see your schedule?. He handed it over with a smile, like a joke that only he was privy to.

We have the same schedule. I said with narrowed eyes as I handed it back to him.

Do we? he asked innocently, I guess I won’t need to ask anyone else to help me find my classes then.

I guess not. How is that possible?

Maybe those were just the classes with availability. he suggested. I didn’t reply, just turned forward again. Strange. Who is this guy?

Class started a moment later. Trying to be nonchalant I peeked over my shoulder once again to find him sitting there with a smirk. How dare he. It’s like he knows. I cannot shake this feeling that I am somehow connected to him but I have never encountered someone this good looking before.

We talked between classes as I showed him around the school, he asked me the typical questions you ask when getting to know someone new. This is a whole new thing to me and I am generally a shy person but since we have every class together I might as well get used to him being around.

How old are you? he asked.

Almost 16. You?

19. When’s your birthday?

Tomorrow. Shouldn’t you be a senior then? I said shyly, he looked at me curiously but continued.

I should be but being homeschooled put me behind a little. That’s okay, more time to experience high school. he said with a smirk.

Oh, I guess that makes sense. It doesn’t make sense at all, actually but who am I to question it?

What’s your favorite color?

Blue. Yours?

Also blue. Then he got bold. Are you dating anyone?

I stared at him for a second. Why would he ask that? I just shook my head no, unable to find my voice but feeling way out of my comfort zone.

Sorry. That was a little personal. he said. He must have realized that I was uncomfortable.

The whole exchange was very weird and nothing I am used to. When the morning classes were finally over, I found my friends waiting in the hall outside of my last class. We headed to the cafe, grabbed our lunches and went to our normal table by the window. We have sat at this same table since the first day of freshman year.

So…. Sophia drawled out as I narrowed my eyes at her in expectation.

Soph, don’t Adam started.

Everyone is talking about you and Axel! She teased me.

About what? What have you heard? I asked in a slight panic.

Oh, not much, just that you guys were seen together between each period, about how he is always staring at you and how he ignores everyone else. she rushed out so fast I almost didn’t catch it all.

I felt a blush creep up at the mention of him staring at me, He does not look at me that much and yes, we have all the same classes. He doesn’t ignore everyone else. Even as I tried to deny it, I knew what she said was true, I didn’t see him talk to anyone else.

Sophia laughed but before she could tease me anymore, Axel walked into the lunchroom. The lunchroom became extremely quiet as everyone watched him enter, all the girls watching him with hopeful lust that he would sit with them only to sigh disappointedly as he walked past each of their tables. It was like he knew exactly where I was because he made his way over to our table with his tray of food, the gossiping could be heard the closer he got to us. I watched his approach from under my lashes, attempting to be inconspicuous.

May I sit with you? he asked while looking at me.

Of course you can! Sophia said, moving her books a little at the seat beside her in hopefulness.

He came around and placed his tray down at the empty seat between Adam and me. Sophia pouted and it did not go unnoticed by Adam who gave her an irritated look. She quickly got over it though, starting her chatter up like always.

How are you liking our school so far Axel? she asked.

I like it, everyone is really nice, he replied.

I nodded in agreement, since we don’t get new students everyone was being nice to him. He started making small talk with Adam while Sophia chimed in on things here and there, she doesn’t like to be ignored. He occasionally glanced in my direction but continued to talk with the other two while I enjoyed my lunch. It was still raining and I found rain to be peaceful and a calmness settled over me.

I took notice that none of the football team were currently in the cafe, they must be in the gym working out. I am not sure how Joel would react to the news of Axel showing me attention, although since he’s an upperclassman maybe he hasn’t heard the rumors yet. When lunch was finished, while I was gathering up my books to leave, Axel picked up both our lunch trays and walked them over to the trash can. I stared after him for a moment, I heard Sophia snickering and I blushed.

You ready? Axel asked as he came back. I nodded and waved to my friends as we started off to our next class.

  By the last bell, Axel had adapted well into our school. He appears to have no trouble at all making friends and he talked to a lot of the other students. The day flew by and before I knew it, the four of us were standing at our lockers again.

Looks like one hell of a storm brewing out there. Sophia said while looking out the window at the darkening sky.

Why must you swear? It is very unlady-like said Adam. We both burst out laughing, he was always chiding us on our foul language usage and we found it to be hilarious. Especially since sometimes she did it on purpose just to get a rise out of him.

Hell isn’t even a bad word. she stated after recovering from our laughing fits while rolling her eyes at him.

The two bickered back and forth but this was a regular thing between them and I try to not get involved in their little squabbles. Sophia got amusement out of it since she was being shown attention. I stood there listening in while staring out at the nearly black sky, happy that I wasn’t the object of their attention.

Do you need a ride home? Axel asked as he leaned down towards me as they were still bickering. Just loud enough for me to hear him, I blushed.

Thank you, but my brother will be finishing up with football practice soon. I would hate for you to go out of your way.

I wouldn’t be going out of my way to take you home but how about I wait with you, it looks like it’s going to be a bad storm. I would hate for you to be caught with no ride. he left no room for argument, I nodded and we headed over to the gym.

Text me later Angie. Sophia yelled to me as we walked away and I turned to see her wink at me. Great.

It was nice not to have to sit here alone for once but I usually used this time to read. I often sat out in the stadium when the weather was nice but when the weather was bad they practiced inside. We sat in a comfortable silence for a bit, then curiosity got the better of me.

What made you want to move here, of all places?

It sounds a lot like you don’t like it here. I’ve always lived here. I was homeschooled, I decided I wanted to experience school first hand. he laughed a short chuckle.

It isn’t that I don’t like it here but this town is very quiet and nothing exciting happens here. I said solemnly.

You never know what’s coming, he said.

Not really sure how to take that comment I kept quiet, we watched the growing storm clouds in silence. It took me a moment to register what he said about living here and I was curious as to where exactly he lived because even if he was homeschooled you would think he would have been seen around town. However, before I could ask him anything else my brother came out with some of the other guys on the team.

Angie, you ready to go? he asked. After a moment he looked my way to see I wasn’t alone. Joel and the other guys stopped, sizing Axel up.

You must be the new guy I’ve been hearing about, welcome to our school. What’s your name? he said, reaching out for a handshake.

Axel Hudson. he said while shaking his hand. Joel winced a bit.

That’s a heck of a handshake. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Joel, Angela’s brother. Why are you sitting here with Angela? he looked between us questioningly.

I just wanted to make sure she had a ride home. he glanced at me then.

Angie, didn’t you tell him I always take home? Joel asked.

I did, he just wanted to make sure Joel.

I have never forgotten you. I sighed and nodded.

I’m ready, we can go Joel. I rolled my eyes at my brother, he never had to worry about boys with me before and now he feels like he has to play the big brother role. I looked at Axel with a shrug and a silent apology as I got up. I am glad you had a good first day Axel, I’ll see you tomorrow. I said quietly and smiled.

Be careful, it looks pretty bad out there. he nodded towards the window where the wind had already begun its tirade of the trees. It was nice to meet you Joel.

Joel and I walked side by side out of the building, his teammates falling in around us, they are all like big brothers to me. That’s why Joel never had to worry about boys in the past, I have a team of gym junkies watching out for me.

Our drive home is usually quiet but today it felt extra quiet, the only sound being the pitter patter of the rain on the roof.

Angie, be careful with that guy. Joel said when we reached the house.

Why?

Angie, I am just telling you to be careful. he huffed out as he got out of the truck.

The rest of the evening was uneventful, I did my homework and helped mom with dinner. Joel didn’t bring Axel up again, which I am happy about. When dinner was finished I helped to clean up and do the dishes. By now the storm was raging outside, a full on thunderstorm. I love thunderstorms, but I hate being in them when it is cold. While I was changing into my pjs a loud crack of thunder boomed causing the house to shake. I raced to the window to wait for the lightning, it streaked across the sky. Causing everything to light up and in the brief light a shape caught my eye in the yard. There is a tree line that borders our property, but something was different. I couldn’t be sure what it was and I waited for the next flash but when it came, everything seemed normal. It must have been my imagination, living here my whole life, our yard hasn’t changed and I know it like the back of my hand. A few minutes later the lightning started coming in multiple strikes that caused many series of flashes with long rumbling thunder to accompany it. I watched it for a little and then closed my curtains, I went to my bed and picked up my book from the nightstand.

Chapter 2

I was walking through an eerie forest that was damp with a thin fog spreading out. The moon was full in the sky above, lighting my path. The atmosphere is creepy and foreboding. I’m walking towards a clearing that peeks through holes in the thick underbrush, my bare feet leaving a trail behind me in the damp dirt. I hadn’t yet reached the tree line when some rustling behind me caught my attention for a moment but it was the snap of a stick that caused me to stop mid step. I looked around me but in a split second the moon disappeared, darkness engulfed me. I looked around waiting for my eyes to adjust when a pair of yellow eyes appeared right beside me, startling me. They seemed to be floating in the air, it was too dark and I couldn’t make out what they belonged to. Before I had a chance to run a second pair appeared, then several more until I was surrounded. Unsure what to do and trying to not panic, I heard a low hum of noise coming from up ahead, beyond the brush and in the clearing. I slid my foot back a half step but a low growl stopped me from going further. I wanted to turn and run to the clearing in hopes of finding help but found myself being drawn to the being in front of me. A shiver ran through me as I stared into the eyes of the beast closest to me. A beast that must be huge as I have to look up to see into its eyes. The hum of noise continued in the field but I couldn’t tell what it was. A strong wind blew causing my hair to blow out behind me…

I jolted awake, looking around in confusion for a minute. That dream felt very real and I half expected to be in the forest, I was relieved to find myself in my bedroom. I glanced at the clock and it read 12:01, I’m officially 16. The storm is still raging outside, that must be what woke me up. I thought about my dream, what I could remember anyways. What could that beast have been? The thought of something that huge being out there is terrifying, there is no doubt in my mind that the beast is real. Many questions ran through my mind of what it could possibly be. I laid there thinking about the glowing eyes and how they felt familiar. Sleep eluded me and then my alarm went off signaling it was morning. Great, this is going to be a fun-filled day. Not.

Groaning, I got up, showered and got dressed. I chose a pair of black wool leggings, a gray sweater dress that falls mid-thigh and a pair of knee high black leather boots. Since I won’t be coming home before the game I want to dress a little warmer. I also pulled out my black leather jacket. I know it won’t do much if it gets too cold but mom always keeps blankets in the car. I did a half updo today, pulling pieces of hair out to frame my face. I do my usual make up, however due to the bags under my eyes I kind of resemble a zombie. sigh. The shower did little to revive me, I’m going to need a large cup of coffee to make it through today.

I go downstairs expecting to find mom cooking, but Joel is sitting there eating a bowl of cereal. He relies on mom to cook, if she’s not here that’s his go to meal. If he eats at all.

Where’s mom? I asked tiredly while I made coffee and put a bagel in the toaster.

He looks at me and smiles and says Happy Birthday Ang! Mom had something she had to take care of. She said she will see you at the game tonight. He replies with a hint of sadness in his voice.

To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. It’s not like mom, what could be so important that she wouldn’t be here to wish me a happy birthday. Mom and dad work for the local library. Mom locates rare books for people’s private collections, dad usually retrieves them. They occasionally meet with people but they don’t usually miss birthdays.

I’m going to start the truck. The storm calmed down but I want to leave extra time. You have 5 mins before I leave.

That was normal for him, but he’s never left without me. I grabbed my bagel from the toaster, put some cream cheese on it and wrapped it in a paper towel. I also grabbed a banana and my coffee to go adding in creamer. The torrential downpour has become a light drizzle but with 40 MPH winds. The heavy winds have caused some damage, a few trees came down and lots of debris littered the roads, leaves and branches included.

When we reached the school, the grounds looked like a tornado had gone through it and a tree had fallen over beside the school. The tree looks like it had been struck by lightning and was split right down the center. 

Wow, what are the chances of that happening? I asked Joel.

Not very high, at least it wasn’t till now, he replied. It looked like he wanted to say more as he met my eye in a side glance.

His answer baffled me for a moment and I was about to ask him what he meant when I saw my friends coming towards us, with Axel following behind them. They had giant smiles on as they braved the winds and rain to sing Happy Birthday. We got out of the truck and Joel rushed off with a hurried ‘have a great day’ as my friends embraced me. Axel looked out of place standing back from the others, he shifted from foot to foot.

We all started towards the building, the rain started to come down harder and my friends ran ahead to get out of the rain. I don’t mind the rain and it’s not too cold right now, I walked normally. Axel matched my steps, using his body to block the rain from hitting me. He leaned down and whispered You look beautiful. into my ear. I was surprised by the gesture and I stopped to look at him. He looked intensely into my eyes and I saw his hand begin to raise but quickly he dropped it back to his side. What was that?

Thank you. I blushed looking down at myself.

I have a question, he said hesitantly. Is he afraid to ask or is he afraid of my answer?

Okay… I said quietly unsure what he was going to ask me.

Would you go to the game with me tonight?

oh, I said. My parents usually meet Sophia, Adam and me there, you can come with us.

Do you want me to meet your parents? he asked.

Why not?

He hesitated a moment. Sure, I think I will. If you don’t mind. he replied.  I shook my head no. We started walking again, both of us wet from stopping to talk, Axel more than I because he blocked most of it from hitting me. Thankfully my jacket kept my dress from getting too wet from what rain was able to hit me.

When we made it to our lockers, my friends looked at us curiously as we passed by them but didn’t say anything, Sophia wore a smirk. I was actually impressed that she was able to keep her mouth shut. Axel and I put our jackets in our lockers and I grabbed my books, water still dripped from my hair. As we went to class everyone we passed was talking about the game tonight. Even Adam and Sophia were hyped for it, it’s the biggest game of the year, against our rival school. The Wolverines are huge and brutal and show no mercy. They usually won the championships, almost like the students are bred for football. Last year one of our guys ended up in the hospital, he survived but he had serious injuries and some broken bones. In the last 50 years our school has only beaten them once and even that was a close game.

What are you thinking about? Axel whispered from behind me. I jumped from surprise and Sophia started snickering.

I was thinking it would be great if we managed to win the game tonight. I said glaring at my best friend. Sophia stuck her tongue out at me but was smirking.

I heard Adam whisper, leave her alone. and I gave her a side look.

I think this may just be a year you guys win. Axel said.

What makes you say that? You haven’t even seen our team play yet. Adam responded.

Axel shrugged his shoulders just a feeling, besides it would make Angela’s birthday better.

I blushed and Sophia looked at me with a raised eyebrow and a knowing smile as I too smiled from his comment because it really would make this year special, since turning 16 doesn’t really seem like a big deal.

I have this feeling, like Deja vu, that something is going to happen. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is. The day goes like every other day has before, the only difference being Axel. Once again he and I walk to every class together, it’s strange but it feels normal.

How come I never saw you around town but you said you have always lived here? I asked curiously from our talk the previous day.

We live closer to the mountains and we are very self-sufficient up there. We never had a need to come into town. he said.

oh. such an intelligent response, I know. but you just decided now that you wanted to go to an actual school?

Yeah, I mean don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed being homeschooled but it’s nice to see how the other side lives. he gave a small chuckle.

oh, okay. Are you sitting with us at lunch today?

If you don’t mind. I shook my head no. good. he smiled.

Axel and I walked to lunch together today, Sophia and Adam were already at our table. As we sat down to join them my brother and the entire football team were heading right for our table while singing Happy Birthday and carrying cupcakes. They effectively put space between Axel and me, I’m sure that was Joel’s suggestion, of course he would use the football team. Axel looked at the guys surrounding me, he looked a bit pissed off. It got worse when one of the juniors on the team sat next to me and was talking animatedly with me. Ha, nothing wrong with a little friendly competition.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and pulled it out to see who would be texting me. Not expecting the one I got.

Mom- Happy birthday sweetheart, I’m sorry I missed you this morning. We aren’t going to be able to make it to the game tonight either. I’m also sorry but your father and I need to go away for a few days. When we get back we need to have a talk. We have some very important things to talk to you about. Love you, have a great day sweetheart!

I looked at my brother who was seated across from me, Did you know mom and dad weren’t coming to the game? I asked. She just texted me.

She texted me earlier to apologize for missing it.

When were you going to tell me? They never miss your games.

I felt mom should tell you, not me. I don’t think it’s right but there is nothing we can do about it. I guess it’s you and me this weekend. Joel said while the guys on the team left to go back to their table mumbling happy birthday again as they left, a few of them patted me on the shoulder or head.

I sighed, I was trying very hard to get my emotions under control. With the little sleep I got last night, I’m finding it hard to maintain my composure. I know it isn’t Joel’s fault because he was right, mom should be the one to tell me. From the corner of my eye I saw Axel staring at me but when I looked his way he wouldn’t meet my eye. That was weird.

You gonna be okay kid? Joel asked.

I nodded I’m just disappointed. Do you know what they need to talk to me about?

He shook his head but came around and gave me a hug and kissed the top of my head before he left to return to the table with the rest of the guys. My friends heard everything but I read them the text message my mom sent me. Our families are so close and we all spend so much time together they know how weird this is for my parents. They gave me sympathetic, yet curious looks.

Are you sure you’re okay? Adam asked me. Not much I can do about it.

Don’t have much of a choice. I said matter of factly and put on a brave face. Axel’s gaze darted to me and then looked away again.

True but I wonder what they need to talk to you about, Sophia said as she glanced at Adam.

Me too. I agreed.

I stared out the window thinking about what they could possibly need to talk to me about, it had stopped raining but it still looked gray and gloomy. Somehow it was still relaxing to me, I could see the wind begin to pick up and trees start to move. I have a feeling tonight’s game is going to be a wet one. They changed the subject and decided to talk about after school activities and plans for the weekend but I remained solemn and to myself. They all tried to get me involved in the conversation but the lack of sleep was really starting to wear on me and it was taking a lot to not lose my composure. The longer I stared out the window at the sky the stronger the wind seemed to get, it looked like tiny tornadoes of leaves. I didn’t hear the bell ring and only when Axel touched my arm, which felt like he shocked me, did I come back to the room.

Angie, you okay? he whispered beside my ear, to the onlookers it may seem like he kissed my cheek. I blushed but nodded, I glanced momentarily back out the window to see the wind die down again. Weird.

Let’s meet at the lockers when school ends and plan where to meet for the game. Sophia said, I nodded absently not really paying attention.

Axel once again picked up my tray and we walked off together leaving my friends whispering as they gathered their belongings.

What are you doing in the time before the game? Axel asked me while we walked. I shrugged, not sure as of right now what to tell him.

The remainder of the day was a blur and I had trouble focusing in the rest of my classes. Luckily the teachers don’t usually expect much from us on Fridays, never assigning homework on the weekends. Axel walked with me to each class but I think he knew I didn’t really want to talk. I’m upset about my parents and really just want to go home and sleep but I know that isn’t an option.

The game starts at 4pm, I would have an hour from when school ends till the game starts and have no idea how to spend it. Joel will be warming up, Adam has a chess club meeting and Sophia is working on a group project. When the bell rang for the end of period Axel and I walked to our lockers.

Are you alright? Axel asked while we waited for