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Hush, Howl {4}

Darren

The game had been really tough, our rival team was really fast that they managed to score a few touchdowns. But, stating the fact that werewolves are incredibly fast and our endurance and stealth level are to the max, we were doing better than they are. Since Jackson High’s players are exceptionally trained and experienced, we had the pleasure of leading the game into victory.

        Only about thirty seconds were left, and Jackson High’s score is currently inferior to our rival school's by five points. We are starting to lose hope of winning, but we can't manage to give up 'til very end. This was our last chance to score a touchdown. If we can do it, we can obtain six points. Add the fact that we still had the try-for-point, it would turn the tables. Kicking instead of a touchdown would surely not do. The linemen from both teams were unyielding but they still managed to open up a path for me, so I broke through the middle and set my sights on the goal.

      "It's a scramble! Quarterback Darren is running the ball himself!" Said the announcer or whatever he was called.

        Sweat drifted from my forehead and trickled down my face. My breathing was ragged and my heart was practically racing inside my chest as a sign of severe fatigue. My eyes were set on the goal--those tall posts that still seemed so far away.

        A lot of players blocked my path trying to tackle me down, but I still managed to get past them. I won't lose the ball in this last play. This was our last chance of victory and I won't hand the glory to the other school.

        I urged myself to go faster until one of our enemies came from the side and tackled me down even before I got to the end of the field. I held the ball out in front me as far as I could, hoping it somehow reached the goal. I closed my eyes as suspense came over me. I did the best I could.

         "TOUCHDOWN!" The referee called. 

        We gained points that undoubtedly triumphed over our rivals just before the time was finished.

        We have won.

        I looked high up in the sky, hearing my pulse pound loudly on my ears. I breathed in and out, smiling as the crowd cheered deafeningly on their seats at our success. My team members pulled me back up on my feet and hauled me over their shoulders, carrying me high up in the air for my achievement.

        I lifted my fists in the air and yelled, “Jackson High rocks!” My exclamation made the crowd yell even louder than before—well, at least the people on our side. The other people who were in for our rivals were either whining and crying for the lost or shouting protests against the people responsible for judging.

        The speaker eventually declared our victory and ended the game night. My team mates set me down on the ground carefully, and I rushed to the crowd where I’ve seen the girl with the flaming red hair walk through. I’ve got admit that I stole a few glances at her while playing. She was beautiful. But I cannot remove the doubt within me. What if she wasn't the one I was looking for?

        But then, to my dismay, her figure was lost on the crowd of people. There were students and others who blocked my path and started congratulating me for my achievement. There were even girls who threw compliments on my feet. Somehow, their presence were hindering me from finding out who was that girl. It’s actually killing me. The suspense was achingly irritating.

        Who the hell is she?

        I eventually lost hope and decided to resume my search tomorrow, since I myself was extremely exhausted from such a strenuous game. It was already half-past-midnight, and I guess I have to sleep for school tomorrow. Maybe by then . . . I will find her.

        I went to the locker room and wiped off the sweat on my body. All of the other players were doing the same thing, packing their things and changing into a new pair of comfy, dry clothes. Some congratulated me for scoring the last watch.

        After packing my things, I went to the parking area and pressed the unlock button on the remote. Diving into the leather seat, I inserted the key and twisted it into ignition. The sweet revolve of the engine reverberated on my ears. Sighing, I stepped onto the gas and began driving off. I tuned the radio, making the music blast in my ears.

        Once I arrived home in a few matter of minutes after going through the dark roads of South Carolina, I quickly entered the pack-house and took a fast shower just to wash away all the dirt I have on my body. I’m too lazy to take a bath now, since I’m extremely exhausted.

         I dried myself off and hopped onto my bed with only my boxers on. I cuddled under the warm sheets around me, thinking that maybe tomorrow I will be able to find that girl I last saw from the game. Still, I wasn't able to clear my thoughts of her. When I close my eyes, I can see the flash of flaming, red hair.

        The tune coming from her flute echoed inside my mind and I can’t help but drift off to sleep. Still, I can’t help but think—what is she was not the girl who was playing the flute in the woods? What if everything was a mistake? Is it really her or is it just a mere coincidence? Though I was not able to communicate with her, there’s something inside me that hoped she is the girl who played the flute.

        Up to now, I do not know why I’m drawn to her music.

Sapphire

Rosy and I hopped into her Volkswagen beetle and drove our way back to the house. It was already half-past-midnight and I’m certain that Aunt Farris will surely have a fit for us exceeding the time of our curfew. The fact that the game had been really exciting because of the action in provided, it caused the judges to execute the game night longer than it should've been. Rosy and I could've left if we wanted to, but she said the guy who scored the remaining seconds kept glancing at our direction. I, however, wasn't paying much attention.

        We left by seven or eight, maybe. Because of the challenging round between the two sides, the game lasted for more or less than five hours. I know it seems impossible, that the game should’ve been continued tomorrow, but of course, they were tight on schedule and made the players endure the whole game in one night! Besides, I cannot deny it, too. It is exciting. No wonder. This'll be a game that'll be talked about in ages around Jackson High.

        We could’ve left earlier, but Rosy was so exhilarated she couldn’t bear to move from her position. I never knew she liked watching sports, but then again, maybe she has other motives.

        Since the fact that I can’t pull her out, I sat still and watched as a blonde guy scored numerous points for our school.

        Rosy kept babbling about how excited she was for school tomorrow. She said she wanted to help our biology professor for the frog dissection, although I was much to disgusted to perform that kind of experiment. I’m an animal-person, so I can’t bear it.

         I sighed and looked out the window, staring closely at the green blur beside us. The woods looked so calm and tranquil . . . I just want to be there right now and play my flute.

        My flute is a treasure which I’m not quite willing to lose. I clutched it tightly in my hands.

         “Sapphire!” Rosy called, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Didn’t you hear what I said? I’ve been talking here for the last five minutes.” She said, nudging my leg and sparing me glances before eventually throwing her eyes back on the road. I shrugged innocently and pressed my lips into a thin line. “I was asking about the prom. It’s about nearly two months away. Who are you going to bring?” she asked me, looking at my hands eagerly for my answer.

         “No one really wants me as a partner.” I told her with a sad smile, waving some signs in the air.“I mean, who would want to take a mute to the prom? They want someone whom they can talk to while dancing.” I explained, feeling my hands tire from my frantic waving of my hands in the air.

“Aw, don’t be sad, Saf.” She told me, using my nickname. “Some guy would get you into it. I mean, you’re beautiful, sexy . . . not to mention intelligent and talented. Someone would definitely take you to the prom!” Maybe the compliments she threw were just spoken to try and cheer me up. However, i don't want to keep on hoping. And as if sensing what was in my mind, she spoke up again. “Don’t lose hope.” Her advices are sometimes encouraging, but then, she failed this time. Not even a single guy wanted to hook up with me.

          Students from Jackson High have completely labeled me as an outcast to their society. No one ever wanted to hang out with me because of the fear of being bullied while doing so. The people who tried helping me endured a whole painful humiliation. So, not being able to withstand the embarrassment, they left. Except Rosy, of course.  

        Who else will dare take me to the prom? I huffed at the thought.

        I blew the strangling red hair of my face and looked out the window, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning back. The saddest thing about being mute is that . . . you’re always neglected. They wouldn’t let you in on any club because you can’t speak. You’re always underestimated because of your . . . dilemma. Sometimes, I just wish I could have my voice back. I want to sing again like I usually do when I was a child. Now, I barely can do anything.

        We arrived back at the house and both I and Rosy gradually walked towards the front porch. We’re extremely tired from the game even though all we did was sit and cheer. Our butts felt numb from those five hours of sitting on a hard wooden bench. All we could use right now is a warm bed and maybe some hot chocolate to relax.

        There was no light present inside the house. Everything was quite, so we came upon the conclusion of Aunt Farris asleep.

        Rosy and I stopped in front of the door. We exchanged glances, knowing that her mom would throw a fit because of us coming home later than midnight if she ever finds out. It’s a really bad thing, but, when you have enough honest reason to say to her . . . she would stop. She was like a lie detector. Aunt Farris is a kind aunt, but really strict when it comes to me and Rosy. She was overprotective and almost locks us up on our room every single second of the day if possible. But gives us enough freedom as well.

        I squared my shoulders as Rosy twisted open the knob. I practically heaved a sigh of relief when it was dark and quiet. We both began to sneak in and closed the door behind us as silent as possible.

        To our shock, the lights flipped open and we froze on our position.

        Aunt Farris was standing before us with a stern look plastered across his face. Her brown hair was pinned up into a messy bun while she wore an oversized shirt and a short paired with slippers. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she was continuously tapping her foot against the wooden floor.

        Oh boy, this isn’t good.           

        “What time did I tell both of you to come home on or earlier? Not later than that!” She demanded, glowering at us under her lashes.

        Rosy sighed. “Eleven O’clock.” She answered, her shoulders sagging.

         “You are about half and an hour late.” She pointed an accusing finger on both of us while ranting. “Tomorrow, I want both of you home right after school. No going to the mall, shopping or talking to any friends of yours. You are grounded for one and a half days.” One thing we both hated about Aunt Farris is that she’s very strict when it comes to our curfew. She wants us home right on time or earlier. When we arrive later than about ten minutes, we are grounded for ten hours. A minute late is equal to about an hour of being grounded.

        Though it was very sad to think—we rarely even go to the mall after school, we have no friends. I guess it would be fine being grounded—we don’t even have anything to do after all!

         “But Sapphire and I had only been to the game!” Rosy countered.

         “I thought you said both of you won’t go to the game today.” Aunt Farris opposed, scrutinizing us closely.

         “It’s because the principal had given Sapphire an opportunity on playing her flute before the game begins. So, we attended.” She explained, pointing at me. If only I can blurt out about her forcing me into it, I would’ve.         

         Aunt Farris looked at both of us with great expectations. She was looking straight into our eyes for any sign of lie, but we remained blank . . . and Rosy is telling the truth. Aunt Farris can really distinguish when we’re lying or not. We remained like this for a few minutes until her sigh broke the eerie silence currently engulfing the room.

         “Fine then. You both can go to bed now. I’m guessing you both are tired.” She said, walking off. "If you're hungry there's food available inside the fridge!" She advised.

        Rosy and I heaved a sigh of relief and sauntered towards our own rooms with numb asses. As I entered my bedroom, Rosy entered hers. I heard a loud slam as Rosy closed her door behind her after greeting me a small goodnight. I’ve gone to my bedroom as well and closed the door gently behind me.

         After placing my flute on the edge of my bed, I lazily walked towards the bathroom attached to my bedroom and grabbed a fresh towel. I took off my clothes and swung the shower curtains open.

        Twisting open the shower, I immediately started receiving droplets that pounded into my back and trickled down my body. I took hold of the shampoo bottle and squeezed out the strawberry scented liquid on my palms. I gently applied it to my hair and started massaging my scalp.

        A nice refreshing shower would do the trick.

        I snatched my cucumber and lime scented soap and lathered it across my body. I rinsed the soap off me and hopped out of the tub. Grasping the purple towel from the rack, I wrapped it around my body. I walked out of the bathroom and started rummaging through my closet for my pajamas. I found my favorite hello kitty PJs and slipped them on.

        After drying and combing my hair, I then, right away, hopped on my soft, comfy bed and tucked under the covers, forgetting the tiredness I felt the whole day through. I drifted off to sleep, thinking that everything will be okay tomorrow.

        I just hope it would be.

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