"And I still think we should go to the Snow Ball together. Let me know, eh? You're gonna think about it, right?"

"Yeah," is Bea's answer.

"That's my girl."

Insecurity swirls in my chest, as I grapple with fear of Gus and Bea bonding. And I thought I screwed the lid down on my old demon, jealousy.

My memories flood back, the childhood days echoing in my mind. Gus, effortlessly basked in love, popularity and validation at school. I always felt like a shadow: unseen and unnoticed. The contrast between us etched itself deep within me, at times fuelling a sense of resentment and longing for the same recognition.

As we grew older, I got to understand we are simply different, and that I should be happy in my own skin. Be the best version of myself. I thought, I truly thought I had mastered that lesson. Now that I see Gus and Bea chatting together, a wave of self-doubt crashes over me, questioning my worth, wondering if I can ever compete with Gus' charm.

I slump back in my chair and look forlornly at the two of them talking. And I know exactly what's going to happen: I'm going to wuss out. It's what weak people do. It's what I've always done. I never stand up to Gus, and I never ask girls out.

Weak, weak, weak.

Beatrice Laurent, you are out of my league.

Always measured and rational, I avoided feeling things because feelings – hurt me. But Bea opened me up. Her frankness, her wild spirit. I'm a cracked nut, but now I can't handle it. I want to close my turtle shell back up, and just shut it all out before I explode. I cannot handle this.

As if that weren't enough, Gus calls her his girl, and Bea doesn't correct him at all.

All I get from him is a deprecating gaze and a painful smack on the head.
It's as if the gesture wishes to say know your place, whelp.

Then it all happens so fast. Bea roars, literally roars at my brother, her fierce protection displayed in the form of a mountain lioness. It's only the second time I've seen her transformed, but I never witnessed the moment of the shift.

Both Gus and I are momentarily speechless, our minds struggling to comprehend the sight before us.

She growls at him and prepares to leap forth.

The impotent, paralyzed look on his face is a look I know all too well. I saw it so many times staring back at me from a mirror.

Before Bea can harm Gus, I swiftly intervene, stepping between them with outstretched arms. "Stop! It's not worth it," I plead, my voice filled with urgency and concern.

The mountain lioness pauses, actually heeding my call.

Gus, sensing the danger temporarily wane, quickly retreats, leaving the room in a hurry.

Relief washes over me as I watch my brother disappear, my heart pounding in my chest. I turn to Bea, her massive wild form dominating the entire bedroom. Without hesitation, I wrap my arms around her, holding her tightly.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for not harming my brother."

She groans and collapses on the floor, writhing and changing back into her human form.

Racket and raised voices come from downstairs, and then everything is silent again. Gus must have left.

Bea's features morph and settle into familiar contours.

I gently guide her towards the bed where I cover her with the soft bedsheets. Blushing at the sight of her nude back, I look away but still hold her hand, and sit beside her. I hope my touch is offering at least some comfort and reassurance in this scary moment.

"You're incredible, Bea," I murmur. "I'm so lucky to have you by my side." I focus on the moment of her protecting me, I don't want her to feel bad about assaulting Gus.

She turns towards me, trembling, tears streaming down her cheeks and flings herself into my arms. I hold her in silence, hoping she can find solace in my presence, our bond strengthened by the shared experience. We remain wrapped in each other's embrace and I press my lips to her hair.

"Let it all out. It's okay. It's over."

"How can you even say that? It's not okay!" She yells at me and pushes me away all of a sudden. "It's not over, Ross, don't you understand, this will never be over. I'm always going to be dangerous for everyone."

"Don't say that."

"It's true. I almost attacked your brother. I almost harmed... You." She swallows.

"But you didn't. That's all that matters. You held back."

"This time. What if next time..." She punches the wall, leaving a small dent in it. "Ahhh I am so furious with myself."

"You have to see the positive side of it. No one was harmed."

"I hate it that I can't control the shift yet, Ross."

"You will learn." I am confident about it, I really mean what I tell her.

"I guess maybe there is some part of me that was hoping that after my shift, I... I would go back to a full human form. Not this stuck-halfway-through appearance." She sighs.

Amparo bursts into the room, panic etched on her face. "Señorita Bea, señorita Bea!" Her gaze darts to the torn clothes on the floor and Bea's sobbing form. "¿Estás bien, mi niña?" The woman kneels next to Bea, besides herself with worry. "Estoy bien, Amparo," Bea sighs.

I know Bea is angry with her caretaker over not telling her she was adopted, but the love and bond between the two is so apparent she can't possibly stay angry for long.

"This boy, Gus..."

"My brother." I stand up warily. "What about him? Did he leave?"

"He did, señor Ross but, oh, he was so angry. Muy enfadado. You should have seen his face."

"I am quite familiar with his angry facial expression indeed."

This sentence elicits an involuntary chuckle from a sobbing Bea.

"You don't understand, señor Ross. He said to me... He said he is going to tell everyone about señorita Bea's conditions. The park rangers, the authorities, everyone."

"Shit." Bea accurately summarizes my thoughts.

I'm unsure to what extent Gus would actually do something like that, and I think that maybe he was just frightened, but it's better to be safe than sorry. ​

An idea sparks in my mind. "Bea, we can go to my friend Lu's house. Perhaps only temporarily, and for the time being, no one will remember to look for you there. While on the other hand they could swarm this place if he indeed tells them you are the mountain lion everyone's looking for."

Bea hesitates to reply, and I can see she is unsure about revealing her secret to another person.

But secrets are like teeth. They just sit there and rot you unless you yank them out.

"Lu and Z-Man. They are my best friends. They can be trusted. I vouch for them."

Bea paces in circles, her thumb and forefinger on her chin as she ponders my suggestion. The white bedsheet wrapped around her gives her an erudite Greek kind of look.

"It's your decision, Bea," I say, my voice gentle yet resolute. "But I can guarantee that Lu and Z will keep your secret safe. We have been together for as long as I can remember. Since kindergarten days."

"Oh, fine. Plus, they kind of already saw me like this." She lets out a wry chuckle. "Just one other thing. Won't she freak out if I just show up, unannounced?"

"Ah." I scratch my nape. "Nope, nothing phases Lu much. At least... not in the way you'd think." I smile at the thought of my best friend. "But I can always call beforehand?"

"Right, good idea. I will hop in the quick shower, then. And what about her parents? Is there a back door we can use so I can sneak into her room or something? I mean..." Bea leaps to the wardrobe, picking out ample army military style combat pants and a black hoodie.

"Those are a good choice." I nod with approval. "Very camouflage-y."

"These can cover me up to a point but not exactly... all of me." She points at her fangs morosely. "What will her family think? They can't see me like this."

"Oh, that won't be.... That won't be a problem. Lu has no family." I smile sadly. "It was just her and her mother but then... Her mom, she um... Passed away almost a year ago. Now Lu's living alone at the place she inherited from her mom."

Bea brings her hands to her face. "Oh. Wow. I'm... I don't know what to say."

"Cancer," I add, shifting my weight from foot to foot. I still remember how awful it was for Lu to remain all alone, but she handled it like a champ.

"That's horrible. I can't imagine."

"Lu copes. She's kind of her own personal sunshine. You'll see what I mean when you meet her." Pippi Longstockings image comes to mind.

"She's so brave," says Bea, openmouthed.

"Yes. I admire her loads. She even has this after-school job at Uncle Matt's bakery and cafe."

"Okay, let's go to Lu's house," Bea says, her voice filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "I trust you, Ross."

"Thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me."

"Be back in ten." She heads towards the bathroom.

I whip out my phone. I call Lu and she replies after the first ring.

"Ross! Hey, why weren't you at school today? Not cool! And not at all like you." I can almost hear her mentally scratch her head.

"Lu. All good?"

"All good here, but what's up with you, mister?"

"Well, I... Let's just say I took your advice about calling Beatrice Laurent."

"Ooh-la-la! Bold! And what happened? Did she pick up? Ooh, ooh, is that why you haven't come to classes? Were you tutoring her?"

"Something like that." I feel bad about not giving Lu any more details.

"Awwwie!" She squeals so hard that I wince, shaking my head.

"Listen, Lu. I have a big favor to ask from you."

"Anything, Ross," she replies.

"You don't even know what the favor is!"

"Hey, you shut your mouth. You shut your mouth right now. It's what friends are for."

"I need to come over to your place with Bea. She... She needs somewhere to stay for a couple of days. I know it's not fair from me to spring this on you so suddenly, and I know this is not my usual behavior but... This is very important to me."

"No freaking way? Bea-the-Beatrice Laurent is coming to my place? To stay for a couple of days? To like, stay-stay! Oh my gosh. I can't wait!" Another squeal has me remove the phone from my ear due to her high pitched voice.

When my hearing is recovered, and I listen in again, there is an incoherent stream of words and an enthused babble at the other end.

"Lu..."

"Ross, I'm mega excited!" She can barely contain her enthusiasm, as always.

"Lu, listen to me."

"Yes. Fine. Okay. Listen. I'm all ears."

"Please, no matter what... Can you promise me you won't comment on anything, and just be considerate about Bea's... condition? Remember, the one I told you about, at the cafe? This is big for her, entrusting me with this." I can hear the seriousness in my own voice as I stress the importance of this.

Ly's voice softens as she responds, "Of course, Ross. I understand. Don't worry, we'll make sure she feels welcome and comfortable. Z-man's coming over later too and I'll school him in manners in the little time we have left."

Her words offer reassurance, and relief floods me.

We end the call, and I can't help but feel grateful for having friends like Lu and Z-man in my life. Their understanding and willingness to help in this situation mean the world to me.

I hope together we can protect Bea from any harm that might come her way.

The bus trip to Lu's place is quiet. 

Bea opts to stand, leaning on the window, watching the streets and the trees go by. When we are almost there, she turns to me with a smile. "I like riding on the bus. It's calm, and reassuring, to just melt into other people. To be the one of many."

I understand all too well what she's saying. I have never been the one to enjoy the limelight, and judging by Bea's words, she is just discovering the joys of privacy.

Lu's home is a cozy, tiny wooden cottage with a small garden already blooming with vibrant yellow flowers, heralds of springtime. As we approach, a young pure white cat with mesmerizing blue eyes lazily lounges on the porch, adding an extra touch of charm. It runs to meet Bea half-way, weaving perfect eights around her legs, and then it hops into her arms and positions herself on her shoulder.

The scent of mouthwatering burgers wafts through the open window, teasing my senses. Bea rubs her stomach, still glancing at the perching kitten uncomfortably but not making any efforts to shoo it away. "Ugh, I haven't even realized how hungry I was."

The door swings open and we get a first class peek into Lu's living room.

The atmosphere is undeniably homely and cute, with warm colors and comfy furniture inviting me to relax. it's a place that instantly makes you feel at ease, like a comforting hug from a dear friend. The plush beanies and yellow sofa view disappears, replaced with smiling figures of two people I would trust with my life.

Lu is grinning like mad in her "I'm Not Perfect, But I Do Run a Cleaning Company And That's Pretty Much the Same Thing" t-shirt. Z-man stands behind her wearing a "Kiss the Cook" apron, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Man, the heat in the kitchen is unbearable. I hope you like curly fries because I slaved in there for almost an hour."

Bea nods, staring at her feet. I know she is reluctant to speak up because of her teeth, and I squeeze her hand reassuringly.

A look passes between Z and Lu but they don't comment on it.

Lu steps forth, radiating hospitality. "And I hope that the house looks presentable, Bea! I already have your room ready and everything. Oh. And I see Skye really took to you! He doesn't do this with anyone, usually!"

"He's erm... Very cuddly." She mumbles to her chin.

It's so peculiar to see Bea out of her element, so quiet and shy. 

"Well don't just stand there on the porch, guys, come in! We just made supper."

We step inside, and Z-man shakes Bea's hand, while Lu flings herself at Bea and hugs her.

"So happy to have you, Bea. You know, your impeccable looks always made me feel insecure. Everything you did in those Tik Tok videos appeared so effortless. Girl, you can draw a flawless cat-eye with a liquid liner, while I always settle for a mediocre little flick on the left side or nothing. My kingdom for your ability to apply a symmetrical face of makeup!"

A/N: Theme song: All Falls Down (A Capella Cover)