“Ever since we discovered you at the farmer’s market a few years back. You’ll be graduating soon, won’t you?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Please tell me we won’t be losing your talent.”
I can’t hold back the wide grin. “No. I’ll be renting a small both out in a boutique downtown and working for the local art gallery.”
“Good! I look forward to seeing what you do next.”
It’s the best graduation present anyone could give me. Art has been my constant companion. The one thing I can count on to pour my emotions into. It’s been the lifeline keeping me anchored in my body and on the earth when the loneliness and lies threatened to overwhelm me.
“Yl!”
I look up and grin at the purple-haired menace stomping toward me in a pair of dock martins paired with a pastel green skirt and a cropped Nirvana top she’s customized.
“Looks like I arrived just in time to help you pack up early.” She beams, her dark green eyes sparkle with mischief.
She’s tamed her coarse lavender curls into a giant buff on the top of her head, baring her graceful neck and the record shaped earrings she made from clay.
“Imagine that, you showing up to whisk me away from work.”
“You’re too serious. Life is about fun. Isn’t that why you attended college so far away from home?”
For the millionth time, I long to tell her the truth. Best friend, roommate, and confidant, she’s held every secret I have except for the ones that truly matter. Guilt sweeps over me, stealing away a chunk of my joy at the lies I’m holding on to.
“And that’s why I’m staying here with you.”
Her smile fades briefly.
“What’s wrong?”
“Just worried about life as an official adult.”
“You worry?”
“Shut it,” she jostles me playfully, and I laugh.
Letting my worries blow away with the cooling breeze coming through the open area under the awning I give in. “Let’s get your things packed.” Kez bends down and moves my totes from under the table.
“Seriously. You’re going to rock life after graduation. You know that, right?” She peers up at me and the sadness in her oak leaf green eyes steals my breath. “Keziah?”
“I’m going to miss things how they are. When classes were the only real problem we had to worry about, and the parties and adventures were plentiful.” Her full lips curve up in the corners.
“Remember that time we drove six hours to see Florence and the Machine?”
“Yes, it was worth every minute of sleep nodding I did in classes that Monday.”
Kez lets out a loud laugh. “I pissed off Mrs. R so bad.”
“She’s not one to forgive snoring during her art history lecture.” I wag my finger, happy to see her bubbly personality return.
Breaking down the displays, I admire the floral stand to my left with the buckets depleted of their colorful blooms. They always sell well. I’ll miss the community I’ve found here.
From Sam and Martha, with their fresh fruit and vegetables from his farm, to Lila with her artisan soap. I catch a woodsy scent on the breeze. I stiffen. Looking around, I try to locate the owner.
It smells like the pack. Heart in my throat, I grip the edge of the table as my legs grow weak. Are they here?
“Earth to Ylva.” Kez waves her hand in front of my face. I jerk.
“You, okay?” She places a hand on my shoulder.
“Yeah?” I laugh at my paranoia. The pack spent my adolescence making it clear I wasn’t wanted or needed. Why else would they let a female wolf leave on her own? Even with the bribery I’d delivered with cash and pack by-laws to gain independence.
A viable she-wolf is a precious commodity. I’m defective and disappointing. A beta with little to no special skills born to powerful alphas. The sight of me reminded everyone of the failing health of our people.
In the past fifteen years, only six females have been born. Two were lost to the sickness decimating our females like a plague of locusts.
I step closer to Kez, soaking up her vibes while mourning the loss of my Aunt Ama and my childhood friend, Frida.
There’s a special bond between women I never got to experience as a young adult until I found Kez.
“Do you have your outfit picked out for tonight?”
“I don’t know, Kez. I was thinking of skipping this party.”
“What? No. It’s our last hurrah as college students. You can’t bow out on me.” She sits the tote down heavily and turns to face me.
I groan.
