Chapter Three

MARCELENE 

I stared out of the window, as we sped past the familiar trees and then the sign post, which read ‘Welcome to Tranquil Hill’. Home. Sweet home. I seriously hope I will be able to get some relief here… some answers too. The drive here hadn't been easy at all. I had another dream. It disturbed me throughout this drive in the car. I keep seeing the same guy. Not his actual face but just the bloody silhouette.

“Hmm.” I sighed, touching my neck joints and stretching. God knows I'm very tired.

Before long the taxi pulled up at my house. A white bungalow overlooking the trees. I grew up here.

I dragged my green and black suitcases up the porch and rang the doorbell two times. In a jiffy the door swung open and my aunt at the other end of it. She saw me and her eyes widened, then excitement replaced it immediately.

“Marcelene!” She literally screamed and rushed to give me a big hug.

“Oh aunty Kira, I missed you so much.” I responded by hugging her tight and smiling wildly. 

Ever since the unfortunate death of my father. Though I was just three years when he passed, there's always the space of wanting a dad in my life. And I know that my mom really tried her best. My aunt has been living together with my mom for almost fifteen years now. It proved to be really helpful especially when I left to go to college. Her stay really helped my mom from being alone. I missed her, really.

“I didn't know you would be coming in today. I thought it was tomorrow. No wonder Esme has been cooking all day.” She said and I smiled. Mama.

“She insisted I come today.”

“Really? Come on in dear.” She said, dragging my two cases inside.

“ Mama!” I literally screamed as I saw the short, beautiful auburn haired woman coming out of the kitchen in apron and gloves. My mom. She must have heard aunt Kira’s loud voice.

“Baby.” She cried, pulling me into a big hug. I missed her greatly. She still smells the same despite having the delicious smell of muffin surrounding her.

Aunt Kira stood behind us watching us have our big mother and daughter moment.

“Common Esme don't cry.” Aunt Kira said, walking up to us and patting mom on her back.

My mom cried for the next few minutes, gently sniffing and cleaning her eyes.

“Come Marcelene, come have some muffins. They're  apple flavored just like you like it.” my mom said, waving me into the kitchen.

“Okay.” I replied, entering the kitchen with her and Aunt Kira. I picked one muffin and had a big bite.

“Hmm, so good.” I moaned, enjoying the delicious taste as well as nodding my head at whatever aunt Kira was saying.

“Marcy?”

“Yes mama.”

“What's wrong with you baby?” My mother asked. Aunt Kira kept quiet, also giving me a slight head to toe survey.

I put down my remaining muffin. The room was dead silent.

“Mama, aunt Kira. I think I'm about to wolf.” I said quietly, my eyes darting to and fro at their faces. Aunt Kira was excited while my mother's face was expressionless.

“Marcy? Are you in great pain? You know you are home now. You can talk to me.” My mother said worriedly, touching my hand that rested on the island top.

“ Of course, she will be hurting Esmeralda. She's about to wolf.” aunt Kira interjected.

“ It really hurts mama.” I whimpered trying not to cry.

“ I know, baby. I know.” my mom said, pulling me into another hug.

“ It will all be okay Marcy. You are home now…” Aunt Kira was saying but she stopped as if realizing something. Moma and I released ourselves to look at her.

“ It's the full moon tonight.”

“Yes, I know, that was why I came home now.” I said looking at her. She gave mama a look that I don't understand.

“ That's not a problem. Common Marcy, go upstairs and take a hot bath. You must be very tired. It'll be alright baby.” Mom said and I nodded. I took another muffin and dashed upstairs. I came back down to carry my forgotten suit cases. I heard my mom and aunt Kira's voices, but I decided to eavesdrop. I'm too tired. And my mind is telling me whatever they're saying, which is definitely about me won't be so good to listen to.

I soaked myself in the tub of hot steamy water, filled with aromatherapy oils and nice smelling body wash. I wallow in its relaxing feeling with my eyes closed. Silence envelopes me as I slip my complete body under the water over and over again. 

After 30 minutes, I reluctantly stepped out and entered the cubicle rinsing out the leftover soap on my body and hair, which took just a few minutes.

I stepped out, took a clean white towel and tied it around my porcelain skin. I dragged my feet to the front of my cloudy mirror and slowly wiped the surface clean with my hands. 

I stared at myself and almost pitied me, my  green eyes looking back tiredly at me. My shoulders were drooped and my thick and long hair now hangs in long wet tails on my head. I slicked it back with my hands and slowly touched my face. Over my high cheekbones, my narrow nose, plump lips and to my delicate jawline. I know. I'm a beautiful woman. And right now, I look hopeless and weak.

I dressed in a simple bum short and tank top and left my room back to the living room. My mom and aunt Kira have stopped talking now, and they are setting the table for dinner.

Thanks to aunt Kira the dinner was lively, as she talked about what has happened in town since I was gone, but I could still feel my mom's gaze on me as if I would suddenly break bones and turn into a wolf.

Will I turn or not?

This night will determine that.