We all huddled close to the fire and told the horror as we recalled it.  The entire group had been brought back to Grandfather's estate and parents had beeen called. No one wanted to leave, we were all in some stage of shock.  I felt so foolish for endangering my family and friends over some ice cream.  The whole trip to town had been my idea.  I never wanted to believe that someone or something would actualy harm me, or harm others trying to get to me.  Now two of the local kids were dead and guards were fighting for their lives. Grandfather either read my mind or sensed my mood.  He came and sat down with me, pulling me  into him on the beige leather couch.  He smelled of cologne and salt water, and I inhaled it anxious for comfort.  It felt so good to held.  I put my head on his shoulder and let the tears flow.  I was trying so hard to be strong but with his arms around me I let down my guard and sobbed.

“On your left.”  I heard Maggie say in my head.  I couldn’t see her but I immediately turned right into the nearest classroom. “Thanks again.”  I messaged back, glad the classroom door was unlocked. “Wait about two more minutes before you come out.  I think they are looking for you.  They are walking slowly.”   She was speaking rapidly. My guess is she was late to class.  I peeked from a corner of the little window in the door and I could see Dalya and her crew lazily making their way sown the hallway.  Thank the goddesses for Maggie, my phone was on silent and I hadn't heard the alarm. Maggie, Dak, and her youngest brother Aran were my eyes and ears at the school now.  We worked out an elaborate plan when we got back from Egypt two summers ago.  Dak had managed t

Nationals this year was in Utah.  To win here could lead to an international assignment.  Every gymnast dreams of not only making the national team, but getting sent on assignment abroad.  I was now old enough to vie for a spot on the senior squad.  The juniors could only do dual meets, and meets between just two countries often took place within the United States.  As a senior I could hope for the World Championships, or in three more years, the Olympics.  I just had to stay healthy and focused. I had my nerves in check as my roommate and I got ready for our first day.  Coach was already at the venue as our gym had a girl in the junior session earlier in the morning.  Today was actually just a training session to let us all get used to the equipment.  I was excited to see friends from other meets that I havent's see since last year.  I was looking forward to showing off my new skills.  Mom was with me as always,

Reminiscing was fun, and all these childhood memories had me nostalgic for the care-free days of my youth.  In a few short hours I would be officially eighteen. High school was a distant memory having graduated early.  I still trained with the local werecats here in California, until the school year was done.  In a few short days we wold all be making the permanent move to Egypt. On my eighteenth birthday many things would take place.  I would take over the Pride as Alpha, I would be crowned Princes Katalea, and as the werecat world had not had a princess in thousands of years, it would be quite a celebration.  I would also be eligible to find my mate.  This thought excited me and terrified me at the same time.   We would celebrate at home here in typical human fashion.  Music, food, friends, and more food.  Many of the kids from the high school actually had become decent people in the last year and all were invite

When we finally arrive in Egypt, Maggie is there to meet the plane.  I didn’t know I could love another like I love Maggie.  It is so good to see her, we hug forever before noticing we are the last ones on the tarmac.   After the long flight we all piled into different cars and vans sent by Grandfather.  Maggie and I rode together in the first car.  Dalya was probably jealous about that too,  I couldn’t keep up with her emotions. When we finally pulled up to the ferry I noticed the long line of cars waiting to be searched before entering.  To the left I could see the walk-on customers in a single file line that snaked around the Ferry Master’s office.  It looked as if everyone had some sort of ID they had to show before they were searched.  I wondered what they could be searching for.