It had been a month since Khloe returned from the hospital, and we were inseparable. We did everything together, sharing laughter, and stories and building our friendship stronger.
However, I couldn't shake off this curiosity about the mysterious boy who had saved me from the group of bad boys. I hadn't seen him since that day, and it left me wondering if he might be some kind of ghost.
One day, as we were getting our stuff from the locker room ready to go home, I decided to confide in Khloe about my thinking. "Khloe, there's something bothering me," I began.
Khloe raised an eyebrow, looking curious. "What is it?" she asked.
I hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Well, there's this boy who saved me from bad boys when you were still in the hospital. He didn't even say his name, even after I asked him. I'm starting to suspect him."
Khloe chuckled. "Why are you suspecting him? Did he ask you anything after saving you?"
I shook my head. "Nope, he didn't. He just said I should be careful and left. Since then, I haven't seen him. He might be a ghost."
Khloe laughed heartily. "You're funny, Ella. Do ghosts even exist? Maybe he's not a student and has gone back to wherever he came from."
I frowned, deep in thought. "I don't think so. He was carrying a school bag that day."
Khloe patted me on my shoulder reassuringly. "Relax, Ella. If he's in our school, you'll definitely see him again, okay?"
I sighed. "Alright, I wish I could see him at least to say a proper thank you for saving me."
As we left the locker room, I accidentally bumped into a boy. "Can't you see... Hey!" I exclaimed, recognizing his face. "You? Where have you been? I've been looking for you!"
The boy smiled and replied, "I've been around."
I looked puzzled. "But I haven't been seeing you."
"Maybe you haven't looked enough," he teased, making me roll my eyes.
Khloe walked towards us and looked at the boy with curiosity. "What's going on here?"
Beaming with excitement, I said. "Khloe, this is the guy I was telling you about, the one who saved me."
Khloe grinned. "Ah, our mysterious hero. My name is Khloe and it's nice to finally meet you...?" she trailed off, hoping to hear his name.
"Alex. Call me Alex," he said, offering a handshake to Khloe. "Nice to meet you, Khloe."
"The pleasure is mine, Alex," Khloe replied with a warm smile.
"Well, thank you, Alex, for saving me the other day."
Alex shrugged it off. "It's nothing. I couldn't allow a bunch of losers to intimidate an innocent girl."
I was impressed by his pride. "Not everyone would stand up for an innocent girl," I said, quoting him. "Can I buy you lunch?"
Alex hesitated briefly, exchanged glances with Khloe, and finally nodded. "Alright."
"Great," I said, feeling excited. "By the way, my name is Ella, and it's nice to have finally seen you again."
Alex chuckled. "Don't be a drama queen. Let's go already."
We all laughed and headed out for lunch.
From that day henceforth, I, Khloe, and Alex became inseparable friends. Alex, who is also a werewolf, had moved back to the Blood Moon pack with his older brother, who owned a restaurant in town after finding his mate.
After our graduation, I and Khloe decided to help out at Alex's brother's restaurant. We were in the kitchen one day, washing dishes together, when Alex suddenly asked, "Ella, are you dating?"
I was taken aback. "No, why would I do that?" I replied.
Khloe rolled her eyes playfully and chimed in, "Obviously, she's waiting for her mate."
"Mate?" Alex asked, clearly surprised. "I believe in mates, but I won't cross my arms and wait for a mate while all these pretty ladies walk in and out of my life. Hell no! I'll explore while I wait for my mate," he declared.
I held my ground. "I wasn't raised that way. I'll wait for my mate, and that's final, guys."
Khloe smirked. "You can wait all your life, baby girl. But as for me," she paused dramatically, "I've got someone hot."
I and Alex exchanged surprising glances and urged Khloe to continue through our looks.
"I downloaded this dating app called Meet Your Match, and luckily, the first guy I met seemed great. We exchanged numbers, and we've been talking since I came back from the hospital," Khloe revealed.
I and Alex both left the dishes we were washing and focused on Khloe.
"He's been sweet and caring, and it seems like he's in love with me. And I... I think I love him too," Khloe admitted.
"In love?" I and Alex exclaimed. "Isn't it too soon?" I asked with concern.
Khloe smiled softly. "I love his energy and the way he talks. I just want to enjoy it."
Alex chimed in, "Please be careful, Khloe. I want you to be happy and enjoy your life, but please watch him closely, okay?"
"Thank you guys but you guys are too tight. He loves me, and I love him too. Surprisingly, he lives in New Jersey, the same state where my elder sister is living. So, soon, I'll visit."
I teased, "My friend is in love with 'Mr. Hottie.'"
We all burst into loud laughter as we continued to tease Khloe.
On an early Saturday morning, the gentle buzzing of my phone's ringtone woke me from my sleep.
"Buzz!… buzz!"
With sleepy eyes, I answered, "Hello? Sorry for waking you up," the voice on the other end said.
Recognizing the voice, I interrupted, "Khloe?"
"What happened? Are you okay?" I asked with concern.
Khloe sighed. "Not really, My sister was rushed to the hospital. I got a call from her friend, and my mom isn't too strong to go, so they asked me to go Instead."
I felt sorry for her, "I'm so sorry to hear that, Khloe. I wish I could go with you. Please take care of her and yourself, okay? I'll miss you so much."
With a warm voice, she said. "I'll miss you too, Ella, but I promise to call, okay?"
"Okay," I replied, "Have you told Alex?"
Khloe confirmed, "Yes, he was the first perso
n I called."
"Love you, girl," I said.
"Love you too. And safe flight," she replied before hanging up.