In which the stories Fallon Donovan has read her whole life, somehow become a reality.
A supernatural twist of fate has one of her best friends turning into a creature of the night. Learning how to navigate a life of werewolves and other chaotic be...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"New Friends"
A small bead of sweat drips down the little ten year old girl's forehead as she grips onto her fathers hand tightly. She watches anxiously as kids run back and forth, screaming at the top of their lungs during recess. Her eyes travel up to her fathers, her bottom lip quivering just slightly knowing she'll have to let go. She's been to at least four schools in the past year and has not been able to make a friend. At least one that sticks anyway.
"I don't understand," she says quietly to her father. "You said that I'm older than all of them. So why do I have to go play?"
The young girl, Fallon Donovan, was supposed to be in the fourth grade, but due to her fathers job the two were constantly moving which forced her to stay back a grade. She didn't like the feeling of being held back. She knew deep down that all the rest of the kids would assume it's because of her lack of intellect. Which isn't true at all. She just hasn't stayed in a place long enough to get caught up with each district's curriculum as it differs from place to place.
"Because sweetheart, you gotta go try to make friends," her dad tries to convince.
"But why do I have to be stuck in this grade? You always tell me how smart I am. Why can't I just go with the older kids?"
Michael Donovan sighs, crouching down to his daughter's height. He can't help but blame himself for their current predicament. Ever since Fallon's mother Grace passed, he's been struggling to make things work for the two of them. "You are smart," he encourages. "The smartest kid I know. But you know that it's not your fault you got held back, right? It's just because daddy's job moves us around a lot, so you just need time to catch up to what these kids are learning," his explanation is soft and gentle, bringing Fallon a sense of ease.
"But what if we don't stay long enough?" She questions, swaying back and forth.
Michael moves a stray piece of hair that fell out of her haphazard fishtail braid. He wasn't exactly proud of his handiwork, but he's trying to get the hang of it. "I think this will be our last stop for awhile, Fall. I promise," he reassures. He grunts before standing back up to his full stature, patting his young girls back. "Now go out there and show those kids how awesome you are."
Swallowing thickly, Fallon wraps her small arms around her fathers legs before running off to the playground. She doesn't look back at him, knowing if she does she might never actually be able to stay at her new school. Her father watches after her with a fond smile. His brave girl. Doesn't even need to wave goodbye. He shoves his hands into his jeans and travels back over to his car, hoping that his daughter has a good day. She may be his little girl, but he's aware that her attitude can be rather dangerous. Fallon is no stranger to being suspended from schools for her sarcasm and deadpan threats.
The ten year old finds her way over to the swing set, noticing how there's not many kids there to bother her. She pushes herself off the ground, using the chains to remain steady as she begins to swing back and forth. Fallon doesn't mind being alone for the time being. She wasn't expecting to make any friends on the first day. She is the new girl after all.
