Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

How could things be going so bad for someone all the time. In one moment they're happy and the next they are questioning every decision they've made in the last 6 months. And just when they thought things couldn't get worse they did. 

This is what was going through the mind of Ricky Bowen as he approached his new home. He tried not to think about all the things going wrong in his life. He tried not to think about the fact his girlfriend moved to Denver and didn't tell him until the day before. Nor does he think about how she came back only to act like she didn't want to be his girlfriend anymore. He tried not to think about the fact that even though he was unreliable he landed himself another lead role. And maybe he didn't deserve it, just like he didn't deserve the last one. He didn't think about how his mother left, and how she got a new boyfriend within seconds. He knew his father thought about it all the time though, so he tried not to think about that too. If he thought about any of these things for too long he would be angry and Ricky didn't like to be angry. He said stupid things, did stupid things, and blew up at everyone.

But there was one thing, one thought that always slipped through his walls. Gina Porter. When he thought about Gina he became angry but never at her. He was always angry with himself. He tried not to think about her the most but she was always forefront in his mind. Ricky liked Gina, as much as a friend should, he thought(or hoped). At times she was the only person who he could be fully comfortable with besides his best friend Big Red. But this year their relationship has been weird, and Ricky could acknowledge most if not all the blame was on him. 

Last semester Ricky and Gina were best friends; they talked everyday and nearly saw one another just as much. He confided in her about things he hadn't even told Big Red and she just…understood him. He would also admit he may have had a crush on her, he flirted with her occasionally. Held her in his arms longer than he should have when they hugged. And he may have stared at her lips when he thought she wasn't looking. But like always things changed, and to no surprise it was bad. Gina had to leave. She told him she never stayed in one place too long and Ricky had forgotten. He couldn't imagine his life without her at that time. Maybe he still couldn't.

While she was packing Ricky tried everything to talk to her. He texted, called, he even walked by her classes but she had stopped going to school. Finally he had gotten fed up with her ignoring him so he went to her house but when the door opened it wasn't her.

“Ricky, what are you doing here?” Her mother said with a mildly shocked look on her face. Terry Porter for all intensive purposes was scary. The scariest person Ricky had ever met anyway. Whenever he had come over in the past she had always stared at him with cold eyes like he was a threat or something. But she loved her daughter very much. From the few times he was able to talk to her alone she always asked questions about how Gina was doing. She had even given him her number just in case anything happened.(Ricky tried not to think about the fact he had used it recently.)

“I uhh…wanted to check on Gina, she wasn't answering my calls or texts.” He explained to her and Terry heaved a sigh. “Let me see what I can do.” She told him and Ricky nodded as she walked into the house. It didn't take long for her to come back but Gina wasn't there.

“I'm sorry Ricky.” Was all she said and he nodded dejectedly and sluggishly walked back home.

Gina ended up coming back only this time she was staying with Ashlyn and her family. He had received a text from Terry when everything was official telling him to look out for her. He didn't think he was doing a good job. A rift had grown between them and it was Ricky’s fault, he wasn't a good friend to her this year at all. And he knew it. And every time he tries to be better his old crush on her comes back and that wouldn't be a problem if he didn't have a girlfriend. But he did and he loved her(He's been having to remind himself of that a lot lately).

Now it seemed Gina was fed up with him. They had to do an exercise for the show and obviously Ricky wanted to pair up with Gina as his girlfriend wasn't in the show this year. But she out right ignored him. She ended up ignoring him for the rest of the workshop weekend. It hurt him. It hurt him a lot. He didn't think he could lose Gina twice. 

He cut his thoughts short when his apartment complex came into view. This was one of things Ricky tried not to think about but it was hard when he lived in it. As he turned his key into the door he heard the TV playing reruns of what sounded like law and order. 

“Dad, I'm home.”

His father didn't respond and Ricky sighed already knowing the reason. He walked through the short hallway that led to their living room and found his father passed out drunk at 5:00 in the afternoon. He had multiple beers laid across the table and a plate of unfinished chicken nuggets. This was another thing Ricky tried not to think about. His father has been in a horrible place since his mother left and he's gotten worse once they moved into this apartment from his childhood home. There wasn't a day that went by now that he didn't have enough beer to drink himself to sleep. He doesn't cook anymore(not that either one of them were any good at it.) and Ricky didn't even know if the man had been to work lately. 

‘This again.’ Was all Ricky thought as he walked to his room. 

Once he got in he paused as he looked around and he still hadn't unpacked everything. He's been living in this place for months and his room was still littered with closed boxes. He didn't know what came over him but hot anger invaded him and he kicked one of the boxes as hard as he could and guitar picks flew over his room. He couldn't stay in this house a second longer. He opened one of his draws that held his underwear and dug to the bottom to find a pencil case. In the case was a neatly rolled joint. He took it and his skateboard and left slamming the door behind. He took his phone out while he was walking down the stairs and dialed a number.

“Yo Ricky what's up?” His best friend Big Red answered quickly.

“Hey man you want to hit up the skatepark with me? I've got some green too.” He said but it seems Red had other plans.

“As fun as that sounds I already made plans with Ash today dude. My bad.”

“Nah it's fine. Have fun.” Ricky said with barely hidden disappointment.

It didn't take long for Ricky to get to the skatepark nor did it take long for him to block out everything he wanted to. He smoked his joint, put his phone on do not disturb, and put the music in his ears on full blast. People say ignorance is bliss and Ricky couldn't agree more. Why think about all the things weighing you down when you could just ignore it. Why should he care that his father was becoming a deadbeat drunk. Why should he complain that his mother hasn't called him in months? He should be happy that Nini came back at all, he shouldn't have expected them to still be a happy couple. He shouldn't care that some of his club mates are talking behind his back about him getting the lead again. Even though he sometimes thought what they said was true. Ignorance was bliss and Ricky thrived in it.

He was skating for hours when he tried a new trick and failed.

“Oww!”

Ricky fell on his back, hard. His board rolled away from him and just as he was about to look for it someone gave it to him. Ricky looked up at a very tall and built man. He was maybe 6,5 but it didn't matter to Ricky he was a giant. He had a buzz cut and an easy smile on his face as Ricky took his hand to stand up.

“Uhh, thanks” Ricky said as he took his board back from the stranger. 

“No problem kid, just be careful I'm sure your parents wouldn't want you breaking an arm out here.” The man's smile never faded as he spoke and Ricky was starting to get weirded out.

“Yeah of course.” He said in reply and the man left with no further words.

“Ricky!”

Ricky turned at the sound of his name being called and he saw a group of people he hadn't seen in a while. “Yo Ricky it's been a while man where ya been?” One of them asked. Taylor was a freshman in college who hung out here from time to time. Ricky and Big Red had met him when he was a senior last year. “Is it true about you doing theater?” He asked Ricky with a laugh.

“Yeah it's not so bad, at least the songs are catchy.” Ricky said down playing his attachment to the club.

“Well I'll have to come to a show sometime.” He said with a chuckle. Ricky knew he had no intention of coming. “Hey, you wanna come to a party? You can bring Red too.”

“A party? When?”

“Right now we were on our way there.”

Ricky thought about it, it was a school night but he didn't really want to go home and his dad wasn't really gonna be checking for him. Plus a party could be just what he needed.

“Yeah sure let's go.”

*✓*

Things were looking up for Gina. She had friends now, and for the first time in a long time it looked like she was gonna complete an entire year of school in one place. But even with all the positives that were coming her way there was still something that was weighing on her. Ricky Bowen. Her first love. Her first heartbreak.

Icing Ricky for a second time was hard. It was hard the first time when she was leaving but now things were different. She was staying. Ironically even though she was staying she was blocking him out for the same reason. To protect her heart. Before she couldn't handle leaving him, he was everything she loved about salt lake. Every reason she wanted to stay could be traced to curly hair and brown eyes. But now things have changed. She had new friends. She had Carlos who even though he pushed her buttons she really found kinship in him. Kourtney was always a pleasure to be around, the girl hyped her up every chance she got. And of course the Caswells. EJ and Ashlyn. The people she had to thank for being in salt lake.

She had multiple reasons to want to stay in Salt Lake and this time Ricky Bowen wasn't one of them. In Fact it was the opposite; he may have been every reason she wanted to leave this place behind. His constant in and out of their friendship and the asking for advice about his girlfriend(But to be fair that last part was on her, she had pushed him to tell her about it.) Sometimes it would be like how it was before but then it was like something changed in him and things would get awkward between them.

She couldn't stand it and it tore her up inside. So maybe she was making the right choice, her mom did tell her to look out for number one.

RING RING RING!

RING RING RING! 

RING RING RING!

“Hello?”

“GiGi!”

“Mom?” Gina looked at the number confused as the number wasn't her mother's.

“Mom, did you get a new number?”

“Yes I broke my old phone. But how are you? I know I haven't called in a while.” She said truthfully. When Gina had first moved here her mother called her every week at least once, most of the time twice or three times just to check on her.

“I'm fine, made some new friends. What about you?” Gima said, trying to keep things brief. It's not like she didn't want to talk to her mom, she just didn't want her to know she had been struggling.

“That's good, I've been good. Although your aunt has been annoying me as usual.” Gina chuckled, her mother would always complain about the antics of her aunt. Though she knew she loved her a lot.

“But that's beside the point I have some important news.” 

“What is it?” Gina truly couldn't guess what her mom would tell her.

“We're coming back to Salt Lake.” 

“What! Are you serious?” 

“Yes, we're thinking of staying for a while at least until the end of your school year.” She said giving Gina hope.

“That's amazing, I can't wait. And are Auntie and Uncle coming this time?”

“Yes they are, your aunt is already on the way. Me and your Uncle have some things to do, so it may take us some time to get there.”

“Oh ok well I'll see you then. Love you mom.”

“Love you too sweetheart.”

When the line was cut Gina flopped down on her bed with a huge smile on her face. She couldn't believe her family was coming back.

Things were looking up for Gina.

*✓*

Ricky may have made a mistake, when they said party he thought they would be going to someone's house. But instead Ricky found himself deep in the woods. He was contemplating turning around and saying his dad wanted him home when they came across a large house in the forest. Large may not have even been a good descriptor. Ricky was staring at a mansion.

“We found this place a while ago and decided to use it to throw parties.” Taylor explained to him with an excited smile on his face. Ricky could already hear music blasting through the walls of the house.

“So is it abandoned?”

“Might as well be. Nobody’s been here in months.” Taylor said as he opened the door and Ricky felt like he saw a sea of people.

“Yo guys! This is my man Ricky, treat him well!” The party cheered his name and Ricky couldn't believe it. He was at his first college party.

It didn't take long for Ricky to be absorbed into the party, he was drinking, smoking, and surprisingly dancing. Currently he was in an intense game of beer pong and the people were screaming his name.

“RICKY!”

“RICKY!”

“RICKY!”

He lined up the last shot and with a bounce off the table he made it into the cup. The party erupted into cheers and they lifted Ricky up like he had just won them a championship of some kind. Ricky was having the time of his life and he had truly forgotten about all the things that were weighing him down. He escaped the dance for a second and stumbled his way to the bathroom. The plumbing in this place still worked so he guessed this house wasn't abandoned too long ago. As he relieved himself he struggled to stay on his feet, he didn't have that many drinks but Ricky rarely drank so he was a lightweight. He stumbled his way out of the bathroom and bumped into someone on the wait out.

“Oh I'm sorry.” He said as he grabbed the waist of the person so they didn't fall. He was surprised at the shapeliness of it. He locked eyes with a smiling girl. She had smooth brown skin and a head full of braids. Ricky was instantly enthralled by her. She smiled at him and Ricky had kept his hands around her waist and she made no move to remove them.

“It's fine.” She said sweetly, she placed her hands on top of his and started to lead him back to the main floor. Ricky and the girl who he didn't learn the name of started to dance together. Ricky was just going with the flow as their hands roamed each other's bodies. The girl flashed Ricky an excited smile and he couldn't help but smile back at her. It was like he was in a trance of some kind. He didn't know who did it first but their lips connected for a long minute and when they disconnected Ricky nearly fell over. He couldn't believe who he was seeing.

“Gina?”

“No, my name's Sabrina.”

Ricky shook his head and Gina was gone and standing in front of him was the college girl he had just kissed. His heart started to pump loudly in his ears and his breathing was becoming labored. He needed to get out of there. He didn't say anything to the girl and just left the house. Once the fresh air hit his face his heart started to calm down and he took deep breaths but his head was spinning and it wasn't just the drinks.

“HUUUURGGEHH!”

Ricky threw up.

He was sick with himself, he couldn't believe what he just did. He had cheated on Nini, he cheated on his girlfriend and he wanted it to be Gina. He pulled his phone out and checked the time and he was shocked to see it was 2AM. He needed to go home. Ricky was stumbling through the forest, his head pounding and it felt like he was gonna be nauseous. He stopped and paused on a tree. As he leaned on the tree he couldn't help but start to get angry. Everything the party had made him forget was coming back to him. His mind was pierced by the image of his home, his girlfriend, and the girl he had a crush on. 

‘Drinking sucks. I SUCK. LIFE SUCKS!’

“EVERYTHING SUCKS!” Ricky screamed and in a fit of rage he punched the tree he was leaning on.

“FUCK!”

Ricky was holding his hand in pain and was about to punch the tree again when something strange happened. Bats, a swarm of bats, started to fly through the forest.

“Oh shit!”

Ricky ducked his head in fear as they flew over his head. When the last of them flew past he hesitantly stood up and checked his surroundings. His heart was pounding and he was pretty sure he was a little less drunk from the experience. ‘I should keep going.’ He thought in fear, but it was too late.

SNAP!

A branch snapped behind Ricky and he slowly turned his head to see a shadow in the distance. What scared Ricky the most was that he was sure the shadow had glowing red eyes. He started to run as fast as he could but in a few seconds he was caught. The shadow dragged Ricky to the ground and the boy screamed. He fought,  but it was all useless. The shadow was too strong. It pinned Ricky down and grabbed his arm and bit down. Hard.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”

As quickly as the shadow came it was gone and Ricky was left on the cold ground.

*✓*

Ricky burst through the door of the hospital with his head pounding from the alcohol and fear. He wobbled to the front desk and the receptionist didn't pay him any mind at first.

“Excuse me?” He said impatiently. The receptionist just typed away on her computer without even looking at him.

“One moment.” 

“Excuse me!” Ricky said and banged his fist on the table and the girl jumped and looked at him in shock. As Ricky got ready to explain to the woman how he had just walked nearly an hour to the hospital after having the most terrifying experience of his life his name was called.

“Ricky!”

He turned to the side and he was surprised to see someone he knew. She was an older woman with smooth brown skin, she was only as tall as his shoulder and her curly hair was in a loose bun. She came up to him with a worried look on her face.

“Aunt May? You're still here?”

Her name was Elise May and she was a nurse here. Ricky had known her since he was a kid as he frequently visited the hospital learning to skateboard. He got to know her a little better when her nephew moved here at the start of the school year.

“Ricky, what are you doing here? Did something happen?” She asked as she took him away from the reception desk. Ricky just turned to his other side and showed his arm and Aunt May nearly gasped. She took him into an empty room.

“What happened?”

“I went to a party and when I was walking home something bit me. We don't have anything to wrap this at home.” As Aunt May took off the black jean jacket he was wearing her eyes grew serious. She didn't show their to Ricky however and flashed him a secure smile.

“Don't worry Ricky I should be able to wrap this up no problem.”

“Thanks Aunt May.”

“No problem Ricky. So how's school?” Ricky nearly signed in exhaustion at the question. He didn't really want to talk about school right now.

“It's been fine, my grades are alright.”

“And what about you and Nini? How's that going?” Ricky didn't know what possessed him to say what he said next. Maybe it was the fact he had never said it out loud or maybe it was the drinks. Or the cheating.

“I think I'm gonna break up with her.”

*✓*

“Ricky!”

Ricky jumped out of his bed at an abrupt scream from his dad. He looked around and it looked like it was the early hours of the morning. 

“Get up you're gonna be late for school!”

Ricky dropped back on his bed with a heavy breath. He checked the time and it was 7:30AM. He had to be at school by 8AM. He groaned as he got up.

“Have you been working out?” His dad asked curiously. And Ricky looked at him with confusion.

“Not more than usual.” His father hummed in acceptance. Mike Bowen had a detective's eye as he looked over his son's form. He wasn't keeping track of his son's height progression anymore but, he was sure he looked a little bigger. “Have you grown recently?”

“Not that I know of. What's with the questions?”

“Just asking.” Was all Mike said before he left the room. Ricky shook his head and turned to the full length mirror he had in his room. His eyes widened when he saw himself. Ricky had always worked out over the years so he was always in shape. But now he had abs, like full blown abs. Ricky decided to ignore it, it's not like he's been checking on his form that much. He made his way into the bathroom where he saw the bandages on his arm. He had forgotten about it. He had forgotten about everything last night. He was surprised he didn't have a headache, instead he felt fine. Maybe more than fine.

He unwrapped the bandages expecting to see a bad bite mark but instead what he saw was a clean arm. Ricky thought his mind was playing tricks on him. He was sure he was attacked last night. Was he so intoxicated that he made it up? But he was sure he felt the pain of that bite, in fact he was sure he would never forget it. It burned like it was marking him with hot iron and it pierced his arm easily. And he didn't have bandages at home so he was certain he didn't dream up the hospital. He ran back into his room and grabbed his jean jacket on the ground and picked it up and his mouth hung open in shock when he saw the evidence of the bite. The sleeve of his jacket was torn away and hung loosely by a single thread. Ricky could also see evidence of blood on the material.

“What the-?”

“Ricky you're going to be late!”

Ricky just decided to forget about it, maybe his mind was playing tricks on him and it wasn't as bad as he thought. He hurriedly got ready, almost forgetting to shower and when he left the house it was 7:50AM. He checked his room and kissed his teeth as he realized he left his skateboard at the party last night. He started to run as fast as he could. For some reason it felt like he had a lot of energy.

Ricky wasn't paying attention to his surroundings as he ran into the school parking lot and he crossed right into the path of a car. In a spark of instinct Ricky jumped over the vehicle and landed perfectly on the other side.

“Oh my God Ricky!”

The distinctively worried voice of Ashlyn made him turn around to see an orange buggy, the car of his best friend.

“Dude you just flew!” Big Red said not at all concerned by the fact he nearly ran over his best friend. Ricky was breathing heavily and he pulled out his phone and saw it was only 7:55AM. ‘How was that possible?’ It takes Ricky nearly 15 minutes to get to school on his skateboard from his new house. So how do he cut that down to 5 minutes on foot?

“That's beside the point biggie, you nearly ran him over!” Ashlyn exclaimed.

“Oh yeah. My bad man, but you did kinda come out of nowhere.”

“No it's uhh- it's cool Red I should have been paying attention.”

Red parked his car and the three of them walked into school together. While Red and Ashlyn engaged in casual conversation, Ricky was antsy. He couldn't stop tapping his fingers on his thigh and he was walking a little faster than normal. He noticed people were staring at him as he walked through the halls but he paid it no mind. They were probably just surprised to see him on time.

“Yo Ricky, how was the skate park yesterday?” Red asked him. And Ricky saw the events of what happened play through his mind. The party, the cheating, and then the bite.

“It was fun. I didn't stay long though, I went to a party with Taylor and the guys.” Red looked shocked as did Ashlyn.

“Wait, you went to a college party!” Ashlyn exclaimed. “That's like one of my dreams.” She said and Red and Ricky looked at her strangely.

“One of your dreams is to go to a college party?” Red asked his girlfriend in bewilderment.

“Specifically while in highschool. It was like…The thing in highschool movies.” 

The two best friends nodded their heads in agreement they would be lying if they said they never thought about how cool they looked on screen. 

“So Ricky, how was it?” She asked with her pupils dilated.

“It was great, I played beer pong and when I won they lifted me in the air and chanted my name. It was sick.” Ricky said remembering he had felt on top of the world in that moment. He felt free of all his troubles.

“Wow you had a real life movie moment. Wish I was there.” Red said regretfully. 

“Me too next time Ricky, invite us. I need to cross it off my bucket list.”

Ricky laughed, Ashlyn was one of the quirkiest people he had ever met and that's saying a lot considering he was in the drama club. “I'll see what I can do.” He told them before they went their separate ways. 

Ricky had Math for his first period which means he was gonna see Gina. He didn't think he could look at her after what happened last night. When he walked into the class his teacher Mr. Williams looked at him with surprise.

“Mr.bowen I'm surprised to see you here on time.”

“Yeah well first time for everything right.”

Ricky walked to his seat walking right past Gina, he didn't look at her nor did she look at him. Ricky sat down not forgetting to say hello to his desk mate.

“Yo wassup Jet.”

“Bowen.”

Jet Parker was a new student this year and the nephew of Aunt May. Ricky and Red became friends with him pretty quickly when school started. He moved here from California to live with his aunt after he was kicked out of school. He never told them why. They were lucky he even told them he was kicked out of school. Jet was a pretty mysterious guy all things considered. The few things they did know about him is that he liked bird watching, he could sing, and he was surprisingly very smart. Which is why he was in a junior year math class even though he was a sophomore. Ricky started to take out his books when he heard something.

“Do you think he knows?”

“The whole school has seen the video. I'd be surprised if he didn't.”

“To be honest I was surprised they got back together so I guess this was only a matter of time.”

Ricky looked around but he didn't see anybody talking near him but then he saw two people whispering in the back. He raised a confused eyebrow in their direction before he looked at Jet who didn't seem to be hearing what he was. He looked back over there and he heard them again.

“Shh he's looking over here.”

“Do you think he heard us?”

“No way.”

RIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGG

Ricky jumped from his seat at the sound of the bell and covered his ears in pain. “Are you okay Mr.Bowen?” The teacher asked him, looking worried.

“Yeah I'm fine.”

Ricky could hear Snickers throughout the room and he sunk in his seat in embarrassment. He noticed Jet was still staring at him with a worried look on his face. “I'm fine dude the bell was just louder than I remember.”

“Yeah sure.” Jet said unconvinced.

*✓*

While Ricky was trying to wrap his head around equations. Horrible things were being discovered by the police.

“Who called this in?” A detective asked an officer.

“A jogger was on their morning run and they found this.” The officer said uncomfortably. He had seen a lot of things on this job but he had never seen blood shed like this. A house full of bodies, kids. Some quite literally torn to pieces. It was hard for him not to throw up. Footsteps were heard coming up the stairs of the house and the officer straightened up at who it was.

“Chief Green.” The man nodded at him as he looked at the massacre he had just walked into. The chief of police was a tall black man with a bald head. He had a full beard and a strong face with an aura that oozed authority, and it showed with how the officers straightened up as he walked in. His eyes were striking as they were a rare green color.

“What do we have here?” The chief asked.

“Looks like a college party gone wrong, casualties are maybe 20 or 30 people.” The officer explained to him barely maintaining his composure.

“Any idea what could have done this?”

“Either a sicko with a saw of some kind or maybe an animal. We already contacted animal control.” The chief nodded but something caught his eye at the door. A single skateboard lay covered in blood under a body.

“Hand me some gloves.”

He grabbed the board and wiped the blood off the bottom to find what he was looking for. When he did his face grew grim. “I can't believe it.” He said. On the bottom of the board were the Initials RB. They were worn down and easy to miss if you didn't know where to look.

“Do you know who that belongs to?”

“Yep. In fact I bought the damn thing.”

*✓*

Ricky was having a weird time in school. Every class he heard people whispering about him and his relationship but nobody else seemed to hear it. It was pissing him off time and time again and it wasn't until his only class with Nini that he found out what happened.

“So you made the song without me and it was all about how I'm a shitty boyfriend?” He asked her irritatedly. Ricky’s patience with this day was wearing thin. He wanted to be anywhere but here or home, he was even debating skipping the club.

“No that's not wha- that song was for the show.” She denied his accusations and Ricky looked at her unconvinced.

“So where did you get the inspiration from?” He asked as if she was stupid.

“I got it from the rose's perspective. Listen Ricky, that's not how I feel about us, about you.” She said and held his hand in his. Ricky looked at the hand for a few moments before he placed his hand on her's with a slightly strained smile. He didn't even have a right to be mad at her right now.

"Yeah your right, I guess the whispers were getting to me."

‘Maybe mom was right. Every couple isn't meant to last.’

Ricky just went through the motions for the rest of the class, he didn't really speak to Nini or pay attention to what the teacher was saying. He had cheated on his girlfriend and she made a song about feeling trapped in their relationship. He almost laughed at how crazy it sounded. Plus there was Gina. His crush on her wouldn't go away. He wanted to talk to her right now even while he was sitting next to his girlfriend, he wanted to tell her what happened last night. But he couldn't, he ruined that relationship too just like he ruined the one he was in now. His thoughts were interrupted by bell ringing and as he was packing up the loudspeaker went off. 

“May Richard Bowen please come to the principal’s office. May Richard Bowen please come to the principal’s office.”

Ricky grimaced at the use of his first name but otherwise he looked confused at what they could've been calling him for. 

“What are they calling you for?” Nini asked him. Ricky shrugged his shoulders with a confused look on his face.

“Beats me.” He said before he left the class. It didn't take him long to reach the principal’s office and on his way there people were staring at him through the classroom doors. When Ricky opens the door to the office he was shocked at what he saw inside. Two cops were standing in the room. One of them, Ricky knew very well.

“Mr.G!” He said in surprise. The person he was referring to was the chief of police, Jeff Green. The father of his childhood friend Kourtney Green. The man hugged him which surprised Ricky, he hadn't hugged this man since he was 10 years old.

“Glad to see your okay Ricky.” He said with tangible relief in his voice. Ricky raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Why wouldn't I be?” Chief Green motioned for him to sit down and he did so. Ricky was beginning to get nervous as Mr.Green seemed to be nervous as well.

“Ricky, did you go to a party in the woods last night? Don't worry you're not in trouble or anything, we just need to know what happened.” Ricky shifted uncomfortably under the gaze of the adults.

“Yeah I went, I got invited by some college friends. Said they had a party in this abandoned house. But nothing happened besides partying.” He said truthfully. Mr.G sighed and shook his head.

“Ricky this isn't easy to say but Ricky… Ricky the party was attacked. A lot of people died.”

Ricky was glad he was sitting down otherwise he feared he might have fallen over. 

“If you're up for it, do you think you could  come down to the station and answer some questions? it would be helpful.” Mr.Green said grimly. Ricky didn't think he could but he nodded his head anyway.

*✓*

It didn't take long for them to get to the station. They led Ricky into Mr.G’s office and Ricky knew this wasn't standard protocol.

“Ok can you explain to me exactly what happened? How did you get there and your experience?” Ricky idly thought about how scared he used to be of the man in front of him. But at the same time he looked up to him, young Ricky thought he had it all figured out.

“Well I was at the skatepark, I can't really remember what time it was. Maybe 9 or 10. I was taking a break after a fall when these guys approached me. Me and Big Red met them last year at the skatepark. Taylor was the one who found the house, he said it was abandoned so he decided to throw parties and he invited me.” Ricky stopped nervously as he fiddled with his thumbs.

“There wasn't anything strange going on besides a normal party, drinking, a few people smoking here and there. I left around 2AM and went home to sleep.” He said lying at the last bit, he thought of telling them about the bite but when he remembered the state of it he couldn't.

The man in the corner of the room finished writing Ricky’s statement while Chief Green nodded his head in understanding.

“Ok thank you Ricky. There is one more thing you could do for me. If you feel up to it could you identify some people? It could be a help. You don't have to if you don't want to.” He said sincerely. 

Ricky nodded his head yes. He didn't know why but he wanted to see what happened. He nearly heaved when he saw the first picture. ‘Red.’ Was the first thought that came to mind. It was a stark difference from the colorful night Ricky remembered.

“Do you know any of these people?” 

Ricky thankfully didn't see anyone he knew… At first. He saw Taylor and his group piled on top of one another. Their throats were slashed and Taylor was even missing a limb. He could barely make them out in the picture. 

“These are the guys who invited me.” He pointed at Taylor specifically. “His name is Taylor. Me and Red met him at the skatepark last year.”

As his eyes raked over the pictures he saw Sabrina with wide fearful eyes on top of a few bodies. For a moment he saw Gina there. And he did throw up. He grabbed the trash can next to him and his stomach was emptied into it. Mr.Green put a strong hand on his back and apologized.

“I'm sorry Ricky I should have never made you see that.” He said. Ricky didn't say anything, he just wiped one of his eyes.

“It's fine Mr.G.”

“Ok Ricky before you go are you sure you didn't see anything strange on your way home. An animal or a person?”

“No nothing.”

*✓*

“So they died? Like they were killed?”

“Yeah dude, Taylor and the guys are…”

Ricky was in Red's basement as he usually was after school. Most of the time they would be laughing right now or playing the game or something. But right now the mood was dark. Red flopped on his chair with a faraway look in his eyes. Neither of them were very sad about them being dead. It was just something that they've never experienced before.

“Man, I can't believe it. Where were you when It happened?”

“I must have left before it all went down.” Ricky hesitated to say what he said next. “I cheated on Nini.” Red leaned forward with widened eyes.

“You did what!”

“I cheated on Nini at the party. That's why I left.”

“But how did… Why did you… how could you cheat on Nini! You said you loved her!?” Red yelled in question. Ricky sighed and looked at the ceiling.

“That's not even the worst part.”

“What could be worse. You cheated on your girlfriend.”

Ricky locked eyes with his best friend with a look that told him whatever he was gonna say next really was worse.

“I wanted it to be Gina.”

Red's mouth opened and closed with ghostly sentences. He finally just leaned back with a heavy sigh.

“Well at least you made it out in time to not be hurt.” Ricky grabbed his arm with a nervous look on his face.

“Yeah I don't know about that.”

“Oh my God. Let me get something to smoke first.”

*✓*

“No.” An young adult male said frustrated

“Come on Ren.” The woman he was talking to said with a sigh.

“I already accepted one kid for you why would I accept this Ricky kid and all the problems he's gonna bring. Mind you he's not my beta, he's Jason's.”

“Ricky is a good kid, Ren. He won't just go quietly with Jason, he's gonna fight back and he needs help.”

“And I should help him? I have a lot on my plate as is. Two betas of my own, a new alpha who is making new wolves, and hunters are coming. Why should I help some random kid?”

“Because it's the right thing to do. It's what your father would have done.”

*✓*

“Alright man try not to get into any more trouble. And about Nini you know what you gotta do right.”

“Yeah I know.”

Ricky had just left Red’s house, now he was on his way home where he hoped his father wasn't passed out drunk again. On his way home he thought about the things he told red today. He told him he was gonna break up with Nini, it was clear to him he couldn't keep going on the relationship. As cold as it sounded his mind was more focused on Gina. He told him about the bite also, and to his  shock Red believed him. He grabbed his arm as he walked.

‘What is going on?’

“Ricky Bowen.”

Ricky turned around hastily and came across a male. He didn't look too much older than Ricky was, maybe about 5 or 6 years. Ricky addresses the stranger nervously.

“Who’s asking?” He asked as he stepped back a bit.

“I need you to come with me.” Ricky fearfully looked around and backed away further.

“Why should I?”

“Because you were bit by something last night weren't you?” Ricky looked at his arm in confusion.

“I don't know what you're talking about man.”

“Your heart is telling me otherwise.”

“My heart?” Ricky questioned.

“Don't make this harder than it needs to just come with me and I'll explain what happened to you.”

Ricky turned and ran away, he looked back and the creepy stranger was still standing there. As he was running he tripped over something. He rolled and scraped his hands on the ground. Ricky looked up and was shocked to see the same stranger he had left behind was the one who tripped him.

“You can't run from this Ricky, it's too late you've already changed.” The stranger said as he bent down to be eye level with Ricky. Ricky made no effort to stand up, he didn't know what would happen if he did.

“Changed?”

“Yes Ricky changed.”

“Into what?”

“A werewolf.” The stranger's eyes glowed red and Ricky was astonished.

“Like me."

Chapter Text

“A werewolf?”

“Yes dude.”

“A were…wolf?”

“Yes.”

“Like claws and fangs?”

“Claws, fangs, glowing eyes.”

“You’re a werewolf.”

“I'm a werewolf.”

*✓*

Hours ago Ricky was Downtown standing in front of an apartment complex. Next to him was a tall Asian male with dark hair and even darker eyes. As they made their way to the elevator Ricky noticed the lack of people in the building. They rode the elevator in silence and Ricky idly wondered if he was gonna die tonight.

DING!

The doors of the elevator opened and Ricky was surprised he didn't see a hallway with a plethora of doors. Instead he saw a very large room with stairs leading upwards. He may have just walked into his first ever penthouse.

“I thought this was like a complex?”

“It was.” Was all the stranger said as he made his way to the kitchen. Ricky stood at the door awkwardly not knowing if he should follow after him or not.

“You want something to drink?” He asked, holding out a bottle of water.

“Nah I'm good.” Ricky responded nervously.

“Are you gonna come in?”

Ricky took baited steps forward, almost like a child learning to walk. He made his way into the kitchen and sat down at the island with the stranger sitting across from him. Ricky fidgeted with the ring on his finger.

“My name is Ren.” Ricky looked up surprised when he spoke.

“Uhh Ricky.” 

“Yeah I know.”

“Oh right.”

“So do you have any questions for me?”

Ricky sat and thought about it, he did have questions but what he really wanted to know was…

“Were you being serious? Am I really…” Ricky couldn't even finish the sentence. It sounded too crazy to say out loud.

“Look at your hands. You scraped them earlier, remember.”

Ricky looked at his palms and was shocked to see that he didn't have blood on them. He didn't even notice he didn't feel any pain.

“But how?”

“You healed. Just like you healed the bite you got yesterday. You're a werewolf.”

Ricky didn't have anything to say there with his leg bouncing a mile a minute.

“So those noises I've been hearing all day and when I ran to school in five minutes. It's because I'm a werewolf.”

“Yes, that bite you got yesterday was from an alpha, the strongest of our kind. They have the ability to turn people into werewolves. There is a risk though, so someone young and strong like you is perfect.” Ren explained to him and Ricky felt like his head was imploding. His heart started to beat out of control.

“But why me?”

“I don't know, maybe for more power. We're stronger in packs.”

“Like numbers? He was low on Troops so he picked up some random person.”

“Yes and no. We're individually stronger as well.” Ricky shook his head, he didn't really care about any of this stuff.

“Is there a cure or something?” Ricky asked hopefully.

“No, there is no cure. Not even death will turn you back human.” Ricky slumped into his chair with a lost look on his face.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because somebody wanted me to help you. So I am.” Ricky looked at him in confusion.

“Who?”

“I can't tell you that unless…” Ren paused in hesitation.

“Unless you join my pack.”

“Your pack?” Ricky asked, confused.

“Yes right now you're less than a beta. You're an omega, someone who has no pack. The alpha that bit you will come for you, try and recruit you. But I doubt you would want to join his pack. So you have 2 options. Join me or be alone. An omega.” Ricky didn't know what to say or do. This decision could affect his life forever. 

“What will happen if I join you?”

“I'll teach you control. How to use your new abilities. How to survive as a werewolf. And I'll protect you.” Ren told him simply.

“And if I join the other guy, the one who bit me?”

“He'll try and change you, make you a killer like him.” Ren said with no small amount of disdain in his voice. Ricky thought the two might have some history.

“And if I stay alone. Become an omega.”

“You will most likely be killed by the hunters. Lone wolves rarely survive.” Ren was sure he could hear Ricky’s heart drop into his stomach. It made him feel kind of bad for his blunt delivery. “Listen I don't want you going out on the full moon killing people so even if you don't join my pack I'll still teach you okay.” Ren said a little softer. Ricky nodded, though Ren’s words did nothing to make him feel better.

“You have until the full moon to decide.”

*✓*

After that conversation Ricky ran straight back to Red's house where he was now explaining everything that happened.

“Isn't the full moon in like 2 days though.” Red said and in response Ricky slumped deeper into his chair.

“So are you gonna do it?”

“What join his pack? I don't know.”

The both of them grew silent as they sat in the basement. Neither one could fully comprehend the problem in their hands.

“Thanks. For believing me.” Ricky said, breaking the silence. Red smiled and tapped Ricky on the knee.

“Dude we've been friends since diapers. I'm pretty sure you could tell me the sky was falling and I'd believe you.” Red said and the two of them laughed.

“Would you believe me if I said I can't get high anymore.”

GASP!

Red lost all the air in his lungs and his eyes held an unexplainable sadness. “Dude no way.”

“Yep he said I'll just heal.”

“Aww man and here I thought being a werewolf might be cool but you can't even smoke with me anymore.”

“Dude it stopped being cool when I found out people were hunting me.”

“Eh I was on the fence until the no weed thing.”

“Me too honestly.” Ricky responded as they laughed. They both grew silent again, they both knew they couldn't hide behind jokes all night.

“I think I'm gonna do it. Join his pack.” Red nodded though he didn't really know what that meant for the both of them. “Cool now that that's settled, show me some werewolf stuff.” Ricky raised a confused eyebrow, though his smile said he was amused. “Like what?”

“I don't know, try and hear what my parents are doing.” Red said. Ricky sighed but he started to concentrate on what their voices sounded like. It wasn't long before he started to hear more and more throughout the house. And when he got to their room he fell off his seat at the sound of a hotty moan. His face was cold and his eyes were widened with fear and shock.

“What! What is it? Are they ok!?” Red said, about to stomp his way up stairs. Ricky stopped him quickly. “No no no! They're fine. In fact way more than fine.” Red looked at him confused and Ricky sighed at how clueless his friend was at times. “They're having sex man.” The look on Red’s face made the whole thing worth it to Ricky.

*✓*

It was another uneventful day at school for Ricky, though you wouldn't think that with the amount of fidgeting he was doing right now. He was thankful he didn't have rehearsal or anything today. He didn't know how he could handle it. As he sat next to Nini he tried not to look at her at all. He was gonna break up with her today. He didn't know if he was gonna tell her he cheated but it felt like the right thing to do. She deserved that much after he put them in this mess. If he had just understood himself a little better, was a little less afraid of change maybe he wouldn't have had to hurt her this way.

He loves Nini, but he wasn't in love with her. He hasn't been for months and now that he was allowing himself to think about it he knew why. But he wasn't gonna think about it. Today was about Nini.

Btzz

His phone buzzed in his pocket and he saw a number he didn't recognize had sent him a text. When he opened it his eyes scrunched up confused.

Unknown: meet me after school. Ren.

How did you get my number????

Unknown: I have my ways.

Ricky shook his head at the message about his phone away, it was no use worrying about it now. I guess he would have to wait until later to talk to Nini. Ricky had joined Ren's pack, he went back that night and told him. He didn't even want to think about what he wanted from him. Did he have to do some weird ritual or something to join the pack or what? Ren had just told him he was in. Maybe they would have to howl at the moon together or something. He was in his last class of the day anyway so he'd find out soon.

As the bell rang and Ricky hurriedly started to pack his things Nini tried to talk to him. “That felt like forever huh?” Ricky looked at her confused. “Huh?” 

“The class. It felt like it took forever. Are you okay Ricky?” Ricky finished packing and started walking away. “Yeah I'm fine why wouldn't I be?” Ricky said nervously. “You just seemed strange today.” Ricky kissed her cheek and for the first time it felt wrong. “Well I'm fine. I gotta go, I'll see you later.” He said as he rushed out the door.

As he walked through the halls he beat himself up for how he just handled that. “Yo Ricky. Wanna hang?” Red said coming up behind him. “Nah I can't Ren said to meet him today.” Ricky said and Red seems intrigued. “Ooo secret werewolf stuff.” He said aloud and Ricky shushed him. “Be quiet dude. Don't say anything about it.” Ricky said in an anxious whisper. “Relax dude I doubt anybody heard me. Plus who would believe me anyway.” Red dismissed. “Yeah but still…” 

As they walked outside Ricky and Red did their handshake and went separate ways. As Ricky slowly skated downtown a black Porsche pulled up next to him. Ricky side eyed the vehicle before the tinted windows rolled down and he saw Ren. “Get in.” He said.

“You have a Porsche.” Ricky said awed. Ren didn't say anything though. “So what's up, why did you wanna meet?” Ricky asked impatiently. “To teach you, like I said I would.”

*✓*

Ren drove them to the woods and gave Ricky an entirely new outfit. He was now wearing jogging pants, a random black shirt, and running shoes. “Ok we're gonna test your speed. Try and keep up.” Ren said before he abruptly took off into the woods. He was nearly out of Ricky's sight immediately. Ricky ran after him and he was catching us but Ren was still ahead of him. They kept running and running until Ren stopped.

“Good, you're pretty fast, now try and pick up this tree.” Ren said and Ricky looked at the large log in shock. “That's at least 300 pounds. I can't pick that up.” Ren scoffed at him and with one arm picked up the large log. “You should be able to manage.” Ricky looked at him in awed shock before he took his place next to the log. He hyped himself up and shook out his joints much to Ren’s amusement. Ricky got a good grip under the log and used all his strength to lift the log. He was able to do it but In surprise at his feat his strength waned and he dropped the log. Directly on his foot.

He grunted in pain and fell on his butt in pain. “I think I broke it.” He said breathlessly. “It's fine.” Ren said and Ricky felt he was right. A few more seconds went by and the pain was gone and his foot felt fine. He got up and stepped on it a few times and was presently surprised to see he was healed. “Wow that's… incredible.” He said.

“Yeah it is. That was a good attempt Ricky, with time you should be able to do it with one hand like me.” Ricky nodded absentmindedly. He couldn't even imagine what that would look like. “Ok let's get on to some show and tell.” Ren said. With the flick of his wrist claws popped out of his right hand. Ricky was shocked to see them. They were long and definitely sharp.

“Werewolves of course have claws. They're strong enough to tear through bone so be careful with them.”  Ren explained and Ricky nodded with no words. “Ok you try.” Ricky repeated the motion Ren did but nothing happened. He did it a few more times with the same results. “I can't.” He said disheartened.

“You can. Don't try to force it. Keep your hands loose and just let it happen.” Ricky did as he said and and flicked his wrist and this time five share claws appeared in the place of his nails. “I did it! I did it!” Ricky said with a big smile on his face. He looked at the claws with Wonder. He was so amazed that he didn't even realize that he had actual claws now. Definite proof he wasn't human anymore.

“Ok moving on. The eyes.” Ren’s Black eyes lit up into a powerful red and Ricky stepped back when the memory of being bit invaded him. “These are the eyes of an alpha. Alpha’s are the strongest of our kind and they have the ability to turn others into werewolves. Though it doesn't always take.”

“You said that yesterday that there was a risk, what did you mean?” Ricky asked, confused. “The bite could either turn you or kill you.” Ricky’s eyes widened when he thought about what that meant for him. “So when the alpha bit me he could've…” Ricky said with dread.

“Killed you.” Ren finished. Ricky sat down on the log with a lost look on his face. “He's gonna come after, like you said.” Ren sat down next to him and put a confronting head on his shoulder. “His name’s Jason. He's a killer, and if you're in his pack you'll have to kill too. I'm teaching you so you can defend yourself, from him and them.”

“Them?” Ricky asked, confused.

“Hunters. I mentioned them yesterday but I didn't really tell you about them. They're people who hunt supernatural creatures like us. They're coming to town again, most likely because of Jason.” Ren got up and pulled Ricky to his feet. “Now come on, you try the eyes.”

*✓*

Ricky spent nearly the whole day training with Ren and learning about the supernatural. There was some stuff he told him that would cause trouble for his sleeping for a while. Currently Ricky was In a tree house and sitting across from him was his girlfriend Nini. 

“So what's up, what did you want to talk about?”

Ricky took a deep breath and rubbed his sweaty palms against his jeans. He rehearsed this conversation in his head but it was different when she was actually in his face. When he could smell her and hear her heart beating. “I ugh… man this is hard.” He heard her heart speed up at his anxiousness. She reached across the small space that separated them and grabbed his hand. “You can tell me anything.” Ricky took one more deep breath and just decided to get it all out in one breath.

“I cheated on you and I think we should break up.” He said in a rush. When he looked up all he could see was shock on her face. “Ugh Nini?” The girl looked like his voice shocked her back into reality. “You cheated on me?” She questioned. “Yeah at a college party.” Ricky said quietly. “And are you still seeing her?”

“No it was just in the moment and besides she… she's ugh… dead.” Nini looked almost relieved at what he said. “So it wasn't Gina?” Now it was Ricky’s turn to look shocked. “Why would I cheat on you with Gina?” Nini looked at him like he was stupid, and to be fair sometimes he was. “It doesn't matter why the fact is you did. Ricky you cheated on me, how could you?” It seemed what he said had caught up to her and her voice was breaking.

He could tell her it was because he was drunk or that he wanted it to be Gina. But he knew all that was an excuse; he just didn't want to be with Nini anymore and that was the problem. The drinks just made his defense crumble. “I don't know, I just know you deserve the truth. And it might be messed up to say but I love you Nini. I'm just not in love with you. Not anymore.” He said and Nini started to cry and Ricky’s eyes were getting misty too.

It hurt to hurt her. It hurt to let her go like this. Especially like this. He didn't know if they could recover from THIS . They sat in silence for a while and neither of them took their eyes off each other. “I love you too Ricky. But I hate you right now so can you go?” Nini didn't tell him to leave. No, she asked because she wasn't strong enough to tell him to leave yet. As Ricky stood, Nini stood too. She closed the space between them and hugged him tightly. Ricky returned the hug. “Why do you have to be so stupid?” She asked him not expecting an answer. Ricky chuckled though it sounded painful.

“I don't know… I'm just sorry. I'm sorry Nini.” She breathed him in like it was the last time she would ever be this close to him again. Once she let go she turned around and Ricky took that as his cue to leave.

Once he got to the sidewalk he started to cry fully. It hurt. It hurt way more than he expected it too. He may not have been in love with her anymore but his heart was broken.

“That was cute.” Ricky jumped at the voice and turned around to see a shadow standing under a broken street light. Ricky stepped back as he saw red eyes in the darkness. As the shadow stepped from the darkness Ricky was surprised to see the man who handed him his skateboard the other day. “Jason?” Ricky questioned. The man smiled, it was crooked, it wasn't bright. “Ah little Tommy told you about me. He's a spoiler.” Jason joked. “You know Ricky I feel kinda betrayed. I mean I bite you and you go off joining other packs.” Ricky grew angry at the implication he was just one property now.

“I never asked to be bitten.” Ricky said, his anger accentuated by a growl. Jason put his hands up in mock fear. “Whoa there tiger calm down.” Ricky started to grow more angry and his eyes started to glow a bright golden yellow. “You're angry I get that. It is why I turned you in the first place you know. And I can see why you would be angry. I mean you have a drunk for a father. Your girlfriend or now ex girlfriend wrote an incriminating song about you… and your mother.” Jason paused and Ricky seemed ready to snap and the mention of his mother. “Your mother left you. She didn't even bother to take you with her. I mean did she even ask? I doubt it. Probably too happy moving on with that new guy. What's his name… oh yeah Todd.”

That was it, the last straw. Carried by instinct Ricky jumped at Jason, his hands sporting claws and he wore a mouth full of fangs. He swiped at the alpha in an attempt to take his head off but the bigger man easily caught his arm and broke it. The snap was loud but Ricky’s scream was louder. Jason grabbed Ricky by his neck and threw him down the empty road. Ricky was back to his senses with the pain in his arm and his back.

“See Ricky, your anger makes you a natural born killer. Like me.” Jason pointed at the darkened sky where the moon was shining down on them. “And by the time the moon hits it's peak tomorrow you'll see too.” He snapped Ricky's arm back into place and the pain made him close his eyes and bite his lip. When he opened his eyes again Jason was gone and he was left alone on the street. He could see people opening their doors to see what was going on but Ricky quickly hightailed it outta there.

*✓*

In the woods a group of people who just arrived in salt lake were in the woods. Searching for something. Hunting for something.

“Run.” A female voice said as her legs carried her faster than humanly possible. The male next to her was somehow keeping pace with her. As they were running an arrow flew past their face and exploded in a flash flight. “Don't look!” The girl yelled and dragged the boy away.

“Tsk they got away.” A woman said. She was tall and beautiful. Even with the scars on her face. She had smooth brown skin and a head full of natural curly hair. “And the body.” A man asked. “Call the police from a burner and toss it.” The woman said frustratedly. “I just got here and I'm already on the job. Damn it.” The woman complained and the men behind her decided to keep their mouths shut. They came here to work, not have fun.

The woman got into her truck, a rose gold Range Rover and started to drive to her destination. On the way she called her sister. The woman answered the phone with no pleasant greetings.

“What is it Vivian, I'm on the clock.” The slightly irritated voice of Terry Porter said. Vivian rolled her eyes at her sister's attitude. “Yeah so was I. Literally 5 minutes ago.”

“What was it?”

“Two betas it seemed like. Teen's. They killed someone.” Vivian said seriously. Terri sighed.

“Did they get away?”

“Yep.” Vivian heard Terri sigh over the phone and Vivian resisted the urge to chuckle. She didn't know what it was but her sister being stressed made her laugh. And Terri was always stressed.

“And their Alpha? Do you know which one it is?”

“More than likely Jason. It seems like that rippers MO to get two teens to kill like him right?” Vivian said disgustedly.

“Yes but don't put it past their kind. Keep an eye on Ren Thomas too.”

“You know you could keep an eye on him if you were here.”

“I know I want to be. But this job is taking longer than I thought. By the looks of it I won't be able to come until spring break.” Terri explained and Vivian sighed.

“GiGi will be disappointed.” Terri was silent on the other line for a while. 

“Make sure she's safe.”

“I will.”

“Love you sister.”

“Love you too.”

As the call ended Vivian pulled into the driveway of her destination. She got out of the car with a smile on her face as she knocked on the door of the house.

“I'll get it.” She heard a familiar voice say and her smile grew wider. As the door opened she saw the shocked face of her niece before it was overtaken by a smile and the girl threw herself in her arms.

“Auntie Viv!”

“GiGi… I'm here.”