Strangers to Mates

Chapter 2: Preperation

It was the morning of the 'grad'. I remember last year's, grade ten's get a dinner, grade nines get nothing, juniors a brunch and seniors a lunch and the whole graduation ceremony thing. It was the same every year, didn't matter what grade you just passed, things have been like that since always and I don't think they'll be changing any time soon. Our pack, along with many others, liked tradition. I didn't mind it much it just seemed a bit pointless to me. But I was happy that Sadie wasn't forcing me into a dress even if mum was making me dress nicely. No tee-shirt and jeans, well I bargained for jeans but I'm stuck in this fancy silk blouse that she bought me. I didn't mind looking a little nicer some times but silk blouses just aren't me, nor are they comfy.

So I rolled out of bed, landing in a crouch, before standing up straight and walking over to my bathroom. I quickly showered before throwing my still damp hair in a lose french braid. I pulled on black skinny jeans, then the periwinkle colored blouse. I wrapped my leather bracelet around my one wrist, before grabbing a side purse that hung small and low by my hip. I grabbed my wallet and phone, stuffing them in my purse before looking at my self in the mirror. I made my way downstairs to find my parents patiently waiting for me.

I quickly slipped on the black ballet flats that were in my hand and we walked out to mums car. Even though I'd prefer my dad's truck, my mums car was still really nice, and before I knew it we've left our driveway and are pulling up to the school. I see tons of students from my year, swarming around with their parents. We meet up with Sadie, Chris and their families, taking our seats inside the gym where they have set up many tables and chairs.

Even though this was just a grade 11 'grad' brunch I was glad that Sadie's dad could come for her. Like me she was an only child, after having Sadie her mother grew some what weak which was rare for werewolves but she couldn't have any more children. Now her case was much sadder than mine, my parents were happy with just one kid, especially since I was such trouble, but I think they were happy with just me. Chris has a younger sister but she's so shy and still very young, only five and still hides behind her dad. She was cute but Sadie and her parents were the only people she let get super close to her. She even likes Sadie better than Chris, but still loves him. I quickly learned to not take it personally because she wouldn't have let Sadie near her if she wasn't destined to be with her brother forever.

The whole brunch goes by in a flash and it's one o'clock. Sadie let's me know when she's coming over tomorrow to get ready and Chris tells us that he'll pick us up at half passed six. Getting back into the car with my parents I sighed, surprisingly tired. I spent the rest of the day resting at home since I knew I wouldn't get a minute to tomorrow. Most of my time spent in my room on my laptop or on my phone since I couldn't find anything better to do. After dinner I'd gone to bed crazy early because I knew I'd be up late tomorrow, not getting home till long after midnight for sure. Not that I really cared, night owl.

That night I'd had a dreamless yet some what restless sleep.

I woke up to a banging at my front door. Rolling out of my bed the way I always do, I look up through my hair to see that my clock reads '12:00'. Crap. It was probably Sadie and my parents weren't home, they wouldn't be back till five. See this is why I gave her a key, but god knows why she always forgets it. I rush downstairs in my tank top and shorts. Flinging open the door, I find a slightly annoyed Sadie with two suitcases at her feet, two garment bags in one hand and a coffee cup tray in the other.

"Sorry Sad. I was still asleep." I said leaning forward to grab the cases, which were crazy heavy.

'What were in here, weapons?' I asked myself as we both walked in and I kicked the door shut behind me.

"So I guessed." She said putting the garment bags down on the nearest chair before walking into the kitchen.

I followed her in and she handed me one of the Tim Horton's to go cups.

"That's why I brought coffee." She finished.

I smiled, smelling the great taste of black coffee before taking a much wanted and needed sip.

"Thanks." She knew me to well, I couldn't get started in the mornings without my coffee.

I suddenly remembered that I was in my pj's and felt cold. Weird. Being a werewolf and all I didn't get cold easily but it felt like something was missing and that's what made me cold. Crap, it probably had something to do with me turning 17 tonight, I bet you that's it. I remember Sadie saying how cold she was the day before she turned 17. We learned about it in school too, how right before your soul starts to search for its other half its like its awakening and is missing a part so you feel cold. I guess it all made sense but I hated it because it only reminded me more of that fact I was turning 17 and could possibly find my mate tonight. With that thought I quickly said to Sadie,

"I'll be right back." and set my coffee down, running upstairs I changed into dirty jeans, knowing that I'll be changing again in a few hours, and pulling a hoodie on.

When I came back downstairs I found Sadie sitting on one of the bar stools, playing on her phone. Shocking, this girl spent more time on her phone than anyone.

"Want some lunch?" I ask walking past her and grabbing my coffee again.

"Sure. Whatcha makin'?" She sets down her phone, grinning.

"Uh, sandwiches?" I volunteer, getting the ingredients out.

"Alright, well I'm taking my stuff upstairs. I expect them to be done once I've finished." She said.

I didn't know if she was joking or not, that girl could get more distracted than me.

I quickly whip up the two sandwiches, finishing half my coffee in the process. Fifteen minutes later I'm waking up to my room with two plates and the rest of my coffee.

"Your lunch." I say curtly handing the girl sitting on my bed a plate.

I went over to sit on my desk, and she tossed her phone to the side.

"I love your sandwiches." She says stuffing her face with food.

I laughed as I watched her. I was no chef, but I did make a mean sandwich. It's not that I couldn't cook anything, I mean Sadie burnt water, it's just I haven't really practiced, but I'm sure if I wanted to cook a fine meal I could make it happen. Maybe I should start with a few simple things first though.

We spent the next two hours chatting even after we'd finished our food. In that moment it made sense why she had to come so early for us to get ready. I mean it's still a bit to much time but we spend so much time talking and getting distracted, leading to more talking.

"So," Sadie started dragging the o out, "Tonight's the big night."

"I have no idea what your talking about." I say, deciding yo playing dumb.

But she knew better, she was my best friend after all. Truthfully I'd be a little worried if my best friend didn't know me that well. I sighed giving in,

"Ya, I guess."

"You guess. C'mon Erin, you could find your mate tonight. Everyone will be there."

She gave me a pointed look and I sighed again. Even though I didn't want a mate I certainly didn't want a mate from this pack, I mean Chris was the only decent guy but it'd be gross if we were mated because I loved him like a brother. But that's beside the point, the point is the guys in this pack don't know what manners are, and aren't all that cute either. Truth be told, our pack is kind of a disappointment, I mean we've got pretty good fighters, but lookers, well that's another story. And she was right, everyone in range of my age was going to be there. The fates know I don't want a mate right now but I really don't want one from this pack. Plus, if he's in another pack I'll have more time to come to terms with having a mate and things potentially changing. My wolf hated me thinking it being a good idea that we don't find our mate tonight, but I didn't see the problem. For her sake, and I guess mine too, I was really trying to get over myself as quickly as I could, so that if anything did happen I'd be able to face it the right way instead of maybe running away.Which I might end up doing.

"I know. I know. I've had enough time to come to terms with it, I think. I'm fine, I'm ready." I say mostly to myself, trying to convince myself.

So maybe I wasn't completely ready but I'm sure I will be ready by tonight, right? So maybe I was still scared, but if I didn't say it out loud, that feeling would leave, right? But how can anyone blame me, I've only ever had what I have now and I don't know what having anything else is like. And if finding a mate could mean losing everything I love I didn't know what I'd do.Nothing changed for Sadie and Chris cause they were basically a couple before they even found out, the only reason they didn't admit their feelings for each other was out of fear of being mated with someone else. But who were they kidding.

Her eyes softened like they could read my mind but she decided not to say anything about it.

"I'm gonna go shower." she said instead and with that she walks into my bathroom, closing the door behind her.

But I stayed where I was. Now Sadie got me thinking about it, about tonight. Why don't you want to find our mate, Julie questioned sadly. I'm just scared. I don't want anything to change, I say honestly, knowing I can't lie to her, to me, about this. Well if change means our mate I'm all for it. And I knew she meant it. She continues to go on and on about the possibility's about our mate but after a while I block her out so I can think in a quiet mind.

I don't notice when Sadie's back in my room until she snaps her fingers in front of my eyes. I blink a few times quickly asking,

"Wha...?" She laughs, knowing I didn't hear a word she said.

"Am I going to this party naked or are you gonna pick something?" She jokes.

"Ha Ha." I say sarcastically and hop off my desk, walking over to my bed, where shes lied out all the options.

I didn't need to think about what could happen at midnight, all I needed to do was get Sadie ready so that she could get me ready. Besides I've been thinking way to much lately. Tapping my chin, scanning them over I looked at all the close she had brought. The party was going to be in a forest and of course she only brings dresses. I almost laughed, she couldn't shock me even if she tried. After a few minutes I pick up a navy blue dress that came up behind her neck and tightens slighter above her waist before flowing out again, and hand it to her.

"Shoes?" She indicates to the suitcases before going behind my closet doors to slip on the dress.

I sit down on the ground and open them up beside me to find all heels, looking at the shoes while she put on the dress throwing her towel into my laundry basket.

"You're gonna sprain an ankle in these. You do realize that we'll be in the woods right?" I asked shuffling through the pairs.

"Ya but you gotta wear something on your feet, so why not go all out." I rolled my eyes at her words.

"Don't blame me if I take mine off part way." I add setting a pair of black heels by the door for her.

She rolls one of the suitcases closer to my desk, opening it so that I can see all the makeup and hair stuff. Honestly, why did she own so much and why did she have to bring it all with her, I wasn't even going to end up using a fifteenth of it. I shook my head still grinning though, as I walked over to wear she sat in front of my desk where she's placed a mirror in front of her.

"Up or down?" I ask grabbing my straightening iron.

"Surprise me." She says with a devilish smile.

"Alrighty then." I start by brushing out her still damp hair then blow dry the rest.

Honestly I was somewhat shock that she was giving me such free range. The both of us were kinda control freaks sometimes but I guess she was trying to be fair since I had no say in what I was going to look like tonight. I mean I could look like another person and I wouldn't have a say, but I trust her enough to know that she wasn't go that far, probably.

Once I've finished her hair, I straighten her strawberry blonde hair, then grab a clip, pulling her hair up. Her hair only went just past her shoulders a little bit so done up it wasn't very long, but it complemented her dress well. I pulled up a stool and sat in front of her so I could do her makeup. I've never really worn any myself, but I've done it on her enough times to know what I'm doing. Not wanting to over do it, I just put on a little navy blue eye shadow to match her dress and eyeliner on her. I applied a light but shinning blush and handed her a peachy lip gloss to put on herself. 40 minutes later I finally say,

"Done. Whatddya think?"

She walked over to the full length mirror to inspect herself.

"Color me surprised." She mumbled.

"Why?" I asked somewhat nervous.

I wasn't the best at this fashion thing but I tried really hard.

"It almost looks like something I'd throw together." She answers a grin making its way onto her face.

I smiled too, happy that she liked it. She was a hard girl to impress, believe it or not. Even after ten minutes of looking at herself I finally say,

"Well I'm gonna go take my shower now." Grab my robe, I walk over to my bathroom."

"Kay, I'm going to get myself something to drink. Want anything?"

"Water. Please." I ask before shutting the door.

I turn the shower on stripping down. I get in and play with the water temperature before washing up. About half an hour later I walk out in my robe to find Sadie on her phone again, laying on my bed. 'Shocking', I thought sarcastically. I grab a towel, trying to dry out my long hair a bit more and ask,

"So what do you have picked out for me?"

She happily jumped off the bed, tossing me a bottle of water that only my werewolf reflexes could've catch, and grabbed the other garment bag that had been untouched

"Close your eyes." She told me, setting it down on the bed in front of me.

"Really. Is it that big of a deal?" I ask but close my eyes anyways.

"Yes, and no peeking." I didn't get why she always made a big deal out of this kind of thing but I kinda just learned to flow with it after a while.

I'd say she was almost as stubborn as me.

I could hear the zipper and after what felt like eons she told me I could open my eyes. My eyes widened slightly, but I'm a little unsure why. It was a beautiful dress but it looked to be a little on the short side. So I couldn't decide if I loved it or was unsure about. For a dress it was definitely something I'd wear. It was all black, suiting me, and looked pretty lose.

"Go on. Put it on." she ordered eagerly.

"Alight, alright."

I pick it up and take it behind my closet door to change just like she had before. As I pulled it on I realized that on my 5 8" frame it was pretty short, but knowing Sadie it could have been a lot worse. For all I know she could have brought me a shirt and told me it was a dress. Some of her dresses were like a shirt on me, that's how short they were, well she is four inches shorter then me so she can wear them, but still. The dress went slightly shorter than mid thigh but because it was flowy it wasn't bad.

I walked out from behind the door and Sadie handed me a shoe box after having squealed at the mere sight of me in a dress. I sat on the edge of my bed and opened it. Inside there were deep red wine colored strapy heels and my jaw dropped. She expected me to wear these, in a forest, and dance. She had to know that I was slightly scared of finding my mate so she had to know that I was really going to try and get drunk if I could. I'm sure to hurt myself in shoes like this. The look on her face told me that she knew all that and didn't care so I thought to myself, 'screw it', and went along with it. I didn't care anymore.

"So if you have to sprain an ankle I do too?" I joke, lightening my terror of walking in them.

I had told myself I was going to try and enjoy tonight, I try to have fun at each end of the year party and besides I was used to going along with her craziness and I guess a sprained ankle would heal pretty quickly. But I did like teasing her.

She rolled her eyes at me, "Sorry. You have no choice, remember, I get to choose."

I set the shoes back down on my bed and head over to my desk where Sadie sat before me.

"She-wolf, says wild to me" She said blow drying my hair then straightening it.

She ran her hands through it making it look messy but good.

"Wolves are suppose to be wild" I reply sarcastically again.

Next she did my make up, even against my protest. She ended up putting a dark gray color over my eyelids, no liner or mascara, since my eyelashes were naturally dark and full. Next she brushed some rouge onto my cheeks but not much since my cheeks would probably become rosy quickly tonight, summer nights were very warm and dancing beside a bonfire could only lead to heart. Then she handed me some lipstick to put on myself. It was a dark wine color that matched my shoes. When she finally let me look at myself, I had to admit that after the long, really long, wait it looked good. Even if it wasn't my usual kinda thing. I mean dark makeup, even if not much, and a dark dress with the messy but good looking hair, kinda did make me look like a different person, yet I still looked much like myself. I don't really know if that makes much sense but it's what I thought. I mean the dark colors looked good on me and matched the red wine colored nails I had painted on. But I looked like, wow, like I can't think of a word but Sadie sure could.

"Knock out" was all she said as she also looked at me in the long mirror on my wall.

I looked over my shoulder at my clock. Holy crap. It was already six o'clock, that meant Chris would be here in thirty minutes to pick us up. Goddess time does fly a lot faster than I thought.

"C'mon. Let's head downstairs." I say grabbing my shoes and phone.

Sadie was right behind me as I walked into the kitchen, where my parents sat at the table talking. They instantly stopped and my mum stood up, saying,

"Oh, look at my girls. All grown up."

They both came over to us and mum gathered Sadie and I in a tight hug. Pulling back my mum had a look of aw and pride on her face.

"It's not that big a deal." I reply, brushing off her comment.

"Yes it is. And we've gotten you a birthday gift" Mum says at dad's side.

"Here you go honey" My dad said handing me a small box.

I tried to protest, saying it wasn't officially my birthday until tomorrow, but they didn't care. They thought I might be busy tomorrow and that they should give it me now. Surprisingly it was rare for a werewolf, or a human to be born at exactly midnight so it was kinda weird. My birthday was tonight but I wasn't born until tomorrow, if that makes any sense. Inside was a necklace with a full moon pendant, since I was born on a full moon, I assumed. The pendant was carved with such great detail it was obvious that it was a full moon.

"Thank you, mum, dad" I say, looking up from the beautiful necklace, my eyes shinning in graduate.

I gave them each a tight hug before dad helped me put it on. Sadie and I sat across from them at the table, just talking while we waited for Chris. I looked down at the necklace many times, still marveling it's pure beautiful. And just on time, the door opens and Chris comes to find us in the kitchen.

"What? I wasn't invited to the party?" He says, the joke shinning in his blue eyes as he grinned at us.

I stand up and walk over to him, shoes and phone in hand.

"Oh, c'mon. Let's just get to the real party" I say ruffling his hair.

Chris grins in return, waiting for Sadie before we all said goodbye to my parents. I quickly remember to leave my phone on the table by the front door before pulling on my shoes and following my friends out the door. We were out and into Chris' jeep after I'd finally managed to get in with those heels on. Before I knew it, we were off to the party and I was sitting in the back of the jeep listening to Sadie list all the possibilities of amazing things that could happen tonight.