Luna Aria

V. Just Because

Aria's POV:

I woke up in the morning, feeling even shittier than last week.

When I walked down the hallway, I inhaled as much air as I can to prepare for Joe's toxic waste. The bathroom door creaked open, I stood there, waving my hands back and forth just in case he installed some invisible force field, or a pie will smack me in the face if I take a step inside.

I knew something was wrong when I leaped inside, and nothing happened.

Today is going to be a f**k up day.

After I prep myself inside the bathroom, I went back to my bedroom and got dressed. Throwing away my dirty clothes into the basket, I grabbed a red t-shirt with my favorite logo Why aren't you whining with a bottle and glass of wine in the background. It's entirely inappropriate for school, but I love it, so they have to deal with it. I grabbed a grey hoodie along with a pair of sweats and pulled it on.

When I finished, I grabbed my backpack and walked downstairs to look at the calendar.

Ah. So that's why I feel so shitty. Today is the day.

Shaking my head, I walked into the kitchen, only to find Sam and mom munching on donuts.

I threw my bag on the ground and grabbed a sugary donut. "Where's daddy and the annoying twins?"

Mom wiped off the sprinkles on her cheeks, putting the medical documents down. "Sweetie, they left earlier. Joe and John said they have something to do while your dad had to prepare for the upcoming announcement."

I took a seat beside her, eyes roaming towards the pile of papers. "Oh, I see. Does he know who is chosen?"

She shook her head, sipping on her hazelnut coffee. "No, they have someone from the council coming here to announce it. It's a surprise for everyone."

I nodded, knowing he will surely be shocked when he sees me up there. I just pray he won't get a heart attack. I looked at Sam, and she was on her laptop. For some odd reason, she is always on her laptop.

Since the twins aren't home, mom took us to school. Sam sat in the front, while I laid in the back, taking my usual nap. Sadly, today, I couldn't sleep on the car ride to school. Instead, I put on my hoodie and threw my backpack under my head, staring at the clouds in the sky and pretended to sleep.

There was a rush of anxiety roaming in every fiber of my body as my leg refuses to stop shaking, and the beating inside my chest was ruthless. The volume of howling inside my head was increasing, almost to an unbearable height.

Suddenly, everything seems to freeze when a pair of crystal clear eyes caught my eyes, the outer iris was glassed with gold, but the inside was completely white. He sat up there on a tree, lips curving upward. "Let's finish your story," he whispered.

Angel?

"Let's go," Sam said, snapping me out of my trance and stepped out of the car.

I scanned the surrounding, realizing we are at school. Shaking off the unusual feeling, I followed her.

Mom grabbed my wrist, "Sweetie is there something wrong?"

"Nothing mom, why?"

"The rate of your heartbeat was loud and irregular, I thought you were having another nightmare," she whispered,

I smiled, "Mom I'm fine, I guess I'm just anxious for today," I said. She nodded and placed a kiss on my temple.

"Goodbye, my children! Thank you for blessing me with your presence and eating my money!" she yelled loud enough for the whole student body to hear while blowing us kisses as we tried to hide our faces.

I look around the school, noticing nearly everyone was all dressed up. The girls were wearing dresses or something fancy while the guys were dressed up as if they are heading towards an interview. My eyes roamed towards Sam and me, who was wearing sweats and a hoodie except in reverse colors.

Walking down the hallway, I was blinded by all the good-looking people. Just kidding, the dazzling jewelry was blinding me.

Cynthia ran towards me, almost knocking me over. She was wearing jeans and a hoodie, which threw me off. "Why aren't you all dress up?"

"Why should I dress up?" she asks, batting her eyes a few times.

"Because today is selection day?"

She wiggled her nose, and her face twisted into something indefinable, inhaling the air a few times. She shook her head, and her face turned back to normal. "I told you before. The odds of one of us getting chosen are slim, and the odds of both of us getting chosen are even slimmer. I just wanted to sign up with my bestie," she gave me a smile and a hug, which I return. She is stupid, but she is my stupid best friend.

An hour before school ended, the principal request our presence in the auditorium, announcing that someone is chosen. Every gasp and you can feel the tension escalating in the air. People sign up to go to Were-High School for different reasons, for a werewolf, connection, better education, etc.

While the principle talked about how proud he is with every one of us, and it doesn't matter who got chosen. The students were talking about how exciting it would be to go. Some hug their friends saying how they would miss them if they get selected, others made sneer comments about how they should get chosen.

The door flew open, and everyone immediately quiets down. My head snaps towards the door, and I can feel the puissant power radiating from him. Some humans unconsciously bow down at him; others stare in awe or avoided his eyes due to fear. I decided not to look at him and stare at the piece of gum stuck on the seat in front of me. I can hear his booming footsteps heading towards the front while the principle steps down.

"Good afternoon, students," his voice was not loud but filled with power and authority. No one said a single thing, where some didn't dare breathe, fearing they would disturb him. Cynthia was staring at him in complete awe, not once averting her eyes as the beating in her chest manifested.

"I am Mr. James, the principle of Were High School and one of the two representatives for Werewolves. I am here to announce who had been selected. I am excited to say that five people have been chosen from this school. Three humans and two hunters."

I can hear the loud gasped from both teachers and students. Our school is designed only for humans, where there are a few hunters who go here, but they weren't trained to fight.

I sat there silently, staring at the chewed up piece of gum. It's so disgusting.

"Yes, you heard correctly. Three humans and two hunters. I was quite shocked myself when I found out," he laughed while everyone stayed quiet. "Okay! Let's get this show on the road! I can tell that you're all anxious to know who is chosen. Hmmm, lets announced the hunters first shall we?"

I can tell he is the type of man who enjoyed torturing others, treating a situation facetious. There is a possibility he takes joy in seeing others in distress, which is the typical behavior of a council member.

"I am pleased to announce the chosen hunters! John and Joe Dante Rossi!" he shouted.

Oh! They must have a death wish!

The crowd screamed with excitement, clapping, and hollering. I saw the look on our father's face, and furious is the soft word with how he is feeling. I can see his face slowly turning red, which he quickly masks.

"Everyone, quiet down," Mr. James said, and suddenly it was noiseless again.

Those two dumbasses, I knew they were hiding something. My father didn't pick it up since he is human, but I did. I smelled the scent of the forest in them. They must have been training, probably with mom or Tom. I'm sure Sam picks up their scent too.

Speaking of Sam, where is she?

"Now let's announced which humans are selected. We welcome you to Were-High Cynthia Ramon, Samantha Sienna Rossi, and Aria Sienna Rossi!"

Cynthia high pitched shriek echoed throughout the auditorium, and she jumped out of her seat, pulling me to the front. I can see Sam already standing up there. Fortunately for me, I can also see my dad's face turning red, which he didn't bother to attempt concealing.

As Cynthia pulled me up on stage, I felt as if she slowed down. Finally, I looked at him, seeing him pushed back his dark brown hair, revealing a pair of oddly familiar caramel eyes. She stared at Mr. Hottie, yes, the principle is hot, while Mr. Hottie stared back at her. He closed his eyes and started sniffing the air. I can see his eyes darken as he looks at her, swiftly it went back to his regular colors.

Now, this is interesting.

Everyone cheered, but I can see some disappointed faces in the crowd. There were individuals from the council coming towards us, throwing out words of congrats.

When Mr. James approach me, he shook my hand and raised an eyebrow. I stood there, matching his gaze. We stared at each other until someone came to tell him something. I tried not to notice his scrutinize ever since I walked up the stage, but his stares were quite ferocious, it was starting to get uncomfortable. Thank goodness, his eyes averted mine whenever he sees Cynthia.

I wasn't into crowds, despising how they breathe my air, but I'm grateful, so many people were here. My father couldn't confront my siblings or me since people attack him with words of congratulations. Throughout the whole ceremony, he was giving us death glares. Sam, John, and Joe were staring at everywhere else except him.

Cynthia jumped on me and started talking about all the fun things we can do together at Were-High. Immediately, she ran out the door saying she must tell her parents.

I walked up to Sam, hitting the side of her hips on mine, causing her to stumble a bit. "Sup sis."

She ran her fingers through her dark brown hair, revealing a dashing pair of chocolate orbs. "Yes, baby sister?"

I folded my arms, bouncing on my heels. "Why did you decide to sign up?"

Sam hopped on the stage, throwing her legs back and forth. "Just because."

"Just because?"

She planted both hands on stage and leaned back. "You know about Were-High School. They have a high academic program. If I graduate from there, then I can go to any college I want or even start working a high paying job."

I nodded, feeling like she was hiding something else, but I didn't want to bother her any farther.

I look at my twin brothers, and people surrounded them. Girls were throwing themselves at them, and guys were teasing them. They noticed my presence and gave me a wink along with a suspicious look.

I smiled and walked out the door. Staring at the ground, I thought about what I should do next. I was too concentrated on the stoned ground that I hit a pair of jiggly boobs.

I looked up, "Hey Gabriella," I said, mentally patting myself on the back for remembering her name.

"Dang Aria, you look kind of down for someone who just got chosen," she chuckled.

I responded with a shrug, "Where are the girls that are usually standing behind you?" I asked.

She pointed behind me, "They are over there, crying about your brothers' departure."

I nodded and twirled the lock of hair around my fingers. "You aren't going to be over there with them?"

She shook her head and leaned towards me. "To be honest, John and Joe aren't my types," she whispered, and we giggle. "Need a lift?" she asked, jiggling her keys.

"Yes, please."

She tilted her head, gesturing me to follow her. "Where to?"

"The beach."

Silently, we walked towards her car. My eyes roamed around, seeing guys giving her lecherous stares, licking their foul lips. "Busy tonight Gabriella? Want to warm up my bed?" one of them shouted and the others high five him, approving his infelicitous behavior.

We passed by them, and she flipped a bird, face looking as pissed off. "You look mad," I said.

The corner of her lips tilted upward. "It's my resting b***h face," she chuckled, pushing down on her car alarm, unlocking her car door.

She threw her backpack in the trunk along with mine. We opened the car door and hopped inside. "Does this happen often?" I question, and she turned on the engine.

"s**t happens."

I exhale, "s**t does happen."

She rolled down the window, rebellious hair flowing in all directions as she took a sniffed through her stuffed nose. "So, what's your story?" she asked, changing the topic.

I rest my chin on the palm of my hand, elbow on the armrest as my eyes skewed towards her. "You're asking about my story when you haven't even told me yours?"

"I'm a boring person."

"Yeah. Sure. Miss head cheerleader."

"I'm just a girl."

"Looking for a place in this awful world," I sang.

"Ba-dap. Ba-dap. Ba-dap," we sang together before a burst of laughter erupts.

She nudged me, "Come on, Aria, you know what I mean. What's your story? If it's more boring then mine, then I'll tell you my story."

I furrow my brows, "I don't understand."

"You want to know what everyone says about you?"

"Aria Sienna Rossi. The cutest little girl anyone ever saw with this gifted voice. Not only is she pretty, but she is smart and athletic too. You know, there isn't a single bad rumor about you."

"Isn't that exaggerating things?"

"Aria, I saw you broke the school record as the fastest one-mile runner. You score a near-perfect score on one of the hardest exams established at our school. You sang like an Angel in choir class. You speak Italian and Korean fluently, where the Italian doesn't surprise me because you're part Italian, but how do you know Korean? Then, there is that delicious, mouthwatering food you cook and sweets you bake. You can play the violin, piano, guita-"

I rolled my eyes and cut her off, "You make it sound like I'm living a fairy tale."

She released a snort and shook her head, "You have this perfect little family, with two smoking hot older brothers who happen to be star athletes, a valedictorian older sister, and parents who are well-respected in both hunters and human community."

"So?"

"You are living a f*****g fairy tale where you are the princess. I'm not surprised if one day a Prince will appear riding a horse asking for your hand in marriage."

The beach made its appearance. "I guess this life isn't that bad," I mumble.

"You, Aria Sienna Rossi, sound like you have an actual problem?" she said in a shocking sarcastic voice.

I fake a smile, just enough to be exposed. "Everyone has problems."

After some silence, she nodded her head in agreement. "That's true, I'm sorry."

I exhale, "My name is Aria Sienna Rossi."

"I'm sixteen years old with twin older brothers and an older sister. I used to have another sister, but an unfortunate event happened, and she's gone. My mom is a hunter and my dad is a human where they are long-time sweethearts, some consider them a match made in heaven. I am not in any sports or clubs unless you consider the go-home club a club. I like to sleep and eat. My hobby is dancing naked in my room while listening to music."

"I prefer not knowing that last part, but that can't be the full story," she said.

"That's the story of my current life," I respond.

"Are you happy, living this kind of life?" she asked.

"I can't ask for a better life. What about you?"

She turned towards me, showing off her perfectly whiten teeth. "I have a loving fiance and awesome parents, so the answer is yes."

"So, how did you two meet?" I question.

Another smile made its way towards her lip, and I knew she was excited to tell me.

It turns out Gabriella and her fiance, Chad, met when she was eleven. At that time, he was a cute fifteen-years-old, and she clung onto his leg like it was her lifeline. She told me about all these pranks she used to pull on his ex-girlfriends. My favorite was when she released a bunch of baby snakes inside his house.

When she turned sixteen, and he was twenty, she yelled at him for being stupid and not noticing her feelings. Gabriella told Chad she doesn't want to see him again until she can sort out her emotions since she knew it wasn't his fault.

Two weeks later, he came to her house with a dozen roses and asked her to be his girlfriend. Gabriella's dad doesn't want his daughter to get hurt and threaten Chad to marry his daughter or leave, bang, Chad proposed. Least to say, Gabriella's dad did not see that one coming.

When we reached the beach, I went out of the car to grabbed my backpack. She jumped out, pushing on her dark shades and shut the trunk. "I guess I'm not going to see you or Cynthia at my birthday party?"

I smiled, "Make sure to look out for a blue package."

She pushed her hair back and nodded, "I'll keep an eye out for it. Message me sometimes, we can hang out if you ever come back here." The edge of her lips curled up, "Keep an eye out for an invitation to my wedding."

I stood there, waving her goodbye as she drove away. She rolled down her window, poking her head out. "There is going to be a lot of hot guys at that school, make sure to practice safe s*x!" she shouted.

I rolled my eyes and waved her off, listening to her burst into a roaring laugh. I turned around and set the alarm on my phone, ensuring I won't fall asleep at the beach again, causing my dad to send out an army of people searching for me.

The beach is my go-to place for as long as I can remember. I suck in the fresh salty essence, tasting its familiarity like home.

I threw my backpack and shoes on the sand. Scrunching my toes, I feel the softness of the sand, still damp from the retreating tide. I hopped on the fence bench, eyes staring at the constant motion of the ocean.

The cold wind whipped around me, cutting through any holes of my clothing, carrying the unmistakable aroma of salt. But somehow, I enjoyed the faint taste of salt on the breeze. I used to detest this taste, but now I love it because it reminded me of his warm salty kisses.

The devious whispers inside my head were increasing, escalating, into extreme torture.

My hand slides into my pockets, pulling out a bottle. With a few raddling, a white pill dropped into my palm. Releasing a deep breath, I threw it into my mouth, swallowing the content.

Jumping off the fence, I rolled into the slushy sand, cold water hitting my feet. My eyes stare at the colorful sky, spattered with orange, red, and yellow as the whispers faint.

Clawing my fingers into the sand, a tear slid down as I remember him.

Noah.