The Wolf Within

Chapter 2

The next day I shot up with a spring in my step. I was sure it was going to be a better day. Lacey would be at school and I always felt stronger with her by my side. I got up, put on a baby blue tee and threw on some skinny jeans and flats. I threw my hair up in a high ponytail and ran downstairs. I quickly ate a bowl of cereal and grabbed my backpack and headed down the street. Lacey lived a few houses down the block and was waiting outside for me. 

While walking to school I told Lacey about the day before. I told her about the things that Malorie had said and warned her the attacks would most likely continue into today. But when I got to the part of the story where I had heard the voice, I hesitated. Would Lacey think I was crazy? Was I crazy? Lacey saw my look as I considered whether or not to tell her about the voice. She immediately knew something was wrong. She knew all my looks and could read me better than anyone. 

"Is there something else Carrie? What's wrong?" She asked,  looking concerned. 

"Uhhh, Well, I… uh, I…." How could I tell her this. It sounded nuts. 

"Carrie, you know you can tell me anything. I love you like a sister. I'll never judge you." She said comfortingly. 

"Ok." Here it goes. Please don't think I'm insane, I thought. "Yesterday when Malorie was being nasty, I…. I heard a…. voice…"  I finally forced out the words. Lacey looked momentarily surprised but quickly recovered. 

"A voice? What kind of voice?" 

"I don't know. It was like a thought but it wasn't MY thought if that makes any sense."  I blurted. 

"Did anyone else hear it?" She asked

"No, I don't think so. I looked around and it didn't seem like it" I was looking away feeling uncomfortable now. Did she think I had lost it.I was starting to think maybe I had. 

"What did the voice say?" She asked

Oh s**t. This wasn't going to make it any better. "It was mad...about the way Malorie was talking to me. It said 'this b***h is gonna die' " I looked down in shame but Lacey wasn't even phased

 "Well, I like this voice. You need to defend yourself against Malorie. She's a horrible bully and needs to be put in her place." She replied as if hearing voices was totally normal. I sighed in relief. I could always count on Lacey to support me. She was my rock. 

 Before I knew it I was in first period. Another uneventful class reading Shakespeare's Sonnets. Boring. Then second period rolled around. Chemistry 2. Here we go again…. At least today Lacey would be with me. 

 As I walked into class I immediately heard Malorie's group erupt into a fit of giggles and I felt the blood rush to my face. I didn't know if they were laughing about me but I knew the jabs would be starting soon. 

 Lacey walked into the room and as predicted, Malorie began. 

"Awwww, the lovers are together today! How sweet!" She cooed. 

Lacey wasted no time. "Malorie, go get bent" She retorted. 

Malorie glared at her before saying "Lacey, have you ever even dated a boy? Or is Caroline your only lover?" She snickered. 

"Malorie, is there any boy in this school you haven't slept with? Or have they all gotten a ride." Lacey gave Malorie a smug smile and sat down as the teacher walked in. I could tell Malorie was seething. Lacey had the last word and Malorie had no time to retort. 

 The class went by quickly. Lacey and I got to be lab partners while working on an experiment. One more period until lunch! 

 I met Lacey outside of the cafeteria and we walked in together. Tuesday was always pizza, one of the few edible meals they served. We both grabbed a slice and found a spot at a table. We were chatting and eating when our lunch was suddenly interrupted. Malorie was back for more. 

"Hey Dikes!" She chirped. Her squad giggled. Lacey rolled her eyes. 

"Malorie, move on. I've had enough of your s**t today. Leave me and Carrie alone, or else!" 

"Ooohhhh…. Or else what!? Huh? Are you threatening me lesbo? I'm so scared!" Malorie mocked Lacey.

"Actually, yes I am." Lacey replied. She stood up and got into Malorie's face. My jaw hit the floor. She had never confronted Malorie this way and I was both awed and impressed. Malorie looked intimidated. Lacey was at least 5'9" while Malorie was only 5'2" or so. Lacey towered over her making her warning clear. 

"Move on. Leave us the hell alone" Lacey demanded. 

Malorie glared but walked away. I let out a sigh of relief glad it was over. I really hated confrontation. 

 Lacey and I had gone back to eating our lunch when suddenly she screamed. Malorie and her friends had filled a large cup with chocolate milk and poured it all over Lacey's head. Lacey's hair and shirt were completely soaked with milk. The entire cafeteria erupted into laughter and Lacey was livid. She looked around and saw all the laughing faces and her anger was quickly replaced by humiliation. She ran out of the cafeteria without saying a word. 

 I was shocked and horrified. I couldn't believe Malorie would take it that far. My hands started shaking and I heard the voice again. "THAT f*****g b***h!" I turned and looked at Malorie to see her smirking at me and I blacked out.