Echo - Nicolae/Sebastian

The morning was quiet save the chirps of the song sparrows that had yet to migrate south for the rapid-dropping temperatures. Dawn sported a wine-colored quilted vest over her long sleeve uniform. If there was one thing she thought worth the price of a private university education, it was the uniform that made it difficult to be considered different. With a black scarf around her neck, she walked outside in the brisk air. It was immature, but she preferred to walk than sit next to Sebastian in awkward silence for the eight-minute drive. The previous evening had gone all but right. Sebastian had declined Dawn's invitation to her body as they laid in bed, kissing like two hormonal adolescents keeping their amorous rendezvous a secret from their parents.

Four classes later, she had changed her mind about her approach. Avoiding Sebastian would hardly solve the problem or end the awkward situation. She marched on to Sebastian's last class of the day and stood at the door reading the unexpected announcement posted on the door. "Professor Jones' 1408-MYTH classes canceled today." She re-read the words and wondered if she had somehow been the reason behind his sudden absence, or if some ailment had befallen him. Without wasting further time, she started home.

Sebastian's SUV was parked in its usual place, prompting Dawn to worry for him. She rushed in through the front door to find a dark-haired woman sprawled on the living room couch. She looked up at Dawn through large honey-colored eyes. She had soft and delicate features and two charming dimples that formed on her cheeks as she gave Dawn a big smile.

"You must be Dawn, the roommate! Sebastian is out, but I'm sure he's told you all about me." The girl sprang from her seat and greeted Dawn on her feet. "I'm Isabella," she stated confidently.

Dawn gave her a forceful smile. Sebastian had not once mentioned an Isabella, and it upset Dawn more than she ought to let it. "I'm Dawn, yes, and I've heard nothing but good things," she managed to utter through her gritting teeth. Isabella chuckled. Even her laugh was endearing. That upset Dawn further.

"Did you just feel a tremor?" Isabella asked quizzically with a look of concern on her face.

"No," Dawn fibbed. "It was nice getting acquainted, Isabella, but I have homework to catch up on." She walked away without waiting for a response from the stunning stranger. 'At least he didn't divulge my secret,' Dawn told herself to keep her composure. Her concern over Sebastian had vanished and was replaced by deep frustration. It all suddenly made sense to her. Sebastian had Isabella all along, normal Isabella, human Isabella, beautiful Isabella. She broke down in her bedroom feeling the fool. She had worn her heart on her sleeve, and he had played her like a fiddle. Now, she dried her tears with the sleeves of her uniform. Listening to the high winds outside her window, she pulled the covers over her head and pressed her hands to her chest – attempting to keep her broken heart together. 'I had trusted you Sebastian,' she cried. 'I had trusted you.'

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Sebastian ran against the heavy winds, letting his thick black fur shield him from the elements, something his human flesh could never do. 'This is your real nature,' a voice screamed to him from within. 'Stop fighting it. This is what you are. A beast.' Sebastian ran on all fours, feeling the lashing of dense brush against his beastly body. He dashed through the forest and darted for his favorite, private river. He let his paws sink through the soft soil as he walked further into the water until his head was completely submerged.

Sebastian gasped as his head rose above the water. His lungs filled with oxygen while his skin goose pimpled. He was freezing. 'Stop fighting it,' the voice reminded him. Sebastian hurried out of the river in response. The clothes he shed before the transformation were still on the ground, covered in mud and loose dirt. He briefly allowed the wind to air-dry him before impatiently dressing. Enough time had been lost for the day, and he was determined to make the most out of what was left.