The moment Evans stepped out of his room after freshening up, everything felt louder and clearer.
He could hear the faint humming of the refrigerator downstairs and the ticking of the wall clock. Even his own footsteps sounded heavier, but he managed to forget, and he controlled himself.
He arrived at the dining table and adjusted his glasses out of habit, even though he did not need them. Jane was at the table, arranging the cutlery while Evans halted, the heartbeat of his mother banging hard in his ear.
Jane looked up at him, a warm smile on her face.
"You took longer than I expected. I was about to come get you."
Evans forced a smile as he pulled out a chair and then sat. "Here I am."
As he replied, he heard her heartbeat change and she paused.
"You sound different. Do you still have a cold?" She asked, her tone laced with concern.
Evans let out a fake cough. "Yes. I'm still using my drugs, though. It should be gone soon."
Jane nodded, and Evans could hear her heartbeat return to normal gradually.
She had a smile on her face as she sat across from Evans. "So… I know it's bad manners to talk while eating, but I am very curious to know what you've been up to recently."
Evans scoffed quietly, staring at the plate in front of him. He was not in the mood to have a conversation with her, but he did it anyway. "Well, the lectures have been interesting, and I'm beginning to like our new home. So much has happened lately… I can't even share it all."
Jane nodded. "I am glad that you are beginning to like our new home, Evans. I hope you're making new friends, and what about the friend you were with in the cafe?"
"Yeah. She…"
Jane's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "She? You know I don't like to butt into your personal matters, but where did you guys meet? I would really love to meet her soon."
Evans gave no response; he only stared at the food.
"Why have you been hiding things from me, Mom?" He questioned in a low tone, and at that moment, he could hear Jane's heart skip a beat. Her expression changed instantly as their gazes locked.
"Did I hear that right?"
Evans smirked. "You left for five days, leaving just a note, and I've been alone in the house. And now you're hiding things about your shifts."
"Ohh, I'm not hiding things about my work from you," she replied, her heartbeat returning to normal.
"Work has been demanding, and I know you're grown up enough to take care of yourself, but trust me, I'd never forget or neglect you."
Evans nodded, then started eating.
"You are growing up," Jane began, her tone softer. "You are not my little Evans anymore… You are grown. How cute would it be if Eva were here too?"
"And dad… too," Evans retorted, his gaze fixed on the food.
Jane nodded. "And dad too. How wonderful would it be?"
Evans gave no response. Giving her a response would only trigger the rage growing in him. He ate in silence, and Jane probably took notice of his mood. They both finished their food in silence.
•••••••••••••••••••
Later that morning, Evans stepped out of the house. He held only one book, and a pen was settled in his jeans pocket. He did not carry his backpack.
Although the weight meant nothing to him, he decided not to carry it.
The air outside felt different.
It was colder and alive.
He exhaled sharply.
Since his senses had spiked, he knew he could smell things well and hear anyone clearly, and see things clearly. But how would he be able to suppress it in school, where various students attend?
"Come on. Let's go," Jane called from inside the car. "You will miss your lectures if you keep standing like that."
Evans started walking to the car.
"You are holding back," the voice in him murmured.
"I have to… for now," Evans replied under his breath.
He reached Jane's car and slid in calmly.
Moments later, Jane dropped him off at school. The school was normal as before, but Evans wasn't.
Noise filled the hallway as he made his way to the lecture hall. Laughter echoed, many heartbeats stretched his senses, and too many scents overwhelmed him.
Evans kept calm. This was too much for him… If only he could find a secluded space and keep away from the overwhelming scents and heartbeats.
"Evans!"
He turned.
It was Jasmine, and she was walking toward him.
"Good morning," Evans let out as he continued walking while Jasmine followed him.
"Good morning. How are you doing?"
Evans gave no response. He had so much going on in his head to be exchanging greetings.
"So… how did your day with Ophelia go?" Jasmine inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.
Evans stopped, then turned to her. "From the words you guys exchanged yesterday, it was obvious that you knew each other. Can you do me a favor and go talk to her instead? I'm really busy at the moment."
Jasmine paused, her eyes scanning Evans. "You are rude… again. You were nice yesterday, and you're rude today again. I was only asking how your day went."
Evans stared at her. She was right.
He was slightly rude, but he had a lot going on. He heaved a sigh and took a step closer to her. Then a faint scent hit him.
The same scent… as Ophelia and Edward, the hunter, and the other werewolves at the cafe, but Ophelia scented differently.
She smelled different from all of them… could it be?
He ignored the thought. Jasmine couldn't possibly be one of them, could she?
"Ophelia is my friend. We met a few days ago, and she's been of great help, truly," Evans finally said.
"But she's a fourth-year student… what could she be.."
Evans froze.
Both physically and internally.
A sharp sound cut through the air, making him tilt his head. His senses locked on the whooshing oncoming sound, and Jasmine seemed to notice his sudden movement.
A ball.
It was thrown hard by a very strong force.
Evans found it hard to concentrate. The laughter and voices of the students filled his ears, but Evans managed to clear his head.
The ball was headed toward Jasmine, and time suddenly slowed. Evans calculated the speed and distance. Jasmine didn't see it. She ignored his sudden movement and continued talking.
"Like, come on… who does…"
Evans took a step closer to her, leaving no space between them. Jasmine froze, and Evans' hand shot out before she could speak. With effortless accuracy, he caught the ball mid-air.