Bound To The Moon Guardian

“Come here, let me get a look at you,” Juno said and gently turned me to face her. “You look gorgeous, seriously.”

“I don’t feel gorgeous.” I said and tugged the bottom hem of my dress as though that simple motion would fill it out. “I feel like I’m ignoring my homework for another round of small talk with some bonehead who won’t even talk to me on campus.”

To be fair, I don't talk to him either. I'm only here to finish my med studies, so I can take over the clinic for Uncle. He was kind enough to raise me when my parents died, so the least I could do is help him retire. Dating would only be a distraction, and letting him down wasn't an option.

“Okay, his name is Kevin. And he isn’t a bonehead, he’s a med student just like you.” Juno flashed me a loving, but judgmental smile that only made sense from your best friend. “This is your last year of school, Gabs. And you still haven’t been on one date. You know I love you and support your wishes, but you need to get ready for that hot doctor life before it sneaks up on you.” She linked her arm with mine and led me toward the house party.

“I’ll try. I know I need to put myself out there. I just haven’t found anyone worth it yet, you know?” While walking toward the house, I was hyper focused on the length of my dress. “I just don’t understand why it’s necessary to pretend to be something I’m not.”

She laughed. “Well, that part is obvious. We’re hunters. They’re our prey. And that dress…” She motioned at my body, as though there were curves to point out. “... is a weapon. Maybe next time you’ll let me do your makeup.”

As we entered, I was hit with a wave of anxiety. Between the thumping of the music, the uncomfortable heat, and the smell of sweat and alcohol, I was prepared to make a hasty retreat. Feeling my discomfort, Juno’s arm wrapped more tightly around mine. “Kyle said he’d be near the kitchen with Kevin, let’s at least say hi.”

I nodded, but said nothing. She led me through the crowded house, squeezing past dancing bodies until we got to the kitchen in the back. When she spotted her current conquest, she unwrapped herself from me and flung her arms up in the air to greet him excitedly. The whole affair felt fake, there’s no way she was that excited to see him. I did my best to follow along behind her, flashing his friend Kevin what I felt to be my most sincere smile.

“Oh, it’s you.” He said, looking down at me with a confident smile. He turned to his friend and nodded . “Yeah, I’ve seen her around before. I think we had a couple of classes together, but who remembers class amiright?” He laughed and finished the beer remaining in his clear plastic cup. “I’m Kevin.”

“I know.” I blurted out. “I mean, we have a couple classes together this term. And I see you in the labs sometimes. I’m Gabriella.” I extended a hand as I would any of my professional peers. Instead of shaking my hand as expected, he grasped it and pulled me closer.

“Gaa… bri… el… la.” He said my name slowly, sounding out each syllable to an uncomfortable length. “Exotic. I like that.” He stared down at my body unapologetically.