Free Web NovelChapter 98: Return home
Mom insisted on the abortion, and Dad agreed with her decision. Her surgery was scheduled, and she went through with it. Mom was also diagnosed with other minor illnesses, and after making a full recovery, we returned home.
"Are you really leaving? Won’t you spend more time with Mom?" She asked as I packed up and headed to my car. freeweɓnovel.cѳm
"I can’t," I smiled. "School resumes on Monday, and I need to prepare for it," I replied.
"When will I see you again?"
"I don’t know, but I’ll try my best to visit."
"Goodbye, little one." Dad hugged and kissed me on the cheek. Mom rolled her eyes. She still hasn’t forgiven him, although I’m convinced she knows the truth; she knows Dad didn’t lie about the incident, but she still feels bitter about things—bitter that Dad was deceived by his friend, bitter that another woman had her mate and husband.
I feel like she’s going to torment him with this for a while before she lets it go, and Dad will probably spend the rest of his life repenting for what happened.
But one thing is for sure: Mom is never going to let him go. She loves him too much to leave him. As I’ve said before, I enjoyed my childhood a lot, mostly because of them. We had nothing, but most times it felt like we had everything. Dad was the provider, and Mom took care of us and the home. Dad retired after the changes we experienced, but I have no doubt he’d return to work if things ever went south.
And to be honest, those photos terrified me. I imagined different scenarios of what could happen on my way here; the possibility that what happened could break my family sent chills down my spine.
However, upon returning home and hearing the entire story, my hope was restored.
Oh, it seems like things are going to work out.
Oh, what I am worried about might not happen.
I felt relieved, and so did my younger siblings. But I feel sad for my dad; he was raped. There’s no other way to put it—he was drugged and raped. But it’s not something I want to think about or say to his face, so I just swallow it and pretend like it never happened.
"Goodbye, Mom." I hugged her as well.
"Won’t you wait a little? I’m sure Everett and Tate are on their way," she said.
"No, I already said my goodbyes to them; there’s no need to wait."
She huffed, "You barely visit, and once you do, you’re always in a hurry to leave. Do you love your mates that much?" She pouted.
I laughed. No, it’s not love. I’m not returning because I missed them either, but because I am worried sick. I haven’t stopped trying their numbers since I got here, but no matter how many times I call, it never connects.
I’ve also sent numerous texts and voicemails but never received a response. If I stay here longer, I’m worried my parents might notice my concerns and start asking questions. I don’t want that.
I barely slept last night because I was too busy imagining what might have happened to them. Could they still be alive? Did they get into a fight and lose their lives?
Were they abducted? Imprisoned? Hospitalized? I hope not.
"She’s not responding; I thought you hated them," she said.
I smiled. "I’ll get going. Talk to you later. You two stay safe." I got into my car, and Joshua took off.
One hour into the ride, my phone began ringing. Is it Mom, Dad, or my sibling? Why are they calling? I retrieved the phone from my bag and, without looking at the caller ID, answered.
"Did I forget something?" I sighed, waiting for an answer, but didn’t get one.
"Hello? Did I forget something at home?" I repeated, but the voice I heard startled and surprised me at the same time.
"When are you getting here?" The voice asked.
I lowered the phone and looked at the screen to see the caller’s name.
Bryce.
My mouth fell open.
"What... I... How..." I wanted to speak, to ask questions, but words failed me.
"I’m at the house," he added, then hung up.
At the house? The mansion? Is he there?
Moon goddess!
I leaned closer to Joshua. "Can you drive faster, please? Make it quick," I requested.
"Yes, Ms." Joshua increased the speed, and we arrived at the mansion faster than expected.
Once he stopped at the garage, I got out and went inside. Where is he? Which part of the house?
I approached a passing kitchen maid and questioned her.
"Where is he?"
"Oh, they’re at the bar."
"Bar?"
"Okay," I started to leave but paused and went back to her. "Did you say ’they’?"
"Yes," she smiled. "The four of them."
Oh, the four of them. Great.
I dropped my bag in the sitting room and went to the bar to find them. There, I found the four of them. A relieved sigh left my lips when I saw they were in good health.
Cooper was the first to notice me.
"You’re here." He stood up with his drink and came to me; he hugged me and kissed my neck. "I’ve missed you." He buried his nose in my neck and started to sniff me.
But I quickly pushed him off. "You reek," I said, almost gagging. He smelled of dried sweat and alcohol.
He chuckled and stepped back. "Really?"
He’s drunk. My eyes moved to Patrick, and I caught him staring at me.
"Your mom visited; she was worried. I think you should see her," I said. One of his brows went up in surprise, but he concealed the shock and only shook his head.
"Were you coming from home? Have a seat." Gavin brought an extra stool and placed it beside his; I went to him and slowly sat down.
Bryce hadn’t stopped staring at his phone.
"We saw the text messages and calls, voicemails, and all of that. That’s why we came. Were you worried?" Gavin murmured, and I shook my head before I could stop myself.
I don’t want to give them the idea that I care about them, but at the same time, I can’t help it. They already saw how worried I was from the messages.
"What happened? Why couldn’t I reach you?"
"Oh, we were working for someone; it was nothing serious."
Nothing serious? I doubt it. The look in their eyes says otherwise, but I won’t push them. They never tell me anything anyway; I doubt that will change today.
Clearing my throat, I stood up. "I’ll go to my room now; I just arrived from my parents’ house," I announced.
"Is everything okay back home?" Bryce asked. I shifted my gaze to him; his eyes were still on the phone.
"Hmm. Why do you ask?" I responded. My question prompted him to finally look at me.
"You said you were coming from home."
"Oh yeah. I did," I muttered, looking down.
"You can go," he said, turning his attention back to his phone.
Is he chatting with someone? Why is he not paying attention to me? It’s annoying. And honestly, they all reeked of alcohol, cigarettes, sweat, and something else I can’t place my hand on.
I started to leave, but when I reached the entrance, my footsteps faltered, and I turned back. I swallowed, unsure if I should say what was on my mind.
"Do you have something to say?" Parker noticed my hesitation.
I brought my gaze down and hesitated for another second before saying, "I’m glad you’re safe and... School resumes on Monday; if you want to, you’re free to return to the house," I announced, and without waiting for a response, I immediately left the bar.
I went to the sitting room, grabbed my bag, and headed to my room. I locked the door and threw myself on the bed.
A smile spread across my face. My two concerns have been solved. I am glad. So happy.
I closed my eyes and lay on the bed. I didn’t know how many minutes had passed when a knock drew my attention.
"Yes?"
"Ms., Alpha Bryce wants to see you," a maid announced.
"Bryce?" I got off the bed.
"Where is he?"
"He’s waiting at the garage."
I opened the door, thanked the maid, and immediately went to the garage. I found him leaning against a white car, wearing a different outfit, a cigarette between his fingers as he smoked.
I approached and stood before him. "Where are your brothers?"
"They left." He dropped the cigarette and stepped on it.
"Okay," I sighed, looking down as I waited for whatever he had to say, but he surprised me by stepping closer and pulling me into his embrace.
The action left me frozen for a few seconds; when I finally returned the hug, I unknowingly melted into him.
He didn’t say a word and just continued to hold me, but I felt prompted to speak so I asked. "You sent that letter because you didn’t want me to worry, right?" I inquired, but the only response I got was the uneven sound of his heartbeat.
