Returning Home

Chapter 15 - My Mums Eyes

"Goddess I thought I was seeing things and then when I hugged you and you were real I just couldn't hold it together. You look just like her. Your mother that is." she said her voice like honey but still a bit uneven from the crying. "Oh I am so sorry sweet child you must be so confused. I am Sen Straight. I am the head of the center and have been since it opened. I knew your mother I am so sorry to have heard about her passing."

"was... was she happy?" that was all I could say not even my name I must be looking slow right now. I had so many questions but all I could ask was if my mother was happy.

"Yes she was... Now sit sit I will get you a hot chocolate and we can calm down and talk like real people. sorry for this all I was just in shock" she went to walk off to go into a kitchen I assume.

"Sen" I called making her turn around and look back on me with a smile "I'm Felix. Sorry I was just washed up with emotion for a bit."

"it's okay Felix" she said almost singing my name. She felt like the warmth I was always missing with my mother gone. I wonder if my mother would have felt this warm and homely or if her voice would have soothed me the way Sens does. I never felt this way. In this moment nothing else matters it's the first time I've had an elder truely care for me.

after what felt like hours of talking and hearing about my mum I felt so at ease so close to her. Sen was already like family and I couldn't see myself leaving the city any time soon. But I would have to go back to the pack to work.

"When I heard about her death I thought that Jake and Andrew would come by and bring you. But we never saw them again. I'm so sorry we didn't visit or anything we did try but Andrew and his new mate refused. Katherine is it. Was your life good? We were all so excited to raise you we bought you little clothes matching to Teresa's stuff and we were going to spoil you we were all so sad when everything changed. your mum was so excited about you and she was so happy and wanted so much for you..." she trailed off seeing the tears well in my eyes. I hadn't cried this whole time but hearing my mum's name for the first time in years and spoken with such love. I got to the point even internally just thinking of her as mum. Her name wasn't something anyone used she was just my birth mother to everyone else and mum to me. This is where she was loved. Where Teresa was at home. I wasn't even sad about what I had missed because I knew I had it now. but I didn't want to disappoint her.

"My life was good but let's not talk about that now I think we will have a long while to talk more. I actually came because I wanted to volunteer here. I am going to the Uni in the city and going to be living and working near by. I just thought I could help here. But I don't have a wolf and I know some places don't like that so I just was hoping..." she cut me off

"Of course of course you can work here. It's a place for all beings many without any power at all. you are welcome here child. I thought you were just coming for a visit so I've talked your ear off I'm so sorry." she said smiling for ear to ear

"no no it's been amazing. I didn't get to hear much about my mum growing up that's why I wanted to come here to be closer to her... to help people like her." Sen looked at me with sad eyes and a warm smile.

"well bring up your schedules for work and class and we will work something out then I will show you around" I was so excited beaming with joy as I pulled out my phone and we worked through everything.

I was going to have regular Sunday shifts and after school Tuesday and Thursday. I had work after school Monday, Wednesday and Friday and I left Saturday open. Sen said I could come in on Saturday if I wanted but that mum would have wanted me to have a life.

"... when your Teresa was 18 she was a whirlwind. She loved to party and go out, I would even join her at times. She was friends will all and kind to all it was like a big family when we all got together. She would want the same for you" she took my hand in hers smiling up at me and continued "now that is all sorted let's show you around. Fair warning though a few people here are like me and worked with your mother too so expect a lot of hugs and tears" she laughed making my heart warm. I was so greatful that my mum had such caring friends.

"Okay I am ready." i nodded to her as we got up.

The room we were in was like a comfy space with couches and a tv. There was a kitchen that lead off the space. everything was a bit dated but I guess it was all older and second hand. being a community centre there wouldn't have been much money to go around and I knew I would soon help with that with Amelia's help. She would love it here. I thought I would quickly bring it up before we get to far into the tour meeting new people.

"Sen, I have a friend, Amelia Wood.."

"The alphas daughter??" She interrupted looking confused

"Yes ..." I was unsure how she felt about the Alpha household I knew some species thought it was out dated but I continued regardless "she is like a sister to me. She plans on living as an unranked warrior so there is no worry there. But anyway she use to volunteer with me at the pack and I thought you might consider bringing her on too she can do the same days as me I know her schedule" I said smiling at her but she just frowned and sighed. I don't think she likes the Alpha much at all which made me curious but I let it go.

"bring her by. or maybe call her now and she can come down after the tour and I will see if it will work" she looked nervous but I wasn't going to let her go back on her offer.

"perfect I will call her."

"Okay sweetie I will be in the kitchen to give you some privacy" she said walking off

i pulled out my phone and dialed. This way I might get a ride home too. I loved the walk but it was getting late and I didn't know much about the city...

"Hello" her whisper made it sound as though I had just woken her.

"Amelia. I found a little community center in the town which I would love to volunteer at and I was wondering if you would be keen to join me. The head of staff here Sen said if you can come by in about an hour she can interview you and see if it would work" I said excited to have her here with me.

"Of course that sounds amazing see you then. Can I bring James??" She was suddenly full volume and I was glad she was also excited

"Yes yes see you in an hour! It's at the end of Oakley Terrace. i can't wait it'll be fun" I said hanging up the call.

I turned toward the kitchen just as Sen exited the room "are they coming?" she asked nervous

"Amelia and James her mate will be here in an hour" I smiled hoping to melt away her nerves. Amelia was nothing like her father and she had no desire to claim being an alpha for any reason. There would be nothing to worry about.

"Perfect let's get the tour started little one" she grabbed my hand excitedly pulling me back out to the reception.