Her Eclipse

Leading family

I am getting annoyed at Riri for laughing at my question.

“How did you come up with that question?” She asks.

“Well, you said Raymond is the younger brother to that Alpha guy.” I start explaining, and she pays apt attention. “I overheard the girls back at the mall say the alpha guy is a blood thirsty leader. He has fought, and killed a lot of people.”

I whisper the last part.

Maybe she didn't know what type of family her boyfriend is from, I will save her.

I look at her face, and see she is smiling profusely. Any moment from now she's going to burst into laughter.

Why isn't she taking me serious?

“I'm not making this up, I really heard it. I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I just happened to be there.” I try to make her understand.

“I know what you heard, Rey.” She replies deep in thoughts.

She doesn't look surprise, and that means one thing.

She already knew.

Shit!

Did I spill to the wrong person?

“Riri” I call her.

I want to beg her not to tell them I know. That situation could lead to my death.

“Rey, calm down. I understand you perfectly, but they are not a Mafia family. They are just the royal family of Forte Woods, and they have fought really hard to keep us safe.” She explains.

“Riri, are you listening to yourself? This is the 22nd century, nobody spill blood in battles again. All battles take place in court.” I try to make her see.

“I understand your point, but I don't know how to make you understand mine.” She states s little frustrated.

“Well, I just want you to be careful, and refrain from telling him I know about his family business. For advice purposes, don't marry him.” I say, seriously.

“Ray will die if I leave him,” She says.

Hahaha.

“Ok. Miss oxygen.” I mock.

Don't judge me, I'm not a relationship hater, but if you were me would you let your friend marry into the Mafia?

No.

Any sensible person would say no.

We get the stream, and I'm immensely glad I came out this evening.

The water is so clear with clean rocks at the bottom. The trees around look so healthy, and the leaves sway from side to side dancing with the air. I feel refreshed with everything breath I take in.

I remove my crock excited, and since on a nearby rock putting my legs in the water.

Ouch

The water is cold.

Riri is laughing.

“Always feel the temperature of water with your finger before letting it touch a bigger part of your body.” She lectures.

“Yes prof.” I reply, sarcastically.

Lesson learned. The hard way.

I slowly put my feet back into the water, and Riri joins me.

“You lied to me.” I tell her.

“When?” She innocently ask.

“Where are the boys you promised would be here?” I ask, and she starts laughing again.

“I didn't promise. And they went on a run.”

She replies.

These people live like wild animals.

These people live like wild animals here.

Well, this place would be a nice spot for a couple's picnic. I think ignoring the people of Forte Woods and their runs.

“Have you and Raymond made out here?” My intrusive thoughts win. Once again.

Riri looks sharply at me, and put her head down with her face heating up.

Ouuuuuu!

“Did I trigger a memory?” I tease again.

“Shut up.” She chuckles lightly.

“Does Mommy know her baby has been going on trips to the stream?” I can't stop now.

I'm laughing now. She looks so adorable, blushing.

“Let's go.” She says, getting up.

“Memories bring back memories bring back guilt.” I terribly sing maroon 5’s memory.

I get up, and join her regardless.

We are walking opposite the path leading to the forest. I suddenly want to go in.

“Have you ever gone into the forest?” I ask her.

“Yes. Every day of my life.” She replies absent-minded.

“I want to see it.” I say.

“Not today.” She responds.

“Tomorrow then?” I ask again.

“It is dangerous for you.” She say, now looking at my face.

“You don't make sense. Are you aware?” I ask her, and she goes silent. “You go into that forest every day, but I can't? Why?”

“Just because you don't know it well like I do.” She answers.

“I didn't know the stream like you do either. You're going to be with me.” I'm almost pleading now.

The fact that she is restricting me is making me want to go in more. Come on! That is one way to build my curiosity.

We are age mates. Well she's 3 months older than I am, but it doesn't count, so why can she go everyday, but I can't?

I plan to drop the topic for now.

“Are there wolves inside?” I ask my final question about the forest.

I look beside me, and see that Riri is a step behind me.

Apparently, she stopped when I asked that question.

“Why did you stop?” I ask, raising an eyebrow at her.

She shakes her head.

“Nothing.” She says.

“Well?” I ask again, regarding my previous question.

“If I said yes would you believe me and drop the subject?” She questions.

Why would I believe her? If there were wolves here then houses would not be this close to it.

“Just tell me.” I press.

“I can't say anything about wolves, but the forest is not safe for you.” She answers.

“Yes, my heroine.” I sassy.

“It's getting late. Let's go home.” She says. “I will show you the local market tomorrow.”

“What about the pack house?” I ask, and I see her shoulders visibly drop, and her eyebrows knit together.

She's stressed.

Maybe I should've saved the question for later.

“I can't take you there. And before you ask why. There are rules guiding it, that is you have to be born into it, or get the permission of the Alpha.” She is frustrated.

I didn't mean to make her uncomfortable, but since I have already asked, I might as well get clearance.

“Ok. I am not going to ask you further questions, but when can I see him for clearance?” I ask.

“Well. He is not around at the moment, but will be back in two days. And I don't think he will refuse you a pass considering your family.” She replies.

Sincerely, I have mixed feelings regarding it.

Why does she feel so uncomfortable talking about it? I feel guilty for putting her in such a tight spot.

Why is it so protected?

I think I'd rather not go to the Mafia headquarters myself.

She said something about being born into it. That is basically the Mafia way.

What has grandpa gotten himself into?

Should I call mom and inform her?

No that will make her worried.

I can't even say anything to Kenny. I can't risk both of us like that.

God I want to leave this place that is full of secrets.