Finding Myself

Father

Anna

I reread the letter three times before I picked up the cell phone. I pushed the power button not expecting it to turn on. I was shocked when the screen lit up and showed full battery. Suddenly, there was a crash sound from the living room followed by a howl. I jumped up, putting the phone in my pocket and ran to the living room. As I entered the living room, I saw the window on the front door broken and a brick lying on the floor. I stood in shock wondering why someone would do this until I heard a scratching at the back door. I looked over to see the wolf pawing at the door. I walked over and sat down by the door.

“I’m ok, someone threw a brick thru the window on the front door.” I said just as gunshots could be heard hitting the house. The wolf growled then howled loudly and disappeared. I stayed huddled close to the back door and low to the floor with tears streaming down my face. ‘I just have to make it through tonight’ I thought to myself as everything became silent around me. I sat there still curled up afraid to move and my heart pounding. Thankfully, I didn’t get hit by any of the bullets, but it means I’ll be taking less things. The wolf pawed at the door as if trying to get to me.

I gave it a sad smile “Your back. I thought the gunshots scared you off.”

The wolf pawed harder at the back door as if trying to open the door.

“I’m okay. I wasn’t hit.” I said “Why is this happening to me?” More tears started to fall as I continued “I have always felt like I have had struggled to find who I am. Especially with the way my mother was as I was growing up. She was always strict and abrasive. She even makes me take medicine, but I cannot remember ever going to a doctor to be diagnosed with anything. Yet, my mother stated that bad things would happen if I don’t take it. Then finding out that my mother was a part of some crazy cult terror group and that she was trying to pull me into it. I don’t even know who my father is. Maybe with a fresh start, I’ll finally be able to find who I am.” Suddenly I heard a phone ring. It took me a minute before I realized it was the phone from the box that I had put in my pocket. I pulled it out of my pocket and answered.

“Hello” I said shakily unsure if I should be answers this old phone.

“Rosa!” a man’s voice said with urgency.

“My name is Anna. Are you looking for Rosa Black? That was the name on the box I found.” I said quietly hearing the wolf paw on the door again.

“Your mother must have changed your name. I was so terrified when I saw she had been arrested. I knew it would leave you all alone.” The man said. “I have never stopped looking for you.”

“Who are you?” I said sitting up and looking at the wolf.

“I’m Alpha Brad Black of the Atlas pack and your father.” The man said.

I almost dropped the phone. “Really? My father? How can I be so sure that you are my father and not another crazy cult person my mother knows” I said then thought that maybe her mom never wanted to talk about her dad because he was a crazy cult person.

“I know this is hard for you to believe but I am your father. You have to trust me, I would never hurt you.” He replied.

“I don’t mean to be rude but I’m tired and moving tomorrow. Plus, my house was just shot up and there is an abnormally big wolf at my back door. Not to mention that this is crazy and all too much.” I replied tiredly.

“Are you hurt? What does the wolf look like? My men and I are on our way to get you, but we won’t reach you till morning. I know this is a lot to take in, but you have family that loves you and wants to keep you safe.” Alpha Black stated with concern in his voice.

“I wasn’t hit thankfully. The wolf is almost my height and is a silvery color with one blue eye and one green eye. Why did you want to know?” I said curiously then quickly added “You don’t have to come you don’t even know if I am truly your daughter.” I said in a rush.

“I can tell your mother kept a lot from you” Alpha Black said sadly “That wolf wouldn’t be there if you weren’t my daughter. You can trust him. He is a close family friend.”

“Why would you know about the wolf that showed up at my house?” I asked

“Did your mother never tell you about your heritage?" he said, shocked.

“No, I was slapped whenever I would ask so I stopped asking.” I replied feeling the toll of the day starting to take hold.

“The details of things are better shared in person, but all you need to know right now is that wolf would die protecting you and loves you.” He replied.

“ok” I said too tired to argue or take anything else in “I need sleep, and my mind is overloaded already.”

“Get some sleep. We will be there in the morning to bring you home.” Alpha Black said gently.

“Bye.” I said hanging up the phone and putting it back in my pocket. I immediately started dosing while leaning against the back door. Then a whine from the wolf made me open my eyes. I smiled sleepily and stood up.

“Alpha Black said you are a close family friend loves me and would protect me. Would you like to come inside to keep me company, Wolfe?” I said while opening the door as I was feeling extremely lonely. ‘I should have asked Alpha Black what the wolf’s name is’ I thought as I looked at the wolf for a response. It looked like the wolf smiled before entering the house. I closed the door behind him as he nudged my hand.

‘I must be crazy’ I thought, ‘I just had a conversation with my father and I’m letting a wolf into my house.’

“Ok, Wolfe, I’m going to get my pillow and blanket you stay here in the living room. You won’t fit around all the boxes.” I said quickly, going to my room. I paused seeing that I didn’t finish the last tote in my mother’s room. I grabbed my pillow, blanket, and the tote and went back to the living room. I sat down on the floor next to the wolf.

“I have to finish this tote then sleep.” I said looking at Wolfe who moved closer, so we were touching. I felt tingles from where we were touching and looked at wolfe “That is weird. There are tingles where we are touching. Do you know why?”

Wolfe just titled his head and snuggled closer. I frowned knowing the wolf couldn’t answer me and turned my attention back to the tote.

“Baby book, wooden box with phone and letter. I wonder what else I’ll find.” I said, reaching for what looked like a photo album. I opened the album and saw pictures of my mother and people I have never met. “Why are there pictures of wolves? My mother hated wolves. You know Wolfe, this almost makes me think werewolves could be real, but my mother lied a lot. Oh well, I’ll just take the whole tote.” I said and pushed the tote and its contents aside. I then laid down and got comfortable with wolfe snuggling up next to me feeling strangely calm and safe.