Forest Pack Community Book One (COMPLETED)

chapter 12

At their picnic everyone started eating and talking. When they were about halfway through. Felicia told them all about her dream. How the two women before her had different healing powers and that she had healing power from both. That her mother said she was destined for great things. I gave attitude and my father pointed it out. She also told me it was ok to call Mick and Joy mom and dad because they raised me too. That I had helped them too. Gave them a child when they didn’t have any. So I started calling them mom and dad yesterday. Selene told me that my mom had to be taken so that she could become the person she was today. I was also supposed to investigate the medical field. My mom told me that the way I had cut that material and worked with Niomi’s mom showed she had skill and a sense of medicine. Like a doctor or something. They also told me to not worry about a mate that he would be my other half. Let’s just say it was some heavy stuff. I woke up refreshed but deep in thought as well. She then told them about melding with Azella, and it took a lot out of them, and they both needed some sleep and she had fallen asleep by the pond and waterfall. When she woke up, Her dad was there watching over her reading a book. Girls’ he told me that it was quiet time with his daughter even if she was sleeping. He said my mom asked him to because it would calm a mothers heart.

Both girls were astonished and amazed at what they heard. “Uh, I think I can speak for both of us when I say, I’m not sure what to say.” Niomi said. “That is some heavy stuff. You know you’re amazing right?? I don’t think you realize all you’ve done for this pack in the last few days or even over the years. But more so in the last few days. I don’t know what meditation was important, but it almost sounded like a doctor-patient privileged information.”

With the mention of the meditation Felicia got the wolf out and handed it back to Niomi. “Here you can give this back to your mom too.”

“Thanks.”

Goldie was the next to speak. Hey, when we went to pick up lunch we thanked the cook. Well, she told us she had a name. That it was Marlene and her momma used to call her Marley which kind of stuck. She asked us to pass around to either call her Marley or Marlene. We told her we would.”

“Ok. Marley it is.” Once they were done the three of them took the lunch items back to Marley in the kitchen.

“Thanks Marley It’s exactly what I needed.”

“You’re welcome dear. Goldie I hear it’s your birthday tomorrow. Is there a special treat you would like?”

“Awe I’m simple. You don’t have to do anything big like you did for Felicia.”

“Now Goldie, I can do simple too. It’s your birthday and you get a special treat. I do that for all the big birthdays. Like sixteen, eighteen is a really big deal because usually that means a party, because of the coming of age ceremony and people usually find their mate at that time as well. After that’s it’s usually by request. I get a lot for 50 or 60 depending on the person. So Goldie what do you want?”

“Chocolate ice cream with strawberries.”

“Ok then Chocolate ice cream with strawberries it is. Do you think we should do vanilla for those who may not like chocolate?” Goldie nodded her head. “You girls are growing so fast.”

Just then they heard Alpha Ben call attention to get everyone’s attention. He then called out to Marley, but he used the word cook. Marley rolled her eyes and went out to find out what the heck was going on. When she got there. He came down to stand next to her and spoke loudly. “Pack members, for years we’ve called this awesome, talented lady ‘Cook’. Today I learned her name. I bet it’s never occurred to any of us outside of the kitchen to ask her what her name is. So, I will. Cook will you please tell me what your name is?”

“Well, it isn’t cook. That’s what I do. My name is Marlene. My momma called me Marley. So, you all can call me either Marlene or Marley. Although most people call me Marley. As it stuck when my momma started doing it.”

“Well then that’s what we’ll do. It’s nice to finally find out your name Marley. Thank you for coming out and setting the record straight.” Ben finished.

A that he sat down and finished lunch. Seeing the girls were done. Niomi went to find her dad to talk more about business. Goldie went to Junipers and started on her design by drawing it out. One was a white coat with her name embordered on it. A set of scrubs, then also a couple of free-flowing nature inspired skirts or dresses for her natural healing side of her powers. After drawing everything up. Juniper walked in. “What you got there?”

“Well, I wasn’t sure what you had planned for Felicia’s gift. But I got to thinking. We could make a white coat with her name on it. A set of scrubs maybe two. A couple of free-flowing nature inspired skirts or dresses for her natural healing side of her powers. What do you think?”

“I think that is a great idea. Since we already have her measurements we don’t need to have her come in. Why don’t you work on the coat, and I’ll show you how to do the embroidery once it’s made.”

“Good idea.”

“I’ll start on part of the scrubs. Then once you are done with the jacket you can work on the shirts. And then we’ll make the other two items. I suggest one skirt and one dress.”

“Perfect.” They started working together passing things as they needed. Goldie asked, “Would you help me with the pockets?”

“Of course.” Juniper showed her how to do the pockets on the side. She did one and had Goldie doing the other one. They worked like that throughout the day. When all she had left was sewing she had to wait as there was only one machine. So, she started on the scrub shirts. Juniper noticed how quietly Golde waited for her turn. Juniper decided then that she was going to get the shop rearranged. Add a second sewing station. A design area where Goldie could keep her pencils and colored pencils. So, she looked at Goldie and said to her, “Why don’t you take off for the day. You’ve worked hard theses last couple days.”

Goldie looked at her in surprise. “Really?”

“Sure. I won’t sew the stuff you’ve pinned and have ready to sew, so that you can get the practice. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Juniper said. Having NO intention of sewing anymore herself either.

“Ok, thanks. It’ll give me a chance to see if Niomi needs any help with her start up.” Goldie said and walked out the door.

After Goldie was gone, she mind linked the Beta. ‘Beta? It’s Juniper.’

‘Ah, yes my daughter really likes the dress you make as well as the cape.’ ‘Beta I did not make that. Goldie did. She’s the reason I am mind linking you. Now that she’s my apprentice I need to rearrange things. And get a new sewing machine for her so we can both work and she can learn at the same time. I also want to add a design table. So she can draw her clothing designs.’

‘So, she’s doing well and working out?’ asked Mick.

‘Yes, she’s very talented. I just need some muscle power. Probably two or four people. But at least 2.’

‘I’ll send over as many as I can spare. I think I have a spare desk you can have. If so I’ll send it over with them.’

‘Thank you, Beta Mick’ Juniper said. With that she drew out a rough map trying to figure out where things should go. She knew she wanted the two machines next to each other. As she drew it out she decided the design table should go towards the front. So that customers could tell Goldie their vision if they didn’t like something in the catalog they were going to put together. They already had a good number of drawings. She called the machine shop in town to see if he had another high-grade sewing machine much like hers. He did so she asked if he could send it over and she’d send back the payment. He agreed. Next she started moving the fabric off shelves and putting them to one side, rearranging her fabric so that the piping could be moved back with the fabric. By the time she had all the fabric and shelves in the storeroom rearranged the new sewing machine had arrived. She went out found out the price wrote a check and handed it to the young man who was also an apprentice, thanked him and had him put it on a nearby table. She moved the ironing station which was a table with a set of shelves at the back of it to hold the various implements for ironing the different fabrics. Along with the distilled water that was under the table further back towards the stockroom, creating more area for her to be able to move things around inside the shop. Next to ironing. Pining area next to iron. Put the new desk ‘Beta did you have an extra desk?’ ‘yes’s ‘thank you’ ‘your helpers are on the way.’

She called the furniture store and asked if they had tall lamps that you could position as she had a second sewing machine she needed light over. They told her yes. She asked if they had someone that could bring them over when they did not. She asked the price and if they would set them aside, she would send someone over. They told her she wrote another check. She didn’t mind she was investing in a very talented girl she knew she could trust. Maybe even take over one day or become a partner until that day came that she wanted to stop.

A few minutes later four burly guys in a pickup with a desk showed up. She admired the eye candy as they got out and down. Then they started getting the desk out and carrying it up to the shop door. Once they were in she pointed to the empty spot. They put the desk down. “Would one of you please go to the furniture store I have some lamps on hold, please bring them back. My intent is to make the new desk look like mine. Here’s a check for the lights.” Juniper instructed.

One of the guys said, “Sure thing. Does Miss Goldie need a chair?”

“OOH no I totally forgot about that part I was so focused on everything else.” Juniper panicked.

“Don’t worry, I’ll pick out a chair for her. Don’t worry about the cost Ms. Juniper.”

“Hmmm…do you happen to like Goldie?”

“Yes, Ms. I hope we find out that we’re mates.”

“Why do you think that?” Juniper questioned.

“Well, she always smells like mint and sandalwood to me.”

“How old are you?”

“Seventeen Ms. Juniper.”

“Hmm. Do any of you other boys smell anything around her?”

“No ma’am, we always tell him he’s crazy.”

“Well, I don’t think he is. Young man, I’m going to help you. I want you to come by tomorrow morning. Say around ten. Those girls are having a birthday party on the thirty first. You need something nice to wear. So why shouldn’t it be a Goldie special. I’m doing this all for her.”

“Yes Ms. Juniper. I’ll go get those lamps and a chair right now.” Off he ran.

“Well, he hasn’t even told me his name.” laughed Juniper.

“His name is Chris.”

“Well, Chris is it, her birthday is tomorrow, so we shall see what trouble we can stir up. I haven’t had this much fun in a while.” Juniper said with a smile. “Ok boys let’s get moving stuff. One of you please put the new sewing machine on the empty desk. We need to leave the room behind it to put the lamps. Also, the design table. Dang it. This old lady is getting forgetful. Don’t worry. I have sources. If not then I’ll take her to the store and let her pick it out.”

“Good idea. Do you have something to use as a space saver for now?”

“I got an idea. First this needs to go back into the stock room next to the Ironing station. Follow me.” As she walked she mind linked Felicia ‘it’s juniper. Goldie needs a drawing table to design her awesome designs and draw any commissions that come in tomorrow. Got any ideas?’ ‘I do. Ya got a guy?’ ‘Yeah I’ll send a guy with the pickup to your old house.’ K I’ll meet him there. I’ll go now so I can find it. You said art supplies as well?’ ‘yes.’ Felicia said, ‘I think I got those.’ ‘Let me look around. Then you know she might have her own.’ Juniper responded. ‘I wanted to get her new or more drawing paper.’ ‘That’s easy.’ Felicia laughed. ‘Send one over tell him to come in.’ “So, boys who wants to go to Felicia’s house?”

“You mean that woman with the white wolf?” asked one.

“Yes why?” Juniper asked with a glint in her eye.

“Well, she’s…uh…uh…” the boy stuttered.

The other one laughed, Joe here thinks she’s hot!” as he started to laugh hard.

“Well, Joe She too has had her sixteenth birthday. Any smells?”

“Her smile is gorgeous. When her hair is up in a ponytail her long neck just…makes me drool a little.” He said sheepishly.

“Well, boy, now’s your chance. Go sniff her out.” Juniper said with a laugh.

“How far is her house?” Joe asked.

“Too far for you to carry that table or desk which ever she chooses.”

“Oh.” Joe said with a sad face. Just then Chris showed up. Joe brightened up immediately, “I’ll go help Chris. Then go to Felicia’s” As soon as he left the shop everyone broke out in laughter at the two men and the way they were acting.

Chris and Joe each came in carrying two lamps each. When Christ set his down Joe helped put them in place, while Chris brought in the chair. Joe looked at him and said, “Ok Chris, gimmie the keys man. I’m going to Felicia’s house to get another table or desk and probably a chair or stool. I don’t know. Whatever she gives me.”

Chris ratted him out, “Oh you mean that girl you say smells like Jasmine and Strawberries?”

“Shut up man. I didn’t rat you out did I?” Joe said as he elbowed him and ran out.

Juniper couldn’t help herself and just laughed as she thought to herself, I think I figured out a thing. Too bad I can’t find a reason to get Niomi over here. Or send one of these fools to her. “Well fellas let get the rest of this stuffed moved so that when Joe gets back from Felicia’s.” she said as she smirked. Chris set up her chair, and they got everything else moved and organized better. It helped that Juniper had done some organizing before they got there. The space where the drawing desk was going was empty and waiting. There were seats across from it for customers who were waiting to be seen. The dressing rooms to try on the items for fittings and such were more open than before. There was even an old stand that Juniper had in the back for the new catalog. One of the other guys said, “What’s this Ms. Juniper?”

“Well, it is something I had a long time ago. Goldie draws beautifully and she’s drawn a bunch of clothes to go into a binder for a catalog, and that’s all I’ve got to put it on. It doesn’t look like much. But it’s what I have.”

Chris thought for a minute…” Do you have spare fabric that you could maybe drape over it. To give it a new look?”

Juniper thought for a moment. “Yes I do. In fact. Come with me I’ll even let you pick it out.”

Chris grinned and followed her back to where all the fabric was. He noticed that it was all arranged by color and shades within that color. He walked down the aisles looking. He got to the yellows and stopped. Looking each one over. The one he picked looked like it was a gold ingot. He said, “This one.”

“Ok, I have a piece of leftover scrap in that color that will fit perfectly. Follow me.” Juniper said as she walked to where the shelf of folded scrap was. Chris saw it right away and picked it up. They came out and he carefully draped it over the stand.

“Ms. Juniper, do you have that catalog?”

“No, she takes it back and forth to work on it.”

“Oh, ok.” Chris said sadly, secretly hoping to see her drawings. But he’d get to see them tomorrow.

At that moment a grinning joe came back. With Felicia riding next to him. Chris said, “We’ll look at that grin. Bet his sniffer is tired out.” They all laughed at. One of the other guys went out to help.

“Hey Joe. Want to help me?”

“Huh? Oh yeah.” To which Joe jumped out of the truck to help his friend pull the desk out. Felicia gracefully hopped up in the bed and joe just stopped.

Chris yelled out, “Hey Joe!” Which brought Joe back to earth.

The two of them carried the desk in and it fit perfectly in the spot. There was even a spot big enough for a chair so that the customer getting the drawing could sit.