6: New beginnings
1544 Words
R A V E N N A
It has been four and a half years since I left the pack, and moved to a different state. I was living in a small town, away from everyone and everything.
The last time I spoke to my parents was a week after the mating ceremony, I told them I was going away and I didn't want to be found.
They tried calling and texting, but eventually they stopped.
I had blocked Zane and his family from everything. I couldn't be reminded of them.
After leaving, I decided that I wanted to start fresh. So, I dyed my hair and cut it short, changing my look completely.
I wanted nothing to do with the pack.
I was free, and I was happy.
The first few months of running away was filled with lots of struggles, I suffered to eat even a one square meal, didn't have shelter, and didn't have a penny to my name.
Some nights, I had to sleep under the rain, enduring all of it while being heavily pregnant.
That was hands down the worst moments of my life, I fought so hard and almost lost my pregnancy in the process. At some point, I wanted to give up and go back to the pack if it would mean that I had to save my unborn baby's life.
But, I didn't.
I fought and I struggled and finally, the day came when I had to give birth to my precious baby.
The memories brought a lot of trauma, because it was a miracle how I survived. I was still homeless when I went into labor, nobody was there to help me.
I was in a dark alley, hidden behind a garbage can, trying to stop the bleeding. I didn't have anything with me, and was wearing rags.
It was raining hard, and the pain was too much for me to handle. I had cried out for help, but no one came.
I was dying, and the worst thing was that no one was going to find me and save me and my child. I had lost all hope, going in and out of consciousness, screaming when the contractions became unbearable.
Nothing prepared me for how painful childbirth and pregnancy was especially while doing it all alone. And the fact that my baby was an Alpha blood made the pregnancy and labor a whole lot worse. I was so skinny and bony, because the baby had sucked all of the nutrition out of my body.
I was weak, and couldn't even push when it was time for me to. The pain was unbearable, and the blood loss was making it difficult for me to breathe.
I was losing my strength, and slowly slipping into darkness.
Suddenly, after hours of screaming and crying in pain, I felt a low pressure in my pelvis and I knew that it was time.
With all the strength and willpower that I had left, I pushed, and pushed, and pushed.
And, I screamed.
My baby's cry was the sweetest sound in the world. I had never felt more complete than I did at that moment. Covered in blood and my womb's essence, with no blanket, and no food, but at least I had a child.
My little miracle.
I knew then that whatever happened, he was all I had, and he was the only thing that mattered.
I cut the umbilical cord with a sharp object, and immediately started feeding him.
He was small, and a bit too fragile for a werewolf baby, but he was healthy, and that was all that mattered.
I stayed in the alley for a week, making sure my baby and I were well fed.
It was the best week of my life, even though the circumstances were horrible.
My son was only a week old when I went from house to house, begging for menial jobs so I could care for myself and the child. I was completely broke and couldn't even buy a diaper for him.
I was either turned down nicely, or rudely.
Some even threatened to call the police.
I was driven out of places, and was even kicked a couple of times.
I had given up on humanity.
After days of walking around the city, begging and pleading, I finally came across the people who changed my life.
It was an old man and his wife. They owned a local restaurant. They were kind and welcoming, and the old woman had a soft spot for kids.
I begged them for a job, and told them about my situation. I was shocked to discover that they also weren't humans, they were werewolves living in the human city.
This made them feel comfortable and they agreed to let me work for them. They gave me shelter in their home, and they treated me as their own.
It was the first time since I left the pack that I had felt loved and safe.
They took care of my son and I, and gave me a roof over our heads.
They allowed me to nurse my son for three months before they allowed me to start working at their restaurant. I would cook and clean, and earn a decent amount of money to get by.
It was difficult in the beginning, but I made it through, and soon, the restaurant was successful and had gained many customers.
I was no longer homeless and was doing okay.
My son was my world, and he was a blessing. I had named him, Kai.
His handsome face was a painful reminder of Zane and I didn't love him any less even if he was the spitting image of his father.
It was like Zane was a part of me, and was never leaving.
It was like he was always going to be with me, no matter what.
But, the hatred I had for him was never directed towards Kai. I loved him, and was willing to give up everything for him.
I was happy here, with him and we were free.
We didn't need anyone else, we had each other and that was all that mattered.
The memories faded, and I found myself smiling as I remembered the day Kai was born.
I was lucky.
And today, four and half years later, I was finally going to be independent. My diligence and hardwork was finally paying off, because the old couple had trusted me with their business and I never gave them a cause to regret their decision.
I had successfully turned their small family run restaurant into a popular restaurant in the town, and even in the state.
The old couple was very happy, and were ready to retire.
Today, I was able to buy the business from them, and the restaurant was now officially mine.
They were happy to have a trusted person running their restaurant and were relieved to know that they would still be allowed to come and visit anytime they wanted.
"Thank you so much," I told the old man, George.
"No, thank you, Ravenna," He said, hugging me tightly.
"You have nothing to thank us for. You helped us make this place a success. You have a bright future ahead of you. Never give up on your dreams, and remember, whatever happens, the moon goddess is always watching over you." Sarah said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"I won't," I smiled, hugging them again.
I pulled away and looked at his wife. She was smiling and tears were rolling down her wrinkled cheeks.
"Thank you," She said, giving me a big hug. "You are our daughter. We couldn't have asked for a better person to run our restaurant. We love you and Kai, and will always be there for you both."
"We love you too," I sniffled, hugging her tightly.
I owed everything to them, they had done so much for me and my son.
I went from being rejected, homeless and pregnant, to having my own restaurant and being able to rent a small apartment for me and my son.
If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have gotten this far.
They helped me get back on my feet and provided me with a decent income.
Now, I had enough money to be able to care for my son and I, and was planning on sending him to a good school.
I was finally living the life that I always wanted.
"We'll see you again," George said, giving me a final hug before they turned around and walked away.
They had bought an RV and were going on a vacation, travelling across the country and enjoying their retirement.
"Bye," I waved.
The couple got into the RV and drove off.
I wiped my tears and sighed.
"Are you okay, mommy?" My little boy's voice filled the room.
"Yes, baby. These are tears of joy. Mommy is very happy and lucky to have the best son in the world," I said, bending down and scooping him up in my arms.
"I'm lucky to have the best mommy in the world," He grinned, his missing tooth showing.
I had my whole world right here.
What more could I possibly want?
- Writer
