Creating Roots

Arizona

Hailie throws herself on her bed and sighs heavily. Rolling over Hailie grabs her phone and rings her Aunt Luna. Instantly, Hailie smiles as she hears her Aunt’s perky voice through the phone.

“Hailie! Honey, I’ve missed you! How does it feel to be back home?” Hailie exhales heavily and smiles despite herself.

“Aunty! I’ve missed you, too! I hate the cold already.”

“Oh, good! Did your Mother tell you about my program coming up? Are you coming?” Toying with the tassel on her throw pillows Hailie nods before answering her Aunt.

“Yes, Aunt Luna. I would love to come help with the camp. When should I come up?”

“Oh, any time! You can get your room ready before the kids come.” 

“I would love that. When are the kids coming?”

“They’re coming in about two weeks. If you come now you can get to know the community and all the old timers coming back to help with the kids.” 

“I would love nothing more. I will head out as soon as I can.”

“Let me know when you land, I will come pick you up.” 

“Okay, Aunty Luna. I will keep you posted!” Hanging up, Hailie could feel the blood rushing to her ears as her heart hammered in her chest. Her hands began to shake as she dropped her phone and slid herself into a fetal position. Closing her eyes, Hailie began breathing deeply to calm her nerves. 

The next morning Hailie’s nerves are tempered but she still can not bring herself to get out of bed and begin packing. Sighing, Hailie brings her blanket to her chin and turns to try and fall back asleep. Just when Hailie’s eyes are about to close she hears a tap on her door. Ignoring the sound Hailie squeezes her eyelids together, praying her mother will decide to leave her alone.

“Hailie are you awake?” Hailie snaps her eyes open and swings her legs over her bed. Procrastinating is clearly not an option.

“Yes, mother.” Her door creaks open as her mother peaks her head in. 

“I have something for your trip. Can I come show you?” 

“Yes, yes. Of course.” Her mother comes fully into view and Hailie can see a dress draped over her arms. Janice makes her way in as she settles in next to Hailie. Hailie instinctively reaches for the fabric and instantly loves the softness. 

“This is the dress I met your father in.” Hailie sucks in a quick breath as she watches her mother get up and hold the dress up to her chest. 

“Isn't it beautiful?” Hailie nods her head as she feels a lump forming in her throat. Her eyes are misting over as she watches her mother gently sway the dress side to side. A gentle smile forms on her mother’s lips as she glances at the dress. 

Though Hailie’s heart is breaking at the sight, she is thrilled her mother has a keepsake that holds happy memories for her. 

“It’s stunning, Mom. Really.” Her mother breaks eye contact with the dress and looks at her daughter.

“I thought you could bring it to Arizona. Perhaps it’ll bring you some good luck.” Before the words leave her mother's lips, Hailie is already shaking her head no. 

“Oh, I couldn’t. It’s so important to you.” Janice sighs as she moves the dress into her hands and sits next to her daughter. Nudging Hailie with her shoulder she places the dress in her lap. 

“Oh, humor me and at least try it on.” Hailie rubs the fabric between her hands and gets up.

“Okay, okay.” Hailie can not help but smile as her mother’s face lights up. 

“Oh, I can’t wait!” Janice’s voice raises an octave making her sound child-like. Trudging off, Hailie locks herself in her own suite. Leaning against the door Hailie closes her eyes and rubs a hand absently over her face. Gently placing the dress on the counter, Hailie strips down.

       Hailie’s father passed away when Hailie was just a toddler. Even now, twenty-five years later, her mother rarely talks about her father. Though Hailie has vague memories of her father, she cannot tell whether they are her own or manifestations of other’s stories. This is the most her mother has ever been open about her father. Feeling a tear roll down her face Hailie opens her eyes. 

       As she opens her eyes Hailie lets out an audible gasp. The dress is a maxi slip dress that is a deep forest green. The slip is the perfect length and stops at her ankles. The straps even have a little flair as they are simple braided spaghetti straps. Turning, Hailie cannot help but smile. The dress hugs every curve perfectly. The color even highlights her milky skin and mahogany hair. Giddy, Hailie bolts out of the bathroom. 

    Hailie twirls as her mother watches her with misty eyes. Her mother has her hand over her mouth as she looks Hailie up and down. 

“Oh, honey you look breathtaking.” Her mother’s voice is horse and Hailie can tell she is holding back tears. Going to her mother, Hailie envelops her in a hug. Both women stay glued to each other for a long moment before pulling away. Janice runs her hand along Hailie’s arms as she takes a step back to admire her daughter once more. 

“He would be so proud of you, ya know?” Both women have tears freely streaming down their faces as they look at each other. 

“Thank you.” Wiping her eyes Hailie laughs and pulls her mother in for one more hug. Releasing her mother, Hailie steps back and begins laughing. 

“Well, that’s one way to start a morning, huh?” Janice rolls her eyes as she wipes them. 

“Oh, you. Start packing.” 

“Yes, m’am.” After their exchange, Janice leaves the room and Hailie begins undressing. Gently folding the dress, Hailie finds a spare cloth bag and gingerly puts the dress inside. Closing her eyes Hailie hugs the dress tight to her chest and takes a deep breath. Hopefully this dress will bring her good luck. 

     Getting off the plane Hailie is immediately assaulted by the sun. Instantly, Hailie reaches into her carry on and places her ray-bans on her face. Letting her eyes adjust, Hailie begins looking for her Aunt Luna. Her Aunt Luna is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Luna is a model, standing at five foot nine inches, with a head of thick black hair. Her eyes are a piercing light green that can capture anyone’s attention. On top of all that, Luna has high-set cheekbones and a perfectly symmetrical face. She is a woman impossible to miss. Not much time  passes before Hailie recognizes her Aunt Luna. Sprinting Hailie clobbers her aunt into a massive bear hug. 

“Aunty Luna!” Hailie lays her head in the crook of her neck and breathes deeply. Dropping her carry on Hailie clutches onto her aunt harder. Hailie does not stop as she feels her aunt try to shrug her off. Finally Luna gives up and lets out her marvelous singing laugh. Luna gently runs her hands over Hailie’s hair as she clings to her. Kissing the top of Hailie’s head Luna moves backwards to see Hailie better.

“My, my my you’re all grown up, Miss Hailie.” Hailie laughs as she twirls in front of her aunt. Hailie is wearing a simple ribbed white tank top and a pair of cut off jean shorts. Though the outfit is simple, Hailie knows it brings out her chest and her legs. She needed all the confidence she could muster. 

“I needed all the extra confidence I could get today.” Luna laughs and gently dismisses Hailie’s comment with a wave of her hand. 

“Oh, please. What confidence do you need to see little ol’ me?” Hailie rolls her eyes as she bends to pick up her carry on. 

“It’s not just you Aunt Luna. Some of the other counselors are here. I want to make a good first impression on everyone.” Luna throws her arm over Hailie’s shoulder as she guides her towards the coveter belt. 

“Everyone will love you. Now let’s go get your bags and get you settled in.” 

     They finally reach the camp and immediately head towards the dining hall. 

“This is the dining hall and a majority of our counselors' have their rooms in the back. Atlas will be showing you around when we get in. I have some last minute preparations to get a hold of before the kids start next week.” Hailie can feel her heart race as she and her Aunt Luna near the hall. Nonetheless, Hailie shakes her head as Luna talks. 

“No worries, Luna. I’m sure Atlas will take good care of me.” Luna squeezes Hailie’s hand as they approach the hall. Hailie’s eyes widen as she takes in the hall. 

“This is the hall?” The hall was at least three thousand square feet. Immediately the women were greeted by a luxurious front porch. The hall was log cabin style and the wood was intricate and took Hailie’s breath away. When Hailie turned there were four girls lounging on a porch swing. The porch swing was an oak daybed that had been manipulated to hang from the ceiling. The daybed was clearly vintage and was covered in baroque carvings that showcased a complex vine and floral design. The cushions are a mix of deep velvet green and blue that portrayed a sense of comfort. Her Aunt laughed as she introduced the girls. 

“This is Sapphire, Gwen and Atlas. Sapphire, Gwen and Atlas, this is my niece Hailie.” The girls collectively chime in to greet me as we make our way up the stairs. 

“Miss Atlas will be showing you around today. Gwen and Sapphire are going to work on the rest of their lesson plans for the camp.” The girls saunter off as Atlas flits up to me and grabs a hold of a couple bags. 

“Oh, don’t worry about those! I can come back and get them.” Atlas throws her head over her shoulder and lifts the bags even higher. 

“I’m very capable. I’m excited to show you your room.” Hailie immediately picks up the rest of her bags and has to pick up her pace to catch up to Atlas. Hailie is already glistening by the time they make it up the stairs. Though Atlas barely seems five foot two, she seems hardly phased by having to carry the luggage up the stairs. Walking down the hall Atlas turns into a room and drops the cases by the door. Casually, Atlas makes herself comfortable in the chair by the desk.  

     Hailie takes her time looking around the room and a smile forms on her lips.  The room is small but cozy. A bed is against the left-hand wall resting on wood pallets. The bedding is an all light-weight white cotton that looks miraculous against the dark-wooden planks. On the other side is a mahogany hanging desk that is held up by black metal chains. The chair is a plastic bowl shape that has a white fur blanket thrown over it. 

“If you want to add anything feel free. Most of us go shopping before the kids show up. It’s easier to carpool since we’re so far out from anything.”  Hailie turns to look at Atlas and nods her head. 

“I would love that, thank you.” Atlas has her legs hanging out of the chair as she uses her elbow to steady herself. Hailie studies Atlas for a brief moment, trying to memorize her face before chaos ensues. Atlas is a petite woman. She’s dressed simply with a white tank top and army green baggy shorts. She’s currently barefoot and Hailie can not help but notice her small feet. Hailie feels enormous compared to her. However, Hailie notes how jacked all the women seem. They all had defined muscles and seemed like they could all single-handedly take down a grown man or two. Hailie must have been too quiet because Atlas tactfully coughed and flipped her long black braid over her shoulder. 

“I’m sure you would love a shower and time to unpack. I’ll be back around dinner.” 

“Thank you.” Atlas makes herself scarce and Hailie takes the time to unpack. She organizes her clothes in the white wicker dresser that is placed under the window on the back wall. Done, Hailie wipes her hands on her shorts before throwing  herself on the bed. Taking in a deep breath, Hailie closes her eyes and tries to settle in. The bed is soft and she sinks straight into the pillows. 

     Hailie must have dozed off because she wakes in a panic. Checking the time Hailie flips out of bed and immediately gets into a shower. The bathroom has the same wood as the rest of the ranch. However, the shower is all glass with black accessories and barn door style doors. The tile is a beautiful white marble that matches the counter. The counter is a simple black vanity with double glass bowl sinks. Naturally, above the vanity is a giant mirror with a beautiful dark wooden trim followed by lights around the whole mirror. 

    Hailie sighs as she looks at herself in the mirror. She looks exhausted. Though she wastes no time getting ready. Dinner must be soon. Hailie quickly towel dries her hair before pulling it into a simple braid. Hailie then leaves and throws on a simple white skater style dress before reaching for her phone. She calls her mom. 

“Hi, honey!” Hailie relaxes at the sound of her mother’s voice. 

“Hi, mom.” 

“Aunt Luna told me you were getting settled in before dinner.” 

“Yes, Atlas has been a great guide so far. I think she’ll be back soon to bring me to dinner.”

“Oh! Isn’t the hall beautiful? I’m envious everytime Aunt Luna sends a photo.” 

“It’s very elegant. Though my room still feels so cozy.” Suddenly there’s a knock on the door.

“You can come in!” 

“Oh, do you have to go?” 

“Yes, mom. It’s Atlas.” Hailie quickly hangs up as Atlas leans against the door frame. 

“Ready to go?” Hailie nods as she follows Atlas down the stairs. As they reach the bottom of the hall Atlas turns to the left and puts all of her weight on a pair of seamless doors. They swing open and reveal the girls from earlier, her Aunt Luna and easily a dozen girls she does not recognize. Hailie begins to feel anxious as all the girls turn to look at her. Atlas seems unphased as she continues to walk with purpose next to Luna. 

“Come sit, child.” Hailie refocuses as she hears her aunt’s voice and makes her way toward her. 

    The hall is made of rows of farmhouse tables with matching benches. The hall could easily hold three or four hundred people. Just as Hailie sits, her aunt claps her hands to gather everyone’s attention. 

“Since most of you know each other I’m going to skip most of the introductions.” Luna then points to Hailie before continuing her speech. 

“As most of you know this is my niece Hailie. Hailie will be with us this summer to help Atlas with the younger children.” A smile forms on Hailie’s lips as her aunt confirms the age group she will be working with. However, Hailie’s smile drops as a woman in the back scuffs. 

“All she could handle is the pups.” Hailie could not quite hear the woman in the back but she sees her Aunt’s eyes turn cold, ruthless even.

“Remember that multiple towns come to this summer camp. Everyone brings something important to the table.” Luna keeps eye contact with the woman in the back until the woman crosses her arms and breaks eye contact. 

“Now, let’s eat!” With a c***k of her hands multiple kitchen staff come out with trays of food. After the food is passed around the woman comfortably chatter about the upcoming start date. Hailie feels out of place and is grateful when Atlas turns to Hailie and makes small talk.

“Are you excited to work with me this summer?”

“I cannot wait. I love the younger kids. They’re learning so much and so fast. I love the challenge of keeping them entertained.” Atlas smiles as she takes a bite of her food.

“Luna told me that you worked with children before moving out to LA.” Hailie nods her head as she looks up to remember her kids and laughs.

“I loved that job. I always thought I’d be married by now with lots of kids.” Atlas snickers and makes eye contact with Luna. Hailie watches as Luna’s eyes harden and she shakes her head at Atlas. 

“You’re single, then?” 

“Yes, are you?” 

“Oh, no. I’m married.” Hailie’s eyes widen and she nearly chokes on her food.

“Oh, you’re so young!” Atlas laughs before setting her utensils down.

“We work fast around here.” Uncomfortable, Hailie’s hunches her shoulders down. 

“That’s sweet. If you know you know. I just haven’t had that feeling yet.” Hailie’s voice softens as think about her future. The thought that she may never have children haunts her. To Hailie’s surprise Atlas lets out a hardy laugh. 

“Oh, Hailie, you have no idea. It’s almost like the universe picked him for me.” As Atlas finishes her sentence she feels her aunt tense beside her. 

“Hailie, why don’t you go get ready for bed? We have an early day ahead of us and you must be exhausted after your flight.” Hailie goes to protest but recognizes the steely gaze in her aunt’s eyes and changes her mind. 

“Yes, m’am.” Hailie does not even turn around as she recognizes the scuff in the back of the room. 

      As the door closes, Luna waits a beat before turning to Atlas.

“What exactly are you doing?” Atlas immediately throws her arms up before returning Luna’s  gaze. 

“She deserves to know Luna.”

“Oh, please. That pup won’t ever be anything more than an Omega.” Luna and Atlas snap their heads to the back of the room.

“Your opinion doesn’t matter, Sally.” Atlas rolls her eyes as the words spew off her tongue. She hopes all the venom in her tone sets the record straight. 

“That’s right, Atlas. Besides Sally, did you forget that each pack member has their own unique speciality? You couldn’t last a day out on the fields.” Luna turns to Sally and c***s her eyebrow before getting up and leaning down in front of Sally. Luna makes sure she has direct eye contact with Sally before continuing. 

“Remember your place, Sally. Just because you’re a Beta’s daughter doesn’t mean I won’t rightfully kick your ass. Hailie is under my direct protection. I believe it would serve you well to remember that. You’re not on Daddy’s land anymore.” Luna continues eye contact until Sally reveals her neck and breaks eye contact. 

“Yes, Luna.” 

“What a smart girl! Now I believe it’s time for all of us to get some rest. Though Atlas, will you be a doll and check on Hailie, please?” Atlas gently nods her head before scurrying out of the room. Even if she and Luna are the same rank, Luna ran hot and cold faster than anyone she has ever seen. And she would protect no more fiercely than her only niece, the only part of her family she had left. 

    Atlas knocks on Hailie’s door before entering. Hearing no sound she pushes the door open. Her eyes soften as she sees Haile sitting at the desk ringing her dress in her hands. 

“That girl doesn’t like me and I don’t even know her name. Did you hear what she said?” Surprised, Atlas peaches herself on top of the desk. 

“Don’t worry about Sally. She’s just a wicked bitch.” Atlas relaxes as Haile cracks a smile and loosens the grip on her dress. 

“What did she say, though?” Hailie looks up at Atlas so intensely that she almost caves. She is truly surprised that Hailie had heard anything at all. 

“I didn’t hear anything. She’s probably just jealous that you’re taking up Luna’s time.” Hailie lets out a quick laugh before rolling her eyes. 

“My aunt actually spends time with her? She f*****g hates people like her.” Atlas joins in Hailie’s laughter.

“Oh, I never said the time was spent willingly.” Getting off the desk, Atlas pats Hailie’s hand before heading to the door.

“Do get some rest, we have a big day tomorrow.” With that Atlas shuts Hailie’s door and makes a bee line to Luna's den. 

“Luna? Luna!” 

“Yes, Luna?” With those words Atlas enters the den and quickly shuts the door. 

“You’ve underestimated that girl.” 

“The hell I did.” Atlas leans against the wall, not wanting to intrude anymore than she already has. 

“She heard a little of what Sally said. She asked me if I had heard her.” With that Luna whips around and smiles happily at Atlas. 

“Oh, she’s just like her father.” 

“When are you going to tell her?” Luna shrugs and makes her way towards Atlas. 

“She’s had a tough go recently. Can’t we just let her enjoy the children for a while?” Atlas shrugs and turns to leave.

“I sure can if you tell Sally to shut her pie hole.” With that Atlas turns on her heels and heads to her own room. 

     The next morning Hailie awakes early and spends the morning preparing her own lesson plans for the children. Too soon, she hears Atlas knocking at her door. 

“It’s breakfast!” Quickly, Hailie packs her plans and heads to the mess hall. As she enters the hall she skips to her aunt and lays a kiss on her head before taking her seat next to Atlas. 

“Look at all these plans I put together!” Atlas smiles as she glances over the book. Hailie is so excited she cannot wait for her to meet some of the kids later. 

“They look great, Hailie.” 

“Oh, let me see!” Atlas gives the plans over to Luna as she pours over them. 

“The kids will love all of these!” 

“I really hope so.” As Atlas finishes her breakfast, she looks over at Hailie.

“I’m glad you made some plans. I didn’t come up with much for the meet and greet.” 

“They’re coming today? I’m so excited!” Atlas cannot help but smile at Hailie’s enthusiasm. Too many of the pack members take the summer training sessions too seriously. It will be nice for the pack pups to have some fun during the summer. Once Hailie and Atlas are finished Atlas takes Hailie’s hand and pulls her from the table. 

“Come on! The kids will be here soon. We should get ready.” The women go their separate ways and get ready.