The Alpha's Runaway Mate

Chapter five

Meeting the grandparents part two

We pull up to the mall and park. We all get out and start walking to the door. My brothers look really anxious about something.

I wonder what’s going on? Is everything okay? Yes, asks Zack. Everything is fine. Is anyone hungry? asks Liam.

I could eat, I reply… good then that settles it… it’s time to eat, chuckles Zack.

I want pizza, says Zack. Fine, replies Devin. I’ve never had pizza, I say quietly. You’re gonna love it, replies Zack.

We walk into the restaurant and Devin walks up and starts talking to three people. Two are older and one is about my age, I think.

They keep looking at me, I wonder if I had done something wrong. I slide behind Liam so they can’t see me.

“What are you doing?” Liam asks. Um, they are looking at me all weird and um. Liam chuckles.

That’s because they’re your grandparents and your cousin, they have never seen you before.

Oh! Come on, Iz, let me introduce you, to your grandparents, as he chuckles.

I grab Liam’s hand, still trying to hide behind him. Iz, it’s gonna be okay, he whispers. They’re gonna love you like we do.

Besides, you’re their only granddaughter, and they’re gonna spoil you.

Liam tugs me in front of him… grandma, grandpa, this is Izzy, your granddaughter.

Iz, this is Lily and Richard Hart, your grandma and grandpa.

This is your cousin Daisy Hart. She’s your uncle Thomas’s daughter, who should be here soon.

It’s okay, Iz, as he pushes me forward. Lily pulls me into a hug. She’s crying, “You’re so beautiful.”

I’m so sorry we missed so much of your life.

It’s okay, grandma. No, it’s not, but we’re gonna make it up to you, that I promise.

I never felt so much love before until my grandma was hugging me for the first time.

My grandpa finally got my grandma to let me go so he could hug me.

I felt relieved and loved something I never had felt before besides with my brothers.

They are my family; they loved me for me. Daisy was great; we talked about anything and everything, half the stuff I had no clue about.

So I just politely nodded and smiled. My uncle finally showed up; he was just as nice as my grandparents.

He seemed really happy to meet me; he talked about us all coming to the pack to meet everyone else.

My grandma cut in and explained the situation. He got really upset, told my grandparents he would snoop around to see if he could find anything out. He would make sure no one would find out.

He promised to be extra careful. After we ate, we all went shopping.

There were so many stores that my brothers just chuckled and told me they would be back in a few and left me with Daisy and my grandma.

All the guys went with my brothers.

I never tried on so many clothes in my life; I was exhausted by the end of it. I honestly don’t know how my grandmother does it. She never got tired!

Every time I would go to pay, my grandma would say no, that she was paying;

grandma, I can pay… I know my darling, please don’t take this away from me.

All I could do was say okay. Daisy was laughing. I just rolled my eyes at her, and she laughed even harder. Annoying cousin I pouted; Daisy just grinned.

That night we all went back to the house; my grandma and grandpa told us old stories of my mom growing up. I didn’t know my mom could be so mischievous. She has always been so proper.

I wish I could have gotten to know that version of her. Instead of what I got. She seemed so alive and carefree; I wonder what had changed.

My brothers would talk about school and the things they did in school with their friends.

I realized I had none of that. My life seems to be one big joke, and the joke was on me. The reality of it made me sad.

The first carefree thing I ever did was run around the yard like I was two; it was the most fun I had ever had.

Then I looked around the room and all the love that we have for each other.

I finally realized that was enough. I didn’t have to convince myself that I am worthy, or live in the past. Or try to pretend that I’m something I’m not.

What I have here and now was more than enough. I was worthy, I was meant to be loved. But in order to do that I had to let go of the past.

I would never forget, I would never let it decide or control what my future holds. I am in control of my future and right now things are bright.

I made steaks, potatoes and salad for dinner my brothers laughed at my salad but my uncle and grandma ate it with me.

I told them they didn’t have too but to my surprise they both like salad too.

After we played board games and video games. My brothers like one called Mario carts, to my surprise my uncle beat them all.

I went outside to get some fresh air I was used to looking at the moon at night it gave me comfort. Everyone else came outside to see what I was doing.

They picked up some chairs and came and set beside me.

What are you doing Iz, asked Liam. Looking at the stars they’re beautiful I said. Liam looked up and after a few minutes he said, honestly Iz, I’ve never taken the time to look at them, but you’re right they are beautiful.

We spent the rest of the night outside talking and laughing about anything and everything. This was family my family, we’re not perfect but as long as theirs love theirs hope.