Second Chances:HOPE & FAITH

The Start Of Something

Lucas had made every day since Aidan's departure as interesting and fun as he could for me. We would go out and play soccer some afternoons. Other day's we would talk nonsense with Ruby and Sarah who know frequently came by to visit. I even showed off my cooking skills to the trio. I kept my promise to Aidan and wrote him a letter at the end of every week and he would soon reply and send a letter back within a few days. I was content. A month had gone by fairly quickly. I wrote in my journal more frequently now. There was much to say. Within that month Lucas had arranged for me to call my parents. It was awkward at first. They were worried and had so many questions. I told them I freaked out after meeting my donor's family that I just wanted to run off and live instead of being stuck at home so more. I hope I didn't hurt their feelings. I told them I would call them more often even though I wasn't sure I could keep that promise. I was able to video call Olivia. She looked like she had seen a ghost. I told her I was okay and that I actually knew Aidan from middle school. I told her he was so in love with me back then that he saw me and went nuts. I mean it wasn't completely a lie. Obviously. I told her to tell Jackson I was okay and to relax. Olivia told me he was on a manhunt to find Aidan and bring me back home. I definitely felt better but now the only thing I was missing was Aidan. I didn't think he would be gone this long. Lucas tried to make me feel better and told me stories about his childhood with Aidan.

   Today I was especially longing for Aidan. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I just need to see him. Lucas told me to dress up and perhaps were something red. I found a nice mini cami dress and it was red. I left my hair down and it was extra wavy tonight. I went downstairs to the dining room. I got comfortable walking around this place on my own. Sarah and Ruby were already sitting down. They looked all dressed up too. Sarah had a beautiful blue dress and Ruby had a green one that went nicely with her hair and skin tone. Lucas soon walked in holding a laptop. He placed it in the table in front of me. It was already dialing. As soon as the call was answered my heart dropped. It was Aidan. He was wearing a white t-shirt that hugged him nicely. I bit my lip and Aidan shifted in his chair.

"Say hi Aidan," Lucas teased me.

"Hi," I spoke softly. He didn't really smile but he didn't look unpleasant either.

"You look well," Aidan said.

"I am," I cleared my throat a bit as it was getting dry.

"That's good," he said. Lucas approached the camera and made gestures behind me that I couldn't see.

"So tell her you miss her," Lucas said to Aidan. "Or tell him how much you miss him, Hope." Aidan looked at me and his eyes had become wider. I think he was really interested in my response.

"This is extremely awkward, We are still basically strangers and I am still being held hostage in your home but yeah I sort of miss you," Hope said suddenly. Lucas began to laugh and so did Sarah and Ruby who were now eavesdropping.

"Told you she was a riot," Luca said. Aidan made no movement or gesture. He then said he had to go but told me I looked lovely.

"You had a lot you wanted to say to him, right?" Ruby asked. I just nodded and gave a small smile to show that I was fine otherwise. We had dinner and then soon I went upstairs. This night became a four-page entry in my journal. I had so many emotions and wanted to tell him everything I was doing and feeling. I wanted him to know I wasn't really unhappy or felt like a prisoner anymore. I still wanted to know the whole story but I was okay for now.

Hope stayed in her room for the rest of the night. The others were worried about her so they went to go talk to her. Hope was sitting on her bed looking somber. Ruby and Sarah sat on the side of her bed while Lucas just sat on the bench at the end of the bed.

"So I heard it was your birthday in five days," Lucas said to Hope.

"How did you know that?" she asked him.

"I overheard you talking to Olivia. Sorry," He told her. Hope had trouble believing he overheard her but she didn't put to much thought into it.

"We should throw her a party," Sarah suggested.

"Yes, come on Lucas," Ruby pleaded. Lucas looked concerned but saw the bit of joy this idea brought the girls.

"You know the last time I was planning my birthday I wanted a disco theme party," Hope said to them.

"Why?" Lucas retorted.

"What would have been fun," She spat.

"Then a disco party is what we will have," Lucas responded.  The girls responded with laughter and jumped on the bed.

"We have like no time to get everything ready," Ruby said. Everyone stopped jumping and landed on their knees.

"I'll have the best party planner come by tomorrow to help us out, don't you worry," Lucas said. Hope and the girls all fell asleep in minutes. They were all excited about tomorrow and the start of the party planning.

There was a woman standing in the dining room when I walked in to have breakfast. She was so elegant and regal. She had her face towards the paintings on the wall. She was wearing a very fancy black and white dress. I remember when she finally turned around and looked at me I felt shivers down my spine. I was soon wrapped up in her warm embrace. She introduced herself and I was taken back.

"Hello dear, my name is Lucy Eastwood." I didn't reply back because she noticed the confused look on my face and then said "  I am Aidan's mother. I wanted to shake her hand but Lucas came in and pushed me to my seat. She began to talk as we all ate about my party. She loved the idea of a theme and thought disco was a clever choice. She explained to us all the details and started going over color schemes. This moment also felt special to me. She held my hand and smiled. I hadn't seen my mother in a while so this interaction with her was nice. It took her just three days to set a guest list, send out the invitations, and have the catering done. I was delighted and excited. I was wondering if I should ask Lucas if Aidan would make it or not.

I was working relentlessly this past month. Somehow I wondered if I would be able to finish all these visits sooner then the three months I had estimated. I was getting daily reports from Lucas and was happy to hear Hope was adjusting well. Maybe by the time he made it back the news of him being a giant wolf would be easy to take, I hoped. That video call was just what I needed to calm my nerves. Being around other packs that didn't enforce my "no mated couples around me policy" sucked. It was torture to see happy loved filled displays of affection. I wanted to scream. Some she wolfs actually dared flirt with me. I wanted to punch them in the throat. It was that serious. After that night's last mingle fest I want to my hotel room and tried to fall asleep. Thoughts of Hope filled my mind. It has been a good while since I had that itch scratched. I felt my body ache and grow hotter at the thought of her in that red dress. I knew Lucas did that on purpose but I didn't mind. It helped me feel better after this long time apart. I felt my urge getting the better of me. I reached down to the zipper of my pants and pulled it down. I pulled out my old friend and started to gently rub it back and forth. I closed my eyes and picture Hope. Her smile and lips. The way her eyes sparkle and take my breath away. I began to stroke faster and faster. I was ready for a release and as soon as I imagined pulling down the straps of her red dress I was sent into overdrive. I finished and let out a growl. I hadn't even noticed when my wolf came to the surface. He was loving the images I was projecting. He was annoyed that I hadn't made much progress with her. That I had kept her locked away since we met. I was getting to jump in the shower when I saw a few text messages from my mother and Lucas. They were planning a party for Hope's birthday. I was pleased but also concerned. I didn't want to attend but how can I let her be there alone. The whole pack was invited. I knew my mother was having a field day with this event. I hopped into the shower and decided to give it another go. I pictured what would happen next after I took off that little red dress.