The Moon Goddess' mistake

2. New life

2. New life

Gabriella’s POV

The next day, all of the students in the orphanage school were gathered together in the backyard. We were told that the principal had a big announcement. Most students were excited and wondering what that announcement could be. They were gathered in groups and chatted curiously, looking at the makeshift stage every now and then. 

After a few long minutes, the principal climbed the stage, followed by all the teachers. He approached the microphone and tapped on it to attract the attention of the students.

“Good afternoon, students! I can see that you are all wondering what the big announcement is, but it is not mine to announce. Alpha Gregory is here and wants to share with you some exciting news”

I could see the shocked expressions on all the students’ faces. It’s not everyday that the Alpha himself comes to address the orphans. That increased their curiosity and the chatter between the students became louder and more excited. As soon as we saw Alpha Gregory coming towards the stage, we all bared our necks in submission and everyone quieted down.

“Good morning, everyone!”

“Good morning, Alpha!” we all replied in unison.

He smiled softly and continued: “On my last visit here, the progress of one of the students here impressed me very much. Gabriella, please join me on the stage.” 

I could hear gasps and saw a lot of shocked faces. Some were jealous, but I didn’t miss the angry look on Ben and his gang's faces. I climbed the stage shyly and received the congratulations my teachers gave me. I stood next to the principal, who was on the right side of the Alpha. He smiled at me and continued with a smile:

“I met with Gabriella yesterday and offered her to be transferred to Blue Moon High but she refused to go there if I didn’t give other students from this school the same opportunity. I saw reason in her words and decided that every student who would like the chance to transfer to Blue Moon High can sign up until the end of the week. After that, all entrees will be reviewed and you will be given exams. The top 5 students will be transferred, but I must warn you - moving to Blue Moon High would mean that you will also be leaving the orphanage. You will be given rooms in the packhouse and also part-time jobs. Some of you will work in the school, others in the packhouse. You will be paid for the labor, but that will also make you a full member of the pack life. Good luck, everyone!” With that, the principal stepped back from the microphone and Mrs Simmons took his place and said:

“Every student who would like to sign up may come to me. I will be accepting your documents every weekday in my office between 2pm and 6pm. I can also answer any questions that you might have regarding the offered scholarship and the exams that you will have to pass. Good luck, everyone. You are dismissed!”

Most students were in awe. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I could see the determination in some students’ eyes. My thoughts were interrupted when Alpha Gregory approached me.

“Gabriella, please join me in Mr Simmons’ office”. I nodded and followed him.

Once we were inside, he turned to me and asked: “Did you make your decision?”

“Yes, Alpha. I accept your offer and would like to take a job in the kitchen for now,” I said, with determination in my voice. 

“I am glad. Please go to your room and collect your things. You have an hour before we leave. Is this time enough to gather your belongings?”

“Yes, Alpha”

“Ok, then. I will wait for you in the parking lot in an hour.”

I just nodded and took my leave. Today, I am turning a new page in my life. Tomorrow will be great. I was excited and determined.

***

4 years later

*RING* *RING* *RING* *RING*

My alarm wakes me at 6:30 am. I groaned, irritated that my lovely dream was interrupted, but then I smiled, remembering that my reality wasn't that bad anymore. I get up cheerfully and start getting ready for school, thinking of the past 4 years.

After I was taken to the packhouse 4 years ago, my life really changed for the better. Of course, I had to work and take care of myself from a very young age, but that gave me a sense of strength and independence. I had the occasional bullying from time to time, but it was bearable. What’s most important, though, is that I made friends. Future alpha Nathaniel (Alpha Gregory’s first born son), his brother Daniel and Betta's daughter - Carolina and I were inseparable. Nate and Cary were a year older than me and Danny. The three of them were already close friends when I was transferred to Blue Moon High. 

------flashback—-------

Nate saved me from a bully on one of my first days at the new school and instead of showing him my gratitude, I snapped at him (not knowing who he was): “I don’t need you to save me. I am stronger and smarter than any bully!” I repeated Mrs Simmons' words to myself every day and I started to believe them. 

He just looked at me confused and I could see a hint of pain in his eyes. 

“I am sorry, I just tried to help” was all he said and then turned and left. I felt like the biggest asshole but decided to shake that feeling off for the moment and headed to my class. 

At lunchtime, I saw the boy who saved me sitting outside of the cafeteria with another boy and a girl, eating lunch. I thought this was as good time as any to apologize. I strode determinedly to them and stood in front of their table. Nate looked up at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Hey” I said, feeling shy all of a sudden. “Do you have a minute?”

He nodded but didn’t move to stand up, so I took a deep breath before I said:

“I just wanted to apologize for snapping at you earlier and to thank you for helping me…” I trailed off. He just c****d his head to the side as if trying to figure me out.

“Okay then. I said what I came for. Enjoy your lunch.” I said and turned to leave, feeling a little self-cautious under his stare.

“Why did you?” he asked, making me stop in my tracks and turn around to face him again. I raised my brow in question, not understanding what he was asking me.

“Why did you snap at me?” he clarified. I sighed

“I come from the orphanage and I am used to being bullied. The only way I could overpower the bullies was my brain and the fact that I have developed a high pain tolerance that allows me to piss them off by refusing to submit and show fear. You saving me kinda made me feel like I lost the battle I felt I was winning. I don't know if that would make any sense to you.” I tried my best to explain.

“So you are Gabriella?” asked the girl.

I nodded.

“My dad didn’t say you were bullied in the orphanage” my saviour said.

“How does your dad even know about me?” I asked curiously.

“Well, um… “ he trailed and scratched the back of his neck nervously. “... my father is Alpha Gregory” he smiled sheepishly.

My eyes went wide and fear took over me, realising I had disrespected the future Alpha who actually tried to protect me. I covered my mouth with my hand and felt tears welling up my eyes. 

“I am so very sorry! I had no idea, I swear!” I said, baring my neck in submission. 

“It’s alright, Gabriella! I promise. I admit your reaction confused me, but I did not feel disrespected. I understand now, though. Listen, let’s start over.” He said and stood up, extending his arm towards me. “Hi, my name is Nathaniel, nice to meet you. Welcome to Blue Moon High,” he said with a bright smile.

I hesitated for a moment but his smile was so contagious that I had no other choice but to return it. Taking his hand in mine to shake it, I said: “Nice to meet you, too. My name is Gabriella.”

“And these are my brother Daniel and the betta’s daughter Carolina.” He introduced the other two who were sitting with him. They smiled warmly at me and invited me to sit with them for lunch.

“So, if you don’t want us to save you from your bullies, how about you let us teach you self-defence?” Daniel said. 

I looked at him shocked.

“That’s a great idea, Danny! Gabriella, Nate and Danny are excellent fighters despite their young age and they are awesome and patient teachers. They train me after school every day. You are welcome to join us”

My eyes lit up. I always wanted to train and learn some fighting skills and I couldn’t reject this opportunity.

“Really?! You would do that for me?” I couldn’t hide my excitement.

“Of course,” Nate reassured me with a warm smile. But then my face fell, remembering I had work duties too.

“I appreciate your offer guys, but I have to work after school and then I have to work on my assignments.”

“No worries, Gabby! We can schedule the training hours for your convenience,” Danny said brightly, but then furrowed his eyebrows and asked “Do you mind me calling you Gabby?”

“No, of course not. I like it” I said, giggling.

From that day on, me, Danny, Nate and Cary were inseparable.

—------end of flashback—----------