The Alpha and the Omega

Chapter 18

We spent the next two hours unpacking my stuff. My room had a single bed with a night stand, a desk, a chair, and a small dresser that was built into half of the closet. There was a tiny sink right before entering my bathroom. Across from the sink was a counter that fit my microwave and hot plate. My refrigerator was designed to fit under the counter. The bathroom only had a stand-up shower and a toilet.

The sink in the walk between was meant to be used for both cooking and for washing my hands. I had brought a butterfly chair that fit perfectly in the corner and could easily fold up if I needed. As I looked around, I realized for the first time I had a home. A place to call mine. Even if it was only for a few years.

“Thank you Mr. Carter. I don’t think we would have gotten this all done this fast without you.” I said softly.

“Don’t thank me. I should still be thanking you. I can’t believe how much you have done for me today. And please call me Liam. I’m not that much older than you.”

For some reason, I started blushing again.

Maggie jumped to rescue me, or so I thought. “Liam, would you like to join us for dinner?”

“Maggie, I would love to take you ladies to dinner. My treat.”

With that, the three of us locked up my room and headed to eat.

I thought dinner would be awkward, but it was anything but awkward. Liam took us to a tiny dinner where the food was amazing. He was funny. Like really funny. I don’t think I have ever laughed that much or that hard in my entire life.

After dinner Maggie said she was tired and would stop by the office in the afternoon. She was going to do some shopping while I was working and we would have lunch together.

Since she was tired, Liam offered to give me a ride back to my dorm. “I saw you already have an associates degree and you got a full scholarship. That is really impressive. I bet your boyfriend was sad to see you leave.”

I was caught off guard by the boyfriend comment but recovered quickly. “School was all I had and it was my way out of an abusive situation. My parents passed away when I was 14. And as for a boyfriend, I’ve never had one. I’ve never been on a date and shoot I’ve never even been kissed.”

For the first time, it felt awkward. I couldn’t wait for his car to stop so I could jump out. I looked over at him and his eyes met mine briefly and I could see the pity in his eyes. “I’m sorry I assumed Maggie was your Mom.”

“Well, she is a mother figure to me now, but I have only recently had her in my life.”

Again, we made eye contact and I saw pity in his eyes. “Please don’t feel bad for me. I have been through a lot and I have lost some really important people to me. But I am stronger because of it.”

“I didn’t mean for you to think I feel bad for you. I can tell you are very strong.”

Moments later, we were at my dorm. “Thank you again for dinner and I will see you in the morning.”

I hurried up to my room and called Maggie. We talked for about an hour and then I headed to bed.

The next couple of days went quickly and Liam and I didn’t talk about our personal lives. By the end of the week, I was ready for the weekend. Maggie had stayed all week and planned on leaving on Sunday. I was so sad to see her go, but I knew she had to go home.

Saturday we spent all day together. After hours of exploring the city, we headed back to her hotel before dinner. “Maggie, I was wondering about Christmas. Would your son come to see you?”

The smile that had been on her lips quickly faded to a frown. But only for a second. “No dear, he spends it with his wife and her family.”

“Would it be OK with you if maybe I could come back to Ohio? I understand if you don’t want me to.”

Before I could finish my sentence she started to cry. “Of course darling! I would love for you to come home.”

Home. In 3 short weeks, she gave me a home. Not her house but her. “Thank you so much Maggie! I was thinking maybe I could fly back instead of a bus.”

“I have one more thing for you.” With that, she handed me an envelope. I opened the envelope and she handed me her car keys.

“Wait. What?” I was so confused.

“I want you to take my car. I have already booked a plane ticket home. You will have to drop me at the airport, but I want you to have a way back to me if you ever need to. I know it's a 13-hour drive but I want you to be able to come home.”

I didn’t want to take it but I knew Maggie when she made up her mind about something that was it. Instead I cried and wrapped my arms around her.