It Had To Be You

Chapter 1

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Copyright © 2023 Cassey9

Lea gazed around the table, a warm smile spreading across her face as she took in the familiar faces filled with adoration. She cherished these moments, surrounded by the people she loved more than life itself, celebrating yet another year added to her life.

Over the years, she had gone from princess-themed birthday parties to movie-themed ones, but as she grew older, Lea had settled for a calm, simple dinner night at home with her family. Each year had bestowed her with nuggets of wisdom, making her not just older but wiser.

"Did you like the cake?" Uncle Gary's question brought her back from her reverie.Lea nodded enthusiastically, her appreciation evident.

"Yes, Uncle Gary, I loved it. Thank you." He was like a father to her and one that spoiled her with decadent treats ever since she was young.

"See! I told you she'd love it. Isn't that right, sweetie?" Her Aunt Gray, chimed in, playfully teasing her husband.

Lea nodded again, feeling the warmth of her family's love enveloping her. The cake Gary had baked, a luscious chocolate truffle, was a testament to his culinary skills and his affection for her.

Lea frantically nodded at her aunt’s question. She chuckled as her Aunt Gray leaned towards her husband Gary and kissed his cheek followed by his lips. Her cousin, seated next to them, groaned at his parents' open display of affection.

“Guys stop!”

“Here you go.” Lenora said sliding a small, dark blue box towards her daughter. It had been delivered to her office by her sister, who’d profusely apologized in advance for her absence.

Lea's curiosity piqued as she took the rectangular box. "What is it, Mom? You already gave me a present."

“Well,” Hazel started as she brushed a strand of her daughter's hair behind her ear. "This one's from your aunt Jillian. She wishes you a happy birthday, sweetie. Jillian is sorry that she couldn't be here with us tonight."

“Oh,” Lea whispered. Her heart sank slightly, her excitement deflating as the realization hit her. Her aunt wasn't going to present again, just as she hadn't been for the past three years. Lea forced a smile and mumbled a thank you to her mothers.

“Thank you,” Lea said to both her mothers. Her emotions swirled, her voice feeling strained as she kept her feelings in check.

Birthday wishes felt like a cruel hoax. Her wish hadn't come true for the past three years, and her aunt's absence continued to break her heart. She picked up the gift box, noticing a note tucked under the bow. Unable to open it in the presence of her family, she resolved to do so later.

The weight of her aunt's absence hung heavy on her, a reminder of a past incident that still haunted her. Her tears threatened to surface as she struggled to hold her emotions together.

“Sweetie”

Lea blinked, refocusing on her mother. "What is it, Ma?"

“Are you okay?”

“She’s fine Ma. She's just being a big baby. Can I get another big slice of cake?”

The teasing remark from her brother, Liam, prompted Lea to shout in frustration, "Shut up, Liam!"

“Liam?” Hazel called warningly to her son. “No more cake tonight dear. Tomorrow. Okay?”

“But Ma?”

“Okay, can Christian and I go play on my switch,” Liam asked excitedly.

“Open it. I want to see what my absentee sister gave to you this time.”

Lea was pulled out of her trance by the request of her aunt Selene. She nodded to the woman and offered her a strained smile. Lea moved to open the box but halted. “I’m going… I’m going to bed,” she instead hurriedly stuttered. The excited chatter going about the table stopped as all eyes focused on her. “I’m okay,” Lea quickly added. “I’m just feeling tired and have… I have a little headache coming on. That’s all guys.”

“Then why are you talking like that,” the annoying voice of her brother mocked. “Are you… are you going to cry?”

“Shut up Liam!” Lea yelled.

“Such a cry baby. Are you? Are you…”

Lenora intervened, attempting to restore order. "Go on," she whispered to Lea before addressing her son, "And you, Liam, you should know better than to upset your sister on her birthday!"

“But mom…”

Lea kissed her parents goodnight and offered a polite smile to the others at the table. "Good night, everyone. Thank you for tonight and for the gifts."

She hurriedly left the dining area, swatting Liam on the back of his head on the way out. Lea could hear the sounds of the chatter picking up at her departure. With no one to see her, Lea finally released the tears that had been burning her eyes. Rushing up the stairs, Lea sprinted down the hall and into her room. Flinging her bedroom door open and shut in a single go, Lea blindly made her way to the bed and fell on it as more sobs wrecked through her. Not wanting to alarm her vampire mother, who’d undoubtedly barge into her room in a matter of seconds, Lea pulled a pillow to her mouth, muffling her cries.

Tears flowed freely as she fell onto her bed. She had been foolish to expect her aunt's presence. Despite the pleasant evening, her wish remained unfulfilled, and her heart ached with disappointment. Her aunt's absence was a stark reminder of the incident that had driven a wedge between them, an incident Lea couldn't regret despite its consequences.

Aunt Jillian still had to be disappointed with her. She was clearly perturbed by the incident that had transpired despite it being a long while back. No matter how wrong her deed had been on that fateful day, Lea found it impossible to regret her actions. She had wanted it. She still did. Lea desperately craved to taste again the euphoria the moment had brought. Worse, the desire seemed to grow with every breath she took. And that sweltering need was what drove Lea angry and mad.

She clutched the gift box tightly, weeping not just for herself but for the unattainable person her heart yearned for.

~~~~~~~~~

Jillian stood on the balcony, a glass of whiskey in her hand, as she gazed up at the night sky. The stars, though distant, seemed to be her only companions on this lonely night. She whispered into the darkness

“May all your wishes come true my angel,” Jillian whispered into the dark night. “Happy birthday. Happy birthday to you my angel.”

Twenty-three.

That's how old her niece had turned today. Jillian smiled to herself, taking another sip of her drink. Memories of the years passed flooded her mind, warming her heart. Lea Allegra, her niece, her mate, had grown into a beautiful young woman, radiating a smile that could stop hearts.

A chime from her phone interrupted her thoughts. She glanced at the screen, a message from her sister dampening her mood. Her heart clenched at the news.

Her angel was sad.

Jillian bit the inside of her cheek as she reread the message. Her absence had been greatly felt, but then again, she had not attended the dinner for her niece’s sake. Well, truth be told, it was mostly for her sake. Sitting across from her mate, looking at her and not being able to claim her for herself was pure torture. Her vampire wanted nothing else but to take Lea, to tell her mate the truth, and to finally make Lea’s hers for all eternity.

Returning to her office, Jillian approached her bar, a cellaret holding an assortment of drinks. She placed her used glass on top of it and settled into her chair. She contemplated calling Lea but decided on a text message instead, hoping her words would provide some comfort.

The whiskey didn't burn as much as the pain that consumed her soul. Jillian brought the glass to her lips, her thoughts lingering on her niece's sadness.

The vampire laid the used glass on top of the cellaret and strode towards her office chair. The message from Lenora was niggling her. It made Jillian worry. The vampire pulled her phone out and moved to her contact list. Her niece’s number sat at the top. The vampire’s thumb hovered over the screen, hesitating on whether to dial the number.

In the end, Jillian chose not to. The time at the top left corner of her phone further dissuaded her intention. Instead, the vampire opted for a text message. Jillian could only hope that her sincere words would be comforting and reassuring to her niece