SECOND CHANCE LUNA

CHAPTER 4: REDEMPTION

CHAPTER 4: REDEMPTION

Ciara’s POV

I woke up at dawn to get ready and do some last minute packing so I don’t leave anything behind.

Luckily for me, most of my clothes and valuables were at Mia’s place so I didn’t have to go back to my father’s house. I’ve had enough of those people.

By the time I finished packing, Sam was already waiting outside with Mia, since he volunteered to drive me to my destination. Sam and I had always been good friends, and we became closer because Mia was an important part of our lives and we both wouldn’t do anything to make her sad.

We set off as soon as we got settled in the car. I was quiet all through the journey and I was glad that Sam and Mia got the memo and didn’t involve me in any of their conversations.

I thought back to how happy and bubbly I was as a child and how my happy family fell apart when my mom died. It wasn’t so lonely at first because I had my father, who loved me so much and took care of me in my moment of grief. We only had each other and that is how we were able to pull through.

When my father remarried, I wasn’t bothered because his love for me never changed. Well, until his wife gave him a cute little baby. Kaitlyn was a cute baby and I would always play with her when her mom was not around. Then, she grew up and started treating me exactly how her mother taught her.

I thought back to when I first met Liam and how happy we were together. The mate bond was an addition to our already perfect relationship. Everyone in our pack admired our bond and wanted to be like that with their partners.

My thoughts came to an abrupt end when the car stopped. I looked around and that was when I noticed my surroundings. We were in the moonlight pack, right in front of my aunt's huge house. I didn’t have to give directions because Mia already knew the house since she had followed me there a couple times.

Aunt Becca and uncle Robb were already waiting on the front porch. My cousin was at work. I knew because we knew each other's routine, even though we were packs apart.

I rushed into my aunt’s arms the moment I stepped out of the car. “Oh my darling…” aunt Becca held me tight and her shoulders shook vigorously. That was how I knew that she was crying, and I couldn’t hold back the tears that had been threatening to come out of my eyes since I left my pack. But I knew I had to accept the reality. This was my new life and home.

After the very emotional welcome, we took my bags in and my aunt insisted that Mia and Sam stayed over since it was almost time for lunch, so Mia helped me unpack my bags while my aunt prepared lunch.

“Lunch is ready girls.” My aunt called from outside my door, so we left the remaining clothes and went to eat first. Lunch was amazing. Aunt Becca made her signature pasta that I liked so much and we enjoyed it with a chill glass of fresh orange juice.

It’s like everyone was walking on eggshells around me because the conversations were light and simple. They tried to avoid anything that would remind me of my predicament and I was happy to know that I still have people who care about me. It was indeed a new beginning for me.

After lunch, Mia and I helped clean the kitchen and washed dishes while Sam played video games with uncle Robb.

It was finally time for Mia and Sam to return to the pack and I was a bit saddened by the fact that my bestie had to leave me, but I couldn’t be selfish. She had her own life back home and I have a family here. Plus they promised to visit every once in a while. We walked them out and my aunt and uncle left after wishing them a safe trip.

“Take care of yourself baby girl and remember to reach out if you need us.” Sam said when I hugged him goodbye.

“I will Sammy. I appreciate your help and support.” I answered honestly.

Sam walked to the car to wait for Mia. My friend and I looked at each other with so many emotions dancing in our tear clouded eyes. It’s the first time we were going to stay apart and we weren’t sure if we could live without each other, but we knew we had to make it work.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” I said with so much emotion that I didn’t want to let out.

“I’ll miss you too, my love.” Mia declared and broke into a loud sob.

I laughed out while blinking rapidly to keep the tears away.

“Y’know I’m not going away forever right?” I said as a matter of fact and Mia wiped her tears away.

“Take good care of yourself and call me when you miss me.” She said,

“I will baby” we hugged again and held hands while walking to the car where I waved them goodbye and stood there until they disappeared from view.

I went upstairs to unpack my remaining clothes and arrange my things before taking a well deserved nap.

I woke up to someone whispering incoherent words in my ear and I instantly knew that it was my cousin, Kiara. We used to do that to each other whenever one slept without the other and that is why I didn’t flinch when I woke up.

My eyes opened to see my cousin smiling down at me and I couldn’t help but rush out of bed, into her already open arms.

I know, right? I’ve had enough hugs to last me a lifetime, but missed my cousin so much and was so happy to see her.

After dinner that night, Kiara and I stayed up to catch up on the recent events of my life and watch movies together. My cousin was just like Mia. She was care free, jovial and loving.

As I drifted to sleep that night, I thought of all the possibilities of being happy here. I was willing to accept my new life in good faith and positive energy.