Chapter 26
2066 Words
I thought I was sore last night. Ugh! It’s nothing compared with this morning.
My mother wanted to help me shower since I was almost stumbling to get in, but I solemnly refused. I love my mother, but I value our boundaries. And, yes, I’m in pain, but I’m not unable to wash.
“Will you relax a little? Sheesh. I can feel the tension all the way across the room. She’s fine, now stop it.”
“Shut up, Jerr!” I snap while brushing the tangles out of my freshly washed hair. My mother had to get back to work, and Jeremy showed up just as she was leaving. It’s a little awkward still between us, but we're doing alright.
I hear him chuckle behind me. Rolling my eyes, I turn around, unable to hide the growing smile from my lips.
“I missed you, little sis.” He shyly admits, a slight blush on his cheeks.
“I missed you too” I quietly mumble back, but loud enough for him to hear.
“Can I ask you something?” He asks, picking at the side of his fingernails.
“Sure…” I reply, doubt and nervousness forming into the pit of my stomach.
“Why didn’t you come to me when he...when it happened? I’m not blaming you or anything, but I would have done anything and everything to protect you, you know that, right? Even if we were fighting, if you had come to me and says; Hey, he’s done something horrible to me, help me, I would have. Without batting an eye, or breaking a sweat. I would have done anything in my power to make it better if not right.” He says, looking at me expectantly, making me stop mid brush.
I sit there for a moment, not saying anything, and contemplate what I could respond.
With a resolved sigh, I finish combing my hair and set down my brush on the nightstand.
“I...I didn’t want you to tell me ‘I told you so’. I was scared, I guess, that you would reprimand me, or blame me for not heading your warnings. And you did try warning me multiple times that he would hurt me. But I didn’t listen and I paid a heavy price for it. I’m not saying this to make you feel guilty. I’m saying it because that’s what was, and is on my mind.” I muttered, not meeting his eyes.
“I did warn you. But I would have seriously done anything for you. And I still would, am! You are my sister, not by blood, but by choice. Yeah, I know we are cousins and everything, but really. You and I have been close since we were still pups. And I love you and want to protect you from anything. When I found out what he did to you, my heart sank ten feet underground. I was shocked,
Furious and hurt.” He says, his breathing getting heavy.
“I was shocked that the person who was supposed to be your mate and protect you, turned out to be the person who hurt you the most. I was furious, not really with you, but more with him, for hurting you the way he did. And I guess I was a little to you, for not coming to me for help. And I was hurt, for that same reason. I guess what I’m saying is that my emotions came in like a hurricane, but when it all cleared out, we, me and my friends, got everything sorted out and found out that he sold his loyalty to our pack, for power. And that they were attacking your pack next, and the rest, well you know. We showed up and everything is sorta fine now.`` He went on, a flash of anger crossing his eyes at the mention of what Blake had agreed to do to our Pack.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to come to you, even if we were fighting…” I mumble, looking down at the floor, tears threatening to fall.
How could I have not known, or realized that Jeremy would have helped me no matter what?!
“Hey, hey hey!!! Don’t start that and dry your tears!” He chastises, engulfing me in a tight embrace.
“I love you no matter what happens and no matter what you do, little sis. Don’t you forget that ever again!” He says, kissing the top of my head while sobbing into his chest.
After comforting me for a while, he backs away and tenderly smiles.
“Now, how about you finish getting ready and we’ll go see Annabelle?”
I’ve never gotten up so and ready as fast as I did after he mentioned Annabelle.
It was almost comical to see. Well, that is according to Jeremy. i***t brother that I love.
“I’m ready! Can we go now?!” I impatiently ask.
Shaking his head chuckling, he opens the door for me and gestures for me to go out first.
“What room was she in again?”
“She’s in room 1519’
Looking from one door number to the next, the closer I am to seeing her.
Finally, we’re only two doors from her room.
“Annabelle Suzy Walsh! You need to settle back down in your bed! I’m not playing with you anymore!” I hear a woman chastising her.
“I don’t want to lay down anymore! I’m not tired or feel sick! I wanna go see her! I wanna go see her now!” She screams out.
Looking through the opening of the ajar door, I see her standing up on her bed, red puffed out cheeks and angry eyes. It’s almost cute to see, but she could get hurt jumping like that. She’s still so small, and if I heard right, she’s sick.
Knocking softly on the door frame, both turn their attention towards me.
“Lana!!!” Annabelle cry’s out, jumping down and running straight into my legs, making me stumble backward.
“Annabelle!” The lady behind her says with exasperation.
Looking at her, I can tell she’s exhausted and just wants Annabelle to settle down. Maybe I can help with that.
Bending down, I take her tiny cold hands into mine.
“Did I just hear you weren't listening well and refused to get back into your bed?” I ask, frowning and pursing my lips in a teasing manner.
The look of guilt on her face almost makes me want to take back my words.
“Maybe…” She says sheepishly.
“Don’t you think you should be listening to…” I began to say, looking up at the woman, waiting for her help, because I just realized, I don't even know who she is.
“Sophie, her mother.” She says with a thankful smile.
Slinging back at her, I put back my attention on Annabelle.
“You really should be listening to your mother,” I tell her.
She waddles from one foot to the other looking at the feet.
“But I wanted to come see you. You helped me get away from the bad guys and the last time I have seen you, he was being super mean to you. What if he hurt you?!” She says, her tiny little blue-green eyes shining with unshed tears.
“Oh, sweetheart,” I said, my heart tightening, taking her into my arms. She was so concerned that I was hurt, and wanted to see with her own eyes if I were or not.
Poor thing.
“As you can see now, I’m doing great. But I think we should get you back into your bed, what do you think?”
She mumbles a small ‘ok’, but doesn’t let go of me.
With a light chuckle, I scoop her up and settle her back into her bed.
After placing her blanket over her legs, I turn around to face her mother.
“I’m sorry for barging in here like this. I-I just wanted to make sure she was ok” I say, a little embarrassed.
“I’m Lana, by the way”
“Hi, Lana. I’m Sophie. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Anna had been going on and on about how brave you are and how you helped her get away from the bad guy.” She says, making me chuckle alongside her.
“I’m glad I could help. I was on my way to the safe space, and I saw her scared and alone. I couldn't leave her.”
“She was alone?!” She bellowed, her eyes bulging out.
“Yeah, she was.”
“Anna?! Why were you alone?” Sophie questions, sitting down next to her on her bed.
“Everyone was walking really fast, and I got tired. I had a hard time breathing so I stopped walking. When I could breathe ok, I couldn't see the other anymore. But it’s ok. Lana saved me!” She says, brightening up at the mere mention of me.
“I’m glad I did show up,” I say, smiling sweetly at her.
We settle ourselves down on the mini sofa that's in the corner of the room and chit-chat for a while. But after seeing Annabelle yawn a few times, I suggest letting her rest quietly.
“You're gonna come see me again, right?” She tiredly asks.
“If you want me to, and if it’s ok with your mother.”
She looks at the mother expectantly, pleading with her half-closed from sleep eyes.
“Of course she can, baby girl,” Her mother chanted, kissing her forehead.
“Thanks, mama.” She says softly before closing her eyes and falling into a deep slumber.
Stepping out of the room, I’m about five feet away when Sophie comes rushing out.
“Lana, can I have a word with you? In private” She asks, looking at Jeremy who’s been a quiet by standard since we got here.
“Can you give us a minute Jerr?”
“It won’t take long. I promise. I know she needs her rest too.” Sophie adds, almost pleading with him, not meeting his eyes.
Jerr looks at her with so much intensity, I think he’s about to say no to her. But as soon as I’m about to argue with him, he clears his throat and agrees.
“Thank you,” Sophie says softly.
Jerr only nods to her and walks further ahead.
“Sorry to keep you longer. And I’m sorry for what I’m about to ask, but it’s really important.” She says nervously.
What could she have to say that would make her so nervous?
“Y-You know… Are you... Y-you’re B…” She studders, fidgeting from one foot to the other.
I look at her with furrowed brown, waiting for her to speak up and ask her questions.
Closing her eyes in frustration at herself, she opens them back up with a firm resolve.
“You’re Blake Peterson’s mate. Am I correct?” She blurts out, shocking me.
How does she know this?!
“You’re probably wondering how I know this. I’m sorry. I’m going about this the wrong way.” She says, looking embarrassed.
“How do you know that? Not many people do.
“I know it’s shocking. I only found this out a few days ago. I’ve been searching for him for a while. Well, ever since Annabelle was diagnosed a few weeks ago.”
“Diagnose? What’s wrong with her? And why would you be looking for Blake? What’s he got to do with your situation?” I asked accusingly.
“This is a complicated situation, but to sum it up, Annabelle was diagnosed with Sickle cell anemia. It’s an inherited red blood cell disorder in which there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. And the only sure thing is a stem cell transplant. I, unfortunately, wasn't a match”
Oh my gosh! I’m sorry. That must be a hard situation to be in. But I still don’t understand what it has to do with Blake.”
With a heavy sigh, she squares her shoulders.
“Blake is Annabelle's biological father.”
What the actually f**k!?
- Writer
