New Family

CHAPTER 6:

Nora's POV:

She pulled me from her embrace and stared into my eyes. I realized I had made a mistake by thinking she was old. She was anything but that, if at all, a mature and older version of Becky. The woman should be in her late forties, and she placed her hand on Becky's cheek.

I know I was not Becky, but I wasn't entirely her. There was a lot of me in the soul. I didn't feel excited to see her as I recalled the woman standing in front of me was connected to my sworn enemy. She was married to him, and worse, I was in her daughter's body.

“Oh, thank the heavens,” the woman said as tears flowed down her cheeks. “I thought I had lost you.”

“Why would you do that to us? To yourself. Thank goodness you're alive,” the woman cried and pulled me for a tight hug.

I felt awkward and still miserable. It was hard to hate Becky's mother if she was in this state.

“I am so grateful you are alive,” the woman said.

She broke off the hug and looked me in the eyes. “Thank you for coming back,” she said and took my hand, pulling me to the door.

“Sit, dear,” the woman continued, and I listened.

I looked around and back at Becky's mom as I tried to process everything.

“Mother,” I called. It felt awkward to call her that, as I didn't know her.

“Yes, baby,” she answered

“Why do you keep thanking me for being alive? Did I die?” I asked, and the woman's eyes became teary again.

“Yes, love,” She said, nodding as she sobbed.

“You took your life,” she added, raising her head and looking at the bruise around my neck.

She touched the bruise, and her voice kept breaking as she cried.

“Why?” I asked. “Why would I want to kill myself?”

“You don't remember?” She asked, looking into my eyes, and I shook my head.

“No, I don't. I can't remember anything,” I answered.

She stared at me in shock and held my face. “Don't tell me…Do you have amnesia?” she asked, looking at me as if she noticed something was extremely wrong with me.

“No, I don't,” I answered.

“No wonder you acted so differently,” I said, and her eyes widened as she studied my face.

She looked down and exhaled. “That's okay, dear. I'll send for the doctor,” she said and left.

“But…you haven't answered my…” I said as she walked out of the door.

She was back in ten minutes with the doctor. He smiled and greeted me warmly as he began examining my body.

“She's in perfect condition,” the doctor said, writing something down on his notepad.

“She might need some food to replenish her energy. Other than that, she is fine and in perfect health,” the doctor explained as I watched silently, only smiling and nodding my head like a frog. I was starving.

“Okay, doctor, thank you so much,” Becky's mom said as the doctor left us.

I watched her rub her hand over her face as she sat beside me on the bed.

She dropped her hands to her lap and held my hand. “You have no idea how grateful I am that you're here with me,” she said, and my heart warmed at her confession.

“You haven't answered my questions. Why did I do it?” I asked, and she exhaled, briefly looking at her hands before talking.

“What... What happened to me? Why did I... try to kill myself?” I asked again.

And Mrs. Stone’s expression turned somber. “it's because of…” she said, her voice breaking, and she slowed down to regain her voice. “Because of the arrangement, dear. Your father betrothed you to Alpha Ethan. We needed to be stronger and that was the only way. He…he agreed to the marriage, and you…you,” she stammered, her voice breaking.

“It's okay, Mother,” I said, comforting her as I wrapped my hands around her, pulling her in for an embrace.

“You were so sad and overwhelmed with everything that you felt trapped and…you attempted suicide. I am so sorry for not being there for you,” she begged, and I nodded, understanding. The original Becky had been desperate to escape.

“No, you shouldn't feel sorry. I was selfish, and I didn't think of the hurt you and Dad would go through. I am sorry, I shouldn't have done that,” I said, comforting her as she cried.

She stayed in my arms for three minutes, crying her eyes out as I comforted her.

A few minutes later, when she had cried to her satisfaction, she helped me change into new clothes, and we walked downstairs to see my father, Elder Stone.

He looked younger than I expected for a man of nearly fifty or more. He had thick dark brown hair and a beard, which was finely cut, giving his face a youthful look. He was dressed in a loose-fitted shirt and trousers with a comfortable belt.

He was sitting in the living room, and he looked relieved to see me.

“Becky, child,” he said, opening his arms. “My daughter.”

I didn't want to hug him as his face brought back hurtful memories.

He walked closer to me. “Child, are you still mad at me?” He asked, and I wanted to shout “Yes,” but that wasn't the answer I would give him.

“Come child, forgive your father. I was scared you had left this world,” he said softly, and I finally hugged him, choosing not to expose my cover.

“I…your mother and I,” he said. “We are so glad you are safe.” His voice was filled with emotion.

I slowly pulled back, trying to muster a smile. “Thank you, Father. I am so sorry for scaring you and Mom. I was unhappy,” I explained, and he nodded, touching my face.

“I know, child, but we have to do this, or we risk annoying him,” Elder Stone said, and immediately, his expression turned serious.

“Alpha Ethan will be here any moment. We must prepare for his arrival,” Becky's father spoke and I felt my heart beat faster.

My heart sank as I thought of meeting the devil himself. But I would not let go of this chance.

“I'm ready,” I said, trying to convince myself.