I looked at my parents as if they were crazy. I have been preparing for this day for months and now this.
“This is not fair,” I whined at my parents. “Please just talk to him and see if he’ll let me go.”
My mom rubbed my back as Lisa put another plate of food in front of me. I pushed it out of the way. I wasn’t in the mood for food.
“I’m not hungry.” Lisa took the plate and left. Thanks Goodness. I didn’t like her at all and wished I could get Mary back.
“That’s a first,” my brother laughed trying to lighten the mood and one glare from me shut him up quickly.
“Mom, Dad. Please. I haven't missed this tradition since I was a kid.”
“We know sweetie, but you’re so close to giving birth and we don't want you to drain all your energy. We all know how you get during the snowball fights.”
I gasped at my mom. “Mom, it’s a competitive game and people know what they’re signing up for. So if there’s a few broken limbs it was warranted.”
My mom shook her head. “I said no, Zira. We’ll bring you something back.”
I looked at my dad who was trying his hardest not to look in my direction. I painted on my wolfy sad eyes and walked over to him.
“Daddy, please. I can just stay in the car and look at the lights. I will be extra careful,” I said. If my eyes could get any bigger that would be covering my entire face. I saw it was working when my dad looked at me and started to smile.
“You know, honeybun, she could easily stay in the room and enjoy watching the festivities from afar,” my hero dad suggested.
Now we were both looking at my mother who crossed her arms and shook her head.
“I can’t believe you just walked over to your dad after I said no. You underestimate the power I have right now,” my mom said glaring at me. “I talked to the Alpha and this is the best solution, Zira.”
I sat on my bed defeated. “Why is it that everyone can make decisions about me except me?” I cried.
“Because apparently you’re not really good in that department. Look where we are now,” Zed intervened.
I got up to charge him too fast and almost fell. Zed caught me and I realized how dizzy I was. I grabbed his arms while taking deep breaths. My mom and dad were at my side in an instance.
“I’m fine, I’m fine. Just got up too fast.”
It’s been like this for the past week. Every passing day I’ve been feeling weaker, like having no energy to do anything. Not only that but I’ve been moodier than usual, snapping at everyone about small things. Paranoid that Lisa was trying to poison me. One day I could’ve sworn I saw Lisa pour something over my food. So I make her eat some of my food every time she brings it to me.
Sometimes I get these thoughts in my head like everyone is out to make me unhappy. As if I don't already have enough problems. Isabella and Victoria came to see me and I snapped at Victoria. Claiming she takes too much of Isabella’s time. I didn’t mean to but it just came out. Poor Victoria, probably thinks I’m after Isabella now. I’m not the type to get jealous like that, especially over someone’s mate.
So now I actively avoid everyone except my family but especially Isaiah. The last time we talked we tried to kill each other. We haven’t talked since the motel and I don’t plan on changing that any time soon. I tried talking to Nina but she’s been silent for at least a week now. Being stuck in this place and having no one to talk to can make you a bit stir crazy.
“Zi, you don’t seem fine.”
I heard my brother say. I could feel his concern for me. I was so angry for being so weak. Zed led me back to the bed and sat me down.
“Mom, maybe we should stay this year. We can all go next year.”
“If I have another year,” I said before realizing what I was saying. Everyone looked around each other and the mood dropped even lower. “I didn't mean that.”
“Don’t you ever say that again,” my mom said. “You’re not going anywhere, Zira.”
“That's right, Z-bug. You are strong,” my dad chimed in. “You’re a warrior. This is just another challenge you’re going to beat, and we’re going to be right there with you.”
“Maybe we should skip this year and start a new tradition here,” my mom suggested.
“You can't. You have to go and put a ribbon on the Christmas Tree for me. I haven't missed a year and I don't want this to stop that.”
I walked over to my dresser and pulled out the ribbon I write my wish on every year. I handed it to my mom who tucked it away. They all gave me a hug. If it wasn't for my anger I would've cried right now. They started to leave and Zed handed me a bag. I looked at him cautiously while he grinned at me.
“Please tell me there’s not a glitter bomb waiting to explode in here,” I asked.
“Really, Zira. That was six years,” he said, “and they were sold out this year. Besides I know you feel a bit lonely so hopefully this will help. Don’t open yet. Wait til I leave.”
“Fine,” I said, giving him another hug. “Can you bring me back as much saltwater taffy you can fit in the back of the car? And a turkey leg? And cotton candy? And…”
“That’s it. I’m leaving before you add the whole festival to the back of the car.”
My brother left behind my parents. It wasn't where I wanted to be but my family always found a way to make me feel better. It makes it even harder to leave them after I have this baby. My curiosity was killing me so I opened the bag and inside was something I thought my brother would never part with. Mr. Giggles. This time I couldn't stop the tears. Stupid sentimental gift.
Thank you for making me cry, you big lump I linked Zed.
Stop being such a big baby and remember dry clean only he said back.
I laughed and wiped my face. This was going to be some rough weeks ahead. I turned to see Lisa back in my room with a tray of food standing next to the last person I wanted to see.