What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I yelling at him? I thought as I watched Isaiah step back. He wasn't shocked by my shouting at all. Instead he smiled and looked behind him. That made me more irritated that he was acknowledging someone else except me. So I turned to see who was more important and met a snowball. I was caught off by the surprise attack, I didn't know how to feel about it.
I wiped the melting ice from my face, about to yell at the person who assaulted me when I realized I was surrounded. Shit! They probably heard everything. Then I noticed the scene behind them. There were chairs setup in front of a white screen with Hunter and Ashlee standing in front of them. I looked around to see Jace and Chris with their mates by the popcorn maker. Next to them was a table full of presents and a banner that said ‘Happy Birthday’ with ‘Baby Shower’ trying to cover ‘Birthday’.. It was a holiday baby shower.
Alaia and Lisa were standing on the back porch. Lisa had a tray of drinks and Alaia stood there, staring at me, covering up a smile. Victoria was standing next to a projector, holding a snowball frozen in mid-throw and directing it towards Isabella, who was making a snowball. I’m guessing she was my assailant. Isabella stood up and raised her hand to throw another snowball.
“Don’t.You.Da-” Another snowball hit my face before I could say anything. She was making me angry.
“Wow! Either I have great aim or you just like taking balls to the face,” Isabella taunted.
That was actually funny. I started to laugh a little but for some reason my mind wouldn't let me let go of this anger. I was about to say something mean when a snowball whizzed past my ear right into Isabella’s coat.
“Hey! Stop picking on my friend.”
I heard Isaiah say. I turned to see him with more snowballs in his hands. He looked at me and smiled before holding out a snowball for me. I hesitated before taking it right when two snowballs almost hit him, but he quickly dodged it. I turned to see it was Isabella and Victoria, laughing. I could feel my mood lighten a little. I didn't even remember what I was so angry about in the first place.
“Hey, shouldn’t my boys be protecting me right now,” Isaiah asked.
Hunter, Jace and Chris all perked up, and surrounded us. They started making snowballs to throw at Isabella and Victoria.
“That’s not fair,” Isabella yelled, taking cover from the snowballs.
That’s when all hell broke loose. The girls versus the boys it seemed. I froze in place watching snowballs going back and forth, and all the anger I felt before started to melt away. Much like the snowball in my hands. It felt…great. Surprisingly none of the snowballs hit me though I felt it was on purpose.
“Hey, get down before you get hit, Zi,” Isaiah yelled, reaching for me.
The moment I moved I got hit again in the face. What is it with balls and my face? I stumbled back and fell on my butt. Everybody froze and directed their attention to me. I was sitting on the ground with my hands protecting my belly. It was the first time I felt like protecting him. Usually Nina would send the urge to protect our baby but this was all me. I searched within myself and felt his presence. It was big and warm like he was saying he was ok. The presence felt great even though something in the back of my mind was telling me not to be happy, to be angry but I shook it away.
I opened my eyes and noticed Isaiah and Isabella in front of me. Isaiah was saying something and I didn’t catch it.
“What,” I asked.
“I asked if you were hurt,” Isaiah asked, looking me over. I nodded my head.
“Good to see your hazel are back,” Isabella said with a smile that I returned.
“My hand,” I said.
“Does it hu…” Before Isaiah could finish, I took a whole bunch of snow and pushed it into both of their faces.
“It's about time you guys see how that feels,” I laughed.
They joined and then everyone else joined later. Isaiah and Isabella helped me up and led me to a chair to sit down. Ashlee actually brought me a bag of popcorn while Victoria held a cup of hot chocolate for me. Hunter put on one of my favorite holiday movies and I finally settled in.
Everyone else started to settle in except Isaiah. I turned to see him talking to Alaia on the porch. It didn't look good. When he gave her a hug, she looked at me and of course it wasn't friendly. I can never win with this girl and at this point I didn't know if I wanted to anymore.
Good because that bitch is hexing us Nina growled.
Nina! Where have you been I asked.
I was here watching you act all paranoid but I’m guessing you didn’t hear me which means someone is keeping me away from you. I can only guess who that someone is.
You think it’s Alaia. Are you sure? I didn’t want to go accusing her without evidence. Then I would really look like a jealous ex.
I don’t know for sure but all of this didn’t start until she came along.
Then we have to find out. I’m not strong enough to be without you Nina I said, turning around to see Alaia with Isaiah.
You are, Zira. Everyone believes in you, so why can’t you Nina asked.
I could tell she was frustrated from having the same conversation with me. It’s just lately, I’ve been feeling so weak. As if she heard my thoughts, Nina responded.
We are one, Zira. If I am strong then you are strong, and what you think you lack in strength, you have in spirit and love. So you have to love strong enough for the three of us. Try for us, ok?
I nodded as if she was standing in front of me but I knew she could feel my response. She was right. I never thought of myself as weak until Alaia came along. I would not let her change who I am. I have to try at least for Nina and our son. I have to fight to live.
“Hey, are you ok,” Victoria whispered, sitting next to me.
“Of course. Just a little out of sorts,” I said with a small smile.
“Yeah. I get the same way when she’s around too,” Victoria joked. “Don’t worry though. I’ll get her for you.”
Victoria got up before I could say anything to sit next to Isabella. I wondered if she knew something about Alaia that could help me. Isaiah sat next to me bringing my attention to him.
“Is Alaia joining us,” I asked.
Isaiah sighed. “No. She says she’s a bit tired and wants to be alone. Pregnancy has been pretty hard on her lately. So I’ll check on her in a few. Right now, I want to make sure you’re okay.”
I turned around, looking for Alaia. She was still standing there, staring me down before walking into the pack house. Why do I feel like I’m the reason for her mood now? I’m probably going to pay for it later if Nina is right about her. I have to find out for sure.