“What are you talking about, Rhi; not buying what anymore? And, what do you mean; ‘alleged Daphne’? Daphne’s Pomona’s inner-wolf.”
“You sure? I don’t think there really is a Daphne; Rai … Pomona can’t shape-shift into a wolf-form; so, why would she even have an inner-wolf?”
“Huh? … What are you saying; Rhi … of course, Pomona has an inner-wolf; why wouldn’t she?”
“Think about it, Rai; when we shape-shift into out wolf-forms, that’s when our inner-wolves emerge and take on their physical-form. … Since Pomona can’t shape-shift; then, it can only mean one thing … it’s because she doesn’t have an inner-wolf for her to transform into. … So; then, that means…”
“Means what?”
“It means that since she doesn’t have an inner-wolf; Pomona and Bellona probably made up this Daphne as an excuse for Pomona to act up whenever she wants to, without being blamed for it … making it like she’s all innocent; and, not responsible for the things she says or does when this Daphne supposedly takes control over her.”
“Come on, Rhi; you don’t really believe that now, do you?”
“Yes, I do. … And; it was probably Bellona that came up with the idea. After all; she’s always taking Pomona’s side, and standing up for her … using any means necessary to protect Pomona. She probably created this Daphne as a way for Pomona to freely speak up for herself from time to time, without worrying about getting in trouble for it.”
“Yeah … I think you might be overthinking this a bit; Rhi. I really don’t think that Bellona created a fictional inner-wolf just to give Pomona some sort of carte blanche to do as she pleases. I’m pretty sure Daphne does exist; and, really is Pomona’s inner-wolf.”
“Whatever … all I know is; I’m not gonna go on taking her crap. Next time Pomona badmouths me … Daphne, or no Daphne … I’m gonna give her a good rap in the mouth!”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Okay … and, what about Bellona?”
“Well … uh …”
And, that brings that mind-linked conversation to an end.
Rhi was really grasping at straws with that accusation; saying that Pomona doesn’t have an inner-wolf … claiming how she was using Daphne as an excuse to get away with saying and doing whatever she wants, without fear of being reprimanded or punished. … Honestly; I think Rhi only came up with this absurd theory because, like me, she’s feeling guilty about having been with Casper Whitmore. It’s making her think irrationally.
Speaking of being irrational; Pomona’s been acting totally out of sorts, today … Daphne must be really agitated over this. I’ve never seen Daphne lash out so boldly before … and, especially never stand up to our father like that. She was almost as fierce as Bellona is with him. … And; not to mention the wailing she gave me and Rhi, earlier … Pomona never ever laid a hand on any of us; and, has always been as quiet and timid as a church mouse.
Yeah; Daphne’s definitely pissed … and, rightfully so.
Shortly … our parents return; still looking in an agitated state … Mom disappointed; Dad angry.
Mom enters the living room, and immediately sits down on the couch…
“Girls, take a seat; your father has something to tell you.” She looks directly at Bellona, with imploringly beseeching eyes; and says, “And, please; I want all of you to listen to what he has to say, without opening your mouths and interrupting him. Just keep quiet, and listen.”
Bellona nods; and, Mom eyes display a ‘little relieved’ look. Although; even if Bellona agrees to Mom’s request now … knowing the way Bellona’s temperament is … Mom’s relief could wind up being a case of counting the chicken’s before they’re hatched. Bellona may have every intention on fulfilling Mom’s plea; but, sometimes keeping her mouth shut is easier said than done. … We’ll just have to wait and see.
Whatever Dad has to tell us … judging from Mom’s preemptive plea to keep quiet; and, by Dad’s enraged facial expression, and bulging vein in his head … something tells me it isn’t going to be good.
I watch our father, as he fervidly paces about the room; and, notice his enraged expression slowly fade away into a stoical … yet, still hardened-looking … countenance. After a few minutes, he begins…
“Like your mother said, I have something to tell all of you; so, keep your mouths shut and listen up. … Also; keep in mind that what I’m telling you comes directly from Alpha Gordon himself…”
Dad intensely glares at Bellona…
“So; I don’t want to hear any backtalk … this isn’t open for discussion. You’re all going to do as your told; and, that’s that.”
Yeah … this definitely doesn’t look good.
Dad informs us…
“Bellona … Helena … next week, the two of you are going to accompany Pomona down California to meet Casper Whitmore; and, you’ll remain with her down there until it’s time to prepare for Helena’s wedding to Alan.”
Dad looks over to Rhi and me…
“As for you two … we don’t care which one of you it is … you can decide that among yourselves … but, by the end of this month; one of you is going to be married to Walter Burns.”
Helena instantly jumps up from her seat; and, cries out, “No! They can’t do that!”
Dad snaps back, “The hell they can’t do that! They can; and, they will! I already told you that these are orders direct from Alpha Gordon himself; and, they’re not open for discussion! … Now, shut your mouth, and sit back down; Helena!”
Helena looks totally despondent, as her trembling body falls back into her seat. Her face has turned ghostly pale; and, is displaying a blank, emotionless expression. Tears begin trickling out the corners of her eyes; and, her lips begin subtly quivering.
As I expected … Bellona can’t just sit by and keep quiet. Speaking out indignantly…