Erica’s POV
I still didn’t sleep as so I got home or at night either. The pain in my leg was ebbing away but my heart and mind were still very troubled.
The kids were also swarming me and looking at me with worried stares. Elma had her arm around my neck and they all insisted that they slept with me in bed that night.
It was a tight squeeze but I was happy to have them around me.
The next morning, Lorenzo came in to check on me. His hair was mussed and his brown eyes had a piercing depth to them.
I looked at his hand and there was a tray of steaming hot bacon and eggs that were slightly burnt at the edges.
I smiled. It was the thought that counted, wasn’t it?
“I’m sorry that breakfast wasn’t perfect. I left them on the stove to answer a business call.”
He gave me a sweet smile and placed it on my lap. The kids were still clinging tightly to me and I saw Elma give Lorenzo a poisonous stare.
I was taken aback. What was wrong with her?
Lorenzo caught her eye and he cleared his throat loudly and ignored her. I smiled again. He was getting used to them. The sinking feeling then set in.
It was sad that they might never get used to him. And probably, neither would I, even if we were getting married soon.
“How is your leg?”
My leg. I had even forgotten to check it.
The pain was insensible and I could move my legs a little better. Dr. Blake knew what he was doing.
“Much better. Thank you.”
Elma nuzzled defensively closer to me. What was wrong with her today?
I took a deep breath and a bit of her hair wandered into my nose and tickled me.
“Alright kids, I need to have a talk with Lorenzo.”
There was obviously a dissatisfied groan but one by one, they peeled off me and hurried out of the room.
“I left breakfast for you three on the dining table,” he called out to them.
I knew that they had heard him.
He sat down on the edge of my bed and that awkward silence arose again.
My insides squirmed and I was anxious to get away from him but my logic fought hard and kept me rooted in place.
“I called your dad and told him about the wedding. He was elated and asked that we come back to the pack for the ceremony. The pack is doing much better now and everything is almost back to normal, but they are keeping on high alert. He said a lot of things but I think it’s best that you call him and he can tell you about them himself. He was eager to talk to you but I told him you were resting. I didn’t mention the accident.”
The entire time that Lorenzo spoke, I was holding my breath.
My dad had called! I fished around in my brain. Fuck! When last did I call him?!
I was glad that Lorenzo kept the accident between us. He would have lost it if he found out what happened.
“Thank you for not telling him,” I said softly.
Lorenzo smiled again. His eyes were soft and I felt his hand wander towards mine, but I noticed a slight hesitation.
“Erica, I know that this is happening so fast. But I really want to be with you and the kids. I know that things haven’t been exactly rosey between us. Probably because of our busy schedules. But I want to make you happy if you will permit me to do so.”
My hands were shaking.
Inside of me was screaming against this. No part of me wanted to be with him.
He kissed the back of my hand and a shiver of disgust ran down my back. I had tried desperately to hold it in but my body couldn’t take much more.
“I also forgot to tell you that your dad slated the wedding to be this Saturday. He said that he can’t wait to see you. We might have to go back to the pack Wednesday or Thursday to prepare.”
My heart wrenched. Wednesday?! No! That was too early!
“I… I… I’m…”
I had to lie. I had to lie.
“I’m excited. I’m really happy that I’m going to see Dad. It did come as a shock though.”
I managed a smile but I was bleeding inside. This was beyond terrible.
The room felt hot all of a sudden. I needed to get out.
I moved in the bed and decided to get out. I needed to leave the house.
“Where are you going?” Lorenzo asked me in surprise.
I had to lie again.
“I need to get some fresh air. We are also out of some groceries. I need to buy some.”
Lorenzo didn’t say more and moved out of my way. Maybe he knew I was lying, maybe he understood that I needed some time to myself.
I set my foot on the floor and the pain in my leg was barely throbbing. I could walk but I did so with a slight limp.
Lorenzo left me alone to dress and my thoughts nearly ravaged me.
I tried to shake them off but they continued to pound me. I had to escape.
I pulled the dress over my head and grabbed my coat. I was in a rush to run away from the stress that seemed to overshadow the room I was in.
I limped outside and got to my car. I was lucky; the pain was knocking again.
I got into my car and fumbled with the key in the ignition. Fuck! My hands were shaking.
“Enter! Come on!”
Finally!
The car roared to life and I wasted no time in pulling out of the driveway.
I was zooming down the street and I tried to keep my mind clear.
I couldn’t be getting married on Saturday. It was too soon. My breathing was erratic. I was filled with fear. God, what had I gotten myself into?!
I had to keep my mind busy. Groceries. I had to go to the grocery store. I had to find something that could occupy my mind.
I drove to the nearest store and got out. The hustle and bustle of the place took the edge off my worry. I got out and a car and a car pulled up to park next to me.
I ignored it and began to worry about how I would limp into the store.
“Erica?”
I heard a window being rolled down and I turned my head at the familiar voice.
I soon as I saw the face, my face contorted on anger.
“You! What are you doing here?!”