Claws Against Petals✓

58•|Awaken Creature

Grayson's POV:

Several months passed, and during that time I did what I could to help Orchid's health get better. She was finally at a healthy weight, and once a month I would take her and Erica to the Clinic. As happy as I was to hear that nothing was wrong with Orchids well being. The only thing that devastated us was the fact that Orchid would no longer be able to walk. It's not possible to reverse the nerve damage, I was hoping that what Erica told me before wasn't true. But it breaks my heart knowing that my mate sacrificed this part of her life-

"So I was thinking that we should go visit my Father back in California. He's been doing alot well lately, when I spoke to him yesterday on the phone he told me that he bought Sage some clothes. Of course, my father cried again. I'll never forget the day I first called him we both couldn't stop crying for hours- Grayson? Are you listening?"

"Sorry, what did you say?"

I quickly responded to Orchid's sudden question, it wasn't intentional that I kept quiet I just had a lot on my mind. But I'm glad that Orchid kept her relationship strong with her father. Even though he never plans on coming back here, I was stunned to hear that he gave the house he owned here to Orchid a while back. I understand that the house originally belonged to Phil's father decades ago. But it seems very sudden to just move into the home, however, I understand the reason why Orchid would want to.

"You know, lately you haven't been acting like yourself. It's becoming rare for me to see you smile..."

She mentioned as I watched her packing a few boxes in our room, I guess I made it obvious. But there has been alot on my mind, dealing with the new change of Orchids life. And have to cope with being a father now, and now will be moving into town very soon. Everything is just becoming overwhelming...

"What are you talking about? I smile whenever we go to sleep-"

"That doesn't count, I'm asleep! And we haven't... never mind..."

Orchid was quick in commenting back, but she immediately held her tounge soon afterward. This awkwardness between us has been becoming more noticeable, usually, I try to ignore it. But I know it's getting worse, so before I could even say anything. I watched her place the box down and make her way to the bathroom.

Rubbing the back of my neck, I heard Sage's voice coming from downstairs. So I automatically closed the door to my room as I locked it. I'm fully aware that I can't avoid him forever, since all three of us will be living together in one house soon, it's going to be a different environment for us all. Even my father believes it will be good for us, a change of scenery, being away from everyone else...

Letting out a sigh, I began to make my way toward the restroom. It's gotten pretty late already, and since we decided to move by the end of the month which is this week. Everybody will be celebrating Sage's birthday tomorrow. The less interaction I'll have with him, the less frightened he'll be of me. I've done more than enough for my son, everything that a parent must do, I won't take credit for it. But I've done my part, everything else such as playing with him, or even speaking to him about unrelated things that have no meaning is pointless. He's fed, clothed, and protected by me. That should be enough...I've yet to even look him in the eye, let alone speak to him yet-

"Grayson, can you please help me..."

The moment I made it to the bathroom, I heard Orchid call out to me as I watched her turn on the faucet of the bathtub. She remained quiet as I approached her, helping her out of the wheelchair. I placed her on the edge of the bathtub, I then checked to see if the water was warm enough for her.

Lately, Orchid has been able to do alot on her own without anyone's help. But I could tell that she misses being able to walk, even though she never mentions it to anyone. Her independence can never be the same, and she will always feel helpless because of it-