Their Time.

Chapter 14 - Surprise

As temp increases and beaches fill. Remember every body is a beach body!

How did they figure out about Vera? I've been extra cautious, not allowing her to go out without being followed. Except for the diner and the park, we haven't been out in public.

It's possible that they were watching me and came across her. My fists were clenched at the thought of her being in danger or pain.

They'll never be able to hurt her because they'll never get close enough.

I'll make certain of that.

By speeding, exiting my car, and slamming the door, I arrived in under 15 minutes. I came to a halt before entering the home, not wanting Vera to see me in that state.

I opened the door and began looking for her after 5 minutes of deep breathing. I heard her voice as I was about to walk past the kitchen. However, I didn't think she was talking to anyone.

I see her getting items from the fridge and cupboards as I open the door. She smiles as she turns to face me as she hears me enter.

She asks me not to be in the kitchen until she texts me, knowing she's up to something. It's probably a good idea, because I'm enraged at the prospect of her being in danger once more.

After today's events, I've decided to take a much-needed shower. Vera texted me shortly after I finished getting dressed, asking me to gather the boys and come to the dining room.

I started looking for Eden, assuming he was in his room. That's where I started. I find him at his workstation and tell him to go to the dining room and find Lynx.

I went to the game room, where I discovered Sayer. As instructed, we proceeded down the stairwell.

We all gazed at the table as soon as we walked in, seeing how it was set up and garnished with food.

Our faces were completely wrapped with shock and awe at the sight. We offered her a smile after 5 minutes of just staring at the table and her.

Even Lynx smiled at her, which surprised me. That hasn't been seen in years. I believe that having Vera here will be beneficial to all of us.

Something to keep us sane and excited to see is good for us.

"When you mentioned you wanted to make dinner, I assumed you meant pizza or pasta, not a gore-made dish," Sayer was the first to say.

Vera burst out laughing at this.

We then turned towards Eden as he exclaimed, "What the hell is all this? I've never seen a gourmet salad before, dude." That made us all laugh.

However, came to a halt to listen to Vera speak. "My father was born in Greece and enjoyed cooking traditional Greek dishes. Many of these he taught me. However, this is one of my personal favorites. It's a Greek salad with skewers of Greek lamb souvlaki."

Her voice was filled with pride. Everyone took a seat at the table, and I took advantage of the chance to rest my hand on Veras' leg as the boys were putting food on their plates.

I smiled at her to catch her attention, thankful she did all this. As we would have certainly ordered takeout.

The events of today had left me absolutely weary. We took our plates and began to eat.

Sayer and Eden butted heads the entire time we ate, while Lynx and I grew obviously irritated. Despite this, we had a fantastic time together.

We all complimented Vera's food, and the boys asked her to prepare more because I'm the only one who can cook besides her.

I haven't had the chance to do so because I've been so busy lately. We all sat there and watched while Vera grew distant.

I gave them a signal to exit, which they did. I grasp her chin, compelling her to look at me and listen to what I'm saying.

"What's the matter, baby? And don't even pretend to be fine. I saw how you shut down and tried not to cry right there and then."

As a result, her eyes welled up with tears. She tried her hardest not to let anything fall, but she eventually gave up.

I slipped my arms around her as I lifted her by her hips and placed her in my lap. I ran my hands through her hair, trying to calm her down.

I carried her to my room for privacy after deciding to leave the room. With her still wrapped in my arms, I sat on the bed with my back against the headboard.

I can feel her struggling to stay awake, but she soon succumbs and snuggles closer to me. I too close my eyes, allowing sleep to take control.

Even though I'm awake, I'm still in Holden's arms. It's been roughly 10 minutes since I've awoken.

This morning, I'm in a foul mood. My eyes are puffy, my nose is stuffy, and my tears are no longer flowing. I didn't bother getting out of bed.

He has a solid grip on me, and I'm comfy in his arms. As a result, if I tried to get out of bed, I'd most likely wake him up.

I'm not sure what happened to my mother. She simply vanished from the world's view. I was left alone at home, only to be evicted.

Is she still in Arkansas, or has she moved somewhere else?

I sigh, not wanting to get wrapped up in my thoughts again. I turned to look at Holden, who was looking at me with a smile and worried eyes.

I'm sure he'll ask about last night's events. "Do you want to chat about what happened the night before, baby? You have no pressure to do so; I only want you to know that I am here if you ever need to speak with me."

I couldn't help giggling at how he makes me feel. Because of his generosity, my heart raced. "I just miss my father terribly. I'm completely alone. I know I have you, but I'm not related to anyone else. And no one seems to know where my mom is."

"Vera, look at me." I shifted my gaze to him. "You are one of the most powerful persons I've ever met, and I've met many people. I know life is confusing right now and you feel alone, but you've conquered so much. And I'll always be there."

Tears well up in my eyes, so I quickly brush them away before they fall.

I don't want to cry anymore; my eyes hurt enough that I can barely keep them open.

Wrapping my arms around him, I bury my head in his neck, just wanting to be safe in his embrace.