Picking Up The Pieces

Why Did I Notice?

Even though Chloe's words calmed me down, my controlling and impatient nature would never let me sit calmly without jotting down a proper plan. So I sat down with my laptop that afternoon in Ashley's playpen. Little did I know that my procrastination would get better of me, Jake was right I couldn't even make up a routine in 24hr. Submitting to defeat, I left the idea behind me to jump on to a new one soon. If there's one thing consistent about me, it's that I am not at all consistent, oh the irony.

The next day started as usual, me being sleep deprived while Ash was on a vacation from the day she was born. After fretting so much yesterday, I felt like I need to take charge of my life and what shouted taking charge other than taking care of yourself. And how I take care of myself? Dressing up!

Feeling a bit motivated, I pulled out a casual black dress, pairing it with black boots and a jacket to save me from the chilly breeze. Looking at myself in the mirror, I started to notice the little changes in my body and zoned out for a while. After a moment of collecting myself, I decided not to feel sorry and instead put on a light lipstick and a winged liner to accentuate my deep brown eyes.

Walking down the stairs, I spot my mom in the kitchen as usual listening to light music and making me some delicious pancakes.

'We still up for Saturday?' I inquired.
'For what?' Ugh, I knew she would forget. 'The carnival, maa' I said, eyes following her as she stacked some pancakes on my plate
'Ah yes, I almost forgot about it' she said as she nibbles on her pancakes and gave me a warm smile
'So, when is it?' she inquired after a comfortable silence
'Day after tomorrow, on Saturday. We leave late in the morning then come back after the lanterns around evening. Sounds good?' I shared my plan for the day with her
'Yes, we're gonna have so much fun! Oh, I remember when you were little we used to take you to the carnival, your father loved to shoot those balloons for you, it always got you so excited' she shared with a longing look on her face as she relives the memory 'I enjoyed just looking at both of you' she finished sadly as she got up and cleaned up our plates.
'Well maa, this weekend we're gonna have double the fun! You'll see' she just smiled in response as I got up and made my way towards the door.

Stepping out of my house, I felt so light and positive about the pace of my life nowadays.

*    *    *

Arriving at the university, I was quick to notice Chloe standing by the lockers with a deep and serious look on her face as she searched through her locker for something.

'Hey!' I greeted her from afar, causing her to turn around. 'Well somebody is looking nice' she whistled as she gave me a do over, drawing attention towards us. Normally I'd be self conscious, but this time I did a little twirl and laughed as I approached her

'Why the serious face?' her eyes slightly widened 'Oh, you saw that.' I nodded, urging her to continue. After looking to her left and right, she bent slightly and revealed 'I didn't find him' she said lowly so nobody heard her 'Who?' I asked, clearly not following her. 'Tsk, my mate. Remember how last year all the seniors suddenly walked in couples and we explained to you how mates work...I still haven't found him although I'm 22 now... This means that I'll have to travel among packs and find him to claim my position as a Beta in the pack'

Memory of our conversation rushed back to me as she went on, she had explained it to me how sacred the mate bonds were to werewolves and how it strengthened their wolves. I remember she said they usually found them at 20, and latest by 22.

'Well, you're still 22, maybe he just hasn't been around here. Chloe, you're destined to have a partner, trust me. You just need to wait and I just know you'll find the best mate for you, even if it means traveling to different packs.' I motivated her, not exactly understanding their world, but enough to provide her the support that she needs