The One

Blueberry Pie

 The echoes of haunting memories stirred within her as her father's phone call shattered her solitude, announcing that they were ready to depart. She jolted awake, gathering her things with mechanical precision before heading down to the lobby, catching sight of her family waiting in the car, a façade of innocence.

"Everything packed?" her father asked, as if oblivious to the sins she carried with her.

"Yes, our luggage is in the boot," she replied, a practised smile plastered on her face.

"Okay, let's go," he said, his cheery tone a stark contrast to the turmoil simmering beneath her surface.

They drove away from the hotel, the air thick with unspoken words as they approached her grandparents' house. Her excitement crackled like static as they neared the gated community. "Do Mummy and Daddy know they've added a few houses and expanded the land? You can't see it from here because it's hidden within the gate," she revealed, her tone bubbling with a deceptive cheer that amused her parents.

"What?" they exchanged puzzled glances.

"Nothing~" she chirped, her mind twisted with secrets.

Upon reaching the Aspen Gated Community, she felt the familiar thrill of déjà vu. "Hi, I'm here to see Peter," she announced, her words laced with an edge.

"State your name and purpose," the guard responded, flat as a pancake.

"My name is Karol, and I'm here to visit Peter Aspen," she replied, standing tall.

"Give me a sec," the guard mumbled, scrutinising her before conferring with his superior.

"Miss, you are free to enter. Alpha Peter is waiting for you at the mansion." The guard's muttered reverence for the title was not lost on her. A smirk unfurled on her lips as she drove up to the mansion, the weight of her dark deeds cloaked in smiles.

Arriving at her grandparent's house, she stepped out, a proud protector of ancestral memories, then unlocked the door with a key that tasted of bitter-sweet nostalgia. She motioned for her parents to follow before ushering their luggage inside, her movements swift and practised.

"It's been what, a year since we visited? Yet, we never stepped foot in this house," her mother mused as they entered.

"It's just the same as the last time, darling," her father echoed, bemusement dancing in his eyes.

"It is—and entirely free of dust," she replied, glancing around with a conspiratorial glee.

As her parents explored the familiar spaces, out of nowhere, Peter appeared at the front door. "I'm glad to see you two back in this house; it brings back memories," he beamed, the warmth of his presence a stark contrast to the chill that lingered within her heart. The past loomed around her, haunting yet comforting, as she navigated the thin line between her dual lives.

William approached Peter with a warm smile, their typical bro hug encapsulating the camaraderie they shared. "Peter, my man! Thanks for holding down the fort while we neglected it," he said, genuine gratitude lacing his words.

"It's my pleasure," replied Peter, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've been waiting for this cutie to come back and relive our old days in this house."

As she descended the staircase, her father and Peter's embrace caught her eye, prompting her to pause mid-step. Settling onto the steps with a mix of awe and warmth, she called out, "Thank you for doing that, Uncle Peter," her gaze flitting between the two men.

"My pleasure, Karol. You're all like family to me. Now, let's hurry up and have lunch before Pepper screams her head off, convinced I'm trying to delay this reunion!"

With a collective grin, the four of them made their way into the mansion, weaving through a throng of pack members who regarded them with a mix of bemusement and welcoming smiles.

Anna was the first to reach the kitchen, where she quickly enveloped Pepper in a hug. "Anna! How are you, sis? It's been ages, I miss you so much!" Pepper exclaimed, her joy palpable.

Last to enter, Karol felt no trace of awkwardness as Peter cheerfully beckoned her, "Come sit, my blueberry pie," pulling a chair out for her.

William, intrigued by the unusual nickname, quizzed, "Blueberry pie?" directing his question at both his daughter and Peter.

Pepper chimed in, her laughter spilling over as she joined Anna, "Hahaha! That's Karol's new nickname because she loves blueberry pie! She and Peter had quite the spat over it!"

Seizing the moment, she sniffed the air dramatically, grinning wide. "Is it just me, or do I smell blueberry pie?" Peter mirrored her actions, both noses wrinkling in eager anticipation.

Giggling helplessly, Pepper shot them a sidelong glance. "See?" she said, her laughter echoing around the kitchen.

The pair continued their comical sniffing, grins plastered on their faces, before they dashed toward the oven in unison, shouting, "Yes!" as they high-fived, then returned with a façade of casual nonchalance.

"Where's Sharon?"

From nowhere, Sharon's voice floated in. "I'm here, Aunty Pepper," she smiled, leading Jason by the hand.

"Hi, baby girl!" Pepper beamed.

"And before I forget," Sharon added, puffing with pride, "this is my fiancé, Jason." She gestured him forward, and Peter stepped up, grasping Jason's hand warmly. "Hi Jason, welcome to the family."

"Thank you, sir, ma'am," Jason replied a hint of shyness in his voice.

"Have a seat; we're about to begin lunch," Pepper invited, her tone brimming with hospitality.

Around the table, Karol, Sharon, Anna, Pepper, William, Peter, and Jason engaged in lively conversation, the air thick with familial affection, as they artfully skirted certain sensitive topics.

After a few hours, the Aspens extended a dinner invitation to the Randale family. "We accept!" came the enthusiastic reply, but Sharon smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, Aunty, Uncle. Jason and I want to go sightseeing and enjoy the nightlife."

"Don't worry, Sharon! You two have fun. We've got your parents and sister here to bother," Peter winked, inciting laughter with his antics.

She feigned a gagging sound. "I'll run away tomorrow!"

"Then no blueberry pie for you!" Pete shot back, a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Fine! I'll just go buy some myself, muahaha!" she exclaimed, delivering her best evil laugh and sticking out her tongue at Peter, who narrowed his eyes playfully.

Pepper joined the fray, smirking slightly. "I'll tell the others not to sell their blueberry pie tomorrow."

"Eee! Not fair! You can't gang up on me. My blueberry pie!" she pouted, twirling to the side and pretending to cry, inciting laughter from everyone as the playful banter wove a warm tapestry of joy around them.