Moonlit Awakening

Chapter 22

Liam

Liam is in the living room playing with Alexander when Ember comes back down. "Liam," she says softly, "you really hurt her feelings. She's trying her best. What do you expect from her? She hasn't ever had a positive relationship like this one before. She doesn't know how relationships work. You shouldn't be so hard on her."

He sighs. "I know," he whispers, "I'm going to go talk to her."

"Good luck, she wasn't really in the mood to talk when I was up there."

He heads to Alice's room, knocking on the door. "Alice?" he asks, "May I come in?" There's no response from her, so he walks into the room. "Alice? I'm sorry, I didn't mean...I..."

She peeks out from beneath her blankets. "L...Liam?" she mumbles.

He lays down next to her. "Alice, I...I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to blame you or anything. It's just...frustrating for me."

Her eyebrows furrow, her eyes reflecting an inner turmoil."W...why?"

He sighs. "Mates usually are able to...comfortably interact with each other in all ways. It's not that way between you and me."

"O...oh, I'm sorry."

"Could you come out of your blankets? I promise I'm not angry with you."

She slowly comes out from beneath her blankets. "You promise you aren't angry?"

"I promise. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

She leans into him. "I'm trying....really..."

He pushes her hair out of her face. "I know, love. Did you tell Ember what you want for our wedding?"

"N...no, should I?"

"Yes, you should."

"O...okay, I'm going to ask Margaret if she can prepare the food. I...is that okay?"

"Yes, of course. I want you to enjoy our wedding."

"Could we g...go downstairs now?"

"If you want to." She stands up, following him down the stairs, and into the living room. Ember is playing with Alexander.

"Alice," she says, "is everything between you two okay now?"

"Y...yes," Alice responds.

"Mommy!" Alexander exclaims.

"Alexander?"

"Mommy, will you play with me?"

"O...oh..." She glances at the door leading into the kitchen. "Um..."

"Alice, what's wrong?" Ember asks.

"I have to go ask Margaret something."

"Go and ask her."

"O...okay, Alexander, I'll be right back, okay? I'll play with you then." She slips into the kitchen where Margaret is tidying up. "M...Margaret?"

Margaret turns, facing her. "Ah, Alice," she replies, "what can I do for you?"

"Urm...will you...will you cook the food for my wedding?"

Margaret looks surprised. "That depends, how many people are we talking about?"

"Erm...w...well, there's you and Ember, and Liam's parents..."

"Ah so not that many?" She nods. "Alright, I'll cook for your wedding."

She lights up, rushing over to her. "T...thank you, Margaret!" Margaret laughs, gently hugging her back. "I h...have to go play with Alexander now."

"Alright, dear, have fun."