As Hope and Promise Fade

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Ariana couldn’t shake the tightness in her stomach or the nausea threatening to consume her every pore. She thought it had been from the liquor she had guzzled at the party but it still couldn’t be affecting her days later. Right? She didn’t know the answers anymore.

She was at home spending time with her mother. Jax had some official pack business to tend to and it gave Ariana the day free to spend with her family.

“I want to know everything about campus life.” Mary was glowing with happiness.

Ariana was so happy to see she and Mitch were still going just as strong as they had when they first got married. It bothered her that her mom was in the dark about so much but for that smile it was worth it. Mitch wasn’t in the pack life, he went weeks even months without having to address that part of his life.

“It’s unexciting.” Ariana began. “It’s like here but with more classes and homework. I’m still just as boring mom.”

“You have to live a little.”

“At USC I’m there for school and that’s it. When I come back home I do live, I have all of you and I have Jax.”

Mary had gotten much better about hearing about Ariana and Jax but she still wasn’t a big fan of it considering they had started out as step siblings. “How’s everything going since you got back together?” she hadn’t been thrilled about the break up because of the way it had hurt everyone involved. She wanted both Ariana and Jax to be happy.

“It’s been perfect. We finally got a real chance to talk everything out and we both realized it wasn’t working for either of us. It’ll be long distance but we’ll be much happier before. I don’t want to try and move on with someone else. Jax is it for me.” Ariana had vowed a long time ago not to lie or try to downplay what she felt for Jax. Their love was real and important; no one could try to say it was anything but.

“I’m glad you’re going to stay in school.” Mary was beaming with smiles again as she reached over and took Ariana’s hand. “Are you ok? You feel a little clammy.”

“My stomach has been bothering me, I think I might’ve ate too much sugar last night.” She blushed a she remembered the things she and Jax did involving ice cream, whip cream, chocolate, and oranges. Hmm no wonder her stomach was hurting.  

“I’ll make you a tea, it always helps me. I sure hope you’re not pregnant.” Mary tried to mask her question in a light hearted joke but her worried eyes gave it away.

Ariana’s heart dropped to her feet but she remembered there was no possible way she could have a baby with Jax while she was still human. “No, nothing to worry about there mom.”

Mary let out a long sigh. “I want grandbabies but not while your still in college getting your degree.”

“Even if they’re with Jax?” Ariana started to feel that hollow space inside her chest thump with regret of what they couldn’t have. Even if she decided to let him change her there was no guarantee she’d survive and they could have children. Having a family with Jax was a fairytale dream to never happen.

“Oh sweetie of course. I want you to be happy and I love Jax like a son, of course I want him to be happy. I would’ve never pictured you’d be together but no one can chose who they fall in love with. Jax is a good boy and I don’t worry about him mistreating you.”

“He never has mom, he’s amazing.”

 “I’m happy to hear it. I don’t care how old you get I’ll always worry for you.”