Beauty and the Beast... Well Not Exactly✔️

16

"Here Ravy," said Donnie as he handed me a bowl. "Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce completely stirred in."

I smiled lightly. "Thanks, Donnie."

Milinda shook her head. "I know you're upset but ice cream for breakfast?"

I shrugged. "My mom's dead. I deserve ice cream for breakfast. I think I deserve ice cream for lunch too."

Ryan patted down my hair. "Whatever you want, babygirl."

"I know this isn't the best time but the full moon's tomorrow," said Milinda. "The pack wants to know if we are planning to do the barbecue?"

"Barbecue?" I asked.

Ryan sighed. "On the night before every full moon, we invite the pack over for a barbecue. It's a form of trust-building. Milinda tell them not this time."

I shook my head. "Don't cancel because of me. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded. "I deal with death differently. My mom and I have- had a tradition we do when someone close to us dies. I'm fine really, I just need an hour or two."

Milinda and Ryan smiled. "Take as much time as you need. Milinda inform the pack that we will be having the barbecue."

I took the last few bites of my ice cream before standing up and putting it in the sink. I went upstairs to my room and closed the door behind me. I stripped out of my pajamas and changed into a short black dress that showed off the skin on my stomach, top of my breasts, and my shoulders. I slid into a pair of black wedges before heading to my bathroom. I curled my hair in soft waves, did a dark smokey eye, mascara, and pink lipstick. Raven looks pretty.

I smiled. "Thank you, Artemis. Do you know what I'm going out to do?"

Artemis knows. Artemis has watched Raven for her whole life.

"That's not creepy at all. But in any case, we'll talk later okay?"

Yes, Raven.

I walked out of my room and downstairs. "Raven, you want me to come with?" Asked Donnie.

I shook my head and gave him a small smile. "It's okay, I'll be fine. I'll see you at the barbecue."

"Text me if you need anything." Said Donnie.

I walked out of the house and hopped into my car. I drove to a store and bought a lighter, a small wooden boat, some string, and a printed picture of me and my mother. I drove back to the house but didn't go inside. I walked somewhat far into the woods and to the creek. I sat down on the ground with my legs to the side. I poked two holes into the top of the picture a pushed the string through them. I tied the picture to the boat. I closed my eyes and bowed my head. "Grant safe passage and protection from evil to Lily Grace Steele. Mama your fight is over and you're now at peace." I flicked the lighter and set the bottom corner of the picture on fire. I picked up the boat and set it in the water. I blinked the tears away as the boat floated away.

"Raven?" I heard a voice say. I turned around and saw Xavier wearing a button-up shirt, suit jacket, and slacks. "Are you alright?"

I nodded. "I'm fine."

He walked over to me and sat down beside me. "What are you doing?"

"My mom was very into nature," I said. "When someone dies we would find a picture, say a prayer, burn it and send them into the ocean. Our way of sending their souls back to nature. It probably sounds stupid."

He shook his head. "No. It's sweet." He whispered. "I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to go through this."

I shrugged. "I would eventually have to at some point. It's okay... the circle of life I guess."