Bittersweet | complete

chapter 40

"Do you like it?"

Alexa smiles as Natalie and zoey enter their room. "It's great Miss. Thank you." Zoey says politely. Natalie behind her doesn't say anything and just stares.

"You're welcome sweetie." I say and start walking towards Alexa's room. I open the door and enter first, "This is your room."

She enters the room and sits in the bed. She let's out a sigh of relief when the bed softly sinks underneath her, "You really need to sleep. I can help you unpack if you want. I don't mind."

"Thank you so much." She says. I walk towards her and adjust the pillow so that she's comfortable. When I think she's comfortable enough, I start to leave but she calls me back, "we need to talk Odetta."

"Um—okay." I say and sit at the foot of the bed.

A guard comes in and leaves the suitcase. He mumbles something with a small nod and leaves. I don't bother trying decipher it.

I turn to Alexa. She looks so exhausted that I almost tell her to sleep and we can have this conversation later but I know she'll insist.

"I want to apologize again. I'm sorry." There is pain laced in her voice. "If I had truly known about Mason being your mate, I swear that I wouldn't have had him as a mate. I wouldn't do that to you anyone el–"

I interrupt her, "Look it's okay. None of that was your fault and besides, I already have a mate now so it's all good."

She smiles when I mention I have a mate, "I know but I just want to lay it out there because I couldn't even imagine the pain you went through—" Her voice cracks a bit, "—and I'm so happy for you. You deserve it."

"Thank you. You know, It hurt a lot but I would go through all that again if it means that I'll end up with Casper. I'm also really sorry for mason ending up in prison."

"It's sad that's there but he needs to face the consequences of his actions. I just have a feeling that he wasn't himself when he did that but he hurt you and a little boy. I know Mason and he wouldn't do that." She bites her lip and looks at me, "I hope that it doesn't seem like I'm defending an abuser. I might be a bit stupid and oblivious but I just know it. Mason wouldn't hurt anyone."

I take her hand in mine, "I believe you. I knew him once too." I smile down at her and stand, "You are very strong and you're not stupid I promise. You need to sleep right now or get some rest, you look like shit."

"Thank you so much Odetta for helping me. It's Natalie that I need you to help." She starts crying, "I don't know what's wrong with my baby girl."

"I'll do everything I can." I promise, "You have 24/7 protection and if you need anything, you can come to us personally. We are always available." I inform her and start to leave the room.

"Wait." she exclaims immediately.

"Is anything wrong?" She doesn't say anything. She refuse my help from the bed. She walks over to a carrier bag and takes out a small box.

She hands it over to me and I look at the box with confusion, "I don't know if you'll be able to make it here tomorrow." She starts to say, "Happy birthday in advance Odetta."

A smile makes it way on my face, "Thank you so much. How did you know?"

"Mason told me." She smiles and goes back to bed.

"Is there anything else you want?" I ask.

"No, I'm okay. Thank you again." she says and I finally leave the room.

I leave the room and go to Natalie and zoey's room. They both keep shut when I stand at the doorway of the room, knocking softly, even though it's already open.