Love Me Not? (I)

Chapter 24

24

Reece

So, the first week of school was pretty interesting. I'm glad it's over. I sighed and glanced around the trees around me. I actually have some time to myself, for once. Asher is with Nyl and the other Alpha's and Beta's. Asher isn't a Beta, but he's treated as such. They're all away on a short, important trip to establish pack lines, or something. He won't be back until Sunday, I believe.

During this trip, they're supposed to have very minimum connection to their mates so they can focus on the important matter before them. I took advantage of this and decided to go for a walk on my own. I went as far to pick up a day pass for the Crater Lake National Park.

The clean air and crystal clear, reflective surface of the water was calming and relaxing; the perfect place to think about what's happened to me up until this point. I sat near the edge of the smooth, glass-like surface of the lake, my knees pulled up to my chest. I allowed my attention to focus on nothing as I let my mind wander.

~~~~

"Reece, dear!"

I grinned and stood from the floor. "Coming, mommy!" I ran from my room and into the kitchen where my mom stood. Her back was to me as she cooked dinner, her brunette hair tied back in a loose ponytail. "Can I help?"

She turned and smiled, her light hazel eyes shining. "No, I was just wondering how your homework was coming along. How are you liking forth grade?"

I hesitated slightly, deciding against lying. "Actually, I've been playing instead of doing my homework... It's hard."

She gave me a slight frown. "Reece, you're not supposed to be playing when you have work to do. I've told you this several times now!"

"Yes, mommy," I hung my head. "Will you help me?"

"Here in a bit," She turned back towards the stove. "I have to make sure this won't burn. Your dad should be home soon."

I smiled. "Thanks, mommy! I'll be at the table with my work." I ran back to my room and picked up the folder that held my work for the day that needed to be turned in tomorrow. I took out my math first, knowing that was the subject I needed the most help in.

I sat in a chair and took the worksheet out and my pencil. As I waited for mom to come help me, I started on my English, hoping I could get that one done quickly.

"Okay!" I looked up and scooted my verbs away. "What's first?"

"Math," I pushed the paper towards her. "I don't understand division."

Mom chuckled. "It's not that hard; here, let me show you." she sat beside me and coached me on exactly how to figure out division. Mom is a substitute teacher and had a part time job at the grocery store not far from here. She hardly had time to work on her books she was writing.

I sniffed the air when we had gotten half way through my page. "Is something burning?"

Mom leaped out of her chair. "Crap!" My eyes widened and she raced towards the kitchen. "Gosh- UGH! It burned!" The sink turned on as well as the garbage disposal, which was working right at the time.

Dad chose that time to enter the house. "Whew! What's burning?"

"Dinner," I replied as I turned around in my chair. "Mommy was helping me with my homework and forgot about it."

Mom's voice came from the kitchen. "How does pizza sound?"

Dad and I grinned at each other. "Supreme pizza! Extra large!"