The Oath

Chapter 4- Hard Decisions to Make

Chapter 4: Hard Decisions to Make

Praxton:

                I spent a few more hours in the clearing, debating what the best course of action was to find my mate. I decided that the best course of action would be to go and find her myself. Being sixteen made me an adult in the eyes of the pack- meaning I was capable of making my own decisions, so I k new that they would support me.

                But the eyes of the law are something totally different. I’m still a minor- still a liability to my family. I knew that I would have to be accompanied by a legal adult- probably a warrior.

                I head back toward my house as the sun is rising. Just before breaking through the tree line into my backyard, I shift back into my human form. It only takes a minute or two, but it’s a little painful- I’m sore.  My mom, being totally thoughtful, left a pair of shorts and a t-shirt folded on the steps of our back porch. I quickly tug them on and head inside.

                Its too quiet so I know that my parents are sleeping and everyone else has gone home. A breath I didn’t know I was holding escapes me- I’m not ready to face everyone just yet. Heading to take a quick shower, I can feel my energy draining and exhaustion replacing it. When I’m dry again and only in pair of boxers, I climb into my bed sighing. I’ve never been this exhausted in my life.

Korallynn:

                That night, I get everyone into bed at eleven- finally. I wait for my mom to get home on the couch- curled and watching the door. Thinking of Flynn, I have so many questions that I don’t even know how I’ll approach my mom about the subject. Every second is taking a small lifetime; my ability to breathe slowly dissipating with each passing one.

                Finally, at 12:03 a.m., my mom’s headlights flash into the driveway and through the living room windows. As I hear her car door slam and her keys jingle in the lock, I have a revelation: I can’t do this. I can’t just bombard her with these questions and accusations. I can’t break her bliss.

                The door swings open and she comes in, sighing. I hear her kick off her shoes and lay her keys on the table by the door. Next comes her purse hitting the floor by the table, followed by her shrugging out of her coat jacket and hanging it on the coat rack. Forever seems to pass as she finally walks past the door way.

                “Hi, Mom.” My voice startles her- I can tell. She looks at me, smiling. Suddenly, its three years ago and she’s happy.  I can imagine my dad coming to hug her in the hallway. It all disappears in a second.

                “Kora, baby, hi. What are you still doing up? Did everything go okay today? All of the kids alright?” She makes her way to me during this barrage of questions and sits next to me on the sofa.

                “Everything is fine, Mom. All of the kids are good- including me. I just wanted to see you.” And its true; I did want to see her. But I also wanted answers. Answers that I was too afraid to get.

                “Okay, sweetheart. So tell me, what’s new around here? What have all of you been up to?” I quickly relay all of the baseball and softball practices, Luci’s new interest in art lessons thanks to her art teacher at school, Brayden’s slowly improving vocabulary. Then, out of nowhere, I’m discussing something entirely different.

                “A man stopped by today. He talked to me for a few minutes. He said he knew you a long time ago. Maybe you remember him? His name is Flynn Lunal.” My mom’s face, previously open and interested, slowly changes. It fades into a pale, scared look.

                “I guess its time then. Kora, I have to tell you a story.”