Flight 118: A Woman’s Future
Chapter Thirteen

“Clarisse! Oh my gosh, you scared me,” I gave a nervous laugh, “I didn’t hear you come in. What’s wrong?”

I must not have heard her come in while I was lost in my thoughts. But now that I’m seeing her, I was getting a vibe that I didn’t quite know how to read.

Normally Clarisse was so easygoing that I was concerned about whatever had rankled her enough for me to be able to tell she was irritated.

A thought crossed my mind real fast and my eyes widened as I took a couple of steps towards her. “Are you okay? You haven’t had any issues with anyone since we last talked, have you?”

Clarisse shook her head, “No... I just don’t understand how you’re already sitting back and relaxing when we are in the freaking future being held captive by werewolves!”

Towards the end, her voice had raised and she was throwing her hands around.

I was so shocked at her outburst, but more so at what she was actually saying, that I took a step back.

I felt like I had to pick my jaw off the floor before I could respond, “What are you talking about, Clarisse? Where is this coming from? You haven’t had any issues with this before that you’ve mentioned. And it’s not like we can go back in time. Besides, you know that’s not true. We aren’t being held captive. They saved us!”

Clarisse was already shaking her head, “How can you say that? You of all people?! You should know! Jonah bought you from a dang human trafficking ring and now you’re kissing him and sleeping with him and- and basically jumping into a Disney love song number every time he leaves you and you think no one’s around to see! And now here we are, just taking their word for everything as we wait to be married off to more of their kind! How do we even know for sure what they’re telling us is true?!”

My eyes felt like they were about to pop out of my head and I felt very conscious of the fact many ears were most likely hearing us speak right now. But I also could not figure out where all this was coming from, from her.

I felt like that was very important for me to know where it was coming from to know how to proceed. Because if she was really believing this, after everything we had seen and heard, nothing I could say would make it better. But if she was just stressed out and breaking down, well I could try and be there for her until she calmed down. But I really didn’t know how to respond, no matter what.

“Clarisse, you don’t understand what you’re saying. You know that isn’t true. And quite frankly, you’re one of the closest people I have to a friend here, and I will love to chat with you about anything- but when it comes down to it, what happens between Jonah and I is none of your business!”

Her mouth dropped as she stared at me and I thought maybe something I had said had gotten through to her until she narrowed her eyes again.

I could practically see the fire in her eyes and was not in the mood for one of the epic teenage rebel-type rants I was sure she was about to do.

Gosh, I am so old now.

So, I decided to keep talking before she could.

“As for all of the other stuff, you know they aren’t lying to us. As you said, I know more than anyone. I’ve seen more of what’s to see of this new world we are in than anyone- including you. It’s not a lie. And I can agree, it’s not the best of circumstances. When I found out, I was not happy. About any of it! But I also understand. This new world we are in is one very different from what we came from. And it sucks! It’s horrible and unfair, but it’s what we have now!”

I had begun to pace back and forth now while staring at her.

“It’s our world now, Clarisse. There is no going back. Any hoping and wishing is only going to make you miserable. So don’t! We aren’t being forced into anything here. The least we can do for all that these people have done for us is to stay in one place while they try and see if something comes out of something that was decided before we were even born. You may not even have a mate! But even if you do, you have a choice! If you leave, I can promise you it is very different! You think this is being held captive?! You were right earlier. I know what being held captive is. It’s definitely not this!”

I paused to catch my breath and I became painfully aware of how quiet it had gotten.

I looked behind Clarisse to see several people staring at us with wide eyes, one being Jonah. I met his eyes over her shoulder and everything in me relaxed as I saw his anxiousness but also pride. As I caught my breath, I looked back to Clarisse and this time spoke in a softer voice.

“I know it’s scary. All of this is completely unknown. For all of us. Even me. But all we can do is take it one step at a time, one day at a time. If you need to vent or rant or cry or laugh we are all here for you. Everyone from that plane is in the same boat as us, Clarisse. But getting upset and freaking out and lying to yourself to try and make sense of things is not the way to feel better.”

“I’m not saying you have to be happy about this stuff and just take the hand we’ve been dealt and move on. But if you get stuck in the past and don’t try and find a way to be happy here- if we all don’t try and find a way to be happy here- then we won’t ever be happy. We won’t be living and we might as well have never gone out looking for help after our crash.”

I walked to her and gently put my hand on her shoulder as she stared at me with tear-filled eyes.

Jonah smiled and tilted his head to get my attention, then mouthed that they were here.

I gently smiled and looked back at Clarisse, “I’m here if you need to talk. But for now, go cool off and do whatever you need to do. I know it’s not the best situation, but now we do what we need to do to survive. To live.”

I rubbed her shoulder a little before letting go, “One of the Mexican packs is here. Take your time before coming out. We’ll be there if you need us.”

Then I went over to Jonah, took the hand he offered and buried my face in his chest as he walked me out so I wouldn’t have to look at the others who had witnessed what had happened in the kitchen.

I hope none of them took it personally but I was kind of wrecked by the giant roller coaster ride I felt like I had ridden emotionally.

For a day that had started so great, I sure had experienced so many different emotions already. I just hope it gets better before it is over.

I looked up as Jonah smiled at me, “I see you never got to eat your apple with all your Luna duties going on.”

“Luna duties,” I asked in a voice which came out as a squeak, “nope, no Luna duties... just dealing with a mental breakdown that almost led to a mental breakdown of my own.”

Jonah chuckled and kissed my head, ” It’s okay, mine. I’ll find us somewhere where you can eat something after the initial Pack introductions. We won’t be doing the meet and greet for everyone to see if they have their mates until later. Hoping to do it when one of the other packs gets here tonight. Two at once. Besides, I have my Luna already. You’re the one I need to make sure is cared for.”

He smiled at me cheekily at the last bit and I blushed but shook my head. I was still overwhelmed by what had happened in the kitchen.

At this rate, I think only two things could make the day better again. Seeing as I didn’t think Jonah and I would be able to hide out in our room again tonight, the only other option to save this day would be a certain meal for dinner.

I sure did hope they would help us out with dinner. Maybe make some enchiladas and tamales. A whole Mexican buffet would be awesome. I don’t think we would be as lucky to get Queso and chips, but a girl could dream.

But there was one thing that would definitely make it all better. Tacos. I needed some tacos. Tacos and pizza were always my comfort food. I did not see myself having pizza any time soon. But tacos- well I’d at least know after today.

We walked outside of the main house and I squinted against the sun. I would never get used to waking up so early. But I guess I’d have to learn to try my best.

After what had just happened in the kitchen, the aspect of me suddenly having to wake up early for the rest of my life was just the cherry on top of an awful sundae.

Once my eyes adjusted I looked around. I could tell there were more people than normal. More wolves than normal. But they all looked hard for me to tell apart still.

However, several men were standing and talking to Alpha Eric, Ana, and a bunch of other pack leaders. I could tell immediately they were our first Mexican visitors and I felt a smile grace my face.

If I wasn’t in public I probably would have been doing a happy dance. Tacos here I come!

A chuckle escaped and Jonah looked over at me with a raised eyebrow.

I just grinned and whispered, “Taco Tuesday!”

I suddenly heard a laugh and looked over with wide eyes, remembering the fact I was surrounded by men with insane hearing.

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