Chapter 5: The Wolf who Cried

 ————*Elias’ POV*————

 

She didn’t talk on the way back, and when we landed back at the strip, she got off without a word. I know I was supposed to be angry, but I was actually very sad. She’d asked to come with me and now she was leaving and going back. I planned epic fun for us. 

I sadly asked, “Are you sure?”

“Very,” she said stubbornly.

“Fine,” I said.

 

She said it louder as a response, “Fine!”

 

I saw a familiar black limo and I automatically knew Rick was here, so I carried her suitcase to the cab. I wanted badly to apologize for being angry but she didn’t make it easy. Why did she have to be so stubborn? If she would have settled her attitude, then we’d be fine.

“You’re all set,” Rick said.

“Thanks, man.” I shook his hand.

He nodded, “No problem boss.”

 

Kennedi got inside the car with Rick’s extended hand. They drove off and I boarded the jet. We went faster this time and we got to New York City very quickly. I’d still be late because if this incident but it didn’t matter. I was the shot caller.

———————*Rick’s POV*———————

 

The boss called so I turned around and headed back to the strip. As I was driving closer, I could see that they were already outside the jet, waiting. I parked the limo and he carried Misses Kennedi’s suitcase and put it in the trunk. He asked her if she was sure she wanted to go home. She replied with a yes, so I lent her a hand and gently put her in the car. I told him we were all set and he nodded to give me approval. He watched us drive off. 

 

Kennedi was awfully quiet, so I stopped and bought her favorite ice cream. She seemed somewhat happier after this.

She said, “Thanks, Rick.”

I responded, “No problem, Missy.”

 

She was silent all the way home after that. I tried multiple times to cheer her up. I told jokes and funny stories that happened to me in my life. It earned me a couple of smiles and an occasional laugh. I had nothing else to share and so we rode home with nothing but the radio at low volume. 

 

She didn’t take a nap, and she didn’t ask to stop for something to eat. She just looked out the window as we drove. She looked as if she were deep in thought. 

——*Kennedi’s POV*——

 

We finally arrived home. I rang the doorbell, but no one answered. I got my key out and opened the door. I guess Florence went out. She’ll probably be back in a few. About twenty minutes later, she was back.

She said, “Oh, my. What are you doing here?” 

 I deducted she was surprised to see me. I guess Elias didn’t notify her I was coming back. He probably did but she wouldn’t have gotten the message because she was out. She must have went to the grocery store because she came back with a sack in her hand.

 

I said, “I didn’t forget. I don’t want to talk to you Florence.”

 

She was almost to shocked to ask, “What did I do?”

 

I responded, “You said Elias would love for me to go with him,” I paused, “He didn’t want me there with him.” I sobbed.

She said, “Hush, child. That’s ridiculous. Why do you think that?” She ran up to me and held me.

“Because he said so,” I replied.

She sighed, “He probably didn’t mean it.” She started to rub my hair but that didn’t distract from what she said.

 

I pulled away, “You sound just like him. He did mean it. Why say something you don’t mean?”

“People do it all the time, love,” she answered.

I did not believe that. “No. You’d take Elias’ side within a heartbeat. You don’t want me either,” I concluded.

 

I slowly backed away until I reached the door. I shifted, grabbed my clothes off the ground, put them in my mouth and ran into the forest to dip myself into water. That would eradicate my scent and also render Florence’s search useless. I went deep into the woods before I stopped running. I checked behind me and listened for footsteps. I didn’t hear any. I shifted back and put my clothes on. 

 

I think I was in another city or maybe another state for that matter. I heard something rustle in a bush & I was about to shift back and get into an attack stance, but it was just a rabbit. I had to stop being paranoid right now. I walked towards the lights I saw and walked into a hotel. 

 

I went right up to the desk and told the man on duty who I was. I was let into one of their best rooms immediately. I cried quickly but after that, I took a shower and watched tv. I ordered room service before I went to sleep. I ate steak, potatoes, and more ice cream. 

 

I’d wake up in the morning, check out and go wander. I just needed to stay for the night to clear my head. I’d come up with a plan in the morning. I don’t know where I’d run to or how I’d get there, but I was determined not to be Elias’ orphan who needed pity. He could have just left me to raise myself. I would have grown up just fine without Elias. 

 

I wondered what would happen if I actually ran and never returned. It would probably drive the pack crazy, especially Elias & Florence. Oh, my.

 

Florence never meant anything bad by her actions. She was just trying to help. I was calm now and I thought over my actions. Maybe I overreacted. I just hate that Elias thinks I’m a pity case. I didn’t need sympathy, I needed empathy. 

 

I got tired thinking about what could be and what could have been. I felt the sleep drowning me, surrounding me in the complete darkness.