Chapter 2 - The Awakening

Melanie

As we walk into the house an hour later than we should have, I’m greeted by Dad who picks me up and spins me around to which I end up squealing. “Babydoll, you’re growing too fast,” Dad says while smiling down at me, “I mean it was just yesterday Syl and I were running amok trying to stop you from destroying the couch,” Dad said with a mischievous glint in his eyes while ruffling my hair. “Not the hair Dad, and that was forever ago you need to keep up,” I said laughing at him while sauntering into the kitchen. I get what Dad’s trying to do. 

“Mom, what’s for breakfast?” I asked with puppy dog eyes. Staring at me she just rolled her eyes, “Since today is your birthday sweetie, you know what breakfast would be,” I squealed, “YES! Haha! One panettone French toast with mixed berries please,” imitating chef Alex Guano from the bistro down the road, mom said, “Coming right up ma’am.” A plate of Panettone French toast is placed in front of me looking exactly as beautiful as I pictured, I sniffed and savored the smell before I dug in, “Ugh… this is so good mom,” I moaned, “Can I have another?” I asked with puppy dog eyes to which she rolled her eyes and placed more French toast on my plate.

I was finally satisfied after having 3 different helpings of breakfast. I know that sounds a bit much but I'm a werewolf, and I have an appetite. “Your mom filled me in on what happened this morning,” Dad said after a few minutes of silence as we settled down in the sitting room. “How are you?” He prodded. I broke down into tears after he asked the question, I guess I wasn't as okay as I thought. 

I was pulled into a bear hug by Dad, we stayed like this until my sobs turned to sniffs. “It’s okay sweetie let it all out you'd feel better,” Dad said assuringly,” I'm okay now I think,” I said after a few sniffs. I watched Dad and Mom glance at each other before their eyes filmed over indicating that they were mind-linking each other. After a few beats of silence, Dad finally spoke.

“Babydoll, I know you normally share everything with Tasha but this you can't tell anyone, not Tasha no one do you understand?” Dad said, staring at me with all seriousness “But why? Tasha and I tell each other everything, there are no secrets between us,” I ask, “Trust me, sweetie, it's for your own good okay you can not tell anyone about this,” Mom said, “If the alpha finds out that we have a gifted Wolf in our midst, there's no telling exactly what would happen to that wolf,” dad said softly while glancing at mom, ”We just want to keep you safe okay, I know this isn't ideal but it's what has to happen.”

After the meeting with Dad and Mom, the house was left in a state of melancholy as I waded to my room. I felt troubled and downcast about having to lie and keep my powers a secret for the rest of my life. While I stretched out on the bed Mom walked in, “Sweetie, I know I promised that we would spend the day together, but there was an emergency at the office. Tasha is coming over so you girls have fun okay,” she said as she walked to where I lay, placing a kiss on my forehead before heading out. 

Two hours later 

I'm sitting on the loveseat in the sitting room watching my favorite show, the door opens and Tasha walks in with a large smile on her face and the ridiculous birthday hat we wear on each other's birthdays, “All hail queen Melanie,” she sang in a very ridiculous high pitch tone, “Thank you my royal subjects, it is an honor to stand before you here today,” I said while giggling. 

“Happy birthday Melanie,” Tasha squealed before pulling me into a hug, “How does it feel to finally be 13? I can't wait for the ceremony later today, speaking of which we have to get you ready for tonight,” I chuckled then sighed, “I'm just happy that we’re here together I guess it's not a big deal.” Staring at me like I had grown a second head Tasha laughed, “You’re joking right? You have been so excited for this day and it’s not a big deal?” I shrugged in response, rolling her eyes, she said, “I guess it’s the jitters, we're going out to Trinity Spa, I cleared it with your mom.”

Super excited to get my nails and hair done I ran upstairs to grab my shoes. I know it might not sound like much but my hair is a real piece of work, full 4c afro hair which I inherited from my mom and I love it. As we walked to the spa we talked about what styles and nail colors we’d be getting. 

As we approached the spa I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and giddiness. When we entered the spa, I had to take a deep breath because the ambiance of the spa just makes you relaxed. I felt at peace at that moment. Everything about the place from the bouquet of chrysanthemums hung at the entrance to the calming scent of lavender and eucalyptus floating through the air or the mural that sits perfectly on the white walls sends soothing sensations throughout my body.

We walked to the front desk where Dina, the receptionist, attended to us. “An appointment with Jesse for the Wilsons,” Tasha said with a smile on her face while twirling her hair as Dina checked for the appointment. 

Smiling at us, Dina handed us the tags to wear on our wrists as we walked down the hall, I couldn't help but point out, “I just love the decor in this place it's so amazing and relaxing,” Tasha replied, “I know right, so what do you want to do first? We've got the better part of today to relax and enjoy ourselves.”

“Let’s go get our nails done,” I said with an enthusiastic smile on my face, “Alrighty,” we walked to the hair and nail section and sat down on respective benches while waiting for Jesse.

We use the time Jesse isn't here yet to select what nail style we want done. Jesse walks in 5 minutes later. “Hey, ladies, the birthday girl at my salon, what an honor. So what am I doing for you guys today?” Jesse said with a smile on her face. 

“I want these almond-shaped French nails,” I said while pointing at a gorgeous French nail style with intricate designs. “Okay, good taste birthday girl, what about you Tasha?”  Jesse said while smirking.

****

After we got our hair and nails done it was time to prepare for the ceremony, we had agreed to prepare at my house. 

After having our baths it was time to get dressed, I was to be dressed in a white dress signifying purity for the silver bath. 

I opened my closet to reveal the flowing White dress Dad bought for me, Tasha came in from the bathroom to see what I was staring at, “Wow!” was all she could say once she saw the dress, “I know right, this dress is so perfect and it's gonna look even more perfect on me,” I said wistfully. “Hurry up! Put it on I wanna see,” Tasha exclaimed.

I chuckled as I lifted the dress of the hanger and stood with it in front of the mirror admiring it before I put it on. 

Wearing this dress gave my anxious heart a sense of calm as I felt special in it. “Wow! Girl you look fire,” Tasha said with admiration on her face. I stared at myself in the mirror, the dress rested beautifully on my caramel skin making my big brown eyes pop. My beautiful afro hair was styled with braids and bands pulled back to form a giant bun. I looked like a warrior princess. 

I heard footsteps echo outside my door, the door opened revealing my mother. “Sweetie are you guys… wow!” Mom said with tears in her eyes she moved towards me, “Oh sweetie, you look stunning,” Mom said gazing at me “She does, doesn't she,” Tasha said with a smirk, “Mom stop you'd make me cry too,” I said laughing while brushing away tear strands, “I'm sorry I can't help it, you look so beautiful baby,” mom said as she pulled me into a hug with a forehead kiss. 

“Okay enough gushing or we’ll be late, it's time to go,” Mom said as she turned around to leave. I rushed to wear my sandals as Tasha and I left the room. “Gosh we look so good,” Tasha said. As we left for the packhouse, I couldn't help but feel a sense of expectation for the night yet to unfold.