Chapter 0103
Cara’s POV
“Is it time yet? Can we go?” Mia shouts excitedly.
“Not yet. We need to finish getting ready,” I respond for at least the tenth time.
“We’re going to DarkWood today!! And Ethan gets to come, too!” Mia exclaims.
All morning, she’s been so excited about her hospital appointment in Pack DarkWood. She has barely taken the time to eat her breakfast, too energetic to sit still.
Ethan smiles happily to himself, taking another bite of his own breakfast. As his mother, I can tell he’s also very excited to finally get a chance to go, but he’s trying to play it cool.
Like he’s steeling himself for something, I think to myself.
I shake the thought from my head, trying to stay focused on the difficult task of getting two very energetic six–year–olds out the door without forgetting anything.
“Are you coming with us, Honey?” I call to my best friend Ruby who’s sitting next to Ethan.
She shakes her head no, “I’ve got to spend time packing my luggage today. Now that Ethan has finished his competition and proved himself as the science champion-” Ruby ruffles his hair affectionately with her hand, making the boy smile wide and blush, “I’ve got to prepare for my trip.”
I frown slightly, sad that Ruby will be leaving us shortly. She’ll be off to study at the Illari School, a prestigious medical school that has been researching disorders like Mia’s. Ruby hopes to return with a cure.
But none of us are sure how long that might take.
We have no idea how long she’ll be gone.
This thought is still in my mind as I hug Ruby goodbye, holding on for a few precious extra seconds, and get the children buckled in the car to venture to DarkWood,
When we arrive at the hospital, Mia skips inside, eager to introduce her brother to all of her favorite nurses.
The little girl’s face falls and she notices we’re not exactly receiving a warm welcome.
Instead of smiles and “Good mornings!,” the people that pass us instead say nothing, not even looking at us.
It’s like we’re not even there.
The staff ignores us completely, leaving Mia feeling very nervous. “Why aren’t they being friendly, Mommy?” she whispers to me..
1/2
Chapter 103
+25 BONUS
I hold her little hand tightly, escorting both children to Mia’s appointment room. “I’m not sure… maybe everyone is just really busy?” I offer.
Mia bites her lip and shrugs, not convinced.
“You didn’t tell me it was going to be like this…” I hear Ethan whisper loudly to his sister.
“Usually it’s not! I don’t know….” Her voice trails off, disappointment noticeable in her tone. “Mommy, my belly hurts….”
“Shhh… it’s just the nerves making you feel worse. Try to stay calm. Remember the deep breathing we practiced earlier? Give that a try,” I attempt to soothe my daughter, knowing how strong emotions usually make her physical symptoms worsen.
I get the kids settled into the appointment room when Mia starts asking for a bottle of water. In our rush to leave the house, the kids forgot their refillable bottles, so I leave the room to find a vending machine to purchase water.
When I walk out of the room, I see a blur as a person walks close to me, nearly knocking
into me.
“Watch where you’re going, Your Highness!” a nasally female voice calls snidely.
“She doesn’t have to watch herself! The princess can just pay someone to look out for her!” another voice barks out a laugh.
I knit my eyebrows together in confusion. “What are you talking about?” I ask them calmly, keeping my tone light.
“Oh, I’m surprised you can see us with your nose in the air so high, princess!” one of the she–wolves laughs.
