I sit immersed in the warmth of the bathtub, the hot water enveloping me as I hug my knees tightly to my chest, seeking comfort in the smallness of my curled form.
My gaze drifts into the swirling steam as I stare into nothingness, my mind a tangled mess of thoughts.
The hot water, meant to soothe, only intensified the aching discomfort that lingered in my body, pulling my mind back to the haunting event in the woods that I desperately wanted to forget.
I close my eyes, trying to think about something else, anything to distract me from the turmoil within.
In that stillness, fragments of laughter and shared moments flooded back—memories of Craig and me, vivid and bittersweet.
I found myself reflecting on how far we had come, the journey that had intertwined our lives in ways one could barely comprehend.
Filled with laughter, challenges, and unspoken words.
Craig and I were childhood friends. We grew up together since my dad was his father's beta, and he was my big brother Sean's best friend.
So they basically tugged me along whenever they went on their countless adventures. Like their shadow.
I have had poor health since childhood due to an underlying heart disease. I was weaker than an omega; I couldn't withstand the cold, making me the topic of ridicule by children my age.
The omega daughter of a beta. They'll sing.
Jemima was the only friend I had, but since her father was a gamma from another pack, she only came around to spend a few days with her grandmother in our pack after months away.
Without her around, I sometimes acted unbothered and tried to hang out with other kids, but they would purposely introduce strenuous activities, ones that I couldn't keep up with.
Sean felt burdened and took it upon himself to accompany me often at the expense of his own fun with Craig.
Craig was someone who liked to pull pranks, and since I became a part of their lively escapades, he would often pull those pranks on me when I least expected them.
My poor heart couldn't take it anymore.
I got sick.
But Sean got furious. He blamed and complained to Craig; he'd stop hanging out with him if he continued to treat me that way.
After that Craig changed; he hung out with me, even when Sean wasn't available.
It was then that it dawned on me: I had been attracted to Craig from the very beginning—his confidence, his bad-boy arrogance, and the unmistakable air of danger that clung to him, lending him a gangster aura.
Like the notorious mafia boss portrayed in fiction.
I was only twelve.
But little me had liked him, even when he stood taller, and I had to look up to see his face.
Craig was four years older than me, and I believe that mature vibe surrounding him ignited in me a kind of dark allure that I couldn't resist.
An obsession.
However, during one of our adventures at a cliffside with Craig. I was pushed down.
Just when I thought I would fall to my death. Or probably get devoured by the lurking rogues below.
Against all odds, I caught onto a sturdy old tree, the rough bark scraping against my skin as I dangled dangerously.
I woke up a week later in the hospital. My parents informed me they'd found me three days after I'd gone missing.
Outside the pack gates, with all my wounds treated.
And Craig had narrated to them how we split up following a rogue attack.
They believe someone might have saved me because they had searched nonstop but with no traces of me.
They had even accepted I died since there was only a slim chance of me surviving out in the woods, with those hungry rogues lurking around.
For starters, I didn't believe Craig. I remember it clearly; I was pushed. I tried to explain to my parents Craig was the one who pushed me.
But they dismissed my words, saying I hadn't fully recovered, and my brain was fabricating stuff.
How I survived hanging on the old branch, and the person who treated my wounds and brought me home, I still can't remember to this day.
That evening, I was startled to find Craig standing in my hospital ward. He was shedding tears uncontrollably as he watched me sleep.
There, he confessed that he had indeed pushed me, but it was an accident. He only wanted to grab me since I was too close to the edge and he was afraid I'd fall, but he rather tripped on a root and ended up pushing me off.
He swore he lied to my parents because he was terrified.
I realized then I misjudged him.
I kept his secret. I crossed my heart and hoped to die should a soul hear what actually transpired.
We became a real couple since then. Inseparable.
Our bond was a topic of admiration among the pack members and our parents, who often marveled at how perfectly we fit together.
Craig made me feel special, loved, and undeniably wanted. His pampering was first class, nothing short of luxury. I couldn't imagine a better companion to navigate this life with.
Since then we'll visit the cliff where it all began. It became our sacred place, a place we visited away from the pack to spend some time alone.
A reminder of the bond we now share.
That place held beautiful memories, sacred memories of Craig and me, but now, that very place felt like a nightmare, a monstrous existence that would forever haunt my thoughts.
Knock…!
Knock.
A soft knock on the door drew my attention.
"Sunshine, are you alright?" "Mom's worried voice inquires. Keeping my voice steady, I reply,
"I'm fine, Mom; I'll be out in a jiffy."
"Okay, love," she says but doesn't leave immediately, as I could see her shadow beneath the door.
I reached for the scrub and began scrubbing as gently as possible. After scrubbing my entire body, I wash up, step out of the bathtub, and slip on a bathrobe after wiping myself dry.
~~~
Twenty minutes later, I step out of my room in an oversized pink turtleneck sweater, concealing the hickeys and bruises that marred my skin, blue skinny jeans, and black ballerina flats.
Deep down, I know I need rest so Thalia can regain her strength to heal my wounds. But the nagging worry refused to let me rest—I have to see Craig. I need to know if he was safe.
Just then my phone on the nightstand dinged with notifications. I pick it up to check; it's a message from Jemima.
I open it, and a picture of Craig and Bella walking out of Craig's bungalow greets me.
Bella's hair is wet, and so is Craig's.
The words,
"I thought Craig hated Bella's guts" was written below it.
My heart did a flip inside my chest as I shuddered involuntarily.
I trust Craig; this is definitely a misunderstanding.
Right?