Chapter 168: The Rock Canyon Bar-B-Q

We all finally arrived at the Rock Canyon training grounds for the Bar-B-Q. We all entered the area to smiles and pack members waving to us. James and Davidson escorted me and our children to a picnic table large enough for us to get comfortable.

When we arrived, my wolf was not on full alert like she had been in the past. Instead, she was aware, but not on alert. I would say that was definitely an improvement.

James made an opening statement welcoming everyone to the Bar-B-Q including Alpha Scott and Luna Yvette of the Blue Mountain Pack. The music started and the kids were already playing while the parents were chatting with each other. The mood at the Bar-B-Q was light and somewhat happy. It was vastly different from the last pack event.

Greyson and Owen were happily playing with other children their ages as were Cassie and Jackie. The Grandparents said they would assume babysitting chores for the grandchildren so all I had to do was take care of Joshua and Brianna.

I asked Davidson to walk around with me. I didn't want to sit there the whole time. I wanted to see what our boys and girls were doing. The boys were playing a game of baseball with the older boys and the girls were cheering them on. Davidson and I joined them sitting next to the grandparents.

You know me and playing ball. I was getting into it. I was calling the children by name when they made a good catch or made a good play or had a good hit, etc. Davidson and James were surprised that I knew their names.

"Baby, how do you know their names?" inquired Davidson with a surprised look on his face.

"I help out at the elementary school, remember? Besides, these are Greyson and Owen's classmates, why wouldn't I know who they are? I drop snacks and supplies off to them all the time," I explained to them.

"I didn't know you did that. When did you start dropping those off at the classroom baby?" James asked me.

"Since they started school in Kindergarten. Even if I had to leave it at the front desk, I left the supplies for their class and others," I announced matter-of-factly.

"So, you were the one who left snacks and supplies all this time? We were trying to figure out who it was so we could thank them. The front office worker wouldn't tell us who it was," declared James to everyone who was listening.

"I'm not surprised because it was Allison of Rock Canyon after all. She's never been a fan of mine. She ended up being banished for her hate messages against me. It's not important. I try to help out with what I can at school. The kids get hungry and need snacks, I will provide what I can. They need supplies, I will provide what I can. End of story. Now, can we please pay attention to our children playing ball?" I chastised them so I could watch them play ball.

"Of course, we can. I'm just surprised we never figured out it was you who was providing all of this to the elementary school," declared Davidson.

"Well, you weren't supposed to find out. That was the point. This was my contribution as a parent to my children not as the Luna. I was trying to be a good Mom," I exclaimed with tears in my eyes as I got up to leave.

"Where are you going, baby?" James asked nervous all of a sudden.

"I need a minute to myself if that's all right. I'll be back in a few minutes," I sniffled as I walked to the restroom.

James and Davidson exchanged worried looks and followed me at a distance. They didn't get too close to me but they waited respectfully outside the bathroom for me.

"Luna Sandra, are you all right? Is there anything I can do for you?" inquired a soft voice.

I turned around toward the soft voice to find Dr. Waters. "No, I'm all right. I'm just … my secret was exposed today and now … never mind. I just don't want people to read anything into what I was doing. I was just trying to be an ordinary Mom, not a Luna. Why is every little thing I do judged? When I try to be a Mom to just my children, I can't. I'm seen as selfish," I explained to Dr. Waters.

"Who said you were selfish?" Dr. Waters asked me.

"Allison when I started dropping off snacks and supplies for Greyson and Owen's class. She said that I should be doing it for all the classes since I was the Luna. I shouldn't discriminate against all the other children. I tried to explain I was trying to be a responsible parent not the Luna at the time. She said that's another reason why I would never be her Luna. I was selfish that way," I wept into my hands.

"I'm so sorry Allison said those things to you Luna Sandra. I'm glad she's no longer a member of our pack. What can I do for you right now to help you calm down Luna Sandra? Do I need to get Alpha James or Alpha Davidson?" inquired a very worried Dr. Waters.

"NO, you don't need to do that. Let me wash my face so I can get back to the game the boys were playing. I don't want to upset anyone. Thank you for listening to me Dr. Waters. This was very helpful," I thanked her as I splashed water on my face before we walked out of the restroom.

James and Davidson greeted us with worried expressions on their faces. We didn't say anything. I just motioned them toward the game and we walked back to enjoy the end of it.

When the game ended, everyone started to leave. Then out of the blue Elders Graham and Terrance made an appearance. Everyone was asked to assemble in front of the podium for a quick Pack Meeting.

Alpha James, Elder Terrance, and Elder Graham stood front and Center on the podium for the pack meeting. Davidson and I stood with our children and their parents in the front row.

Once everyone had reassembled, Elder Graham started the Pack Meeting

"Good evening Rock Canyon Pack

Alpha James told us last week that you all were having a Bar-B-Q today. We decided to hide devices in different areas to listen for comments and just general chit-chat from pack members to monitor the well-being of the pack. I must say, this pack has made tremendous progress.

Alpha James has noted that things have appeared to be much better. The pack appears to be happier than before. So, we thought we would come today to see for ourselves if he was right. We saw and heard happiness from almost everyone here today.

We overheard two rather perplexing conversations. One conversation was between two pack members who were talking about Luna Sandra's comments about the boys playing baseball. How she knew all their names. They thought it odd that she knew their names but also that she was cheering all the children on not just her own boys.

The other conversation that was overheard was between Luna Sandra and Dr. Waters. I don't think we were supposed to hear this particular conversation since it took place in the restroom, but I think it's important to mention it. Luna Sandra explained to Dr. Waters that her secret had been exposed of her giving snacks and supplies to the elementary school for the children. She started when her boys were in Kindergarten. She started giving the snacks and supplies only to her son's classes but was called selfish by another pack member. When she tried to explain she was trying to be a good parent to her children, that's when she was called selfish and told she would never become their Luna.

Luna Sandra was in tears in the restroom simply because she felt everything she did was scrutinized. She cannot do anything simply because she is a Mother to her children. Dr. Waters stated that she was glad the person who said those things was no longer a member of the pack.

I don't know if that sentiment still holds true, but I know what being a Mother means to Luna Sandra. She wants nothing but the best for her pups and all the pups in the pack. To be called selfish by anyone is nonsense.

Again, I must say that today, we have heard nothing but happiness and joy from everyone except those two conversations. I am happy to report that the Council has decided to take the Rock Canyon Pack off of Probation.

We will still be watching this pack closely. We will make recommendations to Alpha James when and if we think a good time exists for Luna Sandra of the Red River Pack to become Luna of this pack as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Alpha James or Beta Rafferty. Enjoy your evening. You are dismissed!" commanded Elder Graham.

After Elder Graham had dismissed the meeting, he came down to greet us all. We chatted for a few minutes before I excused myself. My head was beginning to hurt so I wanted to go home and rest. Before I was allowed to go home, Dr. Waters asked me to stop by the pack hospital so she could get a blood draw from me. She wanted to check my numbers. Since we were so close to the pack hospital, I acquiesced to her. After she got her blood drawn, she allowed me to leave. She would let me know if I needed to return or make any changes to my diet.

We finally made it back home. James and Davidson had Greyson and Owen help their sisters and brother get ready for bed. James escorted me upstairs to get ready for a bath.

All in all, the Bar-B-Q at the Rock Canyon Pack was a huge success. The pack has shown a tremendous growth since getting rid of the last bad apples. The Council is very happy with the pack. It seems like everything is finally calming down and people are accepting Sandra back into the pack as they should.