Laura.
“Quit playing games, whoever you are. That's not funny.” Pain and anger were evident in his eyes.
He seemed like he was trying hard to stop himself from hurting a girl.
I felt guilty. I know it'd been hard for them to get pregnant and he must have thought I was making fun of it.
“Dad, I’m sorry. I didn't mean to. I was just carried away. Our relationship in the future will be like this. Me, teasing you to the core. Though sometimes you find it annoying but you couldn't resist laughing after those little harmless pranks–”
“Damn it! What nonsense are you talking about?!”
“Dad…”
“Stop calling me Dad!”
“But you are my father in the future. What am I supposed to call you then?”
“Fuck it!”
There, he lost it. He would not curse if he wasn't on the edge of his patience.
“You know, I’m sorry if I was rude to you. But I hate it when someone is trying to play me. You must be Lovi’s relative. I don't know why she forgot to tell me you are coming. Yet, you shouldn't have done that. I am married to Lovi and love her to the core. I don't want to give him the slightest reason to doubt my love for her. So, could you be so nice and stop whatever game you're playing?”
For someone who had been yelled at, I was the happiest. I knew my Dad was loyal to Mom yet, hearing those words from him just overwhelmed me.
I wished I could find a man who would love me the way Dad loved Mom.
“What?! Do you still think it's funny?” His eyes were blazing.
“David, honey. Why are you so mean to our daughter?”
Dad and I turned to Mom's direction. I didn't realize she was already there.
“Mom? I thought you were preparing for tonight's deed? What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I was about to. But the future Alpha came to my home and asked me why I was there when he knew I was heading to the garage. From then I knew you came here. I knew how stubborn your Dad was. He would not believe you right away, so–”
“Wait, care to tell me what is going on?” Dad cut Mom off.
“Let's get out of here, guys. Someone might have seen and heard us. Come on.”
“Who is she, Lovi? Why didn't you tell me you have a twin sister?”
“I don't,” Mom answered firmly. “I’ll explain everything later. Let's go.”
Mom pulled us to their car and drove to the nearest hangout place near the bay. It was better to hide from others' sight than explain everything to each of them.
As soon as we got there, we stayed inside the car. Mom opened the car window and let the wind enter.
We started explaining everything to Dad. At first, it was extremely hard for him to believe it. He even thought I was a lunatic who possesses the same face as Mom.
He was not the kind who easily believed in witchcraft. But when I told him the tales about his family that he shared with me when I was young, he slowly believed me.
“But how certain are you that conceiving you earlier than it should, will help you change your fate? Don't you think it would make things worse instead of making it better?” he finally said.
“I don't think so, Dad. I was conceived because of the potion. The grace from the rarest golden moon might give me luck and a better fate. Don't you think so?”
Dad stayed silent while Mom was holding my hand to console me and give me courage.
“Listen, Dad. For you to easily understand, I will give you an example.” I heaved a deep breath.
“It was like you were traveling to a far place. You have choices on how to get there. You can walk, run, or ride a car. You can still arrive at your destination but in a different state. If you walk or run, you will arrive late and exhausted. But if you travel by car, you will arrive early and energetic. It was the same with this situation. I might have arrived early in your life and in the better version of what I was supposed to be,” I eagerly and patiently explained to my parents.
Dad seemed to contemplate what I said while Mom became enthusiastic.
“That was good logic, David! She must be right. If we will conceive our offspring, it's good if we have her in her best version.”
Mom turned to me with a proud smile.
“Gosh, my daughter was really smart! I can't believe I was given an amazing daughter like you.”
“Eeehhh, Mom, you are flattering me.”
I clung to her arm and put my face on her shoulder.
Mom couldn't help but chuckle.
“I couldn't wait to have you, Laura.”
“In three months' time, we will meet again, Mommy.” I grinned.
“ I haven't said yes.” Dad interfered. “Your Mom couldn't get herself pregnant alone.” There was a hint of sulkiness in his voice.
I knew it. He was feeling out of place from our conversation.
I chuckled and snaked my arms around him.
“Dad, come on. Just agree with us. Don't you want to meet me earlier?”
“I already met you. You see? I am talking to you already.”
“Dad!”
I stomped my foot.
David suddenly chuckled. “Alright, alright. I will agree.”
“Really?”
My eyes glowed in so much anticipation.
“But on one condition."
“What?” I eagerly asked.
“When you were young, who did you cling more to, Mom or Dad?”
“Hmmm,”
“That's a good question,” Mom commented with excitement. “You have probably been clinging to me since you first approached me.”
“Ugh, that's because I was outside of the pack when she came. But I am sure she is a Daddy’s girl.”
Mom pouted at what Dad said. They started to tease each other. I could not help but watch them. Dad always loved to tease Mom but eventually, he would coax her. I think I got that thing from him.
“Come on, honey. Tell your Mom that you cling to me more.”
I rolled my eyes. “Nah, I don't want to answer that. You better see it for yourself. So, do it tonight."
The whole car was filled with laughter. We spent so much time laughing and talking about everything under the sun. And when it got dark, I asked them to drive me to the forest.