Goodbye

Goodbye
The Day Before Alexus Wedding

Alexus stood in the bridal shop staring at herself in the mirror. She wasn’t even in her wedding dress, and she felt no excitement. Stacy rubbed her back.

“Alexus…are you SURE this is what you want?” Giving her a small smile, she reassured her friend.

“I’ve wanted to be a wolf like my sisters for so long and Sam is really nice to me, it really is a win, win.” Stacy looked at Morgan and Rachel before shaking her head. She didn’t want to get between family matters, but she was having a hard time holding her tongue.

Little did she know, the sisters were as miserable as she was. Having to watch the pretend smile on their sister's face and her constant agreement that she wanted to be with Sam.

"There’s something about him I don’t like."

Morgan linked to Rachel who nodded her head.

"I caught him looking at me the other day…I told Alexus but she brushed it off."

She heard Morgan sigh.

"He was eyeing me breastfeeding Harper. Jordan told his watch his eyes before he ripped them from his skull".

Sam gave them really uncomfortable vibes, but it was like Alexus was on autopilot. She didn’t want to hear anything they said, only kept repeating. “Everything will be just fine.” Since her birthday, she was different, and though she wouldn’t speak about it, they knew it had something to do with Demetri.

She’d stopped walking past his place and made sure to stay away whenever he was there. Just the mention of his name brought so much sadness to her eyes. They shook their heads and walked out showing her the bridesmaid dresses she selected. Alexus clasped her hands together. “You all look so beautiful.”

Rachel lifted her head and then tapped Morgan.

"Annie’s outside, she wants to speak to us."

Walking from the bridal shop, they met with Annie. Looking at her hands, they notice she wasn’t carrying a box. She shook her head. “I’ve been wrestling with this since you asked me to make her dress and I’m sorry but the answer is no.” The two sisters were floored.

“H-her wedding is tomorrow.”

“It shouldn’t be and you both know that. And Annie’s dresses bring luck and happiness to marriages, I can’t condone this one.” Rachel's eyes saddened.

"She’s going to be so disappointed.” Annie scrunched up her face.

"Will she? That woman is completely numb, and you both are just sitting there allowing it.” They looked to one another.

"W-we ask her every day if she’s sure.” Annie folded her arms.

"Let me ask you something. The day you called Rachel to come to help you, did she asks are you sure? Did she shy away even though she was scared? Or did she come to your rescue no matter the cost?” She looked to Rachel.

“Did Morgan obey Jordan and Sterling's direct orders not to bring to save Elijah? Even if it meant you may be killed or did she come and help you, no matter what would happen?” They look to their shoes, realizing exactly what she was getting at. “You know why Terrence and I get away with so much stuff? It’s because we’ve NEVER hurt people who didn’t deserve it. We stand up for those who need it, and as such they stand up for us…you two are doing a disservice to your sister…why?”

They sighed. “She wanted to be a wolf for so long…we just want her to be happy…” Looking past them to the window she asked.

“Well is she happy? There’s a time to remain silent, and there’s a time to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. That woman worships you and for some reason, neither of you see the impact that has.”

“WE TELL HER ALL THE TIME WE ADORE HER!” Annie shook her head.

“Why don’t folks ever listen to what I say? I.never.said.you.didn’t.tell.her I said you don’t realize the impact. She is literally ready to forgo her happiness to be with you…she not marrying Sam tomorrow, she’s marrying you. She’s in love with Demetri. The woman doesn’t remember him and STILL is in love with him…and he’s in love with her, you don’t take a beating like that for nothing.”

They knew that, they felt it but they were afraid. Afraid that if they truly spoke up, Alexus would hate them. Afraid that she would think they didn’t want her by their side.

“What if she hates us…”

“Well that is a risk, but you gotta speak your peace with folks. What they do with it is on them.”

She caressed their faces. “Now I’m not telling you, that you have to break the rules…but what I am telling you, is to figure out how to bend them to your will.” She winked. “You two are smart. I suggest you figure it out because if you continue to remain as silent as you are…I’m telling you, you will regret it.” Hugging them both, she looked back to the window. “I am truly sorry about her dress, but until I see the right groom by her side, there will be no Annie original.”

As she walked away, the two sisters looked at one another. “We gotta at least try Morgan, no matter what happens.” Nodding, they walked back into the bridal store. Alexus looked at their empty hands.

“Where’s the dress?” Rubbing the back of her neck, Morgan looked at her sister and linked to Rachel.

"Ready?"

“Yep"

“Annie was too busy to make it…we’re sorry Alexus.” Alexus didn’t flinch.

"Oh okay, no problem. I totally get how busy she is.” Walking to the rack, she picked up a random dress. She showed it to them. “You guys like this one?” Morgan’s eyes widened.

"Do YOU like it, Alexus?” She shrugged.

“Doesn’t matter, just pick out something you’d think I like. You know my size. I need to go look at the reception hall anyway.”

“ALEXUS!” Rachel shouted. Making her turn around. She fiddled with her fingers. “Demetri’s leaving…for four months.” Alexus's eyes widened and they saw for the first time true emotions. “May-maybe you should go say goodbye.”

“I-I have to go.” She said dropping the dress and running out the door.

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Packing his last bag, Demetri looked to his castle. He sighed and turned to see Alexus running down to him. Colliding into him, she wrapped her arms around his waist.

“You weren’t even going to say goodbye?”

Demetri looked away. Inhaling sharply, he placed his head on hers. “I didn’t know how.” He heard her stifle her cry.

"Are you leaving because of what happened?... God…I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to-“ He lifted her head, and shook his no.

“I would never regret what happened.” He wiped a tear from her eye. She heard him whisper. “You’re going to make such a beautiful bride Alexus.” Her entire body shook, and he pulled her back in his arms. “Hey now…stop that, I’ll be back in four months.” She looked at him.

“I don’t- It doesn’t make sense…I don’t know you, but I somehow know you, and I think I-“ Demetri looked away again and Alexus looked at her shoes. “I just wanted to be with my sisters…” She was trying her best to tell him how she felt. Because seeing him packed and prepared to leave, was crushing her very soul.

He kissed her hair. “Be happy…You deserve so much to be happy.” Nodding, she murmured.

"I’ll miss you.” He inhaled and whispered low again.

“I’ll miss you more Little One.” Feeling her body still, she pulled away and looked at him.

“What did you call me?” Demetri remained silent, but his blue eyes locked with her. She repeated. “What did you call me?” He looked to the sky, and she heard him curse.

Leaning down, he clasped her face and kissed her deeply. Electricity shot through both of them, as she returned his kiss. Pulling away from her, Demetri threw his shades over his eyes. He moved a piece of hair from her face, then turned to avoid her tears. Climbing into his limo, Demetri placed his head in his hands as he rode away, to keep from seeing her cry.