Fifty Five

Fifty Five

AUTHOR'S POV

The news that their Luna was expecting had put the pack in a cheerful mood. The entire pack was in high spirits. Well, not entirely. The news of a new baby had ruined Tricia's mood, and left her troubled. Kaida and Thoran had refrained from making that announcement before that night because they had assumed that it would improve on what was already a great day for her.

However, they had unknowingly ruined it with their announcement. Tricia withdrew from the celebration quietly. Thoran and Kaida were so caught up with the pack mates' greetings that they didn't realize Tricia had left the gathering.

Tricia walked towards the magical lake, lost in thought. On getting there, she discovered Jaden looking over the lake, lost in thought. “Uncle Jaden?” She called out tentatively. The Gamma jumped slightly, startled. He placed a hand on his chest when he realized who it was.

“Tricia!” He called, raising his voice. “You startled me!” He added with a light laugh.

“I'm sorry, Uncle Jaden.” She replied softly, almost in tears.

Jaden went to her instantly, squatting to her level. “Hey, hey, don't cry. I'm not mad. You just caught me off guard, that's all.” He assured Tricia, pulling her into a warm embrace.

Tricia sniffed slightly before nodding. “Why are you here all by yourself, Uncle Jaden?” She asked innocently.

Jaden smiled gently. He moved to the rock, sat on it before patting the spot next to him. “You know that Luna Kaida doesn't seem to like me, right?” He asked with a pout.

Tricia nodded. “Do you know why she doesn't like you?”

Jaden shrugged slightly. “I do not know why.” He admitted. “But, I decided to give her some space after the announcement. It's supposed to be a special day for her. I don't want to be the one that ruins it for her.” He glanced at his watch then shifted his gaze downwards where Tricia sat. “Well, it's around eleven PM, so technically, it's still your birthday. So, why are you here?”

Tricia looked away silently. She didn't know how to explain her feelings to him. Jaden gently placed his hand on her head. “Hey, I told you mine, it's only fair that you answer.” He stated, humourously. “Besides, you know what they say, a problem shared is half solved.”

Tricia shifted her gaze back to him. “What does that mean?” She asked quietly.

Jaden crossed his arms and furrowed his brow as he considered the question. "Problem shared is half solved" means that when you share your problems with someone else, it can make them feel less overwhelming or scary and more manageable."

He paused briefly before continuing. "Think of it like this: when you're carrying a heavy burden on your own, it can feel like it's about to crush you or knock you down, right? But then when you share that burden with someone else, it can feel like the weight has been shared between you and that person, and you no longer have to bear the load alone. Does that make sense?” Tricia nodded. “Okay, good. So, what's wrong?”

Tricia sighed. “It's just that… Kaida and Thoran are having a new baby, and I am just scared about what will happen to me.” She said dejectedly. “They will be so focused on taking care of the child that there'll be no time for me. And I hate that.” She said with a little pout. “What if they don't want me anymore now that they have their own baby?” Jaden bobbed his head in understanding.

“I know your father is the Alpha of the Nyx pack. But what about your mother?” Jaden asked, his curiousity was apparent.

Tricia's countenance turned sorrowful, she bit her lower lip to prevent herself from crying. “She died.” She said mournfully.

“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.” Jaden uttered, as genuinely as he could muster.

“She did a lot of bad things.” She admitted with a shrug.

Jaden inclined his head slightly, he considered his next words carefully. “Do you miss her though?”

Tricia paused in hesitation, a moment later, she gave a hesitant nod. “I do miss her.”

Jaden considered her answer and they sat in comfortable silence for a couple seconds. Tricia broke the silence. “So, what would you have done if this was happening to you?”

Jaden glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I am not sure what I would have done is right for you, to be honest.”

“Just tell me, please.” Tricia pleaded with him.

Jaden sighed in resignation. “Well, if you insist.” He looked around to make sure no one was listening. “If I was the one in your shoes, I would separate myself first. If you abandon them first, then they won't abandon you when the child comes. By then, it won't be painful anymore.”

His words drove her to tears, and she could barely speak. “But, Thoran and Kaida… are… are nice to me. I… I don't want to leave them, they are my friends.” She choked out, in between sniffs.

Jaden shrugged. “That's why I said it might not be right for you. Only strong people can do it.”

Tricia perked up at that. “I am strong!” She exclaimed. “It's just that I don't have many friends…” Her words trailed off.

Jaden pulled her in for a hug. “I know how that feels. I may be popular, but I don't have any close friends either. Would you like to be friends with me?” Tricia nodded animatedly. “See, you don't have anything to worry about. I'm sorry that you're going through this, kid. It must feel worse that they announced it on the night of your birthday.” Jaden stated, his voice somewhat sympathetic. “But, as I mentioned before, don't worry. You still have me, and I'll never abandon you.”

As Tricia returned his hug, Jaden's smile grew broader and his eyes sparkled suspiciously. “It'll be just you and I against the world.”