Chapter 23: There's Someone

****Lola's pov

Days passed, and I still held my grudges against Kira. We were back to acting like two strangers living together. If not for the frequent checkups on the baby, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be having any conversation. My bump has pretty much shown now; I had to request a change of uniform. I haven't seen the Queen ever since the incident, and I didn't bother much with that.

Sarah and I are quite close, and she pesters me about the care of my baby. I got to know about her, her background, and how she came to live in the palace.

Today was my day off, and due to my state, I have been given some free days to rest and catch my strength. After the last scare, I pretty much feel like a normal person, except for the cravings and the swollen legs. Also, today was a general gathering for the pregnant women in the pack; it is usually organized by the head of women affairs so we could get to know each other, share our struggles, and support each other.

On getting there, I discovered everyone had made friends with each other, and besides, I was the youngest one there. Some of them came with their mates acting all lovey-dovey. That would have been me and Robin, had things gone our way. Trying to mask my expression wasn't easy; more mates kept coming in, and the level of love shown was high. I was a loner throughout the meeting, and no one tried making friends with me. Not that I minded; it just stings a little.

We were given some basic essentials, and when they were asking for our baby names, the host was surprised I hadn't thought of a name yet, and she gave me the task of getting my child's name before the next meeting.

I actually had it in mind to get a name for my old, but the series of events happening made me barely have enough time for myself. I decided to stretch a little bit before going home as I thought of names to give him.

I thought of giving him my father's name, but it would only make me remember my parents and miss them. I was very sure everyone in my family, including Sarah, would have given my child a name; I wouldn't have the stress of searching for names.

Looking at how far I've come, my growth, and my current position, I must say I'm proud. The old Lola will be surprised at what the new Lola can do now. Had I known I would love cooking this much, I would have helped around the kitchen at home. Well, at least I'm a new addition to the people I call home. Looking like I hit a jackpot, the name came to me.

"Xavier". Xavier means a new house. The name signifies my baby as a new addition to the pack. It also means brightness, and that's what I had hoped for my baby—that he brightens anyway he is. I smiled victoriously, having sorted out his name and having a good name at that.

Hopping home, I changed my expression upon seeing Kira around. Kira looked at her, her face laced with concern.

"How long did you intend to do this, Lola". I kept still as I stared at nothing in particular.

"Let go somewhere". I tried hesitating, telling her I just came from an outing, but I wanted to clear the air between me and Kira, so I went reluctantly with her.

We passed through the market and went further into the pack. I never realized the pack was this big. We also passed a place Kira called the training ground. Young boys were training and fighting themselves, and I felt that was too early for them, but I'm not one to talk. Getting to another busy part, Kira beamed in satisfaction as she turned to me.

"I wanted you to have a taste of this before it gets more attention. Here is the new market place; it looks more modern and standard. The king had to help set it up. During one of his travels, he stumbled on a city with big shops and tall buildings. He said he wanted to introduce it to our pack and then started it here."

We entered a place that looked like a restaurant and went inside. The place actually looks beautiful; although we have a kind of this in our pack, it isn't this great. My pack back home doesn't use our mindlinks so much due to the fact that we had access to mobile phones. It was introduced to our pack, and we started using it. I was surprised when I got here, and I couldn't find a single phone here. Although the Mallapers Pack is a big pack, it seems to lack some development.

After placing an order for our food, Kira spoke

"Lola, I know I hurt you, but please, I don't want it to spoil our relationship. Lola, you made me happy once again; you gave me a reason to come back home every day. I don't believe I'm saying it, but your strength and tenacious energy are one to reckon with. See,  the king and queen are going to make up and forget this happened, but we don't want you judging me that way, Lola."

Kira stared at me, and I felt genuine love in her eyes. I held her hands, willing to put the past behind me and move beyond it.

"Thanks for everything, Kira; honestly, if it weren't for you, I don't know how I would have turned out. I hold nothing against you, and I want you to know bygones are bygones; we are good now".

Kira looks relieved as I smile and our food comes in. Well,  there goes our little moment. We ate as we talked, and I decided to tell her my thoughts.

"So I have been thinking: My days at the palace are limited; I want to venture into something else to be able to sustain my baby, and I need to start planning.

"You mean our baby, Lola? I'm ready to fend for you till you feel strong enough to work, but if you insist on working, I can pull you up with a few connections I have. What did you have in mind, trading?

I looked at her weirdly before speaking.

"I want to go into importation or building".

Kira stared like I had grown two horns. "Lola, that's a man's job; it will be hard to find your way in there".

"Believe me, Kira, that's what I want to do."

"Well, if you insist, I will see if I can pull a few strings." I told her about the meeting with the pregnant woman and how I found a name for my baby. She looks impressed by the name and has promised to give him a name while we all call him Xavier for now. I felt happy knowing Xavier wouldn't fill the void of a grandmother in his life.

Kira kept looking around, like she was expecting someone.

"Are you expecting someone?".

"No, I'm just admiring the beauty of this place; our pack is really growing, you know".

As soon as she spoke, a man who looked like he was in his early 50s came in. He looked neatly dressed, tall, and had little signs of white hair on his head. He looked towards Kira, and she smiled sheepishly. He made an attempt to come towards us, and the pieces began to fall together. I stared at Kira, as she looked like she had been caught.

"Kira, are you seeing someone?"