Chapter 22 – Beg for forgiveness and work for us
Rue’s POV
The silence made the scratching of Iris’ pencil loud. The rhythmnic sound was occasionally interrupted by frustrated sighs.
I looked up from the file I was reviewing and caught her nibbling the rubber end of the pencil, eyes fixed in concentration. It was like looking at a younger version of myself.
Suddenly, she looked up from her book “mommy?”
“Yeah” I pushed away my file and opened another
“When will Percy come again?”
For a moment, I wondered why recently her questions have been so difficult to answer. Though Percy has been around a few times, Iris had already started to get used to him. A day would never pass by without her asking that question.
“Why?” I answered with a question of my own
“Actually,” she put her book over her face, something she liked to do whenever she spoke of things she deemed embarrassing.” Remember I told you about father’s day? Well it’s coming up and…can you tell Percy to come?”
The love she currently held for Percy was something I had once seen towards Aiden, but the latter had chosen to betray us.
“Why don’t we finish the assignments first, okay? We will then talk about Percy.” I smiled
She sighed but nodded obediently before getting back to her own work.
Later into the night, my eyes were still fixated on the glowing computer’s screen, fingers tapping the desk. Sneakily, my mind brought up Aiden’s encounter, his voice sharp and jeering, Compensation for the three years of our marriage
I started wondering if all the love, pain, betrayal, and everything he did could be balanced by a number on a piece of paper.
Thinking about it annoyed me. I shut down the computer and went to my bathroom where I splashed cold water on my face.
I knew he didn’t have control over me anymore, but his actions still annoyed me to the core. It was like he was on a destiny-sent mission to make me suffer emotionally. I decided he wasn’t worthy of being even in my thoughts.
I returned back to my desk and retrieved a stack of medical files, some mine and some the shaman’s. I recorded every success and failure in the medications, and every combination we had tested and those we hadn’t.
Countless hours later, I fell asleep on the desk.
When your mind is fixated on something, time flies. So just like that, with indulged studying, testing and reading, three months passed.
My diligence and hardwork paid one dawn when I chanced on a breakthrough. A formula that would not need the white wolfsbane element, one which Lauren had chosen to selfishly withhold from us.
In addition to that, I had achieved a perfect balance for body reinforcement and offense against the virus.
1/3
1 straight away went to the shaman’s home and handed him my research and proposed cure The shaman adjusted his glasses and scanned the report in silence.
After what seemed like an eternity, he looked up “You never cease to amaze me,”
My tired eyes lit up.
“It might actually work.” He said “I’ll have this tested. But It’ll take a while to get the results.”
I needed patience, one that I didn’t have time for. Anxiety had gnawed on me for the longest period as the infection wasn’t slowing, it was still spreading. I hoped it would work because most of the people I knew had contracted it.
In the afternoon, I travelled back to Half Moon Pack to check on Vicky. I found her still weak, thinner than the last time I had seen her, and pale.
Her mother and brother who were tending to her were also sick, but not as bad as Vicky. They were still on the early stages of the infection.
From my bag, I took out the medicine that slowed down the infection, one I brought from Blood Claw Pack. I crushed it and mixed it with a little bit of water then had the trio drink it..
Like magic, color gradually creeped back to Vicky’s cheeks, relief softening her features.
“You risk too much, you didn’t have to come in here. What if you get infected?” Vicky’s voice was now way clearer
“I won’t” I assured her
“Thank you Rue, you have been a really good friend. I owe you.” She smiled as she clasped my hands between hers
“Its nothing” I responded standing up ” use this once, every day. It will be enough to last all of you for two weeks.
I handed her a box of tablets.
After saying goodbyes, I left her home and began my journey back to Blood Claw. Unfortunately, I ran into Sora, the torment of my past.
Fate always seemed to bring her my way every now more than often. I had gotten used to her presence which was always there whenever you didn’t want her around. But understandably, I was in her pack, which put me on her path.
She leaned against her car, arms crossed and a smile so wide it would split her face.
“Rue, what are you doing here?” she sneered ” running errands as a maid? I have to tell you, its really satisfying, scrubbing floors after leaving Aiden.”
I didn’t feel the need to tell her anything. I tried to step past her but she put her hand to block my way.
“Aiden’s sick,” her smile faded.
I felt the need to tell her I told you so but I kept my silence.
“He has the wolf virus. Our family is willing to be generous. Just quit that little job of yours and come back and care for him. We will even forgive you if he gets better.” she said “…and also pay you more than what Blood Claw does.”
“You will do that?” I asked, ” For me?”
23
+25 Bonus
Before she even responded, Veronica, her mother, appeared. She looked pale and feverish, the virus had gotten to
her too.
Even though she was sick, her eyes were still filled with some sort of bitterness or disdain.
“What are you doing back here?” she asked “Trying to get back to Aiden?”
“Uhm, no” I shook my head
“You want a handout? Compensation?” she shot again
I folded my arms. “Compensation? You think any amount will be enough for our failed marriage?” I tilted my head “I don’t need any handouts or compensation.”
“I hear you have latched yourself to a new man. Isn’t he capable enough to provide for your sick…”
“Veronica, this is just a suggestion. Choose your next words very carefully, or else you’ll be asking for a lesson.”
Her nostrils flared and her eyes widened at the blatant threat. I glared at the duo for a second then sauntered away.
I found my mom waiting for me back home. She inquired if Vicky was alright then practically forced me to sit with her.
“Whats wrong?” she asked
“Nothing,”
“Your face says otherwise” my mother retorted
“I ran into Sora and Veronica today,” I said darkly, “they still think they can bully me into returning there.”
“The gall of them.” Mom’s face shifted” if they think they can do that I’ll go and confront them”
I smiled faintly” don’t worry mom, they’ll come to me groveling, soon.”
Her eyes softened, but her jaw stayed tight. “If they push too far, I’ll go to them myself.”
I laughed, wrapping my arms around her, “relax.”
Two weeks later, the news came.
The shaman called me, his voice high with excitement ” Rue, it works. The test subject is healed completely. Your formula worked.”
I nearly dropped the phone. My knees gave out, and I sat hard on the edge of the bed.
For a long moment, all I could do was breathe. Relief, joy, disbelief-all tangled together.
Comments
Support
Share
+25 Bonus
