11

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the room as Lana carefully set the table. She moved with practiced efficiency, placing plates and silverware with a gentle touch. Beside her, Marissa arranged a bouquet of fresh flowers in a vase, while Evelyn meticulously folded napkins into elegant shapes.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air, mingling with the soft laughter and chatter of the three women as they worked. The tranquility of the scene stood in stark contrast to the tension that had hung over the house the previous night.

Lana glanced at Marissa and Evelyn, a small smile playing on her lips. “I think we’re almost done. This looks perfect.”

Marissa nodded, stepping back to admire their work. “Great job, everyone. Mom’s going to love this.”

Evelyn added, “I agree. It looks wonderful.”

Just as they were about to finish, the kitchen door swung open with a force that made all three women jump. Luna Maybel stormed in, her face a mask of fury. Her eyes locked onto Lana, and without warning, she crossed the room in a few quick strides. Before anyone could react, she slapped Lana hard across the face, the sound echoing through the room.

“How dare you!” Luna Maybel’s voice was filled with rage. “How dare you leave my birthday party yesterday?”

Lana staggered back, her hand flying to her cheek, which burned from the impact. She stared at Luna Maybel, shock and pain mingling in her eyes. “Luna Maybel, I... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“Sorry?” Luna Maybel interrupted, her voice rising. “You embarrassed me in front of everyone! Do you have any idea how that felt? How it looked?”

Marissa and Evelyn quickly moved to stand beside Lana, their faces showing a mix of concern and anger. “Luna Maybel, stop!” Marissa exclaimed. “This isn’t the way to handle things.”

Evelyn added, her tone firm, “You can’t just come in here and hit people. We can talk about this calmly.”

Luna Maybel’s eyes flashed with anger, but she took a step back, her breathing heavy. “Calmly? She ruined my birthday, and you want me to be calm?”

Lana, still holding her cheek, took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. “Luna Maybel, I didn’t mean to ruin anything. I had to leave because of an emergency. I’m truly sorry it affected your party, but there was no other choice.”

“An emergency?” Luna Maybel scoffed, her voice dripping with disbelief. “What kind of emergency could be more important than being there for me?”

Lana looked down, her voice quiet but resolute. “It was something I couldn’t avoid. I wish I could have stayed, but it was out of my hands.”

Marissa stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Luna Maybel’s arm. “Please, Luna Maybel. Let’s sit down and talk about this. There’s no need for violence. We’re family, and we need to support each other.”

Luna Maybel’s shoulders slumped slightly, the fight seeming to drain out of her. She looked at Lana, her expression still hurt but less aggressive. “You should have told me.”

“I know,” Lana replied softly. “And I’m sorry. I should have found a way to explain. But I promise, it wasn’t out of neglect or disregard for you.”

Evelyn nodded, her voice soothing. “Let’s all take a moment to calm down. We’ve put so much effort into this brunch. Let’s not let last night’s incident ruin today.”

Luna Maybel took a deep breath, her anger slowly giving way to the sadness underneath. She nodded reluctantly, glancing at the beautifully set table. “Fine. But this isn’t over, Lana. We will talk about this later.”

Lana nodded, relief washing over her. “Of course, Luna Maybel. Anytime you’re ready.”

As Luna Maybel turned and walked out of the kitchen, the tension in the room began to dissipate. Marissa and Evelyn immediately moved to Lana’s side, concern etched on their faces.

“Are you okay?” Marissa asked softly, touching Lana’s arm.

Lana nodded, though her cheek still throbbed. “I’ll be fine. Thank you both for stepping in.”

Evelyn gave her a reassuring smile. “That’s what family is for. Let’s finish setting up and make sure today goes smoothly.”

Together, they walked towards the kitchen, leaving the dining room behind. The bonds of family and friendship were stronger than the discord that had briefly threatened to unravel them. In the kitchen, Lana took a deep breath, letting the familiar routine of preparing food and setting the table calm her nerves.

Marissa and Evelyn moved with her, their presence a comforting reminder that she wasn’t alone. They worked in companionable silence for a few minutes before Marissa spoke up.

“You know, Lana,” she said, her voice gentle, “you did the right thing. If it was an emergency, you had to go. Luna Maybel will understand eventually.”

Evelyn nodded in agreement. “She will. She’s just hurt and angry right now. But she’ll come around.”

Lana managed a small smile, grateful for their support. “Thank you. I hope so. I just want to make things right.”

“You will,” Marissa said firmly. “We’re here for you, no matter what.”

The three women continued their preparations, the tension of the morning slowly giving way to a sense of solidarity and hope. Despite the challenges, they were determined to face whatever came their way together.
In the kitchen, Lana tried to hold herself together, but the weight of the morning’s confrontation was too much. She leaned against the counter, tears streaming down her cheeks, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. Marissa and Evelyn exchanged worried glances, then moved to stand beside her.

Marissa gently wrapped an arm around Lana’s shoulders, pulling her into a comforting embrace. “It’s okay, Lana. Let it out. We’re here for you.”

Lana buried her face in Marissa’s shoulder, her sobs growing louder. “I didn’t mean to hurt her. I just… I had no choice. And now she hates me.”

Evelyn rubbed Lana’s back soothingly. “She doesn’t hate you, Lana. She’s just upset. You know how she gets.”

Marissa nodded, her expression softening. “Lana, there’s something you need to understand about Luna Maybel. She’s been carrying a lot of pain and frustration for a long time.”

Lana pulled back slightly, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. “What do you mean?”

Marissa took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. “Luna Maybel has always wanted to be a mother, to give Alpha Sahan a child. But she’s barren, Lana. She can’t have children. And seeing you, knowing that you’re fertile… it’s a constant reminder of what she can never have.”

Lana’s eyes widened with shock and a new understanding. “I had no idea. I never meant to make her feel that way.”

“It’s not your fault,” Evelyn said gently. “It’s something she struggles with every day. Becoming the Luna was supposed to be her dream, but without a child, she feels like she’s failed in some way.”

Marissa continued, “That’s why she’s so harsh sometimes. It’s not about you, really. It’s about her own pain and insecurities. She sees your potential and your future, and it makes her feel inadequate.”

Lana sniffled, the tears slowing as she processed this new perspective. “I wish I could help her. I wish she didn’t feel that way.”

“You can help by being understanding and patient,” Marissa said. “Give her time to cool down, and then maybe talk to her. Let her know you care.”