Chapter 9

Chapter 9
Happiness POV
I bolted out of the living room as fast as I could and dashed straight out the front door. Tears cascading down my face like an unending waterfall. I stumbled as I ran, tears blurring my vision as I ran. I ran until I could not anymore, my legs giving out, I felt my whole body fall in a heap on the hard ground. I laid there, motionless, too drained both physically and mentally to do anything else. I missed my parents, I missed them so much. There is nothing I would not do to have the chance to see them again. Tell them how much I love them and that I am doing okay. I want them to see how much I have grown and how strong I have gotten. My heart arched for my mom's overflowing affection and tender touches. It arched for my dad's proud smile and welcoming and warm teddy bear hugs.
All of the emotions that have been brewing and bottled up in me for all these years finally burst out of me like a strong current destroying a dam. The hurt and yearn finally surfacing, my tears were unending as I finally allowed myself to mourn for the first time the loss of my beloved parents.
"Oh my sweet human, Happiness, it is going to be okay love, I promise you." Mandel tried to comfort me. I was inconsolable, her words made me cry even harder. I knew that I needed to let all this out so I cried and cried until I had no more tears left to shed. As I laid on the group, hiccuping and sniffling, I felt nothing else but numbness. I slowly closed my eyes, exhausted from all the crying, and let sleep be my escape and take me away.
"Stay strong Happiness." I heard Mandel whisper before I fully lost consciousness.
I felt someone 's warm hand gently shake my shoulder,
"Happiness, little one, are you okay?" The familiar male voice spoke again after he heard no answer back,
"I am going to carry you okay little one? Everything is okay, you are safe." Too tired to move or speak, I let my body be picked up and cradled close to his chest. I instinctively snuggled closer to the person and focus on the sole sound of his heartbeat. The stable and constant beats gave me some peace and lulled me back to sleep.
When my eyes fluttered open, I looked around in confusion, completely disoriented from my surroundings. I blinked a few times, for my blurred vision to clear up before finally realizing that I was back in my bedroom. I did not remember how I got here.
"Mandel? How did I get here? What happened whilst I was asleep?" I asked my wolf.
"I'm not surprised that you don't remember human, you were barely conscious. Louis carried you back to the house after he found you asleep on the forest floor. You slept through all of yesterday, it is now the next morning. How are you feeling?" Mandel responded. I let out a deep sigh,
"I see, I need to go thank him then. I am feeling a tad better thanks." I got up and made my way to the bathroom to freshen up. I brushed my hair, picking out stray leaves from it, brushed my teeth, and washed my tear-stained face. Feeling refreshed, I then changed out of yesterday's clothes and put on a pair of comfortable black leggings and a loose plain sky blue t-shirt. Once I was ready and looked more presentable to be face to face with people, I took a breath in to calm myself before making my way downstairs, ready to face everyone.
Louis was the first to spot me,
"Little one! How are you feeling" he asked, as he approached me slowly. I gave him a small smile to reassuring him,
"I am feeling much better Louis, just a little hungry." Louis nodded,
"Well then come on little one, I'll be your personal chef and make you whatever you are craving." I followed him close behind as he headed towards the kitchen. I could feel everyone else's eyes on us as we walked, however, I kept my head down and never looked up to meet anyone's eyes, too afraid that they hate me for running away so abruptly without any explanation and completely ruined the game of truth or dare. I slightly used Louis broad back to shield me from view.
"Wait! Happiness, please sweetie, look at us." Claudia's voice rang out. Louise and I both stopped in our tracks. Louis stepped aside, and finally, I looked up and was surprised to see that there was no trace of anger or disappointment on their faces. Instead, everyone gave me soft and genuine smiles, their face holding no other emotions except for worry and concern for me.
"How are you doing Happiness? We were so worried about you." Claudia spoke up again. She came closer to me and placed a gentle and comforting hand on my shoulder. I placed my hand over hers and gave her a smile,
"I am doing better Claudia, thank you." Sydney then got up and rushed over to me, pulling me into a warm hug, burying her face into my neck,
"Oh, Happiness! I'm so sorry, you have no idea how sorry I am for asking such a personal question. I feel just awful, I should have been more aware and considerate towards your feelings.
"Her tone was filled with nothing else but regret and pain. I felt tears drip onto my shoulder as she hugged me tightly.
At first, I was surprised by the sudden hug, but I slowly wrapped my own arms around her and patted her back in a rhythmic manner, in hopes to comfort and calm her down.
"Tay, Taylor it is okay. I knew you had no bad intentions. You did not do anything wrong. As for me, I'm sorry for bolting like that, I should have said something." Taylor let out a few more heartbreaking sobs before slowly pulling away, wiping away few tears before saying,
"Thank you, Happiness, you are too kind and forgiving. You, however, have nothing to be sorry for. I shouldn't have been so intrusive." I smiled at her, to which she returned with one of her own, "It's okay Taylor, I knew you meant no harm at all." Louis smiled at our interaction,
"Well, now that that is settled, we need to get some food into you, little one, you must be hungry. Let us have breakfast everyone!" He pulled out a chair for me at the dining table and ushered me to sit. I smiled gratefully at everyone in the room as I sat,
"Thank you, Louis, thank you, everyone, for caring this much about me."
A plate of stacked pancakes and bacon on the side was placed in front of me, the aroma of sweet syrup and crisp bacon filled the air. Everyone joined me with their own plates and we all made small talks whilst we ate.