Chapter Seventy-seven: Time to go

It isn’t long before Mandy goes into labour, only three days after our meeting. So far, no one has said anything outside of the meeting I held, which I’m very happy about, it just cements the loyalty everyone had in the room.

I wait patiently in the dining room whilst having breakfast with Nuria, Elijah and Loretta. I received an update that she went into hospital last night with contractions and had been kept in by doctor Lowe for monitoring.

I can’t help looking over towards Elijah and Loretta who are enjoying each other’s company through casual conversation, mainly aimed towards training, even though I can see hints of sadness in Elijah’s eyes. I can see from time to time Loretta looking into his eyes, unsure as to why he’s sad, but I never hear her press on it. I’ve not yet spoken to Elijah or Nuria but they agreed to be ready for when the time comes.

I make sure to eat everything the Omegas have made for me, which consisted of a ham and cheese omelette, along with bacon and fried toast. I’ve asked Jorge to provide some baskets of food for me under the guide it was for some of the warriors who were going outside the pack border for a while.

As we eat, Jorge finally comes out with the prepared baskets, leaving all three of them on the table behind me.

“Thank you Jorge, I’ll personally send these across.”

Jorge bows respectfully. “As you wish Luna. Next time please do let me know who they’re for an I’ll send them over.”

I smile at him, not wanting to give any hints away that this will be the last time I see him for a while. He does look me in the eyes for a few moments before heading back into the kitchen.

I finish up my food, and is if right on cue, I receive a mind-link.

“Good morning Luna.” Doctor Lowe starts. “You have a brand new member to come meet. Mandy is ready to have you round first, if you don’t mind?”

“Thanks Doctor Lowe. Is there anything else I need to know?” I ask, hoping she’s given the Doctor specific instructions.

“She’s asked me to speak with her Mother, Father and sister after yourself and ask they come round in a few hours.”

I smile, finding it brave she’s invited me before anyone else, especially her Mother. But she knows I want to get out whilst everyone is distracted and I praise her for it.

“Thank you, Doctor. I’ll be over shortly.”

I stand from the table. “Mandy’s little one has arrived. She’s invited me over.” I look to Loretta who’s looking up to me, probably expecting news herself.

“She’s not mentioned anything else, but I think Doctor Lowe mentioned she was reaching out to everyone.”

Loretta nods her head and smiles, but stays seated. I see Elijah reach his hand to hers and I turn away for a second to keep my composure.

I give a quick look to Nuria and Elijah, hoping they understand my signal that it’s nearly time to go.

“I’ll see you all later, I’m going to head over to the hospital now.” I say, and head for the door after they all respond with their goodbyes.

I keep my thoughts focused on seeing Mandy and her little one, wondering if she’s had a little boy or girl. I smile, knowing that Lukas would be proud of her no matter what. When I first met Mandy, I remember being bold, energetic and on the verge of crazy. Now she’s a Mother. Oh how I would love to see Lukas’ reaction to the news.

I feel sad for a moment, but then pucker up my spirits as it’s not the time for this. I walk up the steps to the hospital and see Doctor Lowe speaking to the receptionist. She turns to see me and smiles.

“Hello Luna, I hope you’re well. I suspect you’re here to meet the little one? Come this way.”

She takes me up to a secluded room on the end of the corridor to the right on the first floor. She waves me forward, seemingly not going in herself first. I smile at her and she backs away, heading back down the stairs.

I give a small knock on the door and open it gently, not wanting to wake anyone up if they were sleeping.

When I enter the room, I see Mandy sitting up on the hospital bed, feeding the little one at her breast. I smile, knowing Mandy would have been adamant to feed her baby herself, wanting to give her the best start to life.

I look to the left side of the room and see Nolan sleeping heavily, slightly snoring. I breathe out a chuckle, not wanting to wake him. I look back to Mandy who bids me to come over by bobbing her head towards her.

I walk towards her and take a seat next to her, giving her the privacy to feed the baby.

“Hi Aliana, are you ok?” She whispers, not wanting to wake Nolan up.

I smile at her. “I’m fine….how are you? How’s the baby?”

She looks down at her child preciously. She moves the baby without issues, probably because the baby is now soundly asleep and has unlatched.

“I’m fine. Everything went perfectly…..she’s perfect.” She says with a huge smile on her face, continuing to watch the little bundle in her arms.

The little baby girl has what seems to be a full head of hair already, black from what I can tell, taking after her mother I suppose. Her cute button nose scrunches up as I watch her snuggle into her Mothers arms.

“Aww Mandy, congratulations. She’s so precious!” I whisper shout, excited to learn she’s had a mini version of her, but trying to be quiet so I don’t wake Nolan.

She looks up at me, still with her huge smile on her face. “Would you like to hold her?” She asks.

I beam at her. “Yes please, I’d love to.”

She shuffles slightly but I stand and step over to her, holding my hands out, not wanting her to strain after pushing out a baby.

She places her little girl into my arms and I adjust myself as smoothly as possible, watching the baby as I move my arm to let her lie down comfortably as she adjusts herself. Once I know that she’s cosy, I sit back down in the chair again, smiling down at the little joy in my arms as she sleeps peacefully.

I look back at Mandy who is looking down at her daughter in my arms. “Have you both thought of a name yet?” I ask, intrigued that she’s not mentioned it.

She looks over at Nolan and smiles. “We’ve got one in mind, but we’ve not completely agreed yet. We’re wanting to speak with our parents to see if they approve it. Would you like to hear it?”

I nod my head and give her a look that says of course. She holds her hands up with a cheesy smile on her face. “Okay, okay. Of course I knew that was obvious. We really both like the name Rochelle Vivian. It’s unique, just like our darling daughter.”

I smile at her, loving the name they’ve picked. “I love it. It’s definitely a name worthy of your daughter.”

I look back down at the small baby in my arms who is sleeping soundly and hasn’t stirred at all since being moved. I feel tears prick the back of my eyes knowing that the next time I see her, it may be months, years…..I’d never be able to tell how long I’ll be away for. I clear my throat, wanting to stay clear of showing my emotions, and I look back to Mandy as I stand up.

“It’s time for you to go, isn’t it?” She asks, and I can feel her sadness washing out of her, the tears in her eyes confirming the feelings pouring out of her.

I nod my head sadly. “Yes. I hate this, Lukas should be here with you.” I say, frowning at the little angel in my arms. “But I’ll bring him back, I promise. I just need you to look after little Rochelle and be ready for the out lash that may happen when they figure out we’re gone.”

She gives me a small smile, trying to hide her sadness. I carefully move the baby over to Mandy, allowing her a few moments to cradle her to make sure she settles back down after being passed about.

“I’ll need you to look after Loretta as well. She doesn’t know but I know she is aware something is up. Elijah’s emotions are everywhere just now as he can’t tell her what’s happening. She’ll need support.”

I look at her and the baby and instantly feel bad for asking her, putting this burden on her when she already has a lot going on, but I know their sisterly bond will help Loretta through this.

She nods in agreement. “I know what you’re thinking Aliana. I’ve just had a baby. But if anything, I know that her being with me and looking after this little one will be what she needs, and if I’m honest, so will I. We’ll watch over her, don’t worry.”

I lean over the bed and give Mandy and the baby a gently hug. “I pray to the Moon Goddess that she watches over you and your daughter.”

“And I the same to you, sister. Good luck. Find me my brother.”

I stand and take a look at Nolan who is still peacefully sleeping. I suspect he was up all night probably watching Mandy and their daughter. I say a silent goodbye to him and wave at Mandy and turn to exit the room.

I head back to the pack house and when I reach it, I find Melinda, Markus and Loretta heading out the door. They look at me and smile, Melinda unable to contain her happiness.

“Mandy’s had her little baby, Aliana! We’re going to go and see her. I’m so excited to find out what she’s having!” She near enough screams in excitement. I smile at her, knowing she’s not had a chance to smile since before Lukas went missing.

I smile at her and look at Markus who has his Lunas arm around his own. I nod at him and he does the same in return, a sincere smile I’ve not seen since….since Lukas went missing. I look to Loretta who obviously hasn’t told them I’ve met the baby but she smiles at me and I can see an excited gleam in her eye.

“Enjoy, please give Mandy my regards….and I’ll see her later.” I say with a short smile. Again, Loretta says nothing and I can see she’s in deep thought about something else.

They wave at me as they walk towards the direction of the hospital. I head straight into the dining room and grab the baskets of food Jorge thankfully prepared for me this morning.

I head into the guest room Nuria is staying in and find her and Elijah already there, with some belongings on their backs. I pass them a basket each, and walk to the side of the room where my own bag which I prepared yesterday is. I go down on one knee to place my food basket inside and turn to look at my friends.

“It’s time to go.”