Forbidden Mate: Awakening

~LILY’S POV ~

As the days passed, Audrey’s betrayal and the constant chase to find her took a toll on all of us. But we couldn’t rest or feel tired. We had to keep going, knowing every second mattered in finding Audrey and defeating Leo, who she was now partnering with.

In the midst of everything that was going on, I found comfort in being with my mom. She reminded me of the love and courage I have and always spoke supportive words to me. Even though her health worsened, she stayed strong, not letting the predicament break her spirit.

One afternoon, as the sun dipped below the horizon, I sat by my mom’s side, holding her frail hand in mine. Her once vibrant eyes now held a weariness that pained my heart. “How are you feeling, Mom?” I asked softly, hoping to offer some comfort.

She smiled weakly, the lines on her face deepening with the gesture. “I’m hanging in there, sweetheart,” she sounded so tired. “It’s just been a long journey…”

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. I wanted to protect my mom, to take her pain for her. But all I could do was be there for her, to offer my support and love.

“You’ve always been strong, Mom,” I said, my voice trembling with emotion. “You’ve taught me so much, and I’m grateful for every moment we’ve had together.”Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Her smile widened, “And you’ve grown into a remarkable young woman, Lily,” she said. “I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve become.”

Her violent coughs started again and I was rushed out by the nurse who ushered the doctor in to attend to my mom. I can’t explain how difficult it was to see my mother in that state. It was the worst feeling. Everytime I held her hand, it felt like her life was slowly slipping away but I refused to believe that.

As the days passed, my mom’s condition continued to deteriorate. Each passing moment felt like a precious gift, and I cherished every second we had together. We shared stories and memories, finding comfort in the bond we had not completely forged over the years. Now, I spent more time with my mom than I did when she was well. She was always busy but always caring, always reprimanding me but always treating me like her baby. Now, I was the one who sat beside her and treated her like my most precious person.

One evening, I found myself by my mom’s side once again. Her breathing was labored, and I knew that time was slipping away. “I love you, Mom,” I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. “You mean everything to me.”

Her hand gently squeezed mine, her touch feeble but filled with love. “I love you too, Lily,” she murmured. “Your birth brought so much joy into I and your father’s life. You are meant for great things… I’ll always be with you, no matter what happens.”

In that moment, I felt a profound sense of peace wash over me. My mom’s words reminded me that our love was stronger than any challenges we faced. Even in tough times, our love would be a guiding light to lead us through the darkness.

Still, I was afraid these were parting words and I didn’t want parting words from my mom when she’s on her sick bed.

As the days turned into nights and the nights turned into days, my mom’s condition worsened. The pack rallied around us, offering their support and prayers.

In their eyes, she was not just my mom; she was a beloved member of our pack, a guiding presence that had touched the lives of many. She was a mother to a lot of kids and adults in that grove, including Don, Jaxon and Theo.

The doctor had told my dad the survival chance percentage of my mom and I overheard, “It’s slim, sir…it’s just a 30% chance because her lungs are so damaged that even operating on them to replace them would be risky and cause her immediate death on the operation table.” I covered my mouth to stop the loud scream I wanted to let out and bolted through the door.

All I heard was, “She is going to die.”

•••••••••

As the days stretched on, the weight of my mom’s illness felt like an ever-present shadow hanging over me. I tried to stay strong and hopeful, but deep down, the fear of losing her ate my heart. Tyler, trying to be the supportive friend he wasn’t, tried to comfort me, assuring me that my mom would pull through and be eager to talk to me once she recovered. But the weight of my emotions made it difficult for me to see beyond my own fears.

“I know it’s hard, Lily,” Tyler said gently, “But your mom’s a fighter. She’s gonna make it through this.”

I nodded, trying to take comfort in his words. “I hope so,” I murmured, “I just can’t help but worry.”

Tyler reached out and gently squeezed my hand which I withdrew to my chest. He saw this and took back his hand. “I understand, but you need to have faith in her strength and in the love she has for you,” he said. “She’s not gonna give up, and neither should you.”

Despite his well-meaning words, I couldn’t bring myself to fully open up to Tyler. The fear and worry were overwhelming, and I felt a wall building up around me, shutting everyone out, including him. He noticed my hesitation, and though he tried to hide it, I could sense the hurt in his eyes.

Just as I was about to respond, Don approached us. He seemed to have healed a lot from his own sickness of his mind and I was genuinely happy to see him after such a long time and during this difficult time. I also noticed that after my dad and I, he frequently visited my mom too. At the thought of Jaxon, I shook my head. What was the point of thinking of him now? He was far gone and I didn’t care. How couldn’t he show up in a time like this?

Don seemed genuinely concerned about my mom’s condition and asked, “Hey, Lily. How’s your mom doing now?” His presence offered a welcome distraction from the weight of my own emotions, and I found myself opening up to him more easily.

“She’s still fighting,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “The illness is taking a toll on her, but we’re all hoping for the best.”

Don nodded sympathetically. “I know it’s tough, but your mom’s a strong woman. She’ll pull through,” he said. “And if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.”

I smiled gratefully at him. “Thanks, Don. I appreciate it,” I said.

As we talked, I could sense Tyler’s presence lingering nearby, and I knew he felt left out. But in that moment, I needed someone who could understand the depth of my emotions, someone who wouldn’t push me to be strong when all I wanted to do was lean on someone else. I needed Adrian but I had Don. Sarah would always make me laugh despite the fact I didn’t want to. She was always still there to be my source of happiness.

After a while, Tyler had gone to attend to his duties. I did feel bad that I couldn’t talk to him without feeling uncomfortable but that’s just how things had become between us, unfortunately.

Later that evening, as the moon cast a soft glow over the grove, I found myself sitting by my mom’s side once again. This time she looked partially ghostly and I got so scared. I wanted to cry but didn’t want her to see me like that. Her breathing was heavy, and it pained me to see her like this. I held her hand tightly, wishing I could take away her pain and make her better.

“I’m here, Mom,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. “I love you, and I need you to keep fighting.”

Though she couldn’t respond, I could feel her warmth and love radiating from her. In that moment, I knew I had to be strong for her, to hold on to hope and faith even when it felt impossible. She smiled meekly and I kissed her forehead.

The next day, as the sun rose in the sky, I saw Tyler approaching once again. He looked hesitant, as if unsure of how to approach me after our previous conversation. I knew I had shut him out, and I felt guilty for not opening up to him. But in that moment, I needed to talk to Don, someone who offered me comfort and understanding without any expectations. It was bizarre to think I had gotten much more comfortable with Don than anyone else I saw as friends in the pack.

As Tyler neared, I mustered a smile and nodded in his direction. “Hey,” I said, my voice softer than usual.

He smiled back, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Hey,” he replied. “I hope your mom’s doing better today.”

I nodded. “She’s stable for now,” I said. “Thanks for asking.”

We stood in silence for a moment, the weight of our unspoken conversation hanging in the air. I knew Tyler wanted to be there for me, but I couldn’t find the words to let him in.

Just then, Don approached us, breaking the awkward silence. “Lily, can I talk to you for a moment?” he asked.

I glanced at Tyler, and he gave me a reassuring nod. “Sure,” I replied, following Don a short distance away.

Don looked at me with concern and understanding in his eyes. “Lily, Sarah told me you’ve not been sleeping and eating well, and I’ve also noticed the tension between you and Tyler.” When he said so, he glanced at Tyler who was staring at us and then back at me.

“Did he tell you this?” I asked blankly.

“No, no he didn’t, Lily. I’ve just noticed it.”

I shrugged.

“I’m really worried about you. You don’t have to go through this alone,” he said gently.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I blinked them back. “Thanks, Don,” I said, my voice shaking. “It’s just… so much to handle.”

He rubbed my arm tenderly. “I know it is,” he said. “But you’re not alone in this. We’re all here for you, including Tyler.”

I nodded, feeling a rush of guilt wash over me. “I know,” I said. “I just… I don’t know how to talk about it.”

Don smiled kindly. “You don’t have to have to talk about it right now,” he said. “Just take one step at a time, and remember that you have a whole pack of people ready to support you through this. We all care about you, Lily.”

His words offered me some comfort, and I realized that I had been pushing people away, including Tyler, who seemed to genuinely now care about me. I needed to let them in, to share my fears and worries, instead of shouldering the burden alone.

“Thanks, Don,” I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “I’ll try to open up more.”

As we returned to where Tyler was waiting, I saw the concern in his eyes, and my heart softened. “Tyler, I’m sorry,” I began, “I didn’t mean to shut you out. It’s just been really hard for me to talk about everything.”

He nodded, understanding written on his face. “It’s okay,” he said gently. “I understand, and I’m here for you whenever you’re ready to talk.”

I smiled gratefully at him, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “Thank you,” I said. ”

He pulled me into a comforting hug, and I felt his warmth and support surround me. “I’ll always be here for you,” he whispered. “No matter what.”

It didn’t feel right to hug Tyler after all that had happened, mostly when I felt guilty for Adrian’s absence, and I knew he felt so too because he didn’t hug me tightly. But I was so broken…I needed someone, I needed comfort. I hugged him back and I heard him exhale into my back. I relaxed into him and for a moment, I felt relieved.

“Everything will be fine.” I heard him say as he rubbed my back.

If only it was and if only it was Adrian and not him with me at the moment.