Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Legaxy

I am not careless.

I was just a bit… distracted.

Yeah, that's it. That's the ultimate reason I could come up with and in fact, it's the most honest one I got.

I could lie if I really wanted to save my ass. Though, I won't because this time, there's no one to blame but me.

It was all my fault.

After that phone call from Ms. Dawn — more like demanding me to deal with her mates who will be arriving this Wednesday, at the Hotel, to spend a holiday, I was quick to realize that I'm not holding any VIP invitation.

I do recall setting it on a flat surface, one I do believe was a storage cabinet. However, being preoccupied with the idea of answering the call, I never really paid much attention as to where I had placed the card.

What's worse about the situation — apart from not paying attention to what I was doing and misplacing an important thing, specifically the VIP card — was the idea that I may have laid the envelope on one of those cabinets.

Not that I don't like those fancy-looking entryway storages that hold most of the decorations of the house, it's just that it's also GOLD in color.

That means, I have to have a keen eye to spot the thin — and also gold in color — invitation.

However, before I could even finish inspecting all of the said cabinets — I've only checked four, and it's twenty in total — and thoroughly ransack each of them, evening came and I have to stop entirely since Mum asked for my assistance in cooking dinner for the whole family.

I know I shouldn't quit, and just keep my focus on what I was doing, but this is FAMILY and family do comes first on my list. This is why I allowed myself to be distracted — once again.

The worries about the invitation, at the moment, were temporarily ignored…

In the meantime, my priority is set on the big glass bowl in front of me. Slowly mixing a big batch of chicken salad while standing behind the kitchen island.

Of course, Mum left me with chores that are not too heavy — or should I say, not including the element of fire or the obligation of using a knife.

Overprotection alert, I know. But I was too focused on my task to even complain.

I was about done when a sudden realization dawned on me, slowly reminding me that it's been a while since our last proper meal together as a family.

Two years to be exact.

Our very first was when I was only nineteen. I just joined this welcome gathering at the Hue Kingdom. It was one of those days of the year when newborns are named and given a title. It's more like a christening. Though, instead of using holy water to baptized the child, it was more of tattoos for vampires and burned or carved marks for witches.

As for a human like me?

I was only given a new birth certificate — thought I got worst, huh?

Anyway, after the ceremony and been titled as a ‘Newly Bloom’ — a rank in the mixed-race that represents newborns, there should be a big feast at the Hue Kingdom. However, being so new to the environment and culture, my family decided to celebrate at home which I was thankful for.

Shockingly, when we arrived home, I discovered that it was my family's first dinner together, as a WHOLE. So, I made it my mission to make sure that it was memorable enough to continue in the future.

And boy it did…

That night, we started conversing, sharing stories and when someone tried to tell a joke, a poor one if I may add, we all genuinely laughed. It was fun and that was the first time, ever since I stepped out of the castle, I really felt love and accepted by somebody.

Let alone, a family.

It was something I was not used to, so having to experience it that night, made me believe that I am no different from them.

That I am not just a nobody to this community,

Like, I was born into their world…

After that family dinner, more family dinners arose — like I said and much to my amusement then. Though, sadly, the tradition didn't last long for everybody became busy with work.

Having all of my brothers worked at the palace and totally live there, having my parents work at the palace and be home for a day, and having me work in a different industry from theirs, made things understandably harder to simply stay at home and be around the family.

Every bit of bond that I could think of — things that we normally do before, became a total struggle to us now.

That's why everyone got all excited and enthusiastic when we finally set the date and time for such a reunion.

And that is tonight.

However, acknowledging that tonight will also be the night that Seth promised on announcing the secret, made me worried drastically.

What if something bad happens?

I know I may sound rude at this part, but I don't want anyone to ruin the whole family gathering tonight, regardless of how important or serious Seth's information will be.

I wished to be selfish.

Besides, this will be our FIRST, after two years. There should be no problem.

Well, it depends on who's going to react violently then.

Hopefully, not me…

True that I may be a bit of an over-reactor myself once the issue involves my safety. But my response, it's not like one of those frantic women's reactions that include screaming and be hysterical for a whole minute.

No, I'm not like that…

I'm more on the calmer side, believe it or not. I am the kind of person that assesses her situation before giving out a proper reply.

Though I do admit, I tend to overthink sometimes. Especially, if I felt a bit pressured or anxious at the event unfolding.

Not to mention, I'm also this assuming-of-the-worse type, wherein if you were just referring to the view over the mountains, I'm more focused on the cliffs that would kill me once I step over its edges.

Yeah, that's all of me.

Regardless, I know I have perfect control over my emotions. I make sure no negative feelings get the best of me unless it was necessary.

So, why do I get the feeling that maybe I am the possible ‘problem’ to arise from tonight's agenda?

I internally scowled at myself.

“Lily? Can you pass me the pepper, please?” Mum instructed, snapping me out of my reverie.

“Oh, sure Mama,” I stated, quickly grabbing the tube from the spice cabinet that was near me and give it to her.

“Thank you, baby.” She sprinkled a few on the gravy she was planning on pairing with the roasted chicken. Then, with watchful eyes, Mum asked me, “Is it just me or my pretty Lily in pigtails, seem heedless tonight?”

I shot her a candid look, not understanding what she meant at first.

“Pardon, Mama?” I finally questioned.

Mum paused her stirring on the pan, where the gravy was, and curiously eyed me.

“I mean, you look troubled baby. Is there something wrong?”

Oh, she noticed now…

Knowing I can't conceal the overpowering havoc I was feeling, I decided to tell Mum — well, only a little bit of MY issue.

“It's nothing extraordinary Ma, I just…” I paused and offered a sheepish smile at her, “I miss this… The little moments, to be exact. It's not like yesterday anymore, where we get to see each other four to five times a week, even if we were busy. Now, we only get to see each other for a day, or never. So yeah, I'm pretty much thrilled that this is finally happening.” I explained, trying my best to omit the part about Seth.

Mum flashed me her sweet smile; her teeth showing and her eyes were sparkling with joy.

“We all are child, thanks to you… You always brighten up our day, our little bubbly.” She declared with glee.

I beamed after hearing that, appreciating how lucky I am to be part of such a wonderful family.

And with that, I began to zone out…

The fun, the love, and the care that they all gave me were pure unconditional, that it almost hurts.

They know how different I am, how TEMPTING I am to be with from the start. Yet, they carry on to shower me with affection NO normal family ever does to a complete stranger in their household.

Not to mention, their sacrifices for me. Particularly, the SELF CONTROL…

That certain quality presently existing in their lives is not really considered part of their nature. They were born predators, and predators like them don't just suppress their hunger once the prey is present.

They kill at sight; that's how their instinct works.

So, to discipline themselves, to control their carnivorous side for them to not harm a mere human like me is extremely impressive.

I just don't know if I really deserve it though.

Especially when I know, deep down, I was only an adopted child…

I guess it was already an obvious factor from the start — also mentioned it a few times — since I do have a mixed-race of Vampire and Witch for a family.

And positively, you'll find it hard to believe that a human actually exists in that mix, or even born from supernatural beings without actually being one.

So rare…

But unlike other adopted kids out there that were acquired because one family was childless or cannot bear a kid of their own, I was adopted because I was a NOBODY.

‘You're a nobody's child, hija.’ a voice, in my memory, reminded me.

Without any warning, my harmless phasing out turned into a more serious condition; another one of my ‘episodes’ transpired.

I felt myself go stiff as my brain started to spark up and began replaying — recollecting — the days I first came to this place. It was like an intense movie, playing from slow to fast-forward on a big screen in my head…

I just watched breathlessly.

FLASHBACK

‘I don't remember why I was walking. All I know was I need to get out from there, I need to leave that place…

Oh, oh civilization!

I was already worn out and my feet were hurting. My dress was stained and I smell like shit…

Now, I was walking inside this weird barricaded place.

I'm in the forest but why was this place all fenced up, like it was a horse stable?

Then, I heard snarls and grunts.

I turned, I wish I didn't, and saw a group of vampires and witches, all young-looking. However, what made me stilled on my spot was their faces, they were all hungry.

Among them was Seth; he was hungry as well…

Instantly, he pounced —

— Fast forward.

I was being dragged to a cell.

The cell looked pretty clean and accommodating. I could live here if they let me.

But the ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ disliked my presence so I guess, I need to work on —

‘Is she a spy? Or an ally?’ I heard a male asked, interrupting my daydreaming.

‘She's neither.’ a female answered.

‘How can you say that?’ the same male questioned.

‘Well, if she's a spy she should be fighting us to save her ass. And if she's one of us, she should have a tattoo or markings… she's clean and very innocent.’ the female explained.

‘Useless too. She has no memories… we checked. She's basically a NOBODY, poor child.’ another male announced, making me wince.

I have no memories… so that's why they freed me after a week of confinement.

However, they didn't let me go.

I heard them again, the guards I believe. They talked about me. They said the Kingdom decided to keep me, FOR GOOD…

The sun was blinding when I got out of that cell. I was expecting to be left alone but they pushed me to this room.

It was white, tiled, and clean; It looked more like an interrogation room with no tinted glass…

Oh, voices. I heard voices —

Two people caught my attention then. Both standing closed to each other; of course, a husband and a wife.

I know because I saw love and admiration in their eyes whenever they made eye contact…

The one I didn't receive from ‘him’, I winced.

The two then talked to me… they are called the Dyme Family.

The most honorable family in the kingdom in terms of Security — since the man works as the head of the Security department — and Health — the lady's the head doctor of their hospital, the ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ explained.

Yeah, them royals arrived a minute ago, asking how was I doing…

Then, them royals — together with the ‘Mixed Council’, declared I was officially adopted.

No, the Dyme couple said ACCEPTED…

They wanted a NOBODY for a child… weird couple.

As we got out of that place, the two mentioned that I should call them ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad’ starting that day.

And they already had three boys… soon to be my brothers.

Brothers…

A mom and a dad…

I have a new life, they declared after — ’

“Lily, are you alright baby?” I heard Mum asked, completely snapping me out of my memory.

Hurriedly, I breathe and blinked a few tears away — coming from the headache, which was an aftermath of the recalls — before flashing a lovely smile at her.

“Yes Mama, I'm fine.”

Unconvinced, and knowing about the painful headache after my recollections, Mum shot me a worried look.

“Does it still hurt, when you remember?” She inquired cautiously while brushing my hair with her fingers.

“A little bit, but it's not like before.” I lied, trying to sound convincing.

I heard her sighed in relief. Then, she took her hand off of me and went back on the pan in front of her.

Great! Another lie.

Still, I don't want her to dwell on it… I can handle this.

“Thank goodness for that. However, your brain should really stop doing that Lily.” She asserted with a frown, “It's giving me a heart attack every time you get into one of your ‘episodes’.” She added.

“Sorry Mama,” I offered another sheepish smile. Well, mostly to myself as the headache subsided, “But I can't help it, you know. It always wants to remind me how lucky I am, and that I should always be thankful to the people who adopt — ”

“Lily, please,” she warned, cutting me off, “You know the restrictions when using that word.” She added sternly.

“But Mama, ” I argued which earned me a hard glare from her.

I immediately bit my lip.

Mum, catching the action, let out another sigh. Then, her deeper shade of green eyes lovingly stared at me.

“You're such a good girl Lily, and we all feel like it's not fair if we acknowledge you like that.” Mum started, flashing me a small smile, “I know you don't believe me when I say that you are worth it. But do trust me when I tell you that you belonged in this family, that you are a Dyme, Legaxy. You are PERFECT just the way you are so please,” she paused and touched my cheek again, “don't be too hard on yourself. You've proven yourself enough to us, child. That's why, with all my heart, I am so proud to call you my human daughter.” She declared, engulfing me into a tight hug.

Hearing that, I immediately felt emotional — and you should know by now I hate being sensitive in front of my family.

Nevertheless, I never knew Mum was actually observing me so closely.

And definitely, she hit all my delicate spots…

As an adopted child, I always thought that I should do better at everything. That I should be formal and behave as an angel would.

Not because I have to, but because I need to in order for my relationship with my ‘adopters’ to be smooth.

So, for three years, I did my best on improving myself. I strived to look and act properly; ensuring that I speak the words correctly, dress elegantly, and even made the effort to fix my walk — making sure I do that with a straight back.

Just be a well-mannered kid; sensitive, careful, obedient…

I know it's too much, but at that time, I truly believe that it's the only way of giving back to the family who accepted me; seeing that being decent avoids problems and spares the old folks from headaches.

Well, just a little bit…

I'm first to admit that I've been involved with some ‘minor’ fights. Mostly about my adoption or existence in the community, these past few years. Too bad for them bullies though, I'm a bit of a fighter myself and when needed, I'm fierce — I guess, that was already apparent a while back.

So, I fought them back and eventually, won.

Anyway, upon acknowledging everything, it does sound like a lot of work for just filling in the daughter role.

But I never was the person who takes things for granted.

No, I always work for it…

Especially, earning a spot in their life, earning that RIGHT to be called as a DYME, is considered a big HONOR already.

Primarily because the Dyme family is next in line to the royal throne. And to be shoved into that mix like I somewhat deserve it…

It's just too good to be true.

That's why I challenge myself. I made myself work to the point of exhaustion so I could reach their level, made myself function the right way to be the right person for the part.

Like they did for me…

Abruptly, in that second, Mum's words recalled inside my head, halting me to fuss further.

‘You are PERFECT just the way you are so please, don't be too hard on yourself. You've proven yourself enough to us, child.’

I guess Mum is right.

I was working hard — TOO damn HARD that I let myself be blindsided by the idea that I must be ready for the ‘daughter position’ as if it was work that I needed to do my utmost best so I can be qualified for it.

But it should not be like that…

Being a daughter to the Dyme family, it was no work, no role, no position… it was simply a ‘gift’.

A gift that I needed to accept because this was not an opportunity, to begin with, but a second chance at life… Which is why Mum said I was perfect, that I was enough.

‘That's why, with all my heart, I am so proud to call you my human daughter.’ Her voice reminds me again.

Yes, I should claim that…

I already fit in as their Daughter,

I already fit in as a Dyme…

“Thank you, Mama,” I mumbled, my voice wavering as I tried to hold back the gratitude tears from falling. “I'm so blessed to have you guys in my life.”

“Oh Lily, you're always, always welcome.” She mumbled on my hair.

I freed a little from the hug, enough space to see her looking at me in wonder since her long pause caused me to feel nervous.

“What is it, Mama?” I asked, curious about what she was thinking of then.

Mum's smile widened.

“I'm just wondering,” She started, brushing my black hair with her fingertips, “how lovely you turned out to be, knowing you are mostly flesh and bone. And to think that you have been raised by fangs and magic… Well, we must have done something right to get you here.” She mumbled with a chuckle while tucking away my hair on my left ear.

I smiled my soft smile, thinking what she meant; A well-behaved human girl, raised by mischievous Vampires and Witches.

My smile widened at the irony.

“Sure you all did Mama. You guys save me and I will be forever grateful for that.” I stated cheerfully, feeling myself blushing and almost crying.

Mum hugged me one more time, her warmth swallowing me up.

All of a sudden, I felt her aura changed as I heard her sniff.

“Oh dear, you should definitely stop inserting drama into every family bonding we held Lily, or you'll make me cry like the last time. I hate that.” Mum said sternly, freeing herself from the hug, and glared at me for a sec.

I chuckled lightly.

“Sorry, Mama.”

She sighed and look at me one more time. Remembering something, her wrinkled forehead grew smooth and her eyes become blurry from unshed tears again.

“But you should always remember that the day you became part of this family, was the best day of our life.” Mum started, a soft smile once again formed on her face, “You know, I always wanted a daughter. I miscarriage four times after having Howard, that I had to stop conceiving to save my life. So seeing you that day, at the office chamber, gave me unending joy and I'm just very thankful then.” She paused and kissed my forehead, “You are the love of our lives, our beautiful Legaxy Hailey Dyme.” she finished as she softly poked the tip of my nose.

Now it's my turn to sniff, feeling myself crying the gratitude tears now. But I managed to hold it as I direct my attention back to mixing.

“Okay, drama's over,” I muttered, hastily wiping the tears that successfully run down my cheeks.

Mum nodded, giggling as she might have already noticed the stream of tears escaping my eyes.

“As you wish.” She said, getting back into stirring the gravy.

“Don't you think this is too much, Ma?” I finally asked after a long pause. My eyes started scanning the cramped table.

Four whole roast chicken were resting on the right side of the dinner table, while two bowls of mashed potatoes on the left. And there's the big bowl of vegetable salad sitting in the middle.

Not to mention, I still have these two bowls of chicken salad and Mum's apple pie, three pans to be exact, that was baking away in the oven.

Yup, this is TOO MUCH.

Mum, seeing me disturbed, only laughed.

“You do know your brothers' appetite, Lily. Men as old as them have a higher metabolism, making them digest their food easily. That's why they need plenty of food to satisfy them.” She explained.

“Oh,” I paused and wrinkled my nose, “I just hope they don't ask for seconds. We don't have any reserves for each dish, you know.”

Mum laughed at that and was about to respond when we both heard car engines stopping in front of our house, followed by our front door swiftly opening. Then, big footsteps ran through the hallway and when I turn around to look at the entrance, I saw them…

My brothers.