Chapter 3: Saying Goodbye

"I'm sure you girls are going to love it here," 

  Lorraine said, nothing the silence. "You can all go home now, gather your necessities, and say goodbye to your families. But please be back in time. Claudia doesn't like people being late."

  "Alyssa right?" she asked me

  Yes I said quietly

  "You three can follow me, so I'll show you to your room."

  " The three of you guys will be sharing the same room, since your work responsibilities are the same." "Okay?"

  "Okay" We answered back and followed her.

  "Here, this is going to be your living quarters from now." she said opening the door.

  The room was much more larger than I had expected. Three neatly made beds stood against the walls, one for each of us. Two large windows for allowing fresh air into the room, and we even had our own private bathroom.

  So far so good. 

  Our quarters were beautiful.

  It only proved why Alpha Leonard was so respected and love. He had never discriminated against anyone. Whether you were an Alpha, Beta, gamma, or even an omega, he treated everyone fairly.

  " please make sure you're back in time." Lorraine said.

  She gave us one last smile before walking out of the room.

  The moment the door closed, Stella threw her hands into the hair.

  " Damn! I can't believe we're finally here! I'm going home immediately to brag to every one in my village that I'm going to be staying in the Alpha's estate!"

  She spoke with so much excitement that I couldn't help laughing.

  " Stella, can you ever keep quiet?" the other girl sighed, though the smile on her face couldn't hide her amusement.

  she turned to me and extended her hand.

  "Hi, I'm Grace, and this chatterbox over here is Stella. what's your name?"

  umm... hi... I'm Alyssa. it's nice to meet you."

  I shyly took her hand.

  Before Grace could reply, Stella grabbed both of my hands.

  "Aren't you the shyest little thing?" she laughed. "We are all going to be good friends! I have a feeling we're going to need to protect you around here. you like a cute little rabbit."

  Her playful teasing made my cheeks burn.

  "so? Do you want to be friends?" she asked again.

  Y-Yes, I stammered. I'd really like that."

  I had never truly had friends while growing up. I was always too shy, always convinced that I didn't belong anywhere.

  There had only been one person I had ever considered a friend... I doubted if he even remembered me now.

  The thought brought a sad smile to my face.

  "Then it's settled," Grace declared, placing all three of our hands together. "From now on, we are going to look out for one another." 

  A wide smile spread across my face.

  Who would have thought I'd make my very first friends at the Alpha's estate?

  Maybe this was a sign that good things were finally coming my way.

  if only I knew how wrong I was.

  We left the servants quarters and headed towards the estate gates.

  "so, Alyssa, where do you live?" Grace asked 

  Felmo. I answered.

  "oh!" she replied. "Stella and I are from rekaa. That's pretty close. How come we've never seen you before?"

  I... I don't really go outside much.

  I felt embarrassed admitting it, but neither of them laughed or questioned me about it.

  "Well... let's meet here before we enter the estate."

  She said smiling. We were already outside of the estate. The tall gate in front of us.

  okay. if I get here first, I'll wait for both of you. 

  "perfect! Stella grinned. "Bye, Aly! is it okay if I call you Aly?" she continued.

  I laughed softly.

  I don't mind. I said to her 

  I waved goodbye to them and we each went our separate ways.

  By the time I reached home, I noticed Dad's shoes outside the front.

  He's home... 

  see? Nothing to worry about, I said to myself.

  Mom! Dad! I'm home!

  "Alyssa!"

  My mother rushed out of the kitchen, my father following behind her.

  " Hey kiddo," Dad smiled. "How did the selection go?"

  The moment they saw my expression, their smiles faded.

  They thought I hadn't been chosen.

  "oh, Aly," Mom said gently as she wrapped her arms around me. "it's alright if you weren't selected. Besides, I'm not ready for my little girl to leave me just yet."

  I looked down, unable to hold back my laughter any longer.

  Mom... Dad...

  They waited anxiously 

  I GOT IN!!

  I said jumping up and down with excitement.

  I was selected! Your daughter is going to be staying in the Alpha's estate!"

  " What?!" my mother said before joining me and jumping.

  But my father remained silent.

  The excitement on my face slowly disappeared.

  Dad... I asked quietly. Aren't you happy?

  He immediately took my hand.

  "of course I am."

  He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

  "I'm just worried. This will be the first time you'll be away from us... living among strangers.

  His voice grew softer.

  "As beautiful as the Alpha's estate sounds, it is also a dangerous place kiddo. A dangerous place filled with dangerous people. I just don't want anything to happen to you."

  "Richard..." Mom whispered, gently rubbing his back.

  " our daughter will be alright. if there's one thing I know, it's that we didn't raise her to be weak. she'll be fine." 

  "She'll be fine." she said quietly this time as if trying to reassure herself.

  I hugged my father tightly, fighting back my tears.

  Dad... I'll be okay... And if I ever feel like I can't handle it anymore, I'll come back home. I know you and Mom will always be here for me.

  I smiled still holding my tears.

  And besides the umber ceremony is in three months.

  I might finally meet my mate 

  my heart fluttered at that thought.

  I looked between my parents 

  I've always wanted the kind of love you two have. I don't want to miss that chance.

  I promise I'll take care of myself.

  Dad sighed before smiling sadly.

  "Alright, Alright... go pack your things before you make your old man cry."

  I laughed at that, and hurried into my room before I would start crying.

  There wasn't much to pack. We never had much to begin with.

  As I opened my small wooden drawer, my eyes landed on my most treasured possession.

  An emerald stone.

  The moment I picked it up, memories flooded my mind.

  "Here Alyssa, this matches your eyes perfectly. Make sure you keep it safe, okay?"

  "okay Sebastian" my little self said.

  "I'll always keep it close because it came from you."

  "Alyssa!" my mother's voice called out. Bringing me out from my daydream.

  "you have to get back to the estate on time! Don't forget!"

  I'm coming. I shouted.

  I carefully wrapped the emerald stone in a small cloth before placing it safely inside my bag.

  After taking one last look around my room, I walked outside.

  I hugged my parents tightly holding back tears.

  Neither of us wanted to let go.

  finally, I forced myself to turn away.

  As I reached the front door, I heard my father's voice behind me.

  "Take care of yourself, Alyssa."

  I will Dad. I will. I muttered to myself.

  Without looking back again, I walked down the familiar path.

  The curious stares of my neighbors followed me as I made my way to the Alpha's estate.