Chapter 5 (Ghost From The Past)

Ella’s POV

I can't believe papa is gone. The one man who believed in me, changed my life and loved me like his own. The one who gave me a name when I had none.

"When... When is the funeral?" I managed to ask, with my shaky voice.

"In five days time," he responded, "but you need to be back before then."

I nodded my head, as tears rolled down my eyes, unable to get the words out. Finally, I said "Okay."

"Take care sis, and be strong." He replied before ending the call.

I couldn't hold the pain, a loud scream tore from within me, Gladis ran inside, and came straight to me on the floor. "What is Ma?" I could hear the fear in her voice.

"My father...my father just passed.” I stuttered.

"Grandpa is dead?" Robin asked from the door. I didn't know he had heard my scream.and ran in too.

"I'm so sorry baby, I didn't mean to..."

He ran to me immediately, giving me a hug before I could finish my sentence. Robin has always said he was the man of the house and sometimes he even acts more mature than his age.

The rest of the day went by like a blur. I couldn't go for my meeting, I just stayed in bed, with Robin by my side. This world is so cruel. Why do the good ones always leave?

The thought of going back to London was an added pain to papa's death. I never imagined I would ever step foot in that country, but what can I do? I need to pay my last respect to him, he deserves it.

****

Two Days Later.

The weather was so bad, that the plane landed three hours late. As I stepped into the lobby of the airport, I took a deep breath, as my eyes moved from one corner to the next. It's been nine years, but I still feel that bad energy.

"Ella," a familiar voice called. I turned to the direction of the voice, and it was Richard waving excitedly at me.

"Uncle Richard." Robin called happily, as he ran to him. Richard grabbed him with both arms. "See how big you've grown Robin. Just one year of not seeing you and your almost taller than me."

Robin's lips curled into a smile, "Uncle that's not true, I still have a long way to go before I get to you."

They both laughed and held each other.

Apart from Papa, Richard is the only man Robin knows, he is like a father figure to him. He comes visiting every year, but ever since papa became not too strong, he had to stay back to take care of the pack.

"Hey baby sister," he gave me a hug and took my luggages. "Did your head get bigger?" he asked and giggled.

I rolled my eyes, "seriously?"

He patted my back, "relax, it's good to have you back."

I smiled and nodded. I don't plan to stay an extra day in this country. After the funeral, I plan to leave, not even a second more.

The drive home was quite noisy, with Richard and Robin catching on. I didn't care about what they were saying, my mind was far away. I just stared through the window. Every stop brought back memories of papa and I.

Whenever he felt I was sad, he would take me out to brighten my day. He would say, "It's amazing how a little fresh air can lighten up a person's mood." I miss him, and I don't know how life will be without him.

By the time we got home, the house was crowded with elders, and beta's. I said my greetings to them and went in to unpack. Robin was still with his uncle catching up. I really needed time to myself.

Later that evening, I and Richard went over some things pertaining to the funeral rights. He told me lots of Alpha's came into town, and they are lounging in some of our quarters. Alpha Jacob was like the leader of all Alpha's. They all respected and feared him.

"Mama," Robin called from behind.

"Let's go out, I want to see everywhere," he said as he pulled me to stand up.

"Baby, I really don't have time for this, I and uncle are very busy, go play by yourself in your room."

"Please mama," he continued begging.

I turned to him with a stern look, "What has Mama told you about always wanting to get your way?"

His face dropped and I could see the hint of sadness."Life doesn't always work that way." He replied.

"Good, now go to your room. I promise when I'm done I’lll come see you."

"Okay Mama," he replied, walking away.

I didn't bother to look at him, or what direction he was going to, I just turned back to Richard who was smiling at him. "You've done a very good job, Ella," Richard said, patting my hand.

My lips curled into a proud smile, "I try."

We both laughed and continued our discussion. Something felt off, but I just couldn't pin my hand on it. I brushed it off, and we continued talking about the guest list, speeches and other rites.

By the time we were done, I walked straight to Robin's room. "Hey baby I'm free now, we could..." I stopped talking when I got into the room, and he wasn't there.

I checked the bathroom and he wasn't there.

"Robin," I screamed as I stepped outside.

"What's wrong?" Richard asked, rushing to me.

"I can't find Robin, he isn't in his room." I stuttered. I could feel my temperature rising, and my chest beating hard.

"Calm down," Richard said, trying to calm me down, "he would be around. If he isn't in here, he should be outside."

"Outside," I yelled. "What will he be doing outside? I specifically asked him to go to his room."

I could feel the panic rising in me. Our quarters were very big, so if you aren't careful, you may lose your way.

"Robin," I called as I went outside searching for him with Richard and a guard.

"Where the hell is this child," I screamed out as confusion took over me.

"Calm down," Richard said, "we will find him." He turned to the guard,"Go this way, while I go this way. Ella you check at the other end," he ordered.

I nodded and followed his instruction. As I searched for him, a million and one things crossed my mind. I clenched my chest as I screamed his name. Tears had already started making its way down my eyes.

"Mama," his voice called from behind, and immediately I felt this instant relief.

I turned towards him in anger. "Why did you go out when I asked you not to. I said stay in your room, wasn't that the instruction," I barked.

"I'm so... sorry mama," he stuttered as tears began to fall down his eyes.

"You are in big trouble Mr.  I will make sure..."

"He's just a kid," a voice said from behind said , cutting me off. "I guess he was just curious,” the voice continued.

There was something extremely familiar about this voice and scent. I can swear I know this smell.