Page 209 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I paused then said, “I don’t know how I could remember being a baby, but I’m pretty sure my brother or some nurse watched me. I don’t remember seeing my mom consistently until I was five. I’m pretty sure I only knew she was my mom because of the pictures around the apartment.”

May frowned, “Of her and your brother?” I snorted, “Oh, no. There were no pictures of them anywhere. Mom was always alone or with a boyfriend. They were pictures from her travels. My brother mentioned she was our mom.”

I continued, “I remember I was shocked when mom came home and stayed. I actually introduced myself to her. I guess I really can’t blame my brother for wanting to live with his dad. I would too. Thinking back, he was spending so much time and money raising me. I don’t know how he did it. I’m pretty sure his dad is rich, but for all the things he must have sacrificed a lot for me.”

Maybe it’s why Lux left and never came back. Because my brother resented me. The thought actually hurt. Keaton took my hands, “I would do anything for my siblings, and I would never blame them for our parents actions. I can help you find your brother when you’re ready.”

I snorted, “You look like you want to punch him.” Keaton kissed the top of my head and muttered, “I just might.” I winced, “Please don’t. I don’t even know if it’s safe to find my brother anymore.” With all the mob ties surrounded our family it might not be.

Immy jumped back in, “This is a depressing topic, back to my questions. You’ve had gymnastics lessons. Have you ever been rock climbing?” I laughed, “I can’t say that I have. Basically, if your questions revolve around doing fun things, I can tell you that I did not do them.”

Immy sighed, “You don’t even have a favorite kind of cake.” I gasped, “Hey! I loved that cake we had the first time we met.” My friend clapped, “YES! You do like cake. What about cookies? Or cupcakes?” I said, “I liked the milkshake I got with Key. I’ve never had a cookie or a cupcake.” Melanie talked about those evil cookies her family ate so peanut butter cookies were permanently off my list.

Immy yelled, “THAT’S A TRAVESTY! Hold on.” My friend walked outside and came back ten minutes later. I asked, “Did you rob a bakery store?” Immy had cookies, fudge, cupcakes, pies, and a smattering of other things.

Immy snorted, “No, May’s mom is the best gourmet chef around who also bakes. May’s older siblings, Kalen and Kylie, who before you ask are twins, were baking up a storm today. They gave me samples.” I said, “I thought May was an only child.”

May laughed, “Not even slightly. I have six siblings.” I asked, “Are you the youngest?” May laughed, “No, Trey and Gwen are younger than me.” I asked, “Are they twins?” May shook her head, “Nope the only twins are Kalen and Kylie. Some might say a bit of magic came into play with their conception.”

I wondered if they used IVF or something. What magic could cause twins? The whole group in my apartment was smirking though. Maybe there was a tradition of having sex outside in the area or something and they believed twins were the result.

I loved everything Immy had brought up for me to eat. I teased, “May, your family can’t cook for me all the time or I’d waddle to my death.” May laughed, “Kalen’s cake balls are TO DIE for.” I agreed because those cake ball things he made were chocolate deliciousness.

Immy slapped my ass, “I think I just saw your ass get bigger and Keaton’s shorts get smaller. What an interesting phenomenon.” I blushed. Keaton turned, smirked, and pulled me onto his lap. I didn’t know if Immy was right about my ass, but she was definitely right about Keaton’s shorts.

My friends stayed for a few hours just hanging out and asking random questions. I wondered if this was what I had been missing out on, moving from place to place. All I had after all those years was Luke, and we never had this much fun.

I hadn’t had anything like this since I’d left Nashville. These guys were way more relaxed than Melanie and her friends though. They carried the weight of the world and argued with Melanie a lot. I didn’t understand why they bothered when Melanie was far too smart for that.

I didn’t want anything to change about my life now. I loved having friends. That actually made me wonder if I should contact Roxie. I don’t know how I would, but maybe I could google her name. Her dad seemed important so I could try that.

Roxie deserved to know I was ok now and that I’d made friends. We were never close, but Roxie was trying to help me those last few days I was there. Heck, she saved me from being unconscious in a forest, and from Luke. I definitely owed her a google search to see if I could find a way to contact her.

When they left Keaton was all over me again. We didn’t even bother with sleep. Over the next two weeks, I told Keaton to bring some of his stuff over considering my boyfriend practically lived with me now anyway.

Sassy was really happy about it. I didn’t like being away from Keaton and felt super clingy with him right now. I had the day before my birthday off from work, but I was still going to the same area for a very important reason. I had an eye doctor appointment that I’d finally gotten around to making.

I walked in and sat down in the waiting room. Several people were eyeing me with interest. Duh. You have to check in, Odette. Don’t just sit down. I quickly got up and signed in at the front desk. The woman asked, “Insurance?”

I admitted, “I don’t have any, but they said on the phone if I could pay out of pocket that was fine.” The woman nodded, “You’ll have to pay upfront.” I knew that. Before she could continue, she trailed off when her phone rang.

The woman glanced back then announced, “I’ll be right back.” She left and came back a few minutes later. “As it turns out, we are giving free eye exams today. Dr. Umphries will see you soon. Probably both of them.” Did I need two of them? I guess I did tell them I was seeing weird things when I called. I nodded, “Thank you.”

I didn’t even have time to sit down before I was called back. The technician had me look into a machine and look at a hot air balloon. Then they took me to a room and had me read off a picture of random letters. I covered up one eye at a time and read the lowest line. The girl put a few things in a computer then left saying, “The doctors will be in shortly.”

Less than a minute later two men walked in. I said, “Wow, I’ve heard doctor’s offices take forever to see people, but you are quite efficient.” The first guy laughed, “Taking a long time is for boring people, and I assure you we are not boring.” I believed him.

The man introduced himself, “Hello, I’m Oscar.” I clarified, “Dr. Oscar Umphries?” That’s who I booked the appointment with. Dr. Oscar smiled, “Yes, Dr. Oscar Umphries. You may call me Oscar. This is my son, Silas. He’s also an optometrist.”

Silas smiled, “It’s nice to meet you, Not Katie.” I snorted, “You know Key.” It wasn’t a question. Both men grinned broadly. Oscar answered, “I’ve known Keaton since he was born.” I frowned, “You look like you’re maybe twenty-five.”

Oscar laughed, “I like you. I am much older than twenty-five.” Well, he definitely didn’t look old enough to have a son who was a doctor. Oscar asked, “So, what brings you in?” I sighed, “I keep seeing things.”

Silas smiled brightly, “How intriguing! What things?” I wouldn’t call it intriguing at all. Concerning, sure but certainly not intriguing. I shrugged, “I think people are faster than the speed of light, which isn’t possible. The reason I called was because I keep seeing people’s eyes flicker black.”

Oscar tried to cover his laugh with a cough, causing me to frown. He cleared his throat, “I see. Well, we will dilate your eyes and check everything out.” He was very easy to talk to. The optometrist quickly ran through his tests.

I asked him, “Why did you become an optometrist?” Oscar moved his chair over and had me lean forward onto something ordering, “Don’t blink.” The man sat back and moved around explaining, “I became an optometrist because I think eyes are the gateway to people.” That was true.