Page 61 of Caged Between the Beta & Alpha
“Please, forget Dad; just tell me the full story,” I pleaded. She ran her hand through her hair.
“You were born at four months rather than the usual six months. They already said Renji wouldn’t make it by then, and it caused your mom to go into early labour. When you were born, you were far too weak, and they weren’t sure you would make it either. Your father wanted you to get better and stronger, but it was far too earlyto even consider you for the bone marrow transplant or even check for a match. I can’t believe Haru is actually blaming you for his death.” She sounded angry, and her eyes flashed silver.
“It doesn’t matter,” I sighed softly. “So, he died because I was too weak to give him the bone marrow he needed?”
“Even then, the chances of him surviving were slim. You can’t blame yourself for something that was not in your control. You were blind in one eye as well...”
“What?” I asked, surprised.
“That blue eye of yours, it was Renji’s. When he passed away, the doctor offered to transplant it into you. Haru refused, but your mother said it would be a way for Renji to see the world he never had a chance to explore. When you were little, she used to say that you were so adventurous because you wanted to see the world and explore it for both of you,” she said, smiling softly.
I swallowed hard. The emotions that rushed through me were inexplicable. So, I had an eye from my brother and had never been told? To think Mom had agreed…. Where was that mom of mine? She seemed so far gone under Dad’s opinions. Renji…
“Where is he buried?” I asked. How could you feel sadness for someone you have never met?
“The children’s graveyard down by the blossom trees,” she said softly.
I nodded. I thought it was high time I paid my brother a long overdue visit…
Hope & Determination
Raven
Ipushed open the low white fence that surrounded the graveyard. Not all children were buried here, as some would be buried with their parents, but there were still many graves. It was strange to know that I had a brother that I had never gotten to meet.
I looked down at the grass that was sprinkled with daisies and buttercups. Scattered between the small graves were several cherry blossoms. I walked through the graves, scanning the names for my brother’s, and stopped when I saw a young woman bending over, placing an orchid on each grave. She turned, sensing me watching her, and gave me a small smile. It took me a moment to realise she was the omega who I had seen in the kitchen the other night.
“Sorry…” she said, stepping away from the grave. I waved my hand.
“Oh, don’t apologise! I’m just searching for a grave…” I said, giving her a small smile.
“Whose?” She asked. “I might know, I visit often.”
“Oh… Renji Jacobs.” She frowned, paused, then turned and pointed to the far side.
“It’s under that cherry blossom tree,” she said.
“Thanks…” Goddess, I didn’t even know her name.
“Nina,” she said with a smile.
“Thanks, Nina,” I said before walking through the trees.
I stopped and stared at the marble tombstone. I could just about make the name out. It was so small that if I had never been told, I would never have realised that my brother was here. I dropped to my knees, feeling my eyes sting. I felt as if I had been robbed of something. This was my brother, someone who I had a part of inside of me, someone who had died but left me a gift, and I couldn’t even spend a moment of my time to thank him or to remember him? I didn’t even know of his existence. Some sister I was.
I looked at the date on the tombstone. He had barely been three years old. I placed my hand on top of the grave.
“Hi. I’m Raven, your sister,” I whispered, fighting back my tears. I wanted to say so much more... but where do I start? I sniffed, reaching into the pocket of my hoodie and taking out a small octopus plushie.
“And this is Sparks.” I said, “He’s for you.” I placed him against the tombstone near the flower Nina had left. “Where do I start… well, I’m sure you are watching down on us wherever you are, but I still want to tell you about myself…”
Evening had fallen.My morning at the grave had felt like I had a burden lifted, and I promised to visit often. I had just rung Damon’s doorbell. I had the journal and stuff in my backpack; even if Liam wasn’t going to tell anyone, it wasn’t something we could just deny. If Damon had no answers, then we needed to tell someone like Aunty Red.
Liam had asked what I had told her, and I told him she knew about us. He didn’t ask me anything further after that, but I could sense his irritation. I knew he had been busy with other stuff today. I wondered if he planned to come to my room tonight, although Aunty Red’s words rang in my head. Treat them equally... but I also knew she didn’t know about Liam’s curse. Hence I needed to tell Damon that. I rang the doorbell again, frowning when no one answered. He knew I was coming…
Damon?
Yeah?
