Page 25 of The Greek's Retribution

Walking down the hallway, I hear raised voices. Ismena, Karisa, Althaia, and GeeGee were at it again. Peeking around the corner I see Althaia and GeeGee sitting on the couch while Ismena sits in a chair across from them. Karisa stands next to her with her arms crossed. Nina, Janae, Hailey, and Devyn occupy the love seat and other chair, observing their exchange like they were watching a movie. All they needed was some popcorn.

“No, Sabre will be fine staying with us. Balthazar wants all of us to stay together and that’s what we’re going to do,” Althaia says to Ismena.

“And why would we do that when my son has a house two blocks over that can accommodate the three of us? No, me and the girls will be staying at Xander’s house,” Ismena responds.

Althaia whispers something under her breath, throwing her hands up as GeeGee chimes in, “Ismena, you know we can’t let you do that. An order has been given and we cannot go against it.”

Ismena points her finger at GeeGee. “No, an order has been given to you. We haven’t taken orders from the Kourakos since my Jeroen was killed trying to protect Yiannis and we’re not going to start back up now. Karisa, go and get Sabre. We’re taking her to Xander’s house.”

Karisa starts to move but Althaia stops her. “Don’t move.” Althaia slowly rises, then walks around the table, stopping in front of Ismena. “Your husband, rest his soul, lost his life looking out for the man he considered his brother. He swore his allegiance and life to Yiannis. They both took a risk every time they stepped outside our front doors. You lost the love of your life and the father to your children, but we lost a brother and a true friend. We all suffered a great loss that day. There isn’t a day that goes by Yiannis doesn’t bring up Jeroen. Our boys, Balthazar and Xander are just like them. They treat each other like brothers and would give their lives to protect the other. I’ve told you this many times before and I don’t mind saying it again...we are truly sorry for what happened to Jeroen and I know if Yiannis could go back in time, he would make sure it was him that took that fatal shot and not Jeroen.”

Tears form in Ismena’s eyes. Years ago, Xander told me how his father’s death caused a rift between the families. Even though this is a sad situation, maybe it will mend the gap between them, because with the way I’m feeling right now from losing my baby, I’m going to need all the positive energy around me I can get.

Ismena clutches Karisa’s hand when she places it on her shoulder.

GeeGee scoots to the edge of the couch. “Ismena, Sabre just lost the heir to the Andino throne, and we are all concerned. That girl is in a fragile state and we don’t want to be putting more stress on her. We need to band together to help her get over her loss.”

Ismena gives a weak smile. “I just want to make sure Sabre has time to heal without any complications.”

“That’s all that we want too, Ismena. We are a family, whether you want it or not. Xander is like a son to me and Yiannis, and a brother to my sons. We can’t change what happened in the past, but just know we are still a family. We will continue to support, protect, and fight for our family as we did in the past. Nothing has changed other than new members being added.”

“Sabre, bring your ass from around that corner girl,” GeeGee yells, never looking in my direction.

How the hell did she know I was there? I think to myself as I move from my hiding spot, then enter the living room.

GeeGee finally looks at me. “I was wondering how long you were going to stand there. Come sit next to me.” She pats the empty space on the couch.

“Hey, ladies,” I greet, going over to sit next to GeeGee.

“How are you feeling, dear?” Ismena asks, wiping away her tears.

“My stomach is bothering me, so I decided to eat a little something before taking my meds,” I reply.

“That’s my cue,” GeeGee says standing. “Come on Devyn, let’s go get Sabre something to eat.”

“Okay, GeeGee,” Devyn’s cute self, beams as she jumps from her seat next to Hailey, then heads to the kitchen with GeeGee in tow.

Althaia sits next to me, taking my hand in hers. “How are you holding up, Sabre?”

That was the million dollar question.

“I’m okay, I guess. I just wish Xander was here.”

“He’ll be here before you know it,” Ismena states with a caring smile.

“Well, we’re happy you’re here with us, girl,” Nina happily says.

“Thank you for lettingusstay here,” I return, glancing at Ismena.

I hope she’s done with trying to leave. I get my answer when she closes her eyes, then nods. Thank goodness because I’m not going anywhere until Xander comes to get me and to be honest, I have always been closer with Althaia and GeeGee. When Xander and I first started dating, he took me to the Kourakos’ house before his mothers. They welcomed me with open arms, but with Ismena and Karisa, it took a while for them to accept our relationship. Xander sensed it and lessened our interactions with them. I think they felt they had already somewhat lost him to the Kourakos’ and now they were going to lose what little bit they had left with him to me, but that was far from the case. In the beginning of our relationship, I was the one who would try to push Xander to convince Ismena and Karisa to attend gatherings at Althaia and Yiannis’ house or to come out to dinner with us, but they would always decline. So, after seeing the disappointment in him as a result of their denials, I stopped insisting. Shit, who was I to tell him what to do with his mother and sister when I was dealing with my own family problems.

“Here we go,” GeeGee announces as she carries a large tray with saucers, napkins, a pitcher of iced tea, and glasses while Devyn has a tray loaded with different meats, cheeses, olives, and crackers.

“Ohhhh, GeeGee, that looks good,” Nina praises as they sit the trays on the table.

Devyn giggles as they place the trays on the table. “Don’t worry Nina, GeeGee said we had to put extra on here because you were eating for two now.”

“You’re pregnant?” I question, staring into her sorrowful eyes.

---