Page 114 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
Finally, Gwen yawned. “If we’re going to practice in the morning, I should go to bed.”
“Good night, Firecracker.” I hugged her, then looked at Clark. “See you in the morning.”
“Good night, Tens.” Clark grabbed her backpack. With a wave, the two of them left.
I cleaned up, then grabbed my laptop. I ordered her a motorcycle helmet to be sent directly to her, since I’d be gone.
If anything happened to them…
The very thought made me sick. I hadn’t known them for very long, but I’d be absolutely devastated if they got hurt.
Chapter Forty
Gwen
The energy in the premium ultra-bullet car was electric, since nearly all of us were on our way to Montreal for Jean-Paul and Celine’s wedding. Or rather, their multi-day marital spectacular, filled with activities, dinners, and parties.
Betas couldn’t bond with each other the way alphas and omegas could, so weddings were a huge part of beta culture. They weren’t always fancy or expensive, but they were usually a big deal. Not only for the couple, but for their family and community.
Jean-Paul and Celine’s was no exception.
Tenzin was off with Cooter, going to his ranch, hitting a couple of weddings, then going on one last fishing trip before pre-season began.
Shit, I missed him. At least I had Clark with me.
My summer was officially at an end. On Tuesday, classes started, as did official NYIT hockey practices. I was ready for my last year; I was all paid up and had the classes I wanted.
This was going to be a great year. I was going to soar.
Thrive.
Succeed.
Nerves bounced around inside me as the train sped closer to our destination. I was going back to Canada. That wasa lot,even after talking with my therapist about it.
I’d also paid zero attention to where exactly we were going, letting the guys organize it. For all I knew, the wedding was at a castle, which would be so very Celine.
It’ll be okay. You’ll be in Quebec. It’ll be fine.
“Are you okay?” Clark asked, pulling me closer to him.
“Nervous.” I took a deep breath. “It’ll be okay, right?”
“When were you last back? Was it when your mom died?” Clark stroked my hair.
“I…” My chest shook. It was during one of the times I didn’t like to think about.
“You don’t have to talk about it,” he told me, holding me tight.
“Last time I was in Vancouver, I literally climbed out of my bedroom window, in the middle of the night, after leaving my dads afuck youletter,” I admitted. Not my finest moment, but I had to get out of there.
“You’re going to be fine. Besides, you're going tolovewhere we’re going.” Clark gave me a boyish smile. “I’ve got you.”
“Okay.” I put my head on his shoulder. “I… I’ve been to Canada since then, but it was only Toronto for pre-season hockey with NYIT.” Which felt different, since it was only a couple of hours. We’d be here fordays.
What if the dads found me and tried to keep me like last time?
Dean gave me a silly look from across the aisle as if to say,oh, that’s how it is.I scratched my nose with my middle finger.
