Hellen was right. I know nothing about how she felt. Also, my parents did the same. Even though I've disappointed them, they still think about my safety. They did everything they could to save me.
After eating our food, Hellen and I went back home. On our way, I've been thinking about what she asked me. I don't really know if I can do it, but I think it's worth a try. I can not only earn money to support myself but also experience how it is to be human.
I sighed as I lay down on my bed. Looking at my palms, I remembered what I did to Luna Asfara. I don't know how I could kill her. I've never done such a thing before. Something must be wrong with my wolf. All I know is that it's dangerous to transform, for I might not be able to control myself again. I don't want to hurt innocent people.
I held the pendant that my mother gave me before I left. It made me remember the memories I had with my parents when I was young. How time flies by. One moment we were happy together, then in just a blink of an eye, everything was gone and I was completely alone.
Still, I'm thankful to these people who are kind enough to take me in. Even though it's not for free and I have to pay the price for staying here. Perhaps serving Aaron isn't that bad.
I didn't expect that Hellen has a lung problem, and she's been hiding it from her son. She's so good at masking it. I wouldn't have known if she didn't tell me either. I don't know how Aaron would react if he found out, and the responsibility she gave me... I can't help but sigh thinking about it.
We are still strangers. We barely know each other. They don't know who or what I am, where I came from, and what danger I've brought here with me. I'm sure Alpha William and his minions are still hunting for me. I can't let these innocent people get involved with the mess I've created.
"Tricia," Hellen called me, knocking at the door. "I've been calling you, but you're not answering. Something's wrong?"
I got so caught up in my own thoughts that I haven't heard Hellen calling me. "I'm sorry. Just thinking about some things."
"You can tell me about them," she replied with a smile. "Anyway, lunch is ready. You should come out and eat with us. Aaron is waiting in the kitchen."
"Got it." I stood up and followed Hellen to the kitchen.
Aaron looked at me as I sat down in the chair. The way he blinks makes me remember what happened earlier. I couldn't hide the blushing of my face.
"Here. You should eat more." Hellen filled my plate with food.
I don't like the way Aaron stares at me. It makes me feel uncomfortable and guilty at the same time. I know something he doesn't know about his own mother, something that could make him feel betrayed.
"Let's dig in," Hellen said. "By the way, thanks for accompanying me to the market, Tricia. I've bought a lot of ingredients and cooked these foods. It's been a while since the last time we tasted something delicious."
"You're welcome, ma'am." I tried to smile.
"Come on, you don't have to be polite," Hellen replied. "You can call me Mom instead of ma'am."
I almost choke on her words. I turned to look at Aaron. There's an annoying smile on his face, but he didn't seem to disagree with his mother's idea and liked it instead. He's probably thinking about some strange things. I turned to Hellen and whispered, "Aren't you supposed to tell him?"
"Tell me what?" Aaron asked, confusion invading his face.
"Aaron, I..." Hellen paused, hesitating to speak her mind. "I think it's time for you to know the truth."
"What truth?" Aaron asked. "Are you going to tell me that I'm an adopted child you brought in from the street?"
"No, that's not what I'm going to tell you, Aaron. I'm afraid you'll hate me if you know this, but please forgive your mother," Hellen said.
"Come on, Mother. Are you going to tell me or make me guess it? And why are you so serious?" Aaron asked.
"I have a lung problem," Hellen finally said.
Aaron didn't say anything for a while. His face became expressionless. Suddenly, he stood up and slapped the table. "What? Why? Were you hiding this from me the whole time? That you have a sickness?"
"I'm sorry, son." Hellen tried to touch her son's hand, but Aaron wiped it off and walked out without saying anything. She looked at me with glassy eyes.
"It's okay, ma'am. He probably just needs some time to process things," I said.
"I'm afraid he won't forgive me. He becomes so distant every time he hates me. I remember when he didn't speak to me for weeks because of it," Hellen said.
"He did that?" I asked, laughing a little bit, though I knew it's not something to laugh about.
"Yes. He doesn't want to talk to anyone when he's sulky, and he gets angry easily. He'll break things up if he can no longer handle it."
"You're indeed his mother. You know him well," I said. "But wait. Why are you telling me these?"
"Once I'm gone, you'll have to be patient with him," she replied.
I can't help but feel sad with what Hellen said. She's like passing me the responsibility of a mother to take care of her son. I don't even have the choice to refuse her. She's so kind, and this is all I can do to pay her back.
After lunch, I went outside and saw Aaron at the front porch, smoking while looking at the vegetable garden. "You okay?" I asked, approaching him.
"I'm fine, physically, but not emotionally," he said. "I always feel like my mother is hiding something from me. Sometimes it makes me think that she's not my mother at all. She even trusted strangers over me."
"I'm sorry," I said.
"Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong. I should be grateful that my mother trusted you."
"I'm sorry about your situation. Your mother is just worried about you; she loves you so much that despite her condition, she still chooses you," I said.
"What do you mean?" he asked, confused.
I remained silent for a while, wondering if I should tell him the task his mother gave me, to take care of him, or keep it to myself, as Hellen asked me to do.
"What is it? Are you hiding something from me too?"