Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Halloween Special – Memories of a Friend (Part 2)

“When you have a friend by your side that helps you to find the beauty of all when you’ll open your heart and believe in the gift of a friend.” – “Gift of a Friend by Demi Lovato

Kiya

Alesia’s thumb went to wipe the traitorous tears from my cheeks, catching them before they continued to rain on her mate’s thigh. “I hate remembering. It hurts all the time.”

“Remembering can be a good thing, Little Bit.” Anthony’s fingers caressed my curls mindful of the silvered circlet resting underneath the layers. “It means you haven’t forgotten. And it shows just how much Nuria meant to you. I can tell that you loved her, and she loved you.”

Through my tears, another small smile surface on my face as another memory of Nuria’s presence plays; her small form in a halo. “She was always decked out in gold and orange. I remember her wings were a translucent yellow that always went crooked in the breeze because she ran too much. She was a trailblazer on Halloween. night, hitting people with her fairy wand whenever they were disrespectful to anyone. Somehow, that always kept the peace.”

“Well, no one can go against the word of the Alpha’s daughter.” Alesia chuckled, rubbing her stomach lovingly. “Ximena would be the same. I can feel it.”

“I can too.” My hand went to her pregnant belly, my smile widening when I felt a little kick. I’m going to love that baby more than life itself. “Nuria was the pack angel, and now she’s a real one. Lost too soon.”

“Is that why you’re dressed as a Moon Fairy?” Anthony suddenly asked. “To honor her?”

My breath trapped itself at the base of my throat. Am I that easy to figure out? “Yes. I did. To deviate from our little tradition didn’t feel right. But…I didn’t know how hard it would be without my partner–in–crime.”

“Little Bit…”

“I should’ve hidden in my room as usual.” My hands balled into fists, shaking in the essence of failure. My failure. “Goddess, I’m so pathetic.”

“Hey!” Both our heads shot to Alesia, who’s glaring at me with the force of a million suns. The Alpha’s glare has nothing on his Luna. “Don’t talk that way about my favorite person in the world.”

“I thought I was your favorite person.” Anthony mocked hurt, his bottom lip quivering for emphasis. Jeez, what a goofball.

“You are, but you’re in a separate category.” Alesia shot him a wink before looking at me. “Anyway, back to you, young lady.”

“Great.”

“You’re not pathetic. Far from it. You’ve grown so much since you’ve been here, and I couldn’t be any prouder. Your parents would be so proud of you. This night stirs up a lot of emotion in you, and that’s okay. The fact that you’ve come out of your room and tried to enjoy this night is a testament to your bravery. You wanted to have fun and be happy not just for yourself, but for your late friend.”

Special–Memones of a Friend (Part 2)

“Few people dare to do that, you know?” Anthony added. “You came out, wear the costume that meant so much to you, and walked into our party. If Nuria was alive, she’d be proud of you.”

“You think so?”

in pride. “You never forgot about her. Maybe she’s celebrating

in heaven. I expected tears, but all I got are bubbles of happiness. “Knowing her, she’s probably zipping through the clouds bonking

along

silver circlet underneath the layers. “If you want

insisted. “I…I want to go back to the

you sure?” Anthony

once a year, right? I want to enjoy

and sister–in–law shared a look that expressed joy and warmth. In the middle between the trapped heat, I fell into a deep sense of comfort. I felt loved and cared for. Memories of Nuria still hurt. I still carry the guilt of

ill ever po

think

the burden of

to party for her as if she were still alive with me.

imagine how hard it must be to carry children. I don’t think I’ll ever have children, although I

smiled. “Let’s go back.”

pointing to the litter of black

don’t worry. You’ll be carrying your mess

should’ve expected

empty bottles off the ground. Perched on a branch is Diana, my beloved owl. Her golden eyes look upon me with affection. I swear, there has to be a person underneath

of

night?” I asked her, expecting an answer. Diana merely stared at me before fluttering over, pressing her beak to my cheek, and fluttering back to her branch.

me? I swear, there’s more to that nocturnal cotton–ball than meets the eye.

Special emories of a Friend (Part

house, I tossed the empty bottles in the available trash bin. I never got that alcoholic buzz, but that didn’t matter to me. I wanted to remember this night. Walking the path to the back

short, are all dressed in various costumes. Frankenstein, deities, movie characters, cartoon characters, and more filled in the color on this night. Music boomed to a heavy beat that thumped with the rhythm of my heart, drawing me into its magic. Pack members moved their bodies to the music as the children played with one another in between the spaces. It’s a night for everyone to

me in, the food table had

eggs, warm sliders, chocolate cake, and a candied apple. Had to add the last one in there for health reasons. It’s an apple!

“BAWK!”

a bright yellow chicken costume, serving me a shit–eating grin. “You’re lucky I like you or else I’d sock you in the face.”

tears. “Glad to see you back at the party. Got worried for a sec there that

I needed a pep talk,” I admitted with a small smile. “Any plans for after

chicken costume works like magic, Kiki. Just as chickens pick up seeds, I picked

up more seeds later tonight,

better. I like them sa

Leon Kennedy from Resident Evil, walked

my night of debauchery, such a term is dead until the

I’m saving myself for my

women walked over in a gaggle of laughter. Jackie is dressed as Wonder Woman, Abigail is dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, and Sapphire is dressed