Alpha’s Virgin Stripper
Chapter 177

Jojo:

The alpha had said we would be flying back to Rush pack tonight, so I had to make sure Valerie packed enough clothes for the trip, since - of a truth - I did not know when we would be back. Mel helped me monitor Valerie's packing, while I got I and Lucian's bags ready for the trip. My baby boy had been safely tucked in his cradle, and he was sound asleep by the time I got home with the alpha. He was such a peaceful boy, and while I was partly scared that he was going to be in danger, I could not help but feel excited for his first flight.

By the time I was done packing, Mrs Smith had set the table and was now going from room to room, letting everyone know that we would be having lunch/dinner at the table together. She called it our last meal together in a long time. I knew that I was going to return to Ten. The new life I had started was here and I was doing very well in it, but I had to make sure my mother and entire family were no longer in danger. We could not live the rest of our lives looking over our heads. I got dressed in a white jumpsuit and made my way to the dinning table. The aroma of the food hit my nostrils from the staircase, and I drew in deep breaths to savour the smell.

"Don't fill your stomach with the aroma, Jojo. At least taste the food first." Mrs Smith called out from where she sat.

Valerie, Mel, Mrs Smith and the alpha were all seated around the round dining table. There were two empty chairs there, and I knew one was for me. Everyone laughed as I walked to the dining table.

I pulled out the chair beside Mel, deliberately skipping the one beside the alpha. After our rather short kiss this afternoon, I had to pull my thoughts together. He had to know that one kiss didn't change anything. I was not sure I wanted him back in my life again.

"Oh my goddess. Are we having one of your famous three course meals?!" I cried out, when I saw the table was littered with all my favourite meals.

Starting from the curry coated mushroom soup appetizer, to the fried rice and grilled turkey and catsfish main meal, then sumptous desserts of my favorite fruit parfaits and cupcakes! This was heaven on earth!

Mrs Smith seemed to have noticed the smile on my face and she shook her head while laughing.

"Easy Jojo, do not finish the food with your eyes. Some of us only know how to eat with our mouths." Mel chipped in.

Our laugher echoed in the dining room. It had been so long since we were all present at the table like this, to eat together, make fun of each other, spend quality time together and discuss. I began to wish I had initiated something like this without having to leave. I was going to miss every one of them, and the reality of the pain was tugging at my heartstrings.

Mrs Smith started the lunch by saying a short prayer, to which Mel and I responded with loud voices. I dished Valerie's portion of food in her favourite pink ceramic plate, before helping to pass the bowl of soup around.

Even though I could continually feel the alpha's eyes on me, I made deliberate efforts not to look at him more than necessary.

Mel took the center stage of the discussion Mrs Smith asked her about her new apartment and career choice. Mel and I had barely found time to discuss with all that had been happening, so it was a breath of fresh air to know that she was happy, at peace and relaxed in her new space.

She spoke about the different category of clients she had come across. When the stories were funny, we all laughed and made jokes, and when she spoke about the concerns she had, each of us - including the alpha, who I dare say had the best experience in running a business, after Mrs Smith - spoke and tried to encourage her in the best ways we could.

At the end, she did seem happier and more relaxed. And it pleased us all to see her like that.

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The table was silent for almost a second, before Valerie spoke.

"Jo, is mymmy okay? Are we going back to Rush to visit her in her new hospital?" Her question was greeted by a deafening silence. Everyone stayed quiet and turned to me.

There was only one person who was not fully aware of what was going on, and that was Valerie. Of course, I could not tell her that our mother had been kidnapped by Lucian's grandfather and his grandfather wanted to take her nephew from us. So, I had to tell her that our mother had been taken to a better hospital in Rush pack. She was excited that our mother was getting better treatment, and it hurt me to lie to her face.

I swallowed hard, forcing the chunk of turkey in my mouth down my throat. I gulped down a glass of water with speed and dropped the empty glass beside my plate before I spoke.

"Mum is doing great, Ley!" I replied, forcing a broad smile.

"When we get to Rush pack, we are all going to see mum. You'll like that, wouldn't you?" I had expected her to nod in esctacy, but she shrugged her shoulders with a dry expression on her face.

She only twirled her spoon in her plate, she had barely even touched the meal.

"I mean, I guess I'm going to be happy to see mum. But, I kind of wish I didn't have to leave again. I was just beginning to make new friends in school, Jo. And..." The pitch of her voice reduced. I could tell she was not happy to admit the next statement that slipped out of her tongue.

"... you know I've never really had friends."

Shit.

I knew it all, and I understood. Back in Rush, we had always known we were all we had. Valerie had always felt like an outcast amongst her peers, like she did not belong. And just when she was starting to fit in, I was pulling her from the ground again. I knew how frustrating that could be. Life had dealt me that blow more times than I cared to count.

I gave her my brightest and most reassuring smile before moving to press a soft kiss in her forehead.

"You do not have to worry, Ley. Very soon, our lives would be stable, okay? We would only be in Rush for a while, and we would return and be happy again. You, mum, Mel, Mrs Smith, Lucian, and I. We would be one big and happy family. Don't you worry, okay?" I spoke. Even though tears threatened to rock my voice, I had to keep a strong front for Valerie.

When I saw the small smile that formed on her face, I felt elated.

It was all worth it after all. For her, anything would be worth it.

"So, who wants to try my burnt marshmallow?!" With a coy smile on her face, Mrs Smith called out.