Chapter 18

I found myself caught off guard as I looked up into the unexpected face of Nicholas perched in the tree. This was the cruel and aloof Nicholas, who always wore a stern face and exuded an air of coldness. And had a surprising fondness for apples?

The two full baskets at his feet showed he’d been picking them for some time. Was he asked to do so, or did he actually enjoy it?

The stark contrast between his usual demeanor and this apparent affinity for this simple fruit amused me, and I felt a newfound sense of ease in his presence. I realized that I was no longer as scared of Nicholas as I once had been.

As Nicholas gracefully descended from the tree, leaping like a lion and landing without a sound. I plucked a large, round apple from my own fruit basket and offered it to him.

“Break time?” I asked him, smiling. Though he had many of his own to choose from, I hoped this offering would put him in a good mood.

I saw a glimmer of amusement in his eyes, a tiny spark that hinted at the desire to laugh, but he quickly masked it, still unwilling to reveal this vulnerability.

Snatching the apple from my hand, he turned away, his true emotions hidden beneath his stoic facade. “You’re welcome. I shrugged, deciding to continue my search of Lily.

Wynter had told me recently that the paralysis in Nicholas’ face was lessening when he was around me. She also told me that his wolf had said he was surprised and as confused by it as I was.

Nicholas sighed, and a smile touched the corners of his lips. “Thanks.” He said begrudgingly.I smiled brightly at him, “Its nice to see you smile.” I shocked myself by saying this.

He seemed a bit surprised as well, and spoke before he could catch himself, “It’s because of you. When you’re not around I can’t. I’m seeing a doctor soon to see why.”

“Oh, wow. Well I hope they give you good news.” This calm, unheated conversation seemed awkward to both of us, and he nodded to me, seemingly unsure of what else to do, turning to leave.

They’re warming to you. Whether they like it or not. They’ve realized how much better off they are in your presence. Wynter was giddy with excitement. She could feel a big change coming she said.

After the revelation that he enjoyed apples so much, I embarked on a mission to bridge the divide between us. I dedicated myself to learning the art of making apple pies, investing considerable time and effort into perfecting my mother’s recipe.

With Christmas quickly approaching, I saw an opportunity to extend an olive branch to the triplets, to forge a truce that would grant me the peace and space I needed to focus on finishing up this year of school without incident.

Christmas arrived, and with it, the culmination of my efforts—freshly baked apple pies, enough for everyone. Its aroma filled the air, carrying a sense of warmth and goodwill.

I presented the pies to the family with hope that they would see my effort, it was a silent plea for acceptance and understanding.

I arranged them decoratively at the dinning room table. As the triplets entered the room, each of them sniffing the air, Cheney saw me and scowled. “What is this?”

“I made you all pies. There’s plenty for everyone.” I smiled tentatively at them all, silently begging them to be kind.

Cheney scoffed, “What? Did you poison them or something? Is this a pathetic attempt at escape?” He laughed and looked to his brothers for support.

Brian only looked away, unwilling to agree with Cheney, but he also ignored me and the deserts. Nicholas looked me in the eye for a moment before the usual anger lit his face.

“Pathetic.” He said and casually approached the table where the pies were. Tense, but still hopeful, I reached for one to cut him a slice, but he quickly knocked it out of my hands.

It crashed into the floor, and as I stared down at the mess the pie had made, he pushed the another down after it. It was a disaster, and my tears welled immediately.

I started to shake as the tears streamed down my face. “W-why?” I stammered at him. Frustration and sadness got the better of me and I screamed, “What the hell is wrong with all of you!?”

Each of their faces showed shock as they stared at me. Nicholas’ shock remained as Brian’s face changed to shame and he ducked his head. Cheney, unsure now of how to respond just looked back and forth between Nicholas and I.

Finally, he huffed and shook his head, “You’re just a useless fucking crybaby. Those pies probably tasted disgusting. Get the hell over it. You’re nothing but a parasite to this family.”

My heart ached as Cheney’s words sunk deep within me. I looked up into Nicholas’ face, hoping beyond anything I would see something besides hate there. I was crushed when I saw the same old hateful Nicholas looking back at me.

Is there anything at all I could ever do to satisfy them? I though hopelessly. Wynter for once remained silent in my mind, she too shocked and heartbroken by their actions.

For me, Christmas was ruined. I was completely distraught as I ran quickly from the room. I rounded the corner in the hallway, pausing to catch a breath.

I stood for a moment, collecting myself, thinking of the mess that was so metaphorical for my life. A complete mess, I thought. I’m so over this.

In that moment, I made a silent promise to myself. I wiped away my tears, determined never to shed them in front of them again. I refused to allow their cruel words to break me.

From that day forward, I would wear a mask of resilience, hiding my vulnerabilities deep within. I refused to grant them the satisfaction of witnessing my pain ever again.

Behind me I heard a movement and a sigh. “This is delicious, better than anything I’ve had before” I heard Nicholas say, awe in his voice. He’d apparently tasted the last pie left. Not caring if he liked it or not, I shook my head and ran to my room.