Chapter 161

Almara’s Pov

“That was productive!” My father says, clicking his seatbelt. We’re back in the car and this trip home is already proving itself to be an odd one.

“It was.” I agree. We signed a three-week contract where I can drop Grace off as need be and pick her up on my own time as long as it’s not after 6pm- which won’t be a problem.

It was a great deal and not only with Grace be introduced to cubs her age, but she’ll get a jump start on the learning she’ll be doing in her advanced class back home anyways. Even Grace seemed like she didn’t want to leave the place after our quick forty minute visit.

“This way if you’re father and I are at work and you want some time to yourself this is a great back up plan.” My mother says for the second time. “Being a single mom is hard work.” She adds and I cock my head.

“But, I’m not a single mom.” I tell her, struggling to keep the suspicion out of my voice.

“Of course not,” my mother quickly adds. “I just meant for the time being.” I decide to let it go. I guess for three weeks I’m raising Grace without Arthur- and I made the decision that I might need some extra help, as a back up plan just in case. Nothing wrong with that. Stil, I make a note to myself to call Arthur and tell him about it when we get home.

“Are you hungry?” My mother asks and my stomach growls in response.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” My father says with a laugh.

“The bakery!” My mother interjects. “Let’s go to the bakery.” With that it’s settled. We’ll go see Susan.

We turn into the parking lot, which is decently full and that makes me happy for Susan. I hope she’s doing well. The small shop is lined with picnic benches with sky-blue umbrellas sticking out in the middle, keeping the spring sun out of everyone’s eyes.

Before we get out, I do a quick scan of those sitting outside. Some I recognize and some I don’t. Everyone is chatting away, eating different types of baked goods or meats. My mouth begins to water. It does look really good.

We park and while I’m leaning into the back of the car unbuckling Grace, I get the feeling of eyes burning into my back. Maybe I’m just being vain. Everyone was chatting amongst themselves and didn’t pay any attention to us pulling in. Only, that’s when I realize it’s dead quiet too.

I slow down with getting Grace out of her car seat, just to take the extra moments to take a few deep breaths. Unfortunately, the calming technique does very little when I turn around. My heart catches in my chest when I see dozens of eyes quickly avert themselves, as if pretending to not look at me.

My parents are oblivious. “Ready?” My mother asks cheerfully and talks as if we aren’t the only ones speaking. “You have to get the ham croissant. It’s my favorite.” She says. Even Grace has picked up on the second looks. She shyly buries her face into my neck.

I try to keep my head high and shoulders back, the Convington way. Still, it’s like I suddenly forget how to walk as I become overly aware of my feet and posture.

We open the door to the bakery and a little bell chimes our entry. “Hi welcome to-” Susan begins to say in what sounds like a rehearsed customer-service greeting, but stops herself when she sees it’s us who entered. “Oh, hi.” She says instead and I can’t quite make out her town.

Confused. Suspicious Lily tells me as she notes a gray swirl above Susan’s head. She’s been awfully quiet this whole journey. You said you wanted to observe. Your wish is my command. She says and I can see her backing away, letting me to fend for myself.

“Hi, Susan. Good to see you.” I say, trying to sound as friendly and normal as possible. My family has known Susan and her husband Todd for as long as I can remember. I think they were the first to welcome my parents to the neighborhood. Now she looks like she we’re dangerous strangers. Well, that I do at least.

“Almara,” Susan says with genuine surprise. “Or, I mean Luna.” She quickly corrects herself with a bow. I cringe, but I don’t correct her. Arthur says I should get used to the respect. Still, I’ve known Susan forever. I’m pretty sure she’s seen me in diapers. She probably feels weird thinking she owes me some great respect and that makes me feel weird.

“It’s been awhile. How are you?” She asks, falling back into her rehearsed customer service voice, being sure to leave out any hints of personal interest.

“Good. Busy.” I say, which those two words really sum up how my life has been. I notice her eyes falling to Grace.

“This is our granddaughter. Grace.” My mother says, smiling ear to ear stepping closer to the counter and I try not to flinch at the way Susan takes a step back.

“This is Arthur Covington’s baby?” Susan asks, her eyes wide.

“And mine.” I say. Still, I know it’s the sound of Arthur’s name and not my voice that seems to command everyone else’s attention in the room. In fact, some people from outside have come it and I doubt it’s for a refill.

“She’s adorable.” Susan says. “What brings you here?” Susan asks and I register this as the first genuine question I’m sure she really wants to know.

“Just wanted to visit family.” I say and look at my parents.

“Almara got tired of all the riches and decided to remember where she came from.”

“Mom!” Is all I can manage to say, my face flooding with heat and I’m sure red with color. Susan looks at me with a new air of curiosity. I move closer to the display case to look at the different food options, hoping we can move on.

“These look really good.” I say, wanting to just order something preferably to go.

“They probably aren’t as good as the food you’re used to eating, though.” Susan says and I have no idea what she means by that.

“Homecooked meals are often times better than fine dining.” I say, only now realizing that’s probably true.

“So, what’s it like?” Susan asks, lowering her voice.

“What’s what like?” I ask.

“You know, being Luna.” She says leaning over the counter her eyes wide. I look at my parents who smile and nod eagerly. Is this why they wanted me to come here? To parade me off? I sigh. I guess not everyone gets to say their daughter is the Luna.

“It’s an adjustment.” I say honestly, “This being one of them.”

“Oh, I’m sure.” Susan says, but doesn’t do anything about it. “Are you, like, pampered all the time?” She asks and I’m a little taken back by her blunt questions- but then I remember there was a reason w only remained at a friendly neighbor relationship distance to Susan. She likes gossip.

“Um, when I want to be. I suppose.” I say and think about the one spa experience I had which was phenomenal. Unfortunately, much of the rest of my Luna experience as been less than desirable with the vampire bite, prison, tying to be murdered an all the rest of it. I don’t convey any of this though.

“Can I have this?” I say and point to the ham croissant my mother had mentioned.

“Sure! I can’t believe the Luna is eating my food.” Susan says like she’s some teenager fangirling over a celebrity.

We place the rest of our food orders and I think everything has settled down, until it comes time to pay.

“This is on the house.” Susan insits. But I can’t let that happen. We can more than well-enough afford it besides she hand-cooked all this food. So, I leave her a big tip. We’re just about to leave when Susan calls out.

“Almara, I mean Luna.” She says and I try my best to now let my grimace show. I turn around and she looks me square in the eye. “Do you like it? Being the Luna?’ It’s a question that I don’t expect, and what I expect even less is that I don’t know how to answer it.