Chapter 44 #4
“It’s sickening to know that the same evil that existed within that concrete fortress is just as prevalent out here.
I always knew it, but it’s harder to grapple with when you’re not expecting it.
With Veritas, I knew the score. I didn’t have to question their moral compass or the lengths they’d go to.
It was abundantly clear that the depth of their depravity was as deep as the Mariana Trench.
Out here, I feel like I’m staring at every person I encounter just a little bit harder, trying to see beneath the surface of how they present themselves and get a glimpse of who they actually are,” I admit, hating that Veritas is still affecting me and turning me into this person who’s distrustful of everyone and everything.
“I think the vast majority of the country condemns Veritas and wants them to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. But some people are just exceedingly susceptible to brainwashing. Maybe it’s due to their upbringing, or they’re simply not right in the head, but their choices are their own, and one day they’ll have to answer for every decision they make that brings harm to another.
Don’t let the bad in this world overshadow the good.
I know that’s easier said than done with what you’ve gone through, but viewing the majority of the population through a cynical eye because of the actions of a few will only hurt you in the long run.
You’re far too good a person to let those assholes dim your shine, Andi,” Mia encourages, and hearing her thoughts on the matter goes a long way in calming the nerve endings that Veritas has left exposed.
“Thanks, Mia.” I slide my arm around her in a half-hug. “It’s easy to lose myself in the gamut of emotions I cycle through on a regular basis, but I’m grateful to have people in my corner who won’t hesitate to reel me back in.”
“You’re stuck with me now,” she jokes, wagging her eyebrows comically.
“Oof,” I groan lightly, cupping my stomach where the baby is seemingly doing somersaults.
“What’s wrong?” Mia stands abruptly, pinning me in place with her panic-stricken eyes. “Do you want me to get Raiden? I should definitely get Raiden,” she rushes out, fluttering her hands nervously.
“Mia!” I whisper-yell, trying to ground her back in reality instead of the cuckoo's nest she’s flown to. “Nothing’s wrong. The baby just kicked an organ or something.”
“Kicked an organ or something?” she monotones. “You say that so blasé, as if the notion of your kid using your insides as a punching bag doesn’t warrant there being something wrong.” Mia shakes her head in disbelief.
“You should feel it from the inside,” I tease, quietly laughing at the look of horror she flashes me.
“Absolutely not,” Mia insists. “I’m favorite aunt material, at best. There will be no fetus sucking the life out of me in my future.
The responsibility of gifting our parents grandchildren will solely fall to your and Raiden’s shoulders.
But on the bright side, you’ve already gotten started! ” she grins maniacally.
I shift from foot to foot, dredging up some confidence, and then ask, “Are you sure they’ll even like me?”
“They’re going to love you,” Mia assures me.
“Just be patient with them. They come from a different time, and change can be an adjustment for them. It’ll be a shock at first, but once they realize that Raiden having brother-husbands means the potential for more grandbabies, they’ll become the biggest allies for polyamorous relationships,” Mia jokes, making me choke on the sip of water I’d just taken.
“I think two is plenty for the time being,” I state emphatically. With everything going on, the guys and I haven’t really discussed anything beyond the present. I’m not sure where they stand on the topic of future children. Honestly, I’m not sure where I do either.
“Well, I, for one, am ecstatic to spoil them both. I’ll definitely be the favorite aunt,” Mia brags, lifting her chin haughtily.
Rolling my eyes playfully, I respond, “You’ll be the only aunt, Mia.”
“Semantics.” She shrugs a shoulder, gathering her things and placing the empty wine glass in the dishwasher.
“I need to crash for a few hours before Drill Sergeant Astor decides there’s more work to be done.
” Releasing a yawn, I nod in agreement, knowing Hudson is going to be awake bright and early.
“Thanks for the chat, Mia. I’m really glad you weren’t some jilted ex of Raiden’s like I first thought you were,” I tell her honestly, grinning at the disgusted look she gives me.
“Ew.” She shivers at the thought, turning to face me as she nears the opening of the hallway. “I’m really glad you and Raiden found one another, Andi. Welcome to the family.”
And then she’s gone, leaving me all alone as tears prick the back of my eyes.
But these are happy tears. Ones that make me feel such a deep sense of belonging, the type I’ve never experienced before.
And I have the sudden realization that this is what it must feel like to have a home.
Not a physical structure with a roof and walls, but a group of people who make even the hardest moments a little more bearable.