So Not Normal #8
I snorted, “It’s embarrassing.” He replied, “Not for you. Lisa lied to control you and spiral you into a depression. Or to keep you from wanting to date other people. God. No wonder your ex always hides from my Angel. How fucking dare she lie and cause such issues?!”
Keith linked me, “Is that call wrapping up?” I answered, “I’m coming back.
” I told Uncle Eric, “I have to go, my family wants to talk to me.” He warned, “About that, drunk Melanie is even more of a rambler than sober Melanie.” I hadn’t been around her much, but that felt like quite an accomplishment from what I knew.
Uncle Eric continued, “My daughter in law mentioned the getaway you and Lisa had where your ex complained and hurt your feelings. I’d warn you that they knew you were dating someone, but they did know.
Emmett was just fishing for any details Melanie had.
I’m filling in the blanks of what you were stressed out about.
For the record, Melanie is a horrible liar. ”
I snorted, “So, I’ve heard.” Emmett said it was atrociously bad. He continued, “Yes, well the horrible liar said with a straight face that what you pulled off at that getaway was impressive and romantic. My daughter in law even mentioned twinkling lights.”
I winced because Lisa had yelled at me for days for that. Apparently, it was not romantic or special enough. I told Uncle Eric, “Well, Lisa wanted a presidential suite or something more romantic.” He told me, “The presidential suite isn’t what makes a gesture romantic, Keaton.”
I snorted, “Not according to my ex.” Uncle Eric reiterated, “My Angel likes it when I take her out on a fancy date, but she also loves those intimate moments where it’s just us.
That’s romantic too. Making someone think they have to spend their money on you to make something romantic is shallow.
It also means they want your money, not you.
You deserve far better than the likes of her. ”
I whispered, “Thanks, Uncle Eric.” He replied, “Anytime. Trust your new girlfriend, she seems much more grounded than the ex.” I snorted, “You have no idea. Thanks again.” He told me, “Have a good night, Keaton.” I hung up.
I stared around me wondering was everything wrong?
Why would Lisa lie to me and tear me down about all that stuff?
Did she just not know? I was her first, and I knew I was a little bigger than Justin.
To my shame, I’d looked. I know he looked at me too, though.
Was she pitting us against each other? Why? We weren’t friends.
I shook myself and ran back to the house. I climbed into my window and came down the stairs. My parents, Keith, Emmett and Alexandria were there. Everyone looked over at me. I decided to break the silence, “I need to speak to Emmett before we talk about whatever this is.”
Emmett stood and flashed into his office without another word.
I followed him, shutting the door, instantly apologizing, “I’m sorry about yesterday.
I was fighting with Katie, but that wasn’t your fault.
I felt off balance. I didn’t know if I’d fucked up so bad with her if she’d ever want to talk to me again. ”
“She’s worried you guys won’t like her, and I am too. When you questioned if she was controlling me, I flashed back to all those conversations about Lisa. I don’t want to do that with Katie and you guys. I want you to like her and she wants the same.”
Emmett was clearly surprised but said, “Apology accepted. I can smell Katie does in fact want to see you, so that’s good. I don’t think Katie is anything like Lisa. Immy has said her aura is pure. She does not have nice things to think about Lisa’s aura.”
“I was just asking the questions I needed to. I don’t feel like I protected you adequately from Lisa. I won’t make that mistake again. Having said that, I like you with Katie. I can’t wait to meet her officially. I did see her, but that’s not the same.”
“I’m sorry you felt that question was an attack on her, it wasn’t. It’s clear Katie doesn’t know about our world. I wasn’t suggesting she was doing anything nefarious or underhanded. What else is bothering you? Because I can tell it’s something.”
I snorted, “A lot. I feel like everything I thought I knew was wrong.” Emmett came over and gave me a hug. I nearly broke down from how overwhelmed I felt and held onto my big brother tightly. Emmett whispered, “It’s going to be ok, Keaton.”
Maybe it was now that I was with Odette and not Lisa. Why couldn’t I ever leave my ex for good before my mate came along? I wasn’t raised to think treating people like Lisa did was acceptable. We pulled apart and walked out into the living room.
Mom stood asking, “What did that bitch do when you were sixteen?” I’d have frozen if I hadn’t spoken to Uncle Eric. I shrugged, “I tried to do a big romantic gesture, but Lisa didn’t like it.” Keith frowned, “You were really excited about it.” I explained, “She was not.”
Emmett spoke from behind me, “Melanie seemed to think your ex hurt your feelings and that you were stressed out about something.” I was. Lisa had given me my first report. I was glad we were inside when Lisa had given it to me, or Melanie would’ve heard her.
Mom said, “Don’t think I don’t know exactly when this was. We barely saw you for months when you were sixteen. What. Did. She. Do?” Dad grabbed her arm, but mom shook him off. “No. There will be no more saying ‘calm down sweetheart.’ I’m refusing the calm.”
Dad whispered, “Lexi.” Mom scoffed, “Lisa hurt our son. Melanie said that she complained the entire time and stressed him out. There is something between you boys that I don’t know, and there’s something with Frank. LISA HIT HIM, CHASE! Was that the first time Lisa hit you, Keaton?” Oh shit.
I didn’t want to answer. The truth was Lisa would slap me, but it’s not like it hurt. My ex threw things when she was mad too. I dodged those and she’d only get me if I wasn’t paying attention. Keith shouted, “She hit you before?!”
I answered, “Not really.” Mom’s eyes narrowed, “Humor me here, Keaton. What does ‘not really’ mean?” I shrugged, “Lisa’s slapped me more than once, but it doesn’t hurt.
She also throws things when she’s mad, but I’m faster than she is.
So, said object didn’t hit me often. That was the first time she punched me, it also didn’t hurt. ” They all stared at me.
Mom shouted, “I want her GONE! I want Lisa out of this pack right NOW, CHASE!” Emmett said, “Grandpa and I have been looking for a pack to take her. Unfortunately, Keaton’s ex’s reputation precedes her. Our allies around here would take her, but grandpa and I don’t think it’s far enough.”
Now we all stared at him. Emmett shrugged, “We don’t like Lisa either.
She can’t be just assaulting people either.
She’s getting bolder. Previously your ex hit you in private, but now it’s happening in public.
What were you / Channing talking about with Lisa outside, Keaton?
” I flushed knowing I shouldn’t have said anything.
Grandpa Frank swooped in, “That’s where I come into the conversation, and everyone else takes a walk. Preferably to the gym. Off you all go.” He shooed them out of the house. Once they were gone, we stared at each other for several moments.
Grandpa walked over and poured two glasses of whiskey then handed one to me. Grandpa said, “I take it your new girl told you that you weren’t bad at things. Or that ten times wasn’t normal. Ken found that funny, by the way.”
I muttered, “I noticed.” Grandpa half growled, “I knew what was really going on, but Ken linked Tyler who told Emmett. I happened to hear them both. They think you’re trying to impress the new girl. They don’t know the real reason, but I do. I told you those reports were lies.”
I sighed, “I talked to Uncle Eric just a little bit ago. He said a lot of what Lisa said about me was wrong. I know you wouldn’t lie to me, but you’re my grandpa; you could be biased.” Grandpa snorted, “I love you, Keaton. I’m sorry I didn’t do more about Lisa, I never liked that girl.”
I asked, “Who did?” He responded, “You.” I asked, “Did I though? Did you see Katie when you did your patrol?” Grandpa said, “No, your Katie wasn’t at the window.
Immy was worried something fierce about her.
” I smiled saying, “She’s ok now.” Grandpa laughed, “I’d hope so given your scent.
” He clapped me on the shoulder and walked out.
I waited in Emmett’s office. He flashed in after an hour, looking surprised despite smelling me in here. Alexandria came in and shut the door. My big brother asked, “Keaton, what’s going on?” I told him, “Melanie pointed out I can ask you for help as the Lead Alpha.”
Emmett eyebrows raised, “Of course you can, I’m not just your brother.
” I sighed, “Lisa is making things hard for Katie. I didn’t get the full story yet, but I heard Katie say Lisa locked her in a closet.
” Emmett growled, “That wasn’t in the police report, I’ll look into it.
Ted and Matt heard her talking about it so I’ll ask them. ”
I frowned, “That doesn’t make sense. A pack member was the police officer talking to her.” Emmett rubbed his face repeating, “I’ll look into it. Katie doesn’t understand how we handle things. She could press charges against Lisa.”
“She’d deserve it too, but Lisa seems to love saying Katie isn’t Supernatural.
Then turns around and treats her like she is one.
That girl is going to give me a coronary.
I’ll look into what happened, Keaton. If Katie tells you the full story, let me know.
I’ll figure out why it wasn’t reported.” I nodded.
I started to leave. Emmett said, “You know I’ll talk to you about anything you want.
” I turned, “You want to know what Grandpa knows.” Emmett nodded, “Yes. I also wonder why you looked relieved when I said Melanie didn’t hear you guys.
It’s like there’s something she didn’t hear that you’re relieved about. ”