From Different Worlds

Returning home never crossed the young woman’s mind, watching the trees pass by in such a hurry, seemingly creating an everlasting blur. Recalling the memories of her old life made the woman uneasy. Spending years to get away from that only to have to come back after all this time.

When she first got the devastating news of her family's untimely and unfortunate deaths, she wasn’t sure whether to return back to her hometown or let her brother take on the hassle of all the arrangements on his own.

She thought it best to return though, regardless of the unfortunate events that occurred in the past. They were still her family. And what would be said if the youngest daughter of a well known family wasn’t to return for the funeral. Besides, she can always go back to her new life in Los Angeles. She doesn’t have to stay like a lot of people will expect her to. Nothing in Oakhurst, California, is really worth staying for. Nothing is tying her down there anymore. She built a life in Los Angeles, and she wouldn’t give it up for the world.

All too soon, the train stopped at her destination. She stayed planted to her seat as several passengers passed her to get off the train, all the while she kept looking out the window, and soon caught her brother in the small crowd of people. She slowly lifted herself from her seat before grabbing her bag from the seat next to her. She collected her luggage before meeting her brother where he stood when she got off.

“Hello, Arabella,” he smiled awkwardly, not seeming to know exactly what to say. She flinched at the appearance of her name. She despised the name with every little bit of hate that she carried throughout the years of pain and torment.

“Hi,” she replied, “It’s just Ella now, Rafael.” She wanted, or more so needed to get that out in the open before he called her Arabella again.

“Oh okay, no problem. Should we go ahead and hit the road? It’s a bit of a drive,” he said, dropping the smile from his face, as he grabbed her luggage.

“Yes, please,” she rushed out, clutching onto her backpack as tight as she possibly could, turning her knuckles pure white. Following her brother out to the car she couldn’t help but think of how much he has changed. He wasn’t that awkward, shy young man anymore, who was always very tall and lanky. She found herself wondering about anything else that might have changed, for the better and for the worse. The atmosphere in the car was awkward. Neither knew what to say to the other. How have you been? Or how is everyone? Did not seem like the best things to ask considering why she was back in the first place.

It was obvious between the both of them that they weren’t going to be as close as they used to be. All these years away from each other have caused them to drift apart, much to Ella’s surprise. She knew that coming back would have been difficult but she hoped her brother would have helped her in this time.

“So,” Rafael dragged out slowly, wondering what he could say that would help smooth out the tension between them. He didn’t want to make anything worse so he had to be cautious with what he says and does around his youngest sister. “How has Los Angeles been treating you?”

“It’s been good,” Ella responded after a few seconds of thinking of the right things to say. She didn’t want to sound insensitive. She was worried that if she mentioned how good she has been doing there that it would make her seem cold and heartless towards the family. She didn’t exactly leave on good terms with her parents and she didn’t feel right rubbing it in anymore.

“That’s good,” Rafael wanted to say more but nothing would spill out like usual conversations they used to have before she left. He wanted to know if she finished school, if she ever opened her business, all her plans.

“I finally got my culinary license,” she spoke up, sensing that he wanted to ask her some questions. The awkward atmosphere was becoming more intense the more they sat in silence. Maybe they could get back to their usual relationship if they opened up a bit? Or that’s more so what Ella was hoping.

“That’s great, you always did love being in the kitchen,” he sent her a quick smile before his focus went back on the road. “Did you ever open that cafe?”

“Yes, I did,” she gave the slightest hint of a smile. Rafael knew Ella better than anyone. He knew everything she wanted to be, all her hopes and dreams out of life. “One of my employees is watching the store for me while I am here, so I can’t stay very long.”

“Alright.” But Rafael wasn’t fine with it. He wanted his sister to stay, wanted her to be his second in command. She’s the strongest person he has ever known and wouldn’t want to give the position to anyone else in the family. He needed to figure out how to keep Ella from leaving again. He just wasn’t sure what to do, he needed to convince her. He was determined and willing to do anything to keep his sister from leaving.

Ella, on the other, had no idea Rafael planned to keep her from leaving. Her plans were the complete opposite of her brother’s. She was going to leave and no one could stop her from doing just that. She needed to leave as soon as the ceremony was over. She couldn’t bear the thought of staying here for longer than a week or even living here at all anymore. Pulling her Ipod out from her backpack, she turned on her rock playlist for the rest of the drive up the mountains.

After the long drive, they finally made it to the home she knew all too well. With a huge crowd lined up outside ready to greet her, she couldn’t help but feel nerves seeing some of the faces of the people she used to consider her family and friends. Memories came flooding back drowning her thoughts in good memories, but it wasn’t long before the bad ones followed.

Pushing the memories to the back of her mind, she forced herself out of the car, slinging her backpack over her shoulder as she made her way towards the people, following behind her brother.

“Alright everyone, welcome back Ella,” Rafael reintroduced her to the pack. Ella has changed quite a bit since she has left. Her red hair that used to cascade down her back like a waterfall now hangs just barely to her shoulders. All the work she has put into being successful has left her with a pale appearance compared to the rest of the pack, not seeing much sun as she mostly works in the cafe. Light freckles sprinkled across her nose, complimenting her childlike appearance.

“Hello,” Ella gave a slight wave, anxious about how they will react to seeing her once more. “It’s nice to see all of you again.” After what felt like hours of silence, but in reality was only less than a minute, a small girl weaved her way through the crowd and over to the former alpha’s daughter.

“For you, Miss Ella,” she held out a few tiny daisies towards Ella.

“Thank you,” Ella gave her a soft smile as she went to her knees, taking the daisies and placing one in her hair making the small girl giggle in amusement and fixed it for her so it wouldn’t fall out. Taking another daisy Ella placed it in the girl’s soft brown hair, earning another giggle.

“What’s your name, young lady?” Ella kept the smile on her face, fond of the little girl already.

“Sophia,” she gave a big toothy grin. Right as she said that, a young couple came up from the crowd, introducing themselves as her parents.

Starting to greet everyone only one pair of eyes was captivated by the woman as she gracefully met everyone around her. They couldn’t help but stay mesmerized by every little move she makes. Holding adoration for her sweet and caring nature as she played with some of the kids and talked to the young and elder people. All too soon it was over and everyone followed Ella and their alpha into the house. Splitting off to do their own things, Ella and Rafael were left to do what needed to be done.

The two siblings went up to the top floor where the family resides and went to her old bedroom. Walking in she was shocked to see everything the way she had left it. No dust covered anything meaning someone must have cleaned the room recently.

“Alright, so meet me in my office after dinner so we can start talking about arrangements,” Rafael said, before excusing himself from the room, sensing how overwhelmed Ella must have been feeling. She nodded as he exited the room and sat down on her bed, taking everything in.

Nothing had changed much in this room. Still the same light blue walls flooded with posters and polaroids, same black and white furniture, almost everything left in its place. Laying down on her back she took a deep breath, knowing she needed to calm down before she had a mental breakdown. Checking the time on her phone, she only had an hour before dinner would start. She decided to take a quick shower and got dressed in a pair of black jeans and a sweatshirt she had packed. She decided to see the inside of her closet. It was mostly empty, most of the clothing had gone with her to Los Angeles.

When she looked up onto one of the shelves an old photo album caught her eye. She grabbed the stool that was sitting by the door and climbed up to grab the album. Looking at the light blue covering, she remembered the person that gave it to her. As tears brimmed her eyes she threw it down, walking out of the closet feeling that overwhelming feeling that she just wishes would stop occurring every few minutes. Leaning against the closet door she took a breather before she left the room and started heading downstairs to the main floor. Stares followed Ella as she made her way to the kitchen and grabbed a water bottle from the fridge. The women preparing dinner stopped and watched Ella’s every move.

“Uh, hi?” Ella asked, kinda nervous under all the stares they were giving her. Immediately they all got back to work. Ella awkwardly looked around before leaving the kitchen and sitting on a couch in the living room drinking her water bottle. She sighed and leaned her head against the back of the couch, resting her eyes.

“You okay, Ella?” Rafael asked, watching his sister from the doorway. She lifted her head back up and looked at him.

“Yeah, just a little overwhelmed by it all I guess,” she answered him as he came and sat next to her.

“You are going to be just fine,” Rafael sent her a comforting smile. She nodded not really feeling sure of herself. She didn’t believe it was going to be alright. She felt out of place here, she doesn’t belong anymore. She left and with that meant that she didn’t feel at home with her old friends and family.

“Dinner is about to start, walk with me to the dining room?” She asked Rafael, trying to bond with him again. She doesn’t want to let go of their sibling bond on the account of what others have done. They head to the dining room in a somewhat comfortable silence together. Her brother led her to the head of the table.

“Why don’t you sit in the beta’s spot?” Rafael half-heartedly smiled.

“Why?” Ella asked, undeniably confused. “I’m fine sitting in the guest’s seat, your beta should be sitting there. I’m not a beta.” The few people standing around the table stood in an uncomfortable silence, watching the scene play out in front of them.

“I actually haven’t chosen a beta yet,” He stated slowly.

“Why not? We have plenty of great warriors and suitable cousins,” She crossed her arms over her chest and supported her weight on her right foot.

“Ella, I was hoping to discuss this after dinner along with the arrangements,” He spoke in a low voice. Only then did Ella notice that the two had an audience and none of these pack members needed to hear what was being arranged for the new leadership of this pack. It was always meant to be kept in secret until the night of the ceremony when it would be revealed.

“Alright,” She sighed in defeat and took a seat in the Betas spot, next to her brother at the head of the table. A few minutes after the two took their seats, the rest of the pack members poured into the room. Soon food was served and the intense atmosphere was lifted, familiar laughter filling Ella’s ears. She smiled sadly as her eyes swept the room, before looking back down at her food eating slowly.

“Ella,” Rafael spoke up, clearing his throat to capture her attention.

“Yes, Rafael?” She looked up quickly, losing her train of thought.

“Have you found your mate yet?” He asked, avoiding eye contact.

“What makes you ask that?” She asked, shocked at the question.

“Well, curiosity is all it is,” He looked around.

“It really isn’t much of your concern but no, I haven’t,” She sighed, looking away. “Have you?”

“Regrettably, no.” She smiled sadly at him, understanding the feeling. Most wolves would usually find their mate while they are teenagers. They are usually in the same pack or a member of one of the surrounding packs. It is rare for a wolf to not find his or her mate. Most believe it to mean that they died before meeting their other half or their god and goddess didn’t bless them with one. It can drive a wolf mad trying to find their mate.

“I’m sure she is out there somewhere, you just haven’t crossed paths yet,” Ella placed a hand on his shoulder in a comforting gesture.

“I’m sure you are right,” he gave a soft smile trying to convince himself more so than his sister. For the remainder of dinner, they sat in silence and finished eating their food.

Ella headed up to her room to take a breather before heading to her brother’s office. She let out a deep sigh after standing in front of her former alpha’s office doors. She raised her hand ready to knock only for the door to be opened before her fist could make contact. She held her breath in surprise and looked up at her brother.