Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 40

The closet room used to be a large storage room when Bronx's parents lived in the apartment. Bronx didn't need the storage, so he had it converted to a closet. When I moved in with him, Lenora and Ashley filled it with clothes and even had a custom made upholstered bench so people could sit when they were in there.

Lenora sits on the bench and scrolls through her phone. telling me the itinerary while I pull out clothes for the week.

After a few minutes, I notice she has gotten really quiet. I look up to see her staring at me with a complicated look on her face.

“Lenora, what's wrong?" I go sit on the bench next to her and take her hand in mine.

“Kas, I-I have some confessions. I can't be away with you for a week and not tell you.” her shoulders drop as her green eyes look at me for forgiveness.

“Confessions?” I ask warily, feeling a rock settle into my chest.

Last time someone told me about their confessions, I had a mental breakdown and Lex nearly went feral.

“Yeah, but please promise not to tell Bronx or anyone for that matter,” she begs, gripping my hands in hers now.

“Of course, Lenora. Your secrets are safe with me,” I promise to her.

“Kas, I-l know you can't have children. And I know that you guys have been trying and obviously nothing has worked. Um, but when Codi was first born, and you guys came to our apartment to see her. I thought you were going to tell me you were pregnant, but you didn’t. Then when you held Codi and the way she calmed down when you held her. The aura you to get when you hold her. We could all see how special your connection with her was,” Lenora pauses and gulps. trying to hold back tears, “Then Bronx came out of the bathroom and saw you and oh, Kas. the look on his face when he saw you holding her and telling her a fairytale. It made him so happy and broke his heart at the same time. That's when I knew something was wrong. So we mind linked and he told me about the research Lady Camille had done. That's when I knew. Over a year now. He promised me not to tell but. it's so hard to watch you with Codi and knowing that you may never have a pup of your own. Kas, I...”

I pull Lenora’s hands up to my lips and give them a gentle kiss as silent tears slide down her face. Lenora never cries. She rarely shows her emotions, but it differs from the way I do. Lenora faces the world head on. She doesn't hide her fear because she doesn't have any, nor does she hide away and try to make herself small. She has a natural confidence that people respect and envy at the same time.

Sitting here in my closet, letting her be at her most vulnerable and comforting her is, in her mind, the ultimate form of friendship in her mind. I am honored to be the one person out of all the people she knows to sit here with her. 2

it, but I have hope.” I smile at her then stand and pull out the drawer that holds my

from

can make it through the chaos of the next few months and if I make good decisions, he will let me have a baby. A pup of my own, but the Fates haven't written my destiny that far out yet. So the future is literally in my hands," I breathe a sigh of relief finally being able to tell someone

she looks at the walnut, then back at me, “You were serious about going to Mount Olympus. That wasn't some

nod at her

tears away, before a

say, and it didn't seem appropriate to ask the God of

laugh, then her face changes back to serious again, “Are you ready for

how bad can it

pup in the future,

feel a really complicated mix of emotions. First Delilah, then Musu, now Ashley? I am so happy for them

I ask, not trying to put any pretenses up for Lenora. She

to go

at the floor. trying my hardest to be happy for my friends. “Is there something in the water around

to tell me you're pregnant too?"She throws her

to wait a couple years so we can spend

‘the next thing’. Does that mean there is something else?” I feel my face

just one other thing. I haven't told this to anyone. Not Bronx,

Ashley, I know

them are like three of the most gorgeous peas in a pod anyone has ever seen. All three, tall and lean with completely distinct features. Lenora with her dark hair,

and IMusu with her deep skin tone. wide-set eyes. and warm, welcoming smile.

having trouble making eye contact with me now. I tilt my head down to see if I can catch

met you? When you came and knocked on the door to our suite