Chapter 3 Nathan

After enduring hours of tearful solace with her confidante, Elena, Zara experienced a profound revelation. Despite her altered appearance, she remained the same cherished companion she had come to appreciate deeply.

In her authentic state, she politely requested not to be addressed as Ashley, as it did not align with her genuine identity. Zara found solace in that Elena empathized with her current emotional turmoil - the relentless sensation of heartache and the overwhelming homesickness that engulfs one's being. Paradoxically, the individual who can alleviate these distressing sentiments remains inaccessible to Zara.

The unbreakable connection was a constant reminder that one's soulmate resided somewhere in the world. Elena, with a sense of urgency, conveyed to Zara the imperative need to maintain a secure block on this bond. Failure to do so would render Nathan capable of tracing her whereabouts, thereby subjecting her to the dire consequences prescribed by the law.

"Girls, I have prepared lunch," Ethan announced loudly from the kitchen. In response, Zara's stomach emitted a low growl, a poignant reminder of her limited food intake over the past month.

As Ethan entered the dining room, he presented a delectable spread of steak and cheese subs for all in attendance. Zara's countenance brightened, unable to suppress a smile at his considerate gesture. It was evident that he had taken note of her culinary desires and endeavored to fulfill them with utmost thoughtfulness.

May I inquire as to when you plan to resume your duties at the workplace? Elena inquired, savoring a mouthful of her sub, while Zara responded with a disapproving shake.

Elena's countenance adorned a slight smile as she expressed her reservations regarding the notion, deeming it less than favorable.

Please pay attention, my dear.

Zara retorted sharply, her voice laced with a hint of irritation. She inhaled deeply, mustering a cynical smile. Her outburst had been unintentional, a reflexive defense mechanism to prevent the resurgence of tears. "Nathan, you see, was the one who used to address me by that name."

Elena offered a melancholy smile, conveying her empathetic comprehension of the emotional distress she was experiencing. "I apologize, my dear." You should engage in your work. "It serves as a distraction," Zara mused, finding solace in returning to her professional endeavors. Her competence in her chosen field bolstered her sense of self, providing a much-needed respite from the aftermath of her separation from Cole. This realization instilled a newfound confidence in her ability to thrive independently.

What would be the outcome if they were to discover my whereabouts? Her voice emanated with a delicate timbre, barely audible in the tense atmosphere. The weight of uncertainty loomed heavily upon her as she contemplated the grim possibility of her life being extinguished. A more harrowing thought consumed her: the potential fate of her innocent child. Perhaps, just maybe, there existed a sliver of hope that they would grant her a reprieve if only to safeguard the precious life developing within her womb. She was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, offering her existence to shield the vulnerable being that depended on her.

"We can provide you with a cloaking mechanism, ensuring that your identity remains completely concealed," Ethan responded, his gaze fixed upon her. With a gaze of profound desperation, he implored her to consider accepting the proposition. She was aware that he was not making an effort to exert pressure on her. She could perceive the depth of his concern for her.

She harbored concerns regarding her well-being. She harbored no desire to persist in her current misery, seated here in sad contemplation. In addition, she harbored a strong aversion towards being detected and subsequently eliminated by the pack. As she cast her gaze upon Elena, a profound realization washed over her - an awareness of the remarkable bravery that resided within her companion. Zara experienced a peculiar intuition compelling her to place her trust in Ethan. An overwhelming gut feeling eclipsed her doubt. She possessed the unwavering certainty that Ethan would never permit any harm to befall her.

"Okay," she replied, her gaze shifting between her companions. Throughout her life, there have been only two individuals whom she has truly relied upon. Could you please explain its functionality?

Elena eagerly expressed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm, "You must devise an additional persona." Have you ever harbored a desire to embody someone else?

Zara pondered deeply, investing considerable time and effort into her thoughts. The concept of assuming another identity had never truly crossed her mind. She consistently embraced the unfavorable hand she had been dealt with.

Observing Zara's inscrutable countenance, Elena suggested, "Very well, shall we commence by determining a suitable appellation?"

Zara pondered aloud, "The name Brandie has always held a certain appeal to me." Ethan retrieved a sheet of paper and a pen from his belongings. Perplexed, she was bewildered as he meticulously transcribed the name onto paper.

"You shall assume the identity of Brandie Downs," he remarked, observing her gaze fixed upon the document. "I am required to fabricate certain legal documents, ensuring the accuracy of the information presented," he remarked, accompanied by a mischievous wink. She averted her gaze, sensing warmth spreading across her cheeks.

Elena, with a mouthful of her sub, pondered aloud, "What would be your ideal hair color?"

"I was under the impression that vampires consume blood," Zara exclaimed, her hand instinctively rising to her mouth in astonishment. Amid her apprehension, she fervently hoped that her words had not caused any offense to Elena. However, to her relief, Elena responded with a hearty laughter, dispelling any lingering doubts.

"We rely on blood for our survival, yet we are also capable of consuming food. Remarkably, we can gain weight from it," Zara chuckled. Elena, with her thoughts focused, inquired, "What is your desired hair color for the future?"

Zara pondered aloud, expressing her long-standing admiration for the captivating allure of strawberry blondes.

"Yes, indeed. Additionally, I believe that opting for blue eyes would be a favorable choice, as it would provide a striking contrast to your vibrant green ones," Elena casually interjected. Now, let us delve into the backstory.

Zara arched her eyebrow inquisitively. The user's response is a concise expression of confusion.

There will inevitably be individuals who express an interest in getting acquainted with you," Elena remarked, her eyes rolling in a gesture of mild exasperation. "Should you choose to establish a friendship with them, it becomes imperative to provide satisfactory responses to their inquiries.

Elena responded with a sympathetic smile, inquiring, "Is it true that you indeed had a boyfriend?"

As an integral component of my newly adopted persona, I must express my sincere apologies, my dear acquaintances. This persona was meticulously crafted to deter unwanted attention from the male gender.

Ethan ceased his scribbling and directed his gaze toward them. Zara pondered deeply, contemplating her circumstances. She reflected on her upbringing as a virtuous young woman in a middle-class household, only to face an unexpected pregnancy. The repercussions were severe, as her parents, disapproving of the situation and burdened by the father's lack of commitment, made the difficult decision to cast her out, leaving her to navigate life's challenges independently. As she gazed down at her yet-to-show baby bump, a frown formed on Zara's face, revealing the weight of her emotions.

"Ouch, Ethan, your words were rather harsh," Elena remarked, casting him a pointed look.

With a gentle touch, Ethan tenderly caressed Zara's arm. Her eyes met his. Zara, please accept my sincere apologies if my previous statement caused any offense. I intended it solely as an observation of a compelling backstory. You are currently expecting, a fact that cannot be concealed. Even in your alternate form, it is inevitable that your abdomen will undergo expansion.

Zara gracefully inclined her head, acknowledging Ethan's words. "It is quite alright, Ethan."

Elena interjected, seeking to alleviate the prevailing tension, "May I inquire as to when Brandie's commencement is scheduled?" Her voice exuded an unmistakable aura of excitement.

With a smile, Zara expressed her confidence in Brandie's ability to commence work the following day, despite her anxiousness. What would be the outcome if Nathan were to enter the scene? What would happen if they were to uncover her true identity? What if he had an intuitive perception that the baby belonged to him?

She was confronted with many questions to which she had no answers. Rising swiftly, she hurriedly made her way to the bathroom. Her body was undergoing a process of rejecting all the contents present in her stomach. Uncertain about whether her discomfort stemmed from nervousness or morning sickness, she pondered the cause.

"The euphoria of pregnancy," Elena's melodious voice resonated from the adjacent dining room while Zara found herself in a less pleasant state, her head resting near the toilet bowl.

Zara stood before the mirror, her gaze fixed upon her reflection. Her lustrous strawberry-blonde locks cascaded in flawless waves. The cascading layers gracefully frame her face. Adjusting to the realization that it was indeed her would require some time.

"Are you prepared?" Ethan inquired, cautiously poking his head into the bathroom for the hundredth occasion. With a nod, she acquiesced and trailed behind him as they entered the bustling main area of the diner. Fortunately, she had the privilege of collaborating with Elena on this particular day.

That would assist in alleviating her nervousness to some extent as she commenced the task of meticulously wiping down the bar counter. As she commenced the daily ritual of unlocking the diner, she couldn't help but reflect on the countless occasions she had performed this task. The sensation of her absence seemed fleeting as if she had never truly departed.

Elena gently reminded her to remember her backstory, assuring her that doing so would ensure a positive outcome.

The moment they engaged the lock and illuminated the "open" sign. One of their frequent patrons, Billy, entered the establishment. He possessed an unwavering certainty in his ability to identify her. She stood, her breath held.

Elena emitted a playful giggle as she uttered, "Tequila Billy?"

"Yes," he replied in a gruff voice. Have you acquired a new romantic partner? Does this development imply that Zara will not be returning?

Zara's eyebrow arched inquisitively. He failed to recognize her. She dedicated a full year to gradually thawing the icy demeanor of this weathered gentleman and engaging in a conversation with him regarding the challenges he is facing concerning his former spouse, and assisting him during the difficult period following the demise of his beloved canine companion. She possessed a steadfast conviction that he would perceive beyond the facade.

"Hello, my name is Brandie," she murmured with a hint of shyness.

"Good day, Brandie. I have developed a fondness for Tequila, and I kindly request that you continue to provide it in abundance, as it will not pose any issues for me," Billy articulated with a slight slur. With a slight smile, she procured a shot for him. She retrieved a glass of water, as it was customary for him to consume water with his shot. Billy was convinced that it held the key to salvaging his liver.

"How did you anticipate my desire for water?" He raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

In a state of panic, she cast her gaze upon Elena, who observed her intently. "That was how my father would consume it. I suppose it has become an ingrained practice," she fabricated. She observed Elena's relaxation and mirrored it herself.

Billy emitted a hearty chuckle. "He appears to be a commendable individual. May I inquire about your place of origin, Brandie?" His gaze subtly traversed her figure.

"I have recently relocated to this area from Virginia," she declared, expressing her gratitude for the carefully crafted backstory provided for her. Previously, she could not fabricate falsehoods spontaneously.

"What was the reason behind your presence at Woodsedge?" he inquired, seizing the opportunity. Swiftly consuming the water. With a wordless gesture, she extended the bottle, inquiring if he desired another. He assented.

Billy nodded in understanding as the somber revelation unfolded before him. It was a tale of heartache and resilience, a narrative that resonated deeply within his empathetic soul. The protagonist, a young individual grappling with the harsh realities of life, found solace in the confines of their vehicle. Forced to leave the familial abode, they embarked on a journey of self-discovery, propelled solely by their automobile's limitations.

It is plausible that you engaged in misconduct that led to your dismissal. He proceeded to consume another alcoholic beverage. With seamless precision, Zara deftly poured the liquid into the glass; her movements were executed flawlessly without hesitation.

"I found myself with child, but unfortunately, their approval was not forthcoming," she uttered in a subdued tone. The authenticity of her emotions resonated in the timbre of her voice. Billy offered her a melancholy smile.

Despite the current distressing circumstances, it is important to acknowledge that the presence of a child is undeniably a profound and cherished gift. With a gentle expression, he showed her a faint but genuine smile. A sympathetic smile. Here she stood, a solitary and attractive young woman, carrying a child devoid of companionship and being the object of sympathy from the local inebriate. Could her life plummet any deeper into despair?