Chapter 74: CHAPTER 45.0: A Long Dinner

I was stopped by a woman. “Excuse me, you’re Aqua aren’t you?”

I nodded. “I am.”

“I need your help if that’s okay.”

I smiled. “Of course, it’s okay.”

“My son is a hybrid. I’m an elf but his dad is a dragon shifter. He went off flying and I have no idea where he is. He’s twelve and he usually flies close to the village. A few dragons are our looking for him.”

“But I could find him faster.” I didn’t need to know who he was. I closed my eyes and looked around the area until I saw a young boy flying into a river. He had about as much flight control as I did a week ago.

I described the area where the boy was, and the mother thanked me. They found him quickly. Ever since I left the castle I was doing whatever I could to use my abilities to help people.

Lexus flew with me into Wilwar. We didn’t feel good being back, but my grandfather lived here. We weren’t anywhere near the castle, so it wasn’t so bad. I was able to fly half the way then road on his back for the rest of it.

We landed not too far from the restaurant. “Let me know when you guys are done.” Lexus kissed my forehead in our human forms. “If I need to come get you earlier then tell me.”

I nodded and walked in. I was escorted to the table and sat down. Mom and Dad were already there.

“Hey.”

Mom smiled “Hey Aqua, you look a lot better than the last time I saw you. I kind of wish this dinner was just us three.”

“Four.” Me and Dad corrected in unison since we were both referring to Cade.

Mom nodded. “Yeah, four.”

I looked at Cade as he walked in and to our table. “Grandpa isn’t here yet? Is Grandma coming?” He sat down.

Dad shook his head. “She isn’t.”

“Cade, this is my Mom Mae. Mom this is Cade.” I introduced them.

“We’ve met.” Cade mumbled. “When we were looking for you.”

I didn’t know that until now. “Oh.”

Mom picked up her menu. “It’s nice to meet you again Cade, especially in a better situation.”

Dad pointed to something on her menu. “You’re not going to want to get that.”

Mom frowned. “Why not?”

He smiled. “I love it but I’m a dragon shifter and I heard your species aren’t fond of eating greens and vegetables.”

Mom laughed. “Maybe kids.” She rolled her eyes. “I happen to love salads. I’ll get the salad and you can get something else, and we can eat off each other’s plates.”

Dad chuckled. “I’m not gullible enough to believe you’d share food with me. Not after last time.” They seemed so happy together.

“I don’t want to be rude,” Cade interrupted. “I was wondering, are you a mage? You give off a magical aura but not the same one as a dragon shifter. Plus, my dad implied that you’re a different species.” I still hadn’t told Cade that I was a hybrid.

Mom smiled. “I’m a human witch, that’s all.”

Cade looked shocked. “Oh…” he looked at me. “Why didn’t you tell me you were a human hybrid?”

“Dad didn’t want anyone to know at the time and it hasn’t come up recently.” I answered.

Mom frowned. “You didn’t?”

Dad put his hand on Mom’s hand that was on the table. “Only because of the king and queen and her safety. Things are different now.” He kissed her forehead.

“How did you two meet?” Cade asked.

“It was thirty years ago when we were kids, it was in the forest near my home in the human realm.”

Mom answered. “Meeting Konain was unforgettable.”

Our Dad nodded, “Mae was the first human I had ever met, and I still haven’t met one like her.” Then he turned to us. “What’s new with the both of you? We can catch up a little before my father arrives.”

“Well… I’m mated to Lexus.” I said and pulled my shirt at the shoulder so they could see. They all looked surprised. “Was I supposed to get married first or something? Is it taboo?”

Cade shook his head. “It’s not taboo but most people wait so that they can celebrate, they also don’t mate within a few months of knowing each other. Mating is a big deal. You two are true mates so it makes sense. I heard they used to mate right when meeting. Did he propose?”

I shook my head. “No, he hasn’t.”

Cade turned to Mom and Dad. “When are you two going to mate? You’ve practically been married for the past twenty years and now his shoulder is free.” His tone was bitter.

Mom frowned. “I’m sorry Cade, Konain-“

Cade cut her off. “Stop calling him that. Only my grandparents call him by his full name.” Cade wasn’t comfortable with my mother.

Mom looked away. “I know but I’ve always called him that. He’s only ever corrected me once, but I can stop…”

“I'm fine with you calling me by my full name Mae or I would have said something more than once. I actually really like it.” He looked at Cade. “I’m sorry if it was too soon to invite you to dinner with Mae.”

Dad apologized. “Your grandfather requested us to all be here, but you don’t have to stay.

Cade scoffed. “It’s fine, I had to be here to represent your old family.” Everything was so intense.

I stood up. “I have to step outside.” I walked away.

Cade walked after me. “Wait Aqua, I didn’t mean it like that.”

I shook my head. “How did you mean it? We’re separate families aren’t we?”

We walked out of the restaurant. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s hard seeing my d- our dad with someone else. While you were away I finally forgave him for his affair, and I even forgave him for lying about how long it lasted. I wasn’t ready to see him with her this soon. In there I just felt like I couldn’t fit into his new life with her.”

I couldn’t understand what he was feeling because things were completely different for me. Or maybe I could understand it a little. “When I saw Dad with Lynn, you and Gray I didn’t feel great either. I felt like I wasn’t a part of your family enough and couldn’t fit into it either. Seeing you guys spend time together as a family without me hurt. I’m sorry you have to go through this now. My mom is fine with you being a part of our family.” Lynn wasn’t welcoming to me at all. “We’re just one family and now my mom is a part of it.”

Cade sighed. “I know my mom wasn’t thrilled about you being a part of our family. Your Mom is nice, and I guess she is a part of our family now. None of that was even the worst part. The worst part is how different he is. He’s so much happier with her. He wasn’t like that with my mom. I have a lot of stuff I need to get through with this.”

I hugged him. “I’m here to help.” I pulled away and saw our grandfather. We greeted him then all three of us walked in. Now that our grandfather was here I really felt stressed.