Chapter 179

Later that night Alana sits up in bed not able to sleep. She was rattled from the day and from all her emotions. She just feels it's crazy to even think about or feel this after all these years. He forgot her, walked away from her, and he never looked back. Even Though Thomas had a part in it, and she did resent him for it, she knew if Luke really cared he would have fought for her or at least found a way to come to her.

Even after all that, she still does wonder whatever happened to him, is he still with his wife? Were they happy and in love, like he always wanted? For her, she was happy in some ways. She accomplished a lot, she became the vet she always wanted to be, had her own office, and raised two beautiful children. Her marriage was stable, and even though she didn't love Thomas as he did her, she valued him. He gave her the homelife she wanted for her children, and it's all she could ask for. Just him taking Lucia as his own, she owed him everything and would never forget. She could have done a lot worse, and at times feels maybe all she was looking for wasn't everything she thought it would be. What really is love? Was it worth it at times?

She saw being in love really didn't get her anywhere but hurt, and if she thought about it, it did the same to Thomas. What did he really get? Someone who loved someone else for over twenty years, and raising another man's child. Yes, they had a "Happy home life" with their children but it came at a cost for each of them.

She sits there wondering how tomorrow is going to go. Not really sure she even wants to meet these people. It didn't matter who they were, or what they did. It mattered that her son was happy and so was Billie. She just hoped that Thomas wouldn't stand in his son's way, she thinks, the way he stood in hers.

Let nature take its course, either they are meant or they are not, it was up to them, no one else.

Alana tries to lay down but just can't seem to sleep. She gets up and goes downstairs into the kitchen and sees Lucia at the kitchen table eating some leftovers and studying.

"Hey sweetie, what are you still doing up?" Alana asks looking at the slipt image of Luke just as a female in front of her.

"I am just studying mom. I have tests on Monday so I am trying to cram this weekend. My overthinking about these tests are driving me crazy." Lucia says.

"You remind me of someone," Alana says with a smile. "You will be just fine, you are a very smart woman and you got this." She adds.

"I hope so. What are you doing up this late mom?" Lucia asks.

"A lot just going through my mind. We are going to your brother's, girlfriend's house today. Your father is here and there about it. It makes me worry." Alana admits.

"Oh don't worry dad will be fine. He isn't used to seeing Tommy in love. To be honest none of us are. Billie is fun, and a good match for Tommy." Lucia states.

"So you know Billie?" Alana asks.

"Yes, mom. You do know she is the same age as me don't you?" Lucia announces.

"God no, I didn't think she was that young. I mean I knew she was younger than your brother but not twenty!" Alana states.

"It's not a big deal mom. They get along great, We go to the same library I was the one to introduce them. We study there all the time, and Tommy came and pick me up and here we are." Lucia states.

"Is she a good girl?" Alana asks.

"Yes, she is and very close to her dad. He does everything for her and is always there for her. I didn't hear much about her mother though,. she is there but she talks about her dad a lot. He seems like a really cool guy. I think you and dad will like him. So stop worrying." Lucia comments.

"I hope your right. I am sure your father will have to say something about her age. Her family isn't saying anything about your brother being so much older?" Alana asks.

"Her dad is pretty open, but she said she didn't tell him too much even though she is close to him. She gave him, here and there details." Lucia responds.

"Yes like your brother does to us. Well, at least you will be there with us tomorrow." Alana replies.

"Yes, I will be but I am coming on my own. I have a few things to do, then I will show up for the dinner they are having. So it's going to be you, dad, Tommy, and Billie in the car. Good luck." Lucia laughs. "Seriously I am sure daddy will be just fine," Lucia adds.

"I guess we will see," Alana says.