“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 98

***Gracie’s POV:***

I woke up around 6:15AM. I wanted to get the dumplings to Kai early. The meal tasted it’s best when fresh. After showering, dressing, and doing my hair, the time was now 9:37AM. This was good, at this rate I would be able to make it to the hospital by 11:30am. I decided to wear something more comfortable today. Luckily, my mother-in-law turned my closet into a mini boutique as well, so I had plenty of variety regarding clothing. I settled on some light blue skinny jeans and a cute white button up blouse that I tied at the bottom. For shoes I wore low top converses. I put my hair in a ponytail allowing my face to be fully exposed. I wanted to be comfortable, this was Kai’s last night at the hospital, so I wanted to stay with him for the night.

A I made my way to the kitchen, I could hear what sounded like Kayla whining and Marla fussing.

*“Kayla don’t you eat those dumplings!”*

*“But whyyyyy!!! Mom! Kai isn’t going to eat all of this!”*

*“Kayla!”*

*“But it smells so good!”*

*“What do you have a tapeworm? How are you always hungry?!”*

I laughed quietly as the mother and daughter went back and forth. It was true, Kayla could definitely eat. As soon as I walked into the kitchen, both Marla and Kayla turned to face me. Both of their faces beamed as I made my way to the stove.

*“Good morning Gracie! You made dumplings!!”*

Kayla’s eyes beamed as her words squealed as she ran over to hug me. I couldn’t help but laugh, she was so excited. Marla rolled her eyes and shook her head as she walked over and hugged me tightly.

*“I know you didn’t get much sleep last night making those dumplings and broth.”*

Marla looked at me with an empathetic look in her eyes. I could feel the motherly concern seeping through her eyes as she pulled back from the hug.

*“You have to take care of yourself my dear. Kai…Kai is woke because of you, once again you’ve saved my son, and I don’t know how I can ever repay you so please…let me take care of you.”*

Just then, Kayla walked over and hugged her mother.

*“Mom’s right Gracie…please let us take care of you! You have no idea the joy you’ve brought back to this family.”*

Kayla’s eyes began to water.

*“You brought my brother back…”*

Her words trailed off as the tears poured down her face. Teddy and Theo soon walked into the kitchen.

*“What is that delicious smell!”*

Kayla instantly answered tears still in her eyes and voice.

*“Gracie made some dumplings for me and Kai.”*

The whole kitchen fell quiet as everyone began to laugh at Kayla. Theo walked over and hugged me.

*“Gracie, thank you for being my daughter-in-law.”*

Soon Grandpa Teddy chimed in.

*“We’ve all been coasting here. Thank you for making our family whole again.”*

My eyes began to swell as the family took turns thanking and hugging me. I could feel my heart filling up, I didn’t want this feeling to every leave.

After we all finished a light breakfast and Kayla finished her bowl of dumplings, we made our way to the hospital. Before leaving, I ran to the guest room to grab some things for Kai. I’d decided to pack some essentials for him as well as some clothes so he wouldn’t have to wear hospital gowns all day. As we walked into the room Kai was finishing up a call. I could hear an excited voice through his phone speaker.

*“I’ll be back on Phoenix this weekend!! I can’t wait to meet this fiancé with the superpowers.”*

My face redden as I heard his final words before Kai hung up and turned towards me. Kai had told his friend about me...the thought made me blush. As soon as his eyes met mine I felt as if the entire world disappeared and in that moment it was only us. He smiled brightly as he stood up to greet us all.

*“Good morning son.”*

Marla hugged Kai tightly as Theo and Teddy sat the bags and food on the table. Kia’s eyes followed them as they set everything up.

*“What’s all of that?”*

Kayla instantly answered.

*“Oh dude, your fiancé is rockstar! She made homemade chicken and dumplings for you with homemade chicken broth! And it was delicious!!”*

Kai looked over at me passionately remembering our conversation from yesterday when he expressed chicken broth being his favorite. Suddenly, his brows began to furrow as a scowl appeared on his face.

*“Wait a minute Kayla…how exactly do you know the dumplings are delicious?”*

The room fell quiet as Kayla’s eyes widen in fright. Marla lowered her head lightly shaking it as Teddy and Theo chuckled lightly trying their best to conceal it.

Kai began to walk slowly over to Kayla; his expression was now serious.

*“Did you eat my dumplings Kayla?”*

Kayla’s eyes nearly bulged as she ran behind me hugging my back.

*“My sister said I could have some!!”*

Kai’s expression suddenly softened as our eyes locked. I looked behind me at my mischievous sister-in-law smiled and sighed.

*“I asked her to try them to make sure they tasted good.”*

*“See!! She asked me to try them!”*

We all broke out in laughter; Kai had a mischievous expression as he looked down at me.

*“Well…if my fiancé asked I supposed I’ll allow it.”*

My face instantly felt flushed, I lowered my head feeling shy. I didn’t realize how tall Kai was until he walked over to me, having him look down at me like that made my mind wonder. I shook my head slightly to bring my thoughts back to purity. When I looked up again, he was smiling at me warmly.

*“Thank you.”*

His voice was filled with warmth.

*“You’re welcome. I hope you like it.”*

*“It was made by my fiancé, so I’ll love it.”*

……..

Blushing.

*“Look at you being a chip off the old block!”*

Teddy’s words broke the trance Kai was slowly putting me under. I’d never felt so relieved to escape.

*“Oh! She packed you some essentials and clothes too!”*

Kayla yelled out as she made her way to the table. Kai looked over at me with a slightly troubled look on his face. Masking it with a smile, he thanked me.

Had I overstepped?

Brushing the thought out of my mind, I joined the family as we all grabbed bowls to try the dumplings.

*“You already ate some Kayla! You go last!”*

*“What!!! I’m the youngest!”*

*“They’re my dumplings!”*

*“Children!!! Are the two of you telling me the only mature child I have is Gracie?”*

Kai and Kayla both looked at me before laughing, I couldn’t help but laugh too. I had never experienced a family dynamic like this before. I was refreshing. As we all ate there was sudden knock on the door. As we all turned our heads, an older woman walked into the room.

Suddenly, Kayla squealed.

*“Grandmother!!!”*

Jumping out of her chair, she ran to hug the woman as everyone else stood up.

Grandmother-Roana had finally arrived.