She is sick.
I just need to know why.
My reply makes her take a step back. She watches me. “Why were you out so late? It’s past midnight. School ended hours ago.”
“I had things to do.” I don’t like coming home.
She frowns. “What things?”
She is worried, I get it. But I’ve lived my entire life without their interference. I’m not letting them control me now. We’re practically strangers.
Without a reply, I turn around and leave. Footsteps follow me and I roll my eyes.
“Heath! Wait.”
I race up the stairs to get rid of her but she’s persistent.
“I asked you a question.”
I ignore her.
“Where were you?”
I pretend she’s not there.
“Answer me!”
I don’t understand why she’s getting involved.
“I’m your mother.”
I stop in my tracks at those words.
My hearts pounds as my emotions get the best of me. Anger, frustration, sadness and grief cloud my head and I can’t withhold them from consuming me.
Looking over my shoulder, I level her with a glare. “My mother, you say?”
She stares back at me.
“Where were you my whole life? Why weren't you here?”
She pales. “I?—”
“You have no right to ask me anything when you’re just a guest. You’ll stay here for a few weeks and then leave.I know you will.”
She stays quiet.
“So drop the act and just do what you do best,pretendthat Emery and I don’t exist.” I scowl. “Oh wait, it’s only me now. The other one is dead.”
Tears fill her eyes and she reaches for her chest.
I should feel content at seeing the damage, but I feel nothing. There are moments when I feel a tug on the bond that we share because of blood. However, there is so much distance between us that it’s impossible to reach each other at this point. I’m not familiar with her at all. She’s my mother. I should love her and care about her. But all I feel are fleeting emotions for her that appear when she’s in front of me and disappear when she’s out of sight.
Dad turns the corner and freezes when he sees us.
“Heath, I’m?—”
“Stay away from me and leave like you always do.”
