temporary

2

"How's rehearsal going?" Christian asked. I knew he wasn't just asking to start conversation because he adored my passion for music. In fact, he bought the entire music department so they'd never shut it down.

"We were on a roll, and then..." I trailed off and sighed. "I think it's my fault." I took a bite of the steak.

"Don't say that, Serenity. Your voice is absolutely beautiful." Christian ensured me.

"Yeah, I hear you from pre-calculus. You guys sound good." Liam entered the conversation, taking a sip of his sparkling water.

I sighed, looking at the Moore's. I couldn't concentrate on anything, even how hungry I was since I hadn't eaten since lunch.

"Can you tell me what's going on?"

Christian eyes the boys so I follow his gaze. I watch Dylan nod, Liam gulp, and Grayson look like he's going to throw up. Oh no.

"It's about Mom, isn't it?"

Christian gently grabs my hand, his eyes filled with remorse. "Serenity..."

I pull my hand back. "Tell me." I warn.

Silence.

"Tell me!" I yell. Liam gasps while Grayson puts his hand on my knee, his eyes telling me it's ok. Everyone in this restaurant was looking at me now.

"I spoke to Dr. Adams and Jen this morning." Grayson's hand falls back onto his lap. "I was going to wait until after dinner to tell you, I thought you'd want to be in the comfort of your home, or our home."

"Christian." I scowl at him. "Just tell me."

"Jen's putting the house up for sale."

I gasp, drowning in confusion. Why would she put the house up for sale? All of our memories are in that house. Dad's memories are in that house.

Then it hit me. Pushing back tears that threatened to fall, I spoke.

"How long?"

"About a month." My world crashes. I look to Liam with watery eyes but he just looks down, guilt swarming is face. "She will be able to come home in 2 weeks, they were truthful about that. But..."

I was trying to focus on the words coming out of Christian's mouth but my brain was swarming with information. I think I was going into shock. 1 month. I need more time. I can't lose my mother, not after losing my father.

"Jen will stay with us in the Moore mansion, as well as you. I can keep an eye on her. As for when she... passes – she's given me full guardianship over you." Christian reaches to grab my hand but I move out of his reach again.

Looking back to Liam. "You knew." A tear escapes my cheek.

"S..."

"You fucking knew and you didn't tell me!" I was yelling again but I didn't care. "All of you knew!"

I stood up and ran out of the restaurant ignoring the stares from all these rich people. I didn't realize I was crying hard till I was in the parking lot and I choked on a sob. Taking a final breath, I began running again. I didn't know where I was going to go but I couldn't be near the Moore's right now.

"Ser!" Grayson called from behind me. I ignored him. "Ser, come on, I'll take you home."

A tight grip landed on my wrist, pulling me backwards into big arms. Turning around, I faced Grayson. "Let me go!" I screamed, pushing him. He stood still wrapping his arms around me as I continued to hit his chest. "Please," I sobbed, "I can't lose her, Gray." I fell into his chest, gripping his shirt into my fists.