Runaway

Avery wants more,

But his phone rings, breaking the tension I've created.

   He sighs, "Hello? Yeah, I'm out right now. Wait, seriously? Okay, I'll be there as soon as I can." He hangs up, "God damn it, I was hoping to spend the whole day with you. But, looks like I won't be able to, something happened to my sister. Sorry Maple."

   "It's okay, prioritize your sister's health if anything, we can hang another day." I help him pack up, and he drives me home.

   "See you tomorrow, I'll pick you up and we can go to school together." He kisses my hand, his warm breath melts my ice cold hand.

   "See you." I wave him goodbye, watch as his Camry drives off.

Mom and Grandma are here, everyone's conversing in the living room.

   "Hey, Mom, and unexpected Grandma. So great to finally meet you." So-definitely-not great. Mom smiles at me, it's so obviously faked, but I smile back at her. She looks the same as when I last saw her, wrinkle-free, and eyes so sharp they could cut right through you.

   "Hello, Darling. Come sit, introduce yourself to your Grandma Dolion." Aren't you supposed to be the one who's already introduced me? Not even after 17 years?

   "Hi, Grandma, I'm Maple." Grandma's looking me up and down. Her gaze is deadly, just like Mom's.

"Hm. I was unaware that you two had a daughter, is old age getting to me? Or, perhaps, you just never told me." Her voice is smooth, like warm caramel. Despite her silky smooth voice, though, it comes off stern. She stares at Dad, who's been quiet this whole time, then at Mom.

"Ah, I suppose I forgot to mention her. I've been too busy to contact you, and truthfully, I thought you wouldn't care." No denial, no make-up stuff, nothing. That's my mom.

"Well, I'll be going up to my room now. It was nice to meet you, Grandma." The steps creak as I walk up the stairs. Grandma makes snarky remarks, but I couldn't care less.

I shoot a text to Char, hoping to get out of here even if it's just for a couple hours. Unfortunately for me, Charlotte's busy with a fling. Then I remember Lucas, wonder if he's still able to go.

"Hey, my friend had a change of plans. Are you still able to go to the movies?"

"Yep, I'll pick you up in 10, get ready."