Beyond the Veil

Chapter 39

The drive home was somber, but she didn't feel lost anymore. She felt the smallest shimmer of hope, and that was enough to keep her going.

If there was even the smallest chance that she could get him back, then that was enough of a reason to wake up tomorrow.

She would. She was going to get him back.

The light of day had just begun to diminish, and she drove home under the gaze of the setting sun.

When she pulled in the driveway she noticed a new car parked in the driveway.

Her parents were home from their trip.

She walked in the house, holding her bag close to her chest. Her parents were sitting on two chairs in the living room. They both turned to her when she walked in.

"Hey, guys." Sera said awkwardly. Walking into the living room and sitting by herself on the loveseat.

Her father spoke to her assertively, "where have you been all day?"

"I was at Quinn's." Sera lied. "You're home early..." She said, trying to change the subject.

"Yes, I heard my daughter was in trouble with the law." Her father replied.

"It's not my fault-" Sera began to reply, but her mother cut her off.

"You got a tattoo?!" Her mother exclaimed incredulously.

"What are you talking about-" Sera started, but she stopped when she saw her mom staring deadpan at her wrist.

Humans can see that? Mortals can see her mark?

She was in trouble.

"Uhh... yeah." What else was she going to say?

"Is that some type of gang sign?" Her mother asked. "Unbelievable. It's truly unbelievable. This is why you don't send your daughter to university, it's liberal brainwashing."

She can't be serious.

"Mom, it's not that big of a deal." Sera tried to smooth things over.

"Do not talk over your mother." Her dad commanded.

How was she going to survive this? Was she really going to be able to stay here?

"Not that big of a deal?" Her mom mocked. "I called Quinn's mother. You never stayed there, in fact Quinn is worried sick about you!"

Sera shook her head, "Quinn never texted me, she could have called."

Her mom scoffed and shook her head, growing quiet. Sera realized that she revealed too much and fell into her parent's trap. "You never called her, did you? You don't even know her mom's name."

"That doesn't matter-" Her mother started but Sera cut her off.

"Yeah it absolutely does, you're making up lies and trying to guilt me by throwing my friendship in my face!"

"I'm the liar?" Her mother scoffed again, "Where have you been the past few days?"

"Why would you care? Where have YOU been in the past few days?" Sera replied.

"I was in Boston for a conference." Her mother replied defiantly.

"Fucking exactly." Sera sighed.

"Do not curse at your mother!" Her father edged in.

"God, just leave me alone!" Sera said, picking up her bag and retreating to her old childhood bedroom.

"No, you need to learn how to be respectful," her father replied, standing up to follow after her. "What happened to your apartment? You obviously weren't being truthful with us. You expect us to lie to the police for you?"