Species- Luka

MISTAKE?

Amanda was awakened by her phone.

"Yes."

"Merry Christmas, love."

"Merry Christmas, Mom."

"Did I wake you up?"

"No, everything's fine."

"Rough night?"

"Too much."

"I told you to drink less!", her mom said angrily.

"I didn't drink much, maybe two glasses of champagne. You know I was working."

"You don't have to lie to me. You're not fifteen anymore. And we both know you easily mix business with pleasure."

Silence.

"Anyway. How did your event go?" her mom asked.

"It was very successful. We raised money for building a hockey arena."

"Great. And now, tell me, when are you planning to come home? I haven't seen you in three months."

"I don't know."

"Your father called."

"I don't care," Amanda said angrily.

"Amanda, he gave you until your thirtieth birthday, which is just around the corner..."

"I don't care," Amanda said more forcefully.

"And don't start about that, I'm still hungover."

"I thought you only had two glasses of champagne," her mom laughed. She continued in a more serious tone. "He called me, and I didn't know what to tell him anymore."

"Tell him the truth, that I'm not coming home."

"Oh, you're as stubborn as he is. You know how powerful he is."

"Mama, I really don't care what that sperm donor thinks."

"That sperm donor is paying for our luxurious life!", her mom said harshly.

"No, he's paying for your luxurious life. I've been supporting myself since I was twenty-three. Or have you forgotten?"

"Don't talk about something you don't understand! I was alone with you on the road. It's not easy being a single parent. Besides, he paid for your college. And while we're at it, he expects you to finish your imaginary job of picking clothes for others and come work for him soon."

"Not in a million years."

"I didn't tell him where you are, but I can't keep lying to him much longer."

"Mama, I don't want to be rude to you. You chose to be his mistress and play by his rules. He made you his property. I'm a by-product with my own life."

"You're his only heir!", her mom said harshly.

"Now," Amanda replied in the same tone. "Now that his prince is dead," Amanda sighed. "I'm sorry about Ian. Really, Mom! But I don't want and can't be his replacement!"

Moment of silence. "He'll come for you," her mom said fearfully.

"Does he really not know where I am?"

"No."

"Let it stay that way." Amanda calmed down. "Don't worry, Mom," Amanda started in a calmer tone. "Everything will be fine," she tried to reassure her.

"You don't know him. He is..."

"He doesn't know me either. I have a couple of powerful friends too," Amanda replied coldly.