It was my mom. She casually held her bag over one arm, while she retrieved an overnight bag from the trunk. She looked as spotless and stylish now in the afternoon as she did, when she had just applied makeup and styled her hair. She saw me there in the driveway.
"What are you doing out here?"
"Garbage," I said and pointed over my shoulder at the garbage can.
"And where have you been? My assistant said something about a fire or something at the fitness center you go to. I tried to get in touch with you." She said and headed in. I followed.
"I'm fine," I stated and tried to give her a reassuring smile, "I did loose my phone." That was the truth. It was in my gym bag, but by the way had magically appeared on my bed. The same magic had driven my car back. I wasn't surprised. It was Duncan efficiency.
My mother put her bags down in the entryway and went about her way of coming home, including a trip to the refrigerator, where she poured a glass of white wine.
"One of your teachers called. You've lost a few days of school. Look, I know that right now school is boring and seemingly superfluous, but in fact it is the door to amazing opportunities. Don't sabotage yourself by not making an effort. You missed a test and you will have to take it in the coming week. Is there anything, I need to know?" My mom perused me with a gentle glance.
"No. I'll take the test. Everything will sort itself out." I balanced on the heels of my feet.
My mom hmm'ed and poured more white wine in her half empty glass. She wasn't convinced, but didn't want to get into it, which was fine by me.
In my room, I went through my messages. There were a couple of messages from Andrea and Penny about the fire at Titan Fitness and school, a lost call from Dingo and Mats, and a series of messages from Levina. None from Brandt. His last message was before he left on assignment. It didn't want him to be as worried as I felt when he was incommunicado.
"I'm OK. Had a run-in with smokers, and Levina helped me. Call me when you get back. XO."
I answered the rest of the messages, ensuring everyone that I was fine.
"Harper! Can you join us downstairs?"
That was unusual. 1. My mother calling up the stairs for me. 2. There was an 'us' downstairs that she wanted me to join. I crept down the stairs to ready myself to whatever or whoever was waiting and making polite conversation with my mother in the living room. I rounded the corner and saw Neil Duncan seated leisurely on the couch with his arm casually draped over the back of the couch. I don't know what I had expected, but this was furthest from that.
"Ah, Harper," he said with a wide smile visible behind his short beard.
"Join us, my dear," my mom gestured at the couch for me to sit. If running away had been an option, I would have tried. This was worse than being at the principal's office or even Neil Duncan's office. Neil Duncan was sitting in the living room of my home, making small talk with my mom. I sat down and Neil Duncan gave my shoulder a squeeze.
"As I said, Sarah, our kids have taken a liking to each other, and to begin with I was opposed to the relationship. You see, Brandt is a couple of years older than Harper and he has taken on obligations at the company. However, even my strong words didn't deter their youthful feelings."
"Young love," my mom chimed in. My cheeks were flaming. What was Neil Duncan doing now? I hung on every word in order to catch a glimpse of his intentions.
"Indeed," Neil Duncan grinned as if he knew about young love and not just about strategic business decisions. "My suggestion is for us to support Harper and Brandt's relationship as responsible parents and lay down some ground rules."
My mom nodded enthusiastically.
"I understand that your job often requires long hours away and some business travel. During those periods Harper is welcome to stay at our home, where there is always adult supervision. I understand Harper has lowered her attendance at school and I feel at blame. At my home, I will see that she gets to school and even has access to a tutor if need be."
I could see my mom contemplating Neil Duncan's offer. He made it sound like good parenting and very supportive of me and my relationship with Brandt. He wanted me in his sphere of control. He wanted me as a tool to discipline Brandt and make sure Brandt didn't venture too far away. I had to say something.
"It is a kind offer, Mr. Duncan, but I really love my home life and I don't want to go anywhere."
Neil Duncan gave me a shrewd glower.
"I understand. Your sense of independence is admirable, but you do spend a lot of time with us, just like the last couple of days." He was lying to my face and knew that I wouldn't call his bluff with my mother present and tell her where I had been the last couple of days.
My mom studied Neil Duncan and me for a few moments.
"Actually, I think Neil has a good point. Thank you for your kind offer. It is a great idea." My mom smiled as she made a deal with the devil and shook his hand.
Neil stood up and buttoned his jacket before taking his leave. He had gotten exactly what he wanted and made it seem like he was doing my mom a service. As Neil drove away, my mom turned to me.
"This is a good idea. I know, I'm not the most present parent and you have been slipping in school. This could be a good thing, and you'll be close to Brandt. Is that his name? I knew you were seeing someone, but not who." She wiggled her eye brows at me.
I tsk'ed in embarrassment. I couldn't unpack everything that was or wasn't said in that conversation. It happened and my mom had decided. I didn't agree, but what could I say that would convince her otherwise without spilling empowered secrets or making everything worse?
"I'll see you even less," I almost whispered.
YOU ARE READING
Crossfire - a sizzling slow burn with supernatural powers
Teen Fiction"I... I didn't see anything." I tried, not knowing where to look. I was curious enough to take glances at him. His dark hair was flopped into his face to obscure his chiseled jaw. He laughed out loud. "What exactly didn't you see, Harper?" He said...
