Hostage to you

Mommm!

Raven's POV

Driving to my mom's house is always a trip down memory lane. The neighborhood hasn't changed much since I was a kid—the same streets, the same houses, the same warm feeling of coming home. But tonight feels a little different. I'm not just bringing Marc and Zoey, who've known her for years, but also Jade, my newest friend.

"Relax," I say to Jade, glancing at her in the passenger seat. "My mom's going to love you."

Jade smiles nervously, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Easy for you to say. She already knows those two." She nods toward Marc and Zoey in the backseat.

Marc, who I've known since high school, leans forward with his signature grin. "You're fine. Mrs. Steele's a legend. Zoey and I have been running this play for years."

Zoey, my best friend since kindergarten, laughs, nudging Marc. "Yeah, and she likes me more than Raven anyway."

I roll my eyes but smile. "You wish. And Jade, seriously, my mom's impossible not to like. Just brace yourself for way too much food."

When we pull into the driveway, I spot her moving around in the kitchen through the window, already preparing what I know will be an over-the-top meal. That's just her—always going above and beyond. She's this unshakable force of nature who never seems to slow down. Honestly, I can't remember her ever being sick. Not once. It's like she's immune to everything, and sometimes it feels like nothing could ever take her down.

As we walk up to the door, Jade adjusts her bag, glancing at me. "She's not going to grill me, right?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "No, but she might try to feed you until you can't move."

When I open the door, she's already there, her arms outstretched. "Raven!" she exclaims, pulling me into a tight hug.

"Hey, Mom," I say, hugging her back. The scent of her perfume and the faint aroma of garlic and herbs instantly makes me feel at ease.

She pulls away, moving to Zoey and Marc with the same enthusiasm. "Zoey! Marc! It's been too long."

Zoey hugs her like it's second nature. "I missed you, Mrs. Steele."

Marc grins, stepping in next. "Feels like coming home."

Mom beams, turning to Jade. "And you must be Jade. I've heard about you—it's so nice to meet you."

Jade's face relaxes as she shakes my mom's hand. "It's great to meet you too. Thank you for having me."

Mom waves her off. "Oh, please, no need to thank me. Any friend of Raven's is family here. Come on in!"

The house smells incredible, like roasted garlic and fresh bread, and I'm immediately reminded of every big meal she's ever made. The dining table is completely covered—pasta, roasted vegetables, salads, bread fresh out of the oven, and way too many side dishes. It's classic Mom, always making more than we could ever eat.

"Wow," Jade says, looking genuinely impressed as we sit down. "This is... a lot."

Zoey laughs, nudging her. "This is nothing. You should see her holiday spreads."

Marc adds, "Don't worry, you'll love everything. She never misses."

Mom settles into her seat, smiling at us. "Alright, dig in before it gets cold."

The room fills with the sound of clinking silverware and satisfied sighs as everyone takes their first bites.

"So, Jade," Mom starts, turning her attention to her. "You're a stylist? That must be fascinating."

Jade nods, clearly more comfortable now. "It's definitely interesting. I mostly work with musicians, which keeps things exciting."

"Oh, that sounds amazing," Mom says, her eyes lighting up. "Do you get to travel much?"

Jade starts telling a story about her job, skirting around Billie's name but still sharing enough to keep everyone entertained. Mom listens intently, nodding along and asking thoughtful questions like she always does.

"You must have an incredible eye for style," Mom says when Jade finishes. "Raven could use some of that. I swear, she's been wearing the same jacket since high school."

The table erupts in laughter, and I shake my head, smirking. "Thanks, Mom. Love the confidence boost."

Marc smirks. "She's not wrong. That jacket's like... a historical artifact at this point."

"Et tu, Marc?" I reply, feigning betrayal.

The conversation shifts to lighter topics, with Mom catching up with Zoey and Marc about their work, mutual friends, and memories from our school days. I sit back, watching the people closest to me connect so easily, and I can't help but feel grateful.

After dinner, we move to the living room for dessert—Mom's famous brownies, which are still the best thing I've ever tasted. Zoey starts recounting a ridiculous story from middle school, and Mom laughs so hard she has to wipe tears from her eyes.

While everyone's distracted, Mom pulls me into the kitchen under the pretense of grabbing more plates.

"You've got a good group here," she says, her voice soft but firm. "They're lucky to have you, and you're lucky to have them."

I nod, leaning against the counter. "Yeah. I know."

Her hand rests on my shoulder for a moment, her grip steady. "And don't be a stranger. Bring them around more often. And you, too."

I chuckle, nudging her lightly. "I'll try, Mom. You make it hard to top this, though."

She grins. "Good. That's the goal."

When we rejoin the others, the room is filled with warmth and laughter. Marc is teasing Zoey about something, Jade is laughing along, and Mom—she's in her element, making everyone feel at home.

For a moment, I just sit back and take it all in. These are my people—the ones who've been there for me through everything. And then there's my mom, this unshakable presence who somehow makes everything feel manageable. She's never been the kind of person to get sick or let anything slow her down, and being here reminds me why I keep going.

Tonight, everything feels right. Perfect, even.