Immortal Bite

Chap 8: Reunited

The next day I stood in front of mum with a heavy heart and on the verge of another epic breakdown. Mum wasn't in any better form and the presence of the black car behind us wasn't doing anything to consolidate her.

Everything was really touch and go since Tilly arrived at sunrise unexpectedly. Archer slept in my room on the floor 'just in case' while Paige shared the bed with me. I use the word 'shared' lightly because that girl is a damn bed-hog and kicks all night. Probably why Logan was so happy to get rid of her.

I found out over dinner that Paige's family adopted Logan when he was ten and they've been competing against each other for glory ever since. At least, the last part is what Logan said. Paige muttered something about him trying to move out of her 'brilliant and awe inspiring shadow'. They're quite amusing to listen to.

Anyway, when Tilly arrived Paige instantly, without any hesitation, shoved her face-first into the back of the car and told her that was the only place she was allowed. Archer had to stifle his laughter, but the others didn't care. Tilly was enraged, but did as requested.

"My little girl's growing up too fast." Mum told me in a thick voice as she cupped my cheeks delicately and gave me a watery smile.

"I'll make Slade bring us back every spare moment, mum." I promised her determinedly and she laughed lightly before pulling me close and cradling my head against her. We fell apart in each other's arms.

Mum's legs gave out before mine did and we ended up on the floor of the porch sobbing messily and loudly into each other's shoulders and saying incoherent promises and words of love. It kind of felt like I was losing my mum. Just like it did when I was eight, but instead of her walking out the door with strangers, I was the one doing it.

When I managed to pull myself together mum just held me tighter and repeated words I couldn't understand under her breath. Then she pulled back and held me at arm's length with a determined expression on her face.

"I'm a phone call away, Piper. You call even with the smallest hint of trouble or homesickness and I'll rush to you." Mum told me firmly and I nodded in agreement with her before we helped each other to our feet. "I am so proud of you, Piper. You'll be the perfect mother this child needs. Better than I was." Mum whispered honestly with a small smile on her face and I shook my head sharply at her words and held her hands tightly in mine.

"You are the perfect mother, mum. You always were." I told her assuredly and she gave me a dubious look. "Don't think that the craters we've crawled out of makes you a bad mother. You're all I needed when I was younger and you braved more than anyone could for my sake and never turned me away when I needed you. You're my mother, and I wouldn't change you for the world." I told mum firmly and she instantly burst into tears again and pulled me back against her. "I love you, mummy." I whispered honestly against her shoulder as I tightened my arms around her and she let out a mournful sound before peppering my face in kisses.

"I love you too, Cookie." Mum whispered lovingly in my ear and I laughed weakly at my childhood nickname before we pulled apart again. Mum and I held hands as I stepped back from her until we had no choice but to let go.

My heart shattered at the look on mum's face.

When I stood beside Archer I blew mum a kiss and she instantly returned one to me before placing her hands over her heart. I mutely climbed in the car and sat next to Paige feeling fresh tears spill down my cheeks.

Mum was using the post on the rail to keep herself standing as she sobbed hard again and I whimpered brokenly at the sight of her.

I never wanted to hurt my mum.