My Soul Mate

Chapter 7

When Bear arrived, I was already at the door waiting for her to enter. "Took you long enough," I spat at her when she opened the door.

She gave out a little squeal, juggling coffee cups as she composed herself. "Shit, Mia," she swore, giving me her evil eyes. "Not my fault the coffee shop was packed."

I took the cup that my best friend was holding out to me and took a quick sip. It was hot, but delicious. "Thanks, babe," I said, taking another sip of the caramel latte.

"Where's your mum?" Bear asked.

"Ignoring me," I mumbled, hoping that Bear would not hear me. Of course, luck was not on my side.

Giving me a quizzical look, Bear started to question me. "Why is she ignoring you?"

I gave a gruff "Don't worry", which actually stopped the questions.

Shrugging, Bear started walking through the house. "Mum!" she called out, looking into every room. Finally, when she reached the stairs, my mother's head popped out of her office.

"Bear," my mum exclaimed, hurrying to give a hug to Bear. "How have you been?"

Hugging back, the blonde haired girl answered with a simple, "I'm fine, thank you. How are you?" My mum pulled back and Bear held out a cup to her. "Double shot espresso, chocolate flakes on top."

"You are a life saver," mum grinned. Taking in Bear's full form, my mother started to frown. "Why aren't you in uniform?"

Mentally cursing at myself, I realised that I should have asked Bear to wear her uniform.

Shifting her eyes to me quickly, Bear returned her gaze to my mother. "Mia didn't tell you?" she asked in a calm manner.

"Tell me what?" my mother asked suspiciously.

"I'm trying out for a play. I have it first up and I need to be in full costume for it."

My mum's mouth opened, and she turned to me. "Are you trying out for it?"

Quickly, I shook my head. "I didn't really think that the part was for me." Holding my breath, I prayed that my mum wouldn't catch onto the lie.

Bear looked at the watch on her wrist and let out a small gasp. "Sorry to speed this up, but we have to go, Mia."

"I just have to go get my stuff," I mumbled, hurrying up stairs. So far, so good.

Hopping down the steps with my bag on my back, I ran straight into my mother.

"Mum," I exclaimed, stopping immediately.

My mother looked me up and down, and I could feel my heart start to pound. Had she caught on?

"Have a great day," she smiled, scooping me into a hug. "Goodluck on your test. I know you'll do great."

At that moment, regret and shame started to weigh on my conscience. "I will," I smiled, but I didn't know which part I was answering to.

"Mia," Bear's voice cut into my head. "Come on. We don't want to be late."

My mum released me and smiled. "She's right. I'll see you this afternoon. I'll be sure to message you if I'm going to be late." She then turned to Bear, saying, "Goodluck with your audition," and I swear I saw a hint of sadness in my best friend's eyes.

"Thank you," she grinned. "Have a wonderful day at work."

My mum snorted at that, but thanked Bear either way.

We both said one last 'Goodbye' and then left to go to Bear's car.

"That took forever," Bear grumbled once we were inside the car and had the air-con blasting.