The Story No One Knew (Third Book In 'The Story We Live' Series

You

"Mom?"

"Kade! Just run!" Echo's screaming somewhere behind me but I'm froze. She's right here, my mom, again.

"Mom?" I say again, my voice shaky. "Why are you here?"

It takes her a moment to answer but she musters,"I've missed you, honey." Her voice seemed as though it echoed. It was empty though.

I feel my eyes widen and my heart beat faster. "Really?"

"Kade, she's a liar! Let's go!" Echo's growing impatient now.

Of course I know Echo has a great point but I thought my mom hated me, that's why she left. But why would she come back if she didn't care at least a little? Even despite that, at the end of the day, she's still my mom.

"I've missed you too."

She smiles. She was beautiful, she's always been. I can't help but smile back at her.

"I don't know why your friend is in such a rush. I saw her standing alone in the dark a long while ago and I only pulled her gently to get her attention. She cooperated quietly when I asked her if she was alright but when I tried helping her get home, she went mad." My mother cleared up.

"Yeah. She's a little fidgety at times. A big stick in the mud."

"I can hear you, Kade." I hear her voice again but ignore her.

"So how'd you know I'd be here? At Brad's I mean." I ask.

"Oh your aunt called me sometime ago in a panic that Brad had been hurt. I had to swing by the hospital to visit. Ran into your brother there too. He wasn't as calm as you though."

Figured.

"That makes sense but why are you in the woods this early?"

Well the hospitals right outside of these woods on the opposite end of Brad's house. Figured I'd just walk through instead all the way around."

I smile. "I thought you hated me."

"No no no. Of course I don't! But everyone hits that rough patch in life that drags them down a bit. But I've gotten help, and I'm ready to be a mom if you'd allow me."

"No. He wouldn't. Thanks though." Echo answered for me. She had made her way over without me noticing and was now beside me.

She grabbed my wrist in an attempt at pulling me away.

"No, Echo. This is my mom." I snatch my arm away. "Have a heart."

"Have a heart? Kade are you insane! You've told me about her before, she doesn't have a heart. I'm only looking out for you. Plus, that story about her offering an escort home was absolute B-S! She tried choking me out when I wouldn't tell her where you were."

I believed her, I really did. And I cared for her so very much but I need my mom and I also believe she can be better. Everyone deserves another chance. Everyone makes mistakes.

"How about we go back to Brad's and talk about this. All of us." I suggest.

Echo looks disgusted at me before she whipped her body around and walking away.

"I could show you the way if-" Mom tried offering.

"I know the way. F you." Echo fired back yet in a calm manner as she continued walking.

I sigh and look up at mom.

"She doesn't know the way does she?" She asks.

"Not a chance." I answer.

"Figured. She's already going the wrong way. We should go get her." She chuckles.

"Yeah. C'mon."

As we walk after her through the growing light of the cool woods, all I can do is smile to myself and think, she honestly thinks I'm stupid. Funny.