Viscious

A Mother's Instincts.

          Mom sits at the foot of her bed, legs crossed and elbows rested on them as she eyes me warily. I can tell she is judging my appearance to find loopholes in Kellan's story. Her brow raises in disdain as she grimaces at my bruised jaw. It's godawful of course, but I expected nothing less. On a positive note, at least nobody will see it other than us.

           You could cut the tension with a knife. I'm almost shocked to see he had kept his word and kept her safe. Kellan slouches awkwardly by the door. I am worried though, because I can sense my mother's attitude and Kellan's lack of patience both striving to surface. Mom finally breaks the silence.

           "My baby. I was worried sick." She smiles too widely and blinks too slow. "You sure you okay?"

           "I'm positive. Are you though?"

           "I'm fine dear." She laughs. "You tried to tell me about those foot prints. That guy there, that guys is weird." I tilt my head at her. Something is off with my mom.

           "He is weird, but that's just Trevor. He's odd till you get to know him." I laugh and try to diffuse the situation.

            "Trevor, dear. I'm thirsty. Do you mind to bring me more water?" He huffs but turns and leaves us in the room. As soon as he exits, mom starts.

            "That man is bad news. He-he drug me here and he wouldn't shut up about you. I was coming willingly to visit when he contacted me, but I told him I didn't approve of you trying to see him so soon after Dallas. He went berserk! He's not dealing with a full deck of cards. We have to get out of here."

           "I know. We have to be quiet though. He has cameras and he is often violent. Do as he says, play along, and we will get out of here first chance we get."

           "Do as he says? Are you crazy? What if he asks me to do something crazy?"

           "You do it. He. Will. Kill. You. I can't stress that enough. You have to listen to me." She sighs.

           "I believe you. Does he ever leave? To work or abywhere?"

           "That's the weird thing. He does 'errands' but he's never away long. He left for a week once when I had first moved here. But nothing of the sort since-" I hear his steps and I change subjects. "How's my aunt? Is she still sewing obsessed?" Mom catches my drift, though she's still wonky acting.

         "Obsessed isn't the word. Derranged perhaps." She eyes Kellan. "She's tried every pattern ever invented. Maybe even twice." She smiles too big again and takes the water from Kellan.

           "Hey. At least its a healthy hobby. She could make good money doing quilts." I laugh.

            "She could, I just worry she's going to sew her fingers together. So, how long have you two been together?" Translation, for how long have I been here?

            "About-"

            "Over a month." Kellan interrupts.

             "I see! I had heard you two were an item before Trevor had contacted me. Famiky friends Had seen you two purchasing bed furniture together." She says, with suspicion.

           "A box spring." I groan. "I needed one for my house, but had no way to really haul or load it myself. Trevor was kind enough to offer his truck." He seems pleased with this.

          "Anything for you, Alina." He stands behind me and rubs my shoulders. I sink into his touch, almost oblivious to my mother's distressed eyes.