Family Secrets.

Chapter 2.

"So?" Daniel, Aurora's adopted father asked. He was standoffish, and quite demanding when Aurora was around. Though, he wasn't a helicopter parent like June was and Aurora was greatful for the freedom.

"Ma said the board denied her early dismissal because of the war, so she's stuck in Mexico a while longer." Aurora said, dropping her bag on its hook by the door and slipping her shoes off.

"Dammit." Daniel snarls.

"I'm going to June's later." Aurora said, picking up an apple.

"Alright. Doors get locked at midnight." Daniel reaffirms and Aurora nods.

"Got it. If I'm not home by eleven I'll be staying there." She tells him and he nods.

"How's tutoring Jackson doing?" He asked.

"Pretty good. Last week he was getting everything wrong, this week he passed his Chem test, got an 80% on his math and is really excelling in his English." Aurora tells him.

"That's good. What about you?" He asked.

"All A's, and I have the EMT courses covered." She informs him.

"How?" He asked.

"Jack. His birthday present to me was three thousand, eight hundred and forty two dollars." Aurora said.

"Where did he get all that?" Daniel asked, giving Aurora a look.

"His job. He works allot." She said.

"Hm. Alright." He said, but Aurora had the feeling he didn't believe her.

She didn't blame him, she herself didn't even believe Jack's explanation.

Aurora's brought out of her daze when Daniel slid eight hundred dollars across the island to her. "What's this?" She asked.

"Your allowance. Your mom sends it, so its pointless to keep it laying around when I make more than enough for my own shit." He says and Aurora nods.

"Thanks." She says, slipping it into the back of her phone case.

-

Aurora's eyes were glued to the flat-screen in the living room, 'courage the cowardly dog' displayed on the tv and a bowl of grapes sat in her lap as she found herself seated on the thick carpet.

Her phone began to ring, June's contact lighting up her screen. "Hello?" Aurora answered.

"Okay, be out soon." She said, turning the tv off and grabbing her school bag and phone charger.

She grabbed her keys and locked the door before climbing into June's car.

"Hey kiddo." June says.

"Heya mommas." Aurora says, beaming at the older woman.

"Oh lord. It starts already." June sighs, making Aurora laugh.

"You know you love me." She laughs, buckling her seat belt.

"I do." June says, beginning the five minute drive to her house.

"Jack called off work and will be home from Miko's by eleven." June informs Aurora.

"Okay." Aurora says, fidgeting with her broken ring.

"How'd that break?" June asked.

"Fight." Aurora answers.

"With who?" June sighs, looking over at Aurora as they pull into the driveway.

"Vince and Karlee." Aurora says, biting her inner cheek.

"I take it you were verbally assaulting Vince?" June deadpanned.

"Only a little." Aurora giggled.

"Knowing Daniel he didn't think to take you to the hospital." Aurora shook her head.

"I'll take a look inside." June says, getting out and heading for the house.

Aurora sighed and slunk further into her seat momentarily.