Arianna's mother came back late one night under a heavy downpour. As she stepped into the lobby, the rain got heavier drenching everything in it's path. Not minding that she was wet, Ariana ran towards her mother, giving her a big hug.
"Mom!", She screamed.
"Hi baby, I've missed you",her mother said.
"Me too, even more", Ariana said.
They made their way to the living room, Ariana was so glad her mother was here.
"You know what darling, let me run upstairs then get out of my wet clothes then we'll talk. Is that okay?",her mother said.
"Sure Mom. And don't you worry, dinner is on me. Let me fix up something quickly", Ariana said, making her way to the kitchen.
"Thanks honey", her mother said.
Ariana was a good cook and she had no troubles preparing a delicious pot of spaghetti. Within thirty minutes, the food was ready just as her mother came downstairs.
"Something smells delicious", her mother hummed.
"Spaghetti mom, your favorite. Shall I serve?", Ariana smiled.
"Absolutely! Lord knows I'm starved".
Ariana dished out the food, placing a plate before her mother before dishing out hers. The aroma of the food filled the kitchen. Ariana was proud of herself for being an accomplished cook to some certain level.
"So, how's school going", her mother said in between mouthfuls.
Ariana had many answers to this but she wasn't quite sure on which one to give. Top on the list in her mind was the issue with Brandon, that was the only thing giving her constant headaches. Asides this, there was nothing else she could think of.
"Fine mom, school is fine", Ariana said.
"Just fine?",her mom chuckled.
Ariana knew that she was fishing for answers. She wasn't quite convinced about her response and needed her to say more.
"Yes mum, everything is fine. We've been working on a science project in school, we'll be presenting it by the end of the term. It's been keeping me busy but I'm glad for something to do since you and Dad barely spend time with me" she said.
She didn't want it to come out that way but she felt hurt for being left alone for such a long period of time. Charlotte, her mum, dropped her fork as she took her daughter's hand's in her's.
"I'm sorry for not being here but it's just that my work requires me to be at the office almost everyday and that's the same thing with your dad. Trust me, if we had our way, we would spend every minute with you but as of now, we can't help it", she said.
"I understand Mom and I'm sorry for sounding this way. Sometimes I just feel so lonely and down, I know you and Dad are trying your best to help this family. Trust me, I really do", Ariana said.
"Okay, let me make you a deal. How about I take you to Malibu for the holidays as soon as I take a break from work",she said.
"Really? Malibu?, Mom I would love to go", Ariana laughed.
"Then it's a deal. We'll take the chopper, I'm sure your dad would allow it".
"You bet he will. You know, Dad has been secretly wanting to visit Malibu but I guess his busy work schedule wouldn't allow him", Ariana smiled.
"Oh yes, your dad is a traveller himself. He's also going to be taking a break pretty soon and maybe we can all go together", she said.
"Would really love it. It would be the best holiday ever", Ariana said.
Just then, her Mom noticed a scratch on her cheeks. Ariana could tell that something was wrong with her mother's change or mood.
"What happened to your cheek?", She said, quietly.
Ariana thought of a lie but nothing was forthcoming. Her mind raced about all the things she could say but nothing seemed strong enough to convince her mother.
"I hit it on glass", she said lamely.
"Ariana, what did I say about lies? You know I hate lies", she said.
"Seriously Mom, it's the truth".
"I see", she said not quite convinced.
Ariana thought about something she could say to diffuse the tensed up situation but try as she may, she couldn't think of anything else. Luckily for her, her mother's phone rang which saved the situation.
"Don't go anywhere, we're not done talking", she said sternly before walking away.
Ariana sighed, clearing the plates. As she washed the dishes, her mother came in but this time, she was beaming. Ariana could tell that something positive took place during the phone call. She was secretly glad that at least she seemed to have forgotten the whole issue about the mark on her cheek.
"What's the good news?", Ariana beamed.
"Well, I just got a call from my boss that we'd be going early on a break instead of the usual middle of the month. So that means, our Malibu trip is certain", she said.
"Wow, that's a relief", Ariana said.
"It sure is. Now, I've got to work on finishing up a report which is due in two days time. Would you be okay on your own for a few hours?".
"Mum I've lived alone for a month sure, a few hours wouldn't hurt", she said.
"Naughty girl. Okay love, I'll be upstairs if you need me", she said as she made her way upstairs.
Few minutes after her mother left, her phone beeped indicating she had a call. The caller ID indicated that it was Emily calling, a video call. Ariana made her way into her room, plugging her earpiece to receive the call.
"Hey girlfriend", she said as soon as Emily's faced popped up.
Even before she said a word, Ariana could tell that something was horribly wrong. Emily's eyes were red and her face was tear streaked.
"Oh my God Em, what's the matter?", Ariana said.
Emily sobbed as more tears streamed down her eyes. Arianna's thoughts took on a wild turn as she thought about different scenarios that would make her best friend behave this way. Nothing was forthcoming and she had to watch the few seconds as Emily cried her eyes out.
"Em, you're really freaking me out. What's the matter?".
Emily sniffed as her tears slowly reduced. She dabbed her eyes which were red rimmed and heavy.
"It's horrible", she choked.
"Spit it out", Ariana said, already anxious.
"Leslie. Leslie's mother is dead".