I heard the front door swing open then close shut. I perked my head up, still petting Anastasia who purred on my lap. My mom was back from work.
There were trudging noises, followed by footsteps. My mother was gingerly climbing up the stairs. I heard her footsteps halt.
My door was slightly ajar, and her face was illuminated by the light seeping from my bedroom. Our gazes met.
"Still awake?" she said as she pushed open the door.
"Still working?" I countered. She pressed her lips together but didn't refute my words. I added, "I couldn't sleep."
My mom's eyes suddenly widened when they landed on the black cat on my lap.
"What is this?" she frowned, though she looked too tired to be mad at me.
"A stray. Is it okay if we keep her? She's very sweet. Look at her. She's a good girl. Won't be any bother to us," I said quickly before my mom could chastise me.
"Ximena..." she began, blinking as she tiredly processed all the information.
Anastasia stretched her legs then leaped off my bed. She pranced towards my mother who simply eyed her curiously.
After getting a good sniff from my mother, Anastasia hissed, bearing her pointy teeth at my mom, and arching her back slightly.
My mother was taken aback but before she could react, Anastasia prowled away and returned to my bed.
"Oh, no. Anastasia. You have to be nice to my mom. Come on, girl," I almost laughed as the little princess rubbed her head on my hands, urging me to keep petting her.
"Anastasia? You gave her a name?" my mom looked like she was restraining a sigh as her brow furrowed at me.
"Not that it matters if we're not keeping her," I said absentmindedly.
My mom shook her head at me but finally said, "Sure, fine. We can keep her. But she's your responsibility, alright?"
"Of course. You got it, Mom," I beamed, excitement creeping over me.
"Now. Make sure you go to bed, soon. Don't you have your first day of school tomorrow?" she said, giving me a reprimanding look.
"Yeah. That's kind of what's keeping me up... I'll just make myself some tea later and pass out. I'll be fine. You go to bed, okay?" I insisted, giving her a stern-ish look.
My mother nodded gently. "You got it, captain. I'm gonna go pass out now."
"Good night, Mom," I said.
"Good night, my love," she returned.
And my mother went back downstairs. I lay down on my bed, gently petting Anastasia.