{ Mia }
I froze as the doorbell rang through my ears .' was it the neighbour ?, the man?, or someone new out to murder me?'
" W-Who is it Scarlett?" I asked stuttering.
" It's your mom Mia "
I felt my blood run cold I had completely forgotten about them . I shoved the weapons under the bed in a panic, barking orders to Scarlett.
" Unlock the house and hide !" I said urgently." I don't want anyone seeing you."
I raced towards the door, my mind scrambling for excuses.
I hesitantly opened the door ." H-Hey mom " I smiled awkwardly.
" What's going on !" She asked sternly." Why was the door locked." She frowned.
My mind scrambled to find an excuse when suddenly, I smiled inwardly.
" I was.... waiting to surprise you " I chucked.
" I wanted to know when you arrived."
Her face softened at the revelation.
" Surprise me with what ?" she asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
" I'll show you just give me a minute."
I sprinted to my room panicked." Scarlett, could you quickly 3d print a replica of my mom and paint it please. In like 5 minutes."
" I'll see what I can do "
5 minutes felt like an eternity, but it was worth it, once done I quickly packed it up , muttered a quick ' thanks ' and ran towards the living room .
I saw my mom, waiting for me, her legs crossed and her fingers tapping the armrest, showing her impatience.
" So ?" She asked raising a brow ." Show me " she smirked.
'Why hadn't I come up with a better excuse? My hands felt clammy as I held the box, praying she wouldn't see through my lie.'
As I gave her the box, she smiled. " How thoughtful of you , my darling Mia ."
I forced a smile, eagerly waiting for her to open it .
As her fingers drifted across the satin of the box I felt a shiver run down my spine .' cmon open it !'
But then she turned towards me her eyes narrowing." Why are you home early from school?"
As I explained everything her expression changed , she stiffened a little but then she hid it .
" I'm proud of you sweetheart, but why didn't you tell me ?" She asked concerned.
Scratching the back of my neck." I didn't want to bother you ."
She narrowed her eyes at me , but then she opened the box .
My breath caught in my throat, as I watched in horror. The sculpture hadn't dried, and the paint was smudged .
She stared at the sculpture, her lips curling slightly. My heart raced. "This doesn't look… professional, Mia," she said, her eyes narrowing. "What's really going on here?"
I felt my heart beat quicken and my palms start to get sweaty.
" I-I'm sorry mom." I started stuttering." I hadn't expected you to come so early." I forced a chuckle.
Her brows lifted in amusement."Why is that, Mia? This is my home, isn't it?"
Her tone was light, but her eyes... they weren't. They were scanning me like she used to when I was little, trying to catch me in a lie.
"Y-Yeah, of course, Mom," I stammered. "I guess I just wasn't expecting you so soon."
She set the sculpture down gently, her fingers lingering on its edge. "It's sweet of you to make this, even if it's a little... rushed," she said, a faint smile on her lips. But then she looked up, her face suddenly serious. "Mia, is there something you need to tell me?"
My throat went dry. "What do you mean?"
She crossed her arms. "You've been acting strange since you got back. Locking the doors, fumbling with your words, and now this…." Her eyes narrowed as she gestured at the box. "If something's wrong, I need to know."
My mind raced for an explanation, any explanation, but Scarlett's voice suddenly whispered in my earbud.
"Uh, Mia? We have a problem."
I froze. Not now, Scarlett. Not now.
"I-I'm fine, Mom," I said quickly, trying to force a smile. "Just tired, I guess."
But her gaze didn't waver. ""Mia, you're my daughter. I know when something's wrong. Don't shut me out. You know how I feel about that."
Scarlett's voice cut through my thoughts again, this time sharper. "Mia, there's someone outside. They're watching the house."
My blood ran cold.
" M-Mom " I chuckled ," I have to use the restroom, I'll be right back ." I smiled at her .
She raised a brow smiling at me clearly amused, " alright I'll be waiting."
I sprinted towards the restroom, shut the door and locked it, " Who is it ?" I asked eagerly.
" I'm not sure.."
Then gunshots echoed in my ears sending a shiver down my spine and leaving my hands trembling in terror.
I needed to do something." Scarlett, open the passage to my room ."
The wall quickly moved and I found my room in front of me."They're trying to breach the perimeter,"
I ran towards my bed, grabbed a gun, and screamed at Scarlett." Initiate house lockdown."
' were they here for me ?' I thought.' did I risk everyone's life ?'