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It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask why when the door swings open and my mom rushes in. People tell us all the time that we look alike. The biggest difference between us is that where her hair is a light brown, mine is a much darker color, with hints of red that catch in certain lights. We both have similar coloring, olive skin that tans quickly in the sun, and dark brown eyes with long lashes I know I’m lucky to have.
I always liked that we looked so much alike. It’s just been me and my mom for as long as I can remember. She works so hard for us to have a good life, to ensure that I never want for anything. Even when she’s having what she calls her dark days, she still makes sure I’m okay. Now that I’m older I can help her when she breaks down and those old demons come back to haunt her. She doesn’t talk about them, but I know something happened in her past to leave a scar on her soul.
“Where are your shoes, Miri?” My mom scolds as if that’s really the most pressing matter at hand.
“Shoes?” I blink at her in confusion. Man, I’m slow on the uptick today. Tonight. What the hell time is it? “Mom, what is going on? Why did I have to get dressed? Who is this?” I wave at the too-hot-for-his-own-good, broody guy who stares back at me impassively. Jesus, I need to stick my head in a tub of ice and he’s still as a sentry. Is he a robot?
My mom stalls by the door, biting her lip. Tears shimmer in her eyes as she clutches a small cloth bag, nearly crushing it in her fist. Fear lashes at my calm and my heartbeat ramps up. I don’t know what’s going on, but I feel sick to my stomach.
“You need to leave, Miri.”
“Leave? Why? Where are we going?” I shake my head, like that might jar loose an explanation. I don’t understand what’s going on, but I know something is seriously wrong. As much as we move around, we’ve never taken off in the middle of the night.
Closing the distance between us, my mom presses the small bundle of cloth into my hand, forcing my fingers to close around it as she cups my free hand in both of hers. Her skin is cold and the chill soaks into my skin, making me shiver. Or maybe that’s the ominous feeling cloaking us.
“There’s not much time to explain, but I’m in trouble. Someone is coming to find me, and you’re not safe with me.”
“What?” My voice is high-pitched with anxiety as I grip her fingers, mine turning white with the pressure of the hold. “We need to call the police, Mom. Not run away in the middle of the night.”
“The police can’t help, Miri. I need you to be safe. And you aren’t safe with me right now.” Her chin trembles and that makes mine echo the movement in response. My mom rarely gets emotional, and when she does, it’s usually when she’s watching sappy movies. Real life doesn’t faze her. Seeing her this exposed, her eyes filled with worry and fear, makes my stomach ache with anxiety.
“Then come with me. Why would I leave you here by yourself if you’re in danger?”
“I can’t sweetie.” The words catch in her throat. She takes a breath, trying to even out her breathing, but it hitches in her chest.
“Mom, this is crazy. What’s going on?” I’m near panic now, my voice getting louder the long we talk.
“We should get going.” The guy barks out from a few feet away. Holy crap, I almost forgot he was here with all the anxiety swarming my chest. He looks pained by our exchange. Too bad, buddy. Tough shit.
“Sorry if we’re holding up your middle of the night plans. Feel free to leave.” I snap at him, even as my fingers scrabble to hold on to my mom’s hand, afraid that she might vanish from in front of me or something equally as ludicrous.
“This is Davis. He’s going to get you out of here. Take you some place safe.”
“Mom. What the hell? Why?” Terror tries to claw its way through my body, and I tremble as I fight to keep it contained. She starts to pull her hands away and I fumble to keep hold of them. She evades my grasp by dropping her hands to my shoulders, squeezing tightly before she wraps me in a hug.
“There’s a letter in your bag. I’ve explained as much as I can.”
“This is crazy. Do you hear yourself?” I cry out. My eyes skitter across the room and land on a bag already packed and waiting next to the front door. My mom still has me tucked into a bone-crushing hug and it’s much too close to a goodbye for my comfort.
“I love you, sweet girl. You are my light and have made me happier than I could have ever believed possible,” she whispers into my hair and fear makes my hearing waiver as my body battles over whether it’s hot or cold.
“Why does this feel like you’re saying goodbye?” I choke out, tears clogging up my throat as I hold onto her, my hands fisted in her shirt like a little child.
“Not goodbye. Just a little distance until this all blows over.” She pulls back enough to press kisses to my temple and cheek, but she doesn’t look at me.
That’s how I know she’s lying.
“That’s not what this feels like.” I hiccup, clutching my mother tighter, not wanting to let her go.
“Just for now. Please. Go with Davis. He’ll help explain. I’ll call you as soon as things calm down.” Her forehead rests against mine, and a dreamy peace sweeps over me. With a sigh, I relax, a deep-seated need to obey nudging me to comply. Even in this blurry state I know she’s used magic on me.
“Okay.” I murmur, not sure what I’m agreeing to exactly as my mom pushes me in Davis’s direction.
“I love you Miri.”
“Love you, Mom.”
