VERONICA POV

"It's time" I thought to myself in the cab as I headed for my mother's house.

I had managed to escape from my mother's suffocating control for the past 2 weeks. But today was my day to go back. I didn't have a convincing enough excuse to convince her. She was too clever for that. There was always the option of ignoring her and staying a few more days at Lily's, but that option would bring more problems than benefits. Ever since my parents divorce, my mom has been way too over protective. I felt like I was drowning because I couldn’t do anything. I always had to be in eye sight of her. When I got my first tattoo, my mom had been on my case even harder. And it didn’t get any better when got more the sleeve tattoos, the lip and nose piercings, and dying my hair blue.

She felt I wasn’t very presentable. That I looked like a punk, that I should be more feminine like my sister. Grounding me for a month didn’t stop me though. I was gonna do what I felt was best for me. A few times though, I would have to step back when mom threatened to cut off my college funds. I thought college would be my escape. That I could live on campus and move out. But no. Mom said I had to still live under her roof. So I tried my best to not live under her roof. Often with the lies of staying with Lily to study, or another one of my friends. I could tell mom was getting weary. After all, how long can I constantly make that excuse. Today though I planned to put my foot down, and convince my mom to let me move out.

The cab pulled down my street, and I took a big mental brace for what awaited me. I could already picture what my mom would say as soon as I walked into the house. The cab pulled up to the house, and the driver gave me my total, which I quick paid through my card. I got out, walking towards the front door. The cab sped off, my only escape now gone. Every step felt like forever as I approached the front door, almost hesitating as I grabbed the handle, and pushed the door open.

The house was silent, giving me hope that maybe my mom wasn’t home yet. “I’m home.” I called out. “Veronica?” My moms voice called out from somewhere in the house. “It’s me.” I replied. I could hear her foot steps echoing out, as I braced. My mom emerged from one of the hallways leading to her room, and my eyes nearly bulged out of my head when I saw what she was wearing. Pink sheer yoga pants, and a white shirt sleeve crop top that showed a whole lot of cleavage. This was something mom would never normally wear, even around the house. It was something she wouldn’t even allow me to wear. And her hair. It looked like she had it professionally done. And figure looked a little more, fuller I guess is the way to describe it.

“Veronica. It’s so good you’re home.” She said, coming up and giving me a hug. I was still so shocked, all I could muster was a “Uh, thanks.” She seemed very energetic. She also wasn’t scolding me. Normally by now she’d be saying something. But instead, she holding me in a hug. “So how’s college going?” She asked as she pulled away. “Uh fine. Are you feeling alright mom?” I asked. “I feel great sweetie. Why?” She asked, the largest smile I’ve ever seen on her plastered on her face. “Uh, no reason.” I replied, not wanting to push the matter. “You must be thirsty. Do you want a drink?” She asked. “Sure.” Was all I could say. Still at a loss for what I was seeing. As she walked towards the kitchen, I noticed a change in how she walked. She was definitely putting a lot of sway in her hips. Something was definitely going on with my mom. She came back after a few moments with a glass of water, handing it to me as she gestured to the couch. “Sit. Tell me about your last few weeks.” She said, sitting down.

I sat down in the couch, taking a drink, almost wishing it was ****. “College has been busy.” I replied. “Just a lot of examines and projects. They’ve been taking a lot of my time.” “I don’t doubt it with the amount of time you’ve been staying with friends. You’ve hardly been home.” “Which is what I want to talk to you about.” I said, figuring now would be as good a time as ever. “Listen mom. We’ve argued about this many times in the past. But my mind is made up. I’m gonna be moving out. I need to experience college life. I’m an adult, and need my independence. But I can’t do that living under your roof. I feel like I’m suffocating here. I’ve already found and signed the paperwork for a place near campus. So I can’t back out now. So I’m moving out whether you approve of it or not.”

I braced, waiting for my mom to scold me. I was ready to fight. She looked at me with a surprised expression. The silence going on for what seemed like forever. “You always never listened to me.” She replied, a smile suddenly growing on her face. “But I always admired your strength. If you want to move out, you have my blessing.” No way it couldn’t be that easy. I was expecting a fight where she may disown me. Usually we’d bicker, a lot of tension developing between us. But here I was winning without any fight. Maybe I should just take it while I can.

“You really mean that mom?” I asked, feeling my stomach twist, unsure if she was just playing a cruel joke. “Of course sweetie. You’re a grown woman. I can’t stop you from living your life.” I felt like I won a war. I just expect to win so easily. “Th-thank you mom. I don’t know what to say.” I said, feeling the biggest smile grow on my face. “You smile is thanks enough.” She said, as she stood up, stretching out her arms towards me. I reciprocated as I stood up, and hugged her back. At that point, I could have sworn I felt my mom move her chest a bit. Almost like she was trying to rub her chest against mine. But before I could determine it, mom pulled away, still smiling. “Now, if you want, I’m gonna clean some stuff in my room, then prepare for supper. So you can head to your room if you’d like to go over what you want to pack for your new place.” “Sure.” I replied, quickly heading for my room, while my mom ducked into the opposite hallway to her bedroom. As I walked down the hallway, I passed Jessica’s room. I could hear the sound of music inside. I stopped in front of the door, wishing to say hi. She and I were still close, and very rarely bickered with one another. I knock on the door, waiting for it to open. But after a moment, there was nothing. The music still kept playing. I knocked again, this time a little louder. “Hello. Jessica. It’s me. Your sister.” I called out.

“One sec.” I heard her say from behind the door. The music stopped, and brief sounds of shuffling could be heard, before the door swung open. When I saw her face, it looked like she had been working out, and wearing sweat pants and a shirt. Little beads of sweat were on her forehead, her face seemed red, and I noticed she seemed to be breathing a little heavy. “Sorry. I was a little, uh, occupied.” She replied, in a rather dodgy way. “It’s ok.” I said. “Hey listen. Did something happen to mom since I was last here.” Jessica glanced in the direction of our mothers room, then back to me. “Not that I know of. Why?” She asked.

Maybe I was somehow over thinking things. “Uh. Nothing. I just was wondering.” I said, deciding to move on. “So what were you doing in there that you didn’t hear me knocking.” I laugh, attempting to tease her. “Uhhhhh. Nothing important.” She replied, looking rather nervous. This was rather unusual for her. Normally she’d be making some sort of joke. “Are you feeling ok? You seems a little off.” “I’m fine.” She replied, stepping further back into her room. “I was just in the middle of something. I’ll talk to you later when I’m done.” “But……” Before I could finish, she closed the door. And after a few seconds, the music began playing again.

What the heck was going on here? Maybe this wasn’t over thinking. First mom seemed different, and now Jessica becoming really shifty. Something was up. I entered my room. Looking at all my belonging, I tried figuring out what I needed to pack, but my mind kept drifting back to mom and Jessica something just felt off...