The cab pulls up in front of mom's house a few minutes later, and I am still trying to control the lava churning inside me. I feel a light, cotton touch on my shoulder and inhale a deep breath before turning towards her. The cab driver looks dubiously at us, and I remind myself to fake a happy-go-lucky relationship in public, at least. I purposely miss her eyes, instead gazing out the window, and before I can ask her what happened, my eyes widen and my mouth drops open at the sight of the house.

It's huge.

Colossal.

It's made of white marble, I assume. The whole structure glints in the sunlight. It's a four storey house, with a large terrace. The front door is a majestic affair, made of wood. The lady's mouth twitches at my disbelieving reaction, and she climbs out of the cab. I follow suit, my eyes still wide. The driver removes her bags from the cab, (I had nothing to take) and drives smoothly off.

The lady drags her bags to the door, glancing back at me. I dumbly let her lead, and as she's unlocking the door, I shake myself out of the trance. 

The inside is even more magnificent, and it takes my entire willpower to not gape once again. The long hallway is filled with a soft golden light, and the walls are painted a simple cream. An elegant staircase winds around the house, with smooth railways. Two doorways lead into what I assume are the living room and kitchen. 

I'm try to conceal my enthusiasm, and the job is done, when I'm reminded that this woman is a stranger. She is no one to me. Suddenly, my face has a mask of doubt and apprehension draped over it. I twist towards the woman, who is watching me carefully. She notices my continued doubt, and, dropping the bags, she goes to a cabinet nearby and furiously pulls open a drawer. Rummaging around, she withdraws a laminated document.

Shoving it towards my face, she says, "See? It's your birth certificate, Bianca! Look at your mother's name, just look!" 

My eyes involuntarily look down at the mother's name, and my world drops away from me.

It's Caitlin Haley.  It's her. 

I look up again, and force myself to calm down. Nothing will be achieved with denial and arguments. I can live here for now, at least until mom comes and takes me away. I connect my chocolate brown eyes with hers, and in a slow, deliberate move, I nod.

She exhales a breath. Gesturing for me to follow, she leads me up to the third floor. I don't bother exploring, instead fixing my eyes straight as my entire perspective on life has been tilted. The lady strides down the third floor hallway, and stands in front of a door painted various shades of blue. When I approach, she unlocks it, and motions me to go inside. With only a simple, "Dinner will be ready at seven," she leaves to examine my room.

My home.

But only temporarily.

That, I'm sure of. 

Liking my book so far? Any comment or critique? Comment below!! Also, a shoutout to @cmuscaro for all the incredible help and advice you're given me!! Thank you sosososo much for giving me time out of your busy schedule to come and help with this book!!! I really really appreciate it!! Guys, check out her book Imperium cause it is amazing as!!