Lana Pipes

2 hours earlier.......

"Lana. Lana," Paxton called. "You look so spaced out. what's wrong?" His hazel eyes questioned with concern. I sat on the bench outside of the school. School finished.

Glendora was talking enthusiastically with Neil and blushing over something he whispered over her ear. It looked like she had forgotten the whole universe and was solely concentrated on him. She barely talked or listened to anything I said while handing over her house keys that her mom gave me earlier. Scott didn't come to school today as he had a few personal issues.

"It's just," I breathed. "It's about mom. It's been 3 days since we talked with each other and I am missing her a lot. We got into a grumpy scrimmage over a doltish issue," I concluded.

"Have you approached her? Or tried to talk?" Pax asked sitting beside me.

I nodded remembering how I made her pancakes as breakfast with carrots as toppings making a smiley face. She refused to eat and instead gave it to Ben. My mind harked back to yesterday how I tried to talk to her after coming from school and how she pretended like I didn't exist and didn't even bother to reply to my talks.

"Twice. I tried twice," I sighed.

"What's wrong in trying the 3rd time?" He suggested.

"She won't," I stopped. "And I don't even want to try. I have self-respect too," I vocalized.

"Lana," He said holding my hand. "She is your mom. Just reminisce about all the things she did for you. A mother's indignation is also a form of endearment," He assured me. I pouted.

"I know how much you care for your mom. Don't let your umbrage blind you. Silly fights like this are like waves on a beach. They come and pass," He kissed my forehead.

"I miss fights like this with my mom. I miss her a lot," He dejected.

His mom died 4 months ago due to blood cancer. I squeezed his hand gently with fondness.

"I will talk to my mom," I smiled. "Look at you, from being goofy to gallant. You are changing a lot in a good way," I kissed him.

"You changed me. I want to be worthy of your love. Worthy of you," He smiled. My heart skipped a beat. I never thought Pax wanted me this much. I love being loved by him.

"If you keep doing stuff like this, I can't stop myself from falling for you," I said going crimson.

"That's what I want," He smiled gently brushing the tip of my nose.

I got up and hugged Pax as he left for his home. While I headed to mom's hospital.

As usual, I didn't go to the receptionist or ask anyone before to meet my mom. I directly barged into the cabin that said Dr. Michelle Pipes, Vet. She was seeing a bluebird by the time I got in. Perhaps a blue Robin.

"Don't you know there is a word called manners? I am seeing a patient here. You have no right to rush in here like this," My mom chided. Even that blue Robin's master, a lady who looked around 25, gave me a disgusted look.

Yes. She is right. I am not a kid anymore to act like this. I have always entered like this since I was a toddler. I do need to change this behaviour.

"I am sorry. I will wait outside. Please call me once you are done," I pleaded and left.

I waited for 15 minutes just when I thought she wouldn't call me, I heard her assistant call me.

"I thought you were never going to call," I lipped.

"I didn't want to, but I also can't have you hanging in my workplace and crashing in while I am at my job," She chirped.

"Mom, please. I can't do this. I can not stand your abhorrence," I muttered. "Is there nothing I can do to make you talk? I was worried to death when I heard about your sleep paralysis," I let out a tear. "I am begging you., please. I am sorry for everything. But I don't want that crackbrained to ruin over relationship," I begged. She gave me a sharp look.

"Fine. I might have been a little too harsh on you. But I do hope that you understand how much twinge your actions have caused me," her savoy blue eyes squinted.

"Okay, no more secrets. Truly I am sorry," I assured her. She nodded.

"Shall we go shopping? Remember, you asked me a few days ago but didn't have time to go. How about now?" I asked with excitement.

"I would love to, I need a few jeans and shirts. A few capris and a jacket would help you too. But I got a lot of appointments today," She answered looking through her log book. I pouted.

"You can have your assistant handle them, it will only be an hour," I requested.

"She is still inexperienced. Plus I have surgery in an hour too," She spoke.

"Will be there in an hour. You and Dad are always working. Cut some slack. Even a workaholic like Aunt Layla took off early today," I suggested persuading her to come with me. I wanted to spend some time and bond with her. I have always loved that since I was a child. Right now I feel like I need some time alone with her more than ever.

She seemed to give a thought to what I said while seeing a medical report. "Wait, how did you know that Layla took off early today?" She questioned.

"She came to school, to hand over her house keys to Glendora," I replied.

"Oh, I wonder where she is off to, she never leaves early and rushed all her work fast today," Mom said running a hand through her brown shoulder-length hair while still burying her head in those medical reports.

"She's off to meet Jaro," I blurted.

She dropped her medical reports to the floor at the instant that she heard what I said. Reports weren't the only thing that dropped to the floor, even her jaw followed the way. She is in a huge shock.

"What?" She breathed. "Jaro, as in our neighbour Jaro?" She questioned. I nodded as  yes.

"Do you happen to know where they are meeting?" She demanded.

"At a juice shop," I replied remembering Layla mentioned it earlier. "Why?" I asked curious to know why she was questioning all this.

"We will talk later. You go home," She said as if it was answer enough. She took her phone and left her cabin.

What the damn hell?

.

Present.....

"How and when did Ben get sick?" I snorted.

She remained silent.

I ran over to Ben. "Ben, are you sick?" I questioned him directly holding his hand.

"No. Why does everyone keep asking me that," He snapped and left for his room.

I looked at my mom for an answer to her strange behaviour and why she had to tell this terrible lie. Still no answer.

"Why did you come with Layla? Did you meet her and Jaro? Why were you shocked to know when you heard me say they were meeting? Does Aunt Layla know him? Do you know him? How does he know both of you? What is the connection between the 3 of you?" I shouted with impatience. I am tired of questioning.

"Mom. Answer!" I yelled out loud. It startled her.

"I am losing my goddamn mind. No more secrets and skipping my questions. You owe me an answer. And I deserve to know this," I shrieked.

"Lana, lower your voice, you are too loud," She nagged.

"I won't. You told me you have surgery to attend and the minute I told you about them, you left everything and ran over there. Did you lie to Layla about Ben to disturb their meeting?" I doubted.

Michelle was covered with sweat. Barely breathing and her face is filled with intense fear.

"It is true then," I concluded.

"Lana, shut up," She chided.

"No," I shouted even louder. "No. I won't shut up Mother. Not until you answer me. There is something I don't know and I intend to know." I lost my cool. She looked so terrified and disgusted.

"You are just a child and there is no need for you to be involved in matters like this-" She didn't finish.

"There is. There is a need. He, that moron Jaro behaves as if he knows you well and almost convinced me that you might be the reason for my peanut butter phobia," I argued.

"And you believe him?" She cried.

I took a deep breath. "If you don't answer I think I might. I blacked out. You were the only person there. So I am asking you politely again. Just answer everything you know about him. Or else I shall talk to Dad and have him get answers from you," I am being rude, I don't like this. But I have no choice.

She looked too stunned after hearing this. She looked so frozen.

"Alright. As you know, I have surgery to attend. We will talk about this after I return," She said plainly.

"Okay," I replied after a brief thought and left.

Q/A

Q.1 Did anyone urge you to the question you didn't wanna answer? If so, how did you feel at that moment?

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Q.2 - Do you think Lana was too harsh on Michelle?

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Authors Note:

My dear readers, stay tight to unravel the truth and your patience with me is much appreciated. Please read, vote if you like and comment your views ❤️

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