"Uh... Mom I was..." My mind had gone blank and I couldn't think of anything. Telling her the truth is out of the question. How can I tell her the truth about her daughter getting drunk and making a little scene, and, of course, breaking her relation with her sister? But I have no choice.

"Erica Dixon, I'm waiting," She said, tapping her foot impatiently on the floor, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Mom I was with Alisha...she took me to a party," I said looking down at my feet in shame.

"Why didn't you tell me? Let alone leave a note? I was getting worried. Since when did you start sneaking out? I raised you better than this." She huffed but I could sense the sadness. She sat on the couch turning on the side lamp.

"Mom I'm sorry I know I shouldn't have gone without telling you, but then again if I told you, you wouldn't let me go out." I reasoned. I hated how the way you were when you were younger would follow you for the rest of your life. Yes, I never used to sneak out because I never had any reason to. But, I will change and she needs to accept that. In fact I have changed, I am becoming more independent.  

"That's because I don't want you to end up like Sophia. Pregnant and jobless and with a bad reputation.'' She slowly whispered like it was a sin to say that sort of stuff.

"Mom, I know you worry about me being pregnant and stuff but trust me, I'd never let any of that happen. I promise. Trust me." I start next to her on the couch. I hated how parents say they trust you, but when it comes to exercising that trust, they shut you down. When you begin tasting independence, they smother you. They say they trust you but they never waste an opportunity to criticize it. Some days I just go through the motions, other days I retaliate but even then to an extent.

"I know, I trust you but I don't want you to get hurt like Soph. You know what she went through, my baby was pregnant and she couldn't even tell anyone about the real dad cause then he would've destroyed her life and the baby." She spoke with grief and regret in her voice. The grief that she had to go through at such a young age, and regret because she couldn't do anything to help her.

"I don't know mom, I don't think Sophia was the poor baby in this situation." I huffed. I don't know why, but thinking about Sophia and her lie, it's making me angry.

"What do you mean?" She asked like I've offended her and boy could she have been more wrong.

I took a deep breath. I know what I'm going to say will change a lot of things, and maybe our family will never be the same. But my mother needs to know about the truth.

"Mom, Sophia lied to us." I breathed in.

"Xavier is not the father of her child. All these years, she made us hate a person she didn't even know, let alone meet. It was Conner. Conner all along." I looked down feeling ashamed that she could have done something like this.

My mother didn't say anything. She was stunned, her eyes wide, mouth open and shoulders stiff.

I know how she was feeling.

Betrayed.

Hurt.

Maybe angry with herself?

Just like I felt.

For many of the people here, it's just a small lie. A lie that doesn't need to be brought up over and over again. But not in our family. Lying was a big thing, well that's what my dad did to my mother after she found her cheating on her with her sister. Her real sister. Since then my mother hated liars. I know Sophia lied every now and then but not to us. Never to us. My mom hates liars to an extent because according to her if a lie is said for someone's benefit, it's a good lie. Still a lie, but not a harmful one. For my mom, seeing your partner making love to someone else in your family ... It's just not the best thing. And she did forgive dad because she loved him, but he had other plans. He stayed with mom, then one day left her. My mom was labelled as divorced and broke with two daughters, whose husband married her sister. But not for long, because he died in a car accident leaving all his money to my mother's sister and nothing for us. It felt like we had meant nothing to him. So mom had to work her ass off to at least bring 3 decent meals for us every day. So finally, she took job after job, day after day. Within 2 years, we were quite stable and content with our little family. That was until Sophia decided to become the rebellious one and started ignoring us for everyone. Well, mostly parties and drugs. We didn't mind, because she was family. But now it is over.

Mom got up and went to bed. I wanted to stop her and ask if she was okay but I knew better. I wanted to give her some time alone. I got up and turned off the lamp, making my way back to my room upstairs.

My head is throbbing with pain! All I want to do is to sleep and to never wake up. Anything to ignore the hangover. So without a second thought, I jumped onto the bed, ignoring the smell of alcohol and the discomfort of my tight dress. I went to sleep trying to forget the past events.

* Next morning*

*Ring* *Ring*

"Ummm...." I moaned as I moved my hands on the bed as I tried to locate where the piercing noise was coming from. It was hurting my ears so bad!

Is this my alarm? But why will it go off on a Sunday morning. Wait, is today Sunday? I opened one eye to see hardly any light in the room due to the curtains that were still drawn. The only light source was coming from my mobile that was kept in the open drawer, blinking, and ringing. I groaned and turned over to pick my phone.

"What!" I snapped without looking at the Caller ID. My throat felt dry and my head was in pain. The wonders of a hangover.

"Well, morning to you too." A deep voice chuckled from the other side of the phone. My eyes shot open and my stomach started to form knots.

"Xavier?"

"Yup. Correct. "He chuckled again. "Didn't you save my number?" He questioned, I sensed a trace of sadness as he spoke but I didn't have time for counselling.

"Yes I did, but I didn't see the caller ID because I was busy sleeping before you disturbed me." I groaned, falling back on my pillow. He has impeccable timing.

"Not my mistake. It's like 4 in the afternoon, who sleeps that late?" He spoke in annoyance.

"WHAT!?" I literally yelled. I regret it actually, he does have great timing!

"Ouch. Can you save the overreacting for later?" His voice was distant, I suspect from speaking away from the phone as he nursed his ears. I felt no remorse sadly for him.

Arrogant little bastard!!

"I wanted to know your plans for today. You coming to my house?" He sighed.

"Your house?" I asked confused.

"Yeah, my house. Last night I asked you to come meet Alison and my family for another family get together? Remember?"

"Oh! Yes, I remember. Listen, Xavier, I don't think I can make it, I told mom about Sophia and she didn't take it really well. I think I should be there for her, she needs me." I had mixed views, I really wanted to go but then felt I had a duty towards my mother.

I heard a sigh from Xavier, "Fine. Just text me if you change your plans."

"I don't think I will."

"Don't be so sure girl, no one can stand Xavier Manhattan's charm." He chuckled.

"Whatever, bye" I couldn't stop myself from smiling.

"Bye Erica."

"Bye Xavier" And I hung up.

Placing my phone on top of the drawer, I went to take a shower. I wondered why my mom didn't wake me up. Is she okay? I'll talk to her as soon as I take my shower. I welcomed the soothing warmth of the water as it massaged my skin. I just wanted to stay here forever, but sadly I had things to do today.

After a long hot shower and 2 painkillers, I made my way downstairs.

"Mom!" I called out, earning no response. I opened her room to see that it was empty. I walked to the drawing room only to see that it was empty too. Where is she? I checked the kitchen, the bathroom, and the living room. She wasn't anywhere to be seen. By now I had started to panic, this wasn't like her. I walked to the kitchen and picked up the phone to ring the place she worked. But it's Sunday today, why would she work today? But, I thought I would try just to put my mind at ease. I should probably call the office receptionist. But where is the number? I knew it was here... somewhere.

Then I remembered. The fridge! She always sticks important numbers on the fridge. I quickly made my way to the fridge, but instead of a number I found a note,

'So it looks like you've figured out that I'm not at home. Well yes, you're right, sorry for making you worry. I'm going to your grandmother's house for a while. I just need a break from all this. I love you, Erica, I hope you understand. Take care.

Xoxo.

Mommy'

SHE LEFT?!?! Seriously? She left me alone.

But I can't blame her for going. She needs time to recuperate, it's a lot to take on and she needs to de-stress. I guess, now I have nothing to do, so looks like I will be meeting up with Xavier. I went to my room and took my phone and called Xavier. After 2 rings he picked up the phone.

"Hello? Xavier? "

"I knew you'd call" I could feel him smirk over the phone, his ego extending to the ceiling.

Bastard.

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