CHAPTER FIFTY

NICK WALKER ©

I stared out the window while Enzo drove. Mum didn't say a word either as we made our way home.

What is the probability Mira would be happy to see Mum?

Would she accept her? At least there would finally be someone else to look after her.

I pulled Enzo's coat tighter around myself and fidgeted with my fingers.

I used to think I'd have so many questions if I ever saw Mum again. But now that she was here, my mind was completely blank.

Enzo pulled up in front of the house, and I stepped out. Mum got out too.

I stared at the house she had left us behind years ago. I could see the light inside flickering through the window.

I felt a hand on my back. I looked up at Enzo and forced a small smile.

Mum let out a quiet sigh as she looked at the house.

“Everything still looks the same,” she murmured. “Nothing has changed.”

I let out a quiet scoff.

“Enzo!” Mira shouted excitedly from the window before running out of the house.

She rushed past Mum and me and threw her arms around him.

“You came again today,” she said happily.

“Of course,” Enzo replied, gently ruffling her hair.

“Nick, is he sleeping over?” she asked, turning to me.

Then she looked back at Enzo.

“What's wrong with him?” she asked, pointing at me.

“You've grown so much,” Mum said to Mira as she reached out to touch her.

Mira quickly stepped back, avoiding her.

“Who is she?” she whispered, and I bent down to her level.

“This... she's Mum. Our mum, Mira,” I said softly, smoothing her hair.

Mira didn't say a word.

Everywhere fell silent.

Avery still hadn't gone home. She stood across the living room, watching everything unfold.

Mum bent down to Mira's height.

“My baby, I didn't know you...” she began, but Mira stepped away from her.

“Don't call me that.“ She firmly said.

“What? You didn't know I survived? You didn't know that baby survived?” Mira shot back.

I rubbed my forehead.

The headache was coming back.

“Why is she here?” Mira asked me. “She finally decided to take care of her children?”

I reached for her, trying to calm her down.

“Mira…” I started, but she shoved my hand away before I could finish.

“So you're really going to forgive her?” she yelled. “Was that the reason you brought her here?“

She shook her head.

“The same woman who left you? After everything she did to you?”

“I'm sorry,” Mum whispered.

Silence filled the air.

“I'm so sorry, my baby.” She reached out to touch Mira.

Mira hits her hand away.

“Don't touch me,” she snapped.

“Mira,” I called.

“I want her to leave,” Mira shouted.

“Mira, please. Can we talk about this inside?” I pleaded.

She walked up to me and hit my eye with her clenched fist.

“Mira!” Everyone called at once as Avery quickly pulled her into her arms.

“Let me go!” she cried, struggling to break free from Avery’s grip.

“I hate you! I hate you!” Mira sobbed, fighting as hard as she could to get away from Avery's grip.

“I don't want to see you here. Leave our house right now, or I'll call the cops!” Mira shouted.

I started to panic as Mira kept yelling at Mum.

Ever since I started taking care of Mira, I'd never seen her lose her temper like this.

“I'm here to make things right,” Mum said, tears filling her eyes. “I'm so sorry.”

“Enzo,” Mira called softly.

“I don't want to stay here anymore. I want to leave.”

“Huh? Avery, can I go home with you?” she asked, turning to Avery.

“I don't want to stay here with her. I don't!” she cried.

“Mum, why don't we meet again tomorrow?” I pleaded, worried about Mira.

Mum nodded quietly and sniffled before turning back to look at Mira.

Mum left the house, and Mira pulled herself free from Avery's arms.

“I hate you for bringing her here!” she cried, tears streaming down her face.

She ran into the room and slammed the door shut.

I could still hear her sobbing, and my heart ached with every cry.

I went after her, but Avery stopped me with a soft sigh.

“I'll go talk to her,” she said before knocking gently and going inside.

“She'll be okay... right?” I asked quietly, staring into space.

“Mira has spent her whole life with no one but you after the woman who gave birth to her walked away,” he said, gently running his fingers through my hair.

“She'll be angry for a while. You only have to stay strong. Mira needs you, and she's grown into such a wonderful girl because you've always been there for her.”

He took my hands in his and I let out a quiet sigh.

“I feel so stupid. Why now? Why did she have to come back?” I whispered.

Enzo pulled me into a hug and gently patted my back.

What was I supposed to do?

I let out a shaky breath as my chest tightened with pain.