"Go ahead and watch my heart burn
With the fire that you started in me
But I'll never let you back to put it out"
—Billie Eilish

My fingers shake as I stare at her in shock. I didn't need a mirror to know all the color was drained from my face. My blood ran ice cold in my veins. That odd, yet seemingly familiar shiver of distress tingled through my spine.

How did she find me?

Better yet, why was she here?

"Mother," I choked out. My hand tightened around Holly's and out of my peripheral vision, I saw Reid and the Marshmallows shift closer to me. Reid stood directly by my shoulder, his big hand gently set on the small of my back.

"You have no idea how long I've been looking for you," her honey eyes squinted as she gave me a displeased once over.

Her eyes were the only thing I received from her, thank god. She had icy blonde hair, while I had my dads beautiful brown locks. Her lips were tiny and chapped, while mine were cherry and plump.

But of course, I just had to have her eyes. The eyes that looked at me like I was the most disgusting thing in the world. The eyes that judged me without even having to say words. The eyes that watched me suffer as she struck me with the hands that raised me.

There was a long, eerie pause. Silence became our language while tension became our interaction, but that didn't last for long.

"Why, if I'll be damned. You're pregnant," she lets out a boisterous laugh that makes the hair on my neck stand at attention.

"I always knew you were a whore," she sneered. She looks around the group, taking in the faces of my family. Her eyes zero in on Reid, they flicker back to me, then to Reid again. "And I assume, you are the father?"

She takes a step closer, almost toe to toe with Reid. "I'm sorry you have to live with such a disgrace, your poor child will have a bitch for a mother."

Her statement stings more than salt on a wound. An unwanted build up of tears prick my eyes and threaten to spill at any moment.

Although, her words seem to ignite a fire in Reid. His stern face pinches and his nostrils flare. He takes a protective stance in front of me and stares daggers into my mothers eyes.

"I think you need to check yourself. If anything, you're the bitch. Meredith hasn't done anything to make you hate her so much. And if you think—even for a second—that this," he points a finger between himself and her, "little reunion is okay, you're sorely wrong."

Mothers eyes flash with something foreign, but it's gone as fast as it came, before I could even decipher what it was. She puts her mask of hate back on and looks over Reid's shoulder to me.

"Fuck. You."

Those two words are just enough to set me off. I step away from my family and take my mothers wrist, guiding her to the end of the bleachers. The whole way she tugs and pulls at my stern grip, while my family screams my name.

We step down the stairs and I let go of her wrist.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" I scream in her face. I can feel the fury coast through my veins as my whole mind and body are on autopilot. "You have abused me for years, and you have the nerve to track me down and force me to come back with you!"

"That's what you always wanted. You won't get very far in life without me!"

"I don't need you!" I pause and take a deep breath, my adrenaline is pounding furiously in pain, "What I needed, was my mother."

"I am your mother!"

"How? How are you my mother when all you've caused me in life was pain. Mothers nurture and love their children . . . that's something you never did since dad and Mel died!"

I hear the slap before I feel it. My cheek gains a light heart beat. As much as it hurts, this is nothing new to me.

"How dare you! How dare you bring up their death! You have no right to talk about them!"

"I have every right! They actually loved me!"

She takes a small step back and mumbles something so foul under her breath it makes my stomach lurch.

"I should've killed you when I had the chance."

I stare at her in disbelief. How is this the woman that birthed me—called me her daughter?

"You need to leave," I back away and turn towards my awaiting family, but a tight hold on my wrist stops me from doing so.

"No! You're coming back with me."

"Why? So you can abuse me some more? Oh, let me guess, did you forget to leave your mark anywhere else on my body?"

"Meredith, you're coming home."

I turn around and get up in her face. "I am home!"

This seems to go through one ear and remain locked in her head. She takes teetering steps away from me. Reid's arm snakes around my waist to steady my shaky legs.

"Ma'am, is what I'm hearing true?" An officer in uniform asks, startling me. I nod and sink into Reid's chest. I watch in relief as he steps behind my mothers and takes ahold of her hands.

"Mrs . . . "

"Mrs. Hill," I say without hesitation.

"Mrs. Hill, you're under arrest for child abuse.You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney . . . " the officer went on as he arrested my mother.

I had no doubt that things just became very complicated. I numbly watch as she's dragged away in the police car, screaming multiple profanities at the officers and I.

Reid pulls me into his chest as soothes me. The others come around us as well. The car pulls out of the parking lot and takes away my mother.

Hopefully this time, I'll never have to worry about her again.

"You're not alone my angel," Reid says into my hair.

"I know."

"Let's go home," Luis announced before we all started walking to the bikes.

I didn't realize it before, but the fight between my mother and I gained the attention of many people. The bystanders are some of my classmates that watched my presentation, and some are new faces that seethe with anger at the ugly truth.

If looks could kill, my mothers ghost would be haunting deserted streets.

We all leave with pride knowing my mother was taken care of. I didn't have to fear of walking past my old house, or, an anonymous phone call that would trigger a sense of pain.

—————

Glorious readers, it's about time when I wrap up this book. I'm not sure how many new chapters will be published, but, this book is finally coming to its conclusion.

I'd like to take a moment to say thank you—for the support, for taking the time to read this book, and for not giving up on me.

If you'd told me that over 3.56k reads would adorn this book, I would've called you crazy.

I know it's not a lot, but it's enough for me to feel grateful. I have so much more in stock for you guys as I grow as a writer. I cannot wait for you guys to read my other books!

Love you guys!

Xoxo,
rrosebudd