ISLA

I rapped my fist against the door.

"Isla," Mia's mom said, opening the door. "Mia isn't home."

"I know," I said. "I need your help."

"What for?" she asked.

"I need to get Mia a Christmas gift," I said. "I need the people closest to her. I was kind of hoping her grandmother was here too."

Mia's mom smiled and grabbed a jacket. "We'll pick her up on the way."

+

Someone knocked at my door.

"Come in!" I yelled.

My mom walked in. "Can we talk?" she asked.

"If you're gonna talk about children I don't want to hear it—"

"I'm sorry," she said.

"Did you feel that?" I asked.

"Feel what?" she asked.

"I think that was hell freezing over," I replied.

"I deserved that," she said, sitting next to me on my bed.

"Yes you did," I agreed.

"I should have accepted you," she said. "Mia's great, she's sweet."

"I know," I said.

"I hope you guys are very happy together," she said, sincerely. "It's your life not mine. I didn't realize that before. You're my daughter, Isla and I support you."

"Thanks mom," I said.

She stood. "I'm going to tell your dad," she said.

"Tell him what?" I asked, confused.

"What's happening with me and Bryant," she said. "I'm telling him what's been going on."

"Everything?" I asked.

She nodded. "It's time to be cleansed of my hatred, and sin."

"Are you dying?" I asked.

She laughed. "I'm doing this because I've been a bitch," she said. "I'm not dying. I'm doing this so maybe you can forgive me for being a terrible mother."

"You weren't that bad," I said.

"I thought I taught you to never lie," she said with a smile.

"Why'd you cheat on dad?" I said.

She sighed. "I haven't loved him in a long time," she said. "Bryant makes me feel..." she trailed off.

"Young?" I supplied.

She shook her head. "Infinite," she said. "Your father and I aren't in the same place we were when we got married. Anyways, I have to go tell him."

"Good luck," I said.

"I'm gonna need it," she said and walked out.