Chapter 27: NOT SO WARM

" Oh, you must be Lucy. Nice to meet you, come in." Mum cooed at Lucy who in turned giggling and fondled with a strand of her hair. Geez, I said the best behavior not alter ego.

" Yay, way to remember me, Mom. What a warm welcome" Rolling my eyes, I invited myself inside. I had to try closing the door with my leg.

My hands were tied, on one was a bag for my laptop and stuff. The other, Lucy's overnight tote bag. In my opinion, she overpacked because this weighed a lot more than it should. Partially, that was sorta my fault. Leaving her all to herself without supervision, she just threw in whatever looked good. Guess whose hands had to suffer for it now?

" You are not cute" Mum led Lucy away, with me letting out an exasperated sigh. Invite a child to your house and you lose your place, tsk Tsk.

" Your daughter?" Katie crept up on me.

" You almost scared me there. Lucy? No way." I shook my head vehemently. Lucy, as my daughter absolutely no way. That would be too much work for me to ever handle.

" Then, where's her mother?"

" Back at home. Her mother is my housemate. Today when I informed Lucy that I would be coming here, she begged me until I had no choice but to do to her bidding. Surprisingly her mum permitted me to bring her along with me. Only for me to realize that it wasn't her speaking, she's kinda not in her usual state of mind. But if she finds out, it is going to rain fire and brimstone." Face-palming, I narrated today's events. Now, I can talk to Natasha or maybe even Samantha. Anyone who's related to Lucy would do.

" Ha, and she looks so harmless and perfect," Katie spoke admirably. Crossing my arm, I scoffed shaking my head in negative.

" Maybe, but that's what she uses to get everyone hooked. This is proof, my mother forgot my existence." Feigning hurt, I wiped away an imaginary tear with my finger.

" Don't worry, it would soon be your turn to shine again." Katie patted my back, lacing her voice with humor.

" I don't think I would have time to shine again. Such a spotlight thief."

" Hey, is it just me or do you change your hair color every week?" Pulling a strand of my hair. Katie examined it, squinting closely.

" Yeah, kinda...." I trailed off, running my hand through my hair.

" Why?"

" It depends on the work I have to do. My haircut compliments the outfits I model. While most of the time, it is dyed white I have to change the color from time to time." White goes with almost everything, just like black does. Since that's my original hair color, white is a better option.

" Should I call Natasha or should I not. Maybe I should or safer to not." still contemplating with myself, my phone rang in my pockets. Pulling it out, the name flashing on the screen almost caused me to drop it.

Oh no, not the devil herself. What am I going to say now? This is why I don't get into the middle of these two.

" Hey Natasha, what's up" Picking up I tried explaining pleasantries casually.

" Where's is Lucy?" Her voice being so frantic, asked the question I long-awaited.

" She's where you gave her permission to be, where else?"

" Stop talking so cryptically and answer my question!"

" Fine, she's with me"

" What are you doing with my daughter?" Crossing my fingers, I hoped she wouldn't place a restraining order against me for this.

" You told her she could come with me to visit my mother remember?"

" I don't remember!"

" I do. You said and I quote ' Do whatever you want. Now Get out' Does that ring a bell?" Would it better to tell her Lucy played on her weakness or is better if Lucy said so herself?

" No Jeremy it doesn't"

" I didn't know it wasn't you speaking that's why I asked again to confirm. But instead, you shooed me away."

" Oh my. Can you please bring her back? " Funny enough, she sounded a lot like Lucy when begging.

" No way. My fingers are still numb from driving for so long. I can't do that again. I would send the address to you instead." I had to turn her down

" Hnngh, okay thanks"

" Hi son" My mother who deserted me for a child came back, plopping down on the space beside me.

" Now you remember you have a son." I placed my hand on my chest, pretending to be upset.

" Oh c'mon Jer, you would always be my favorite child. That shouldn't be a problem, seeing as you are my ONLY child."

"Thank goodness, I thought you were going to replace me with a seven-year-old for a second there."

" Wouldn't blame me now. She is an absolute cute ball. Well behaved at that."

" Talking about Lucy, where is she?"

" At the back, with Katie. There are discussing about plants or something. Anyway, who is her mother? You didn't give me much to work on just informing me that you'll be coming along with a child"

" Her mother is my housemate Natasha. Don't worry, you will meet her soon. She's coming here." For a quick second, I shuddered at the thought of Natasha showing up. We would all be in serious trouble.

" Natasha? Just your housemate?" Wiggling her brows, she nudged my side.

"Yes mum, just my housemate." Natasha and I, that can never happen. I barely even know the lady. Plus, I don't think I would be going into a relationship for a very long time.

" Whatever happened to Hannah? You two were an inseparable pair"

" I thought you didn't like Hannah because of her parents."

" I realized how wrong I was. She is a good girl, and good for you too.

" Well, you can tell her that because she broke up with me. Over the phone, when she went to S. A for a supposed vacation."

" I knew she was never good enough for you" Mum shook her head, clicking her tongue. With me laughing at her antics.