Hey everyone 💗 how's your morning 🤗
I had fun writing this one
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I covered the phone's reciever with a hand, worried that Elouise's voice would carry across the lot. 

This was a major problem. I had been told to specifically avoid her at all costs, which I had managed to do in the last few weeks.

I had to get ahold of Emma, but what was I to do in the thick of it all? 

If I hung up now, they both would be suspicious. 

I closed my eyes, preparing myself. 

"Mother, I didn't expect you to call."

"I didn't either," Eloise replied lazily, "I thought it was a good idea to make amends after your father yelled at you-" 

I huffed, upset at how simple she was making it seem. 

"He didn't yell at me," I snapped, "he called me a bitch." 

Eloise sighed from the other end.

"Sometimes people regret the things they do." 

I rolled my eyes. "Perhaps we should talk another time. I can't do this right now." 

Elouise's anger intensified.

"What happened to the little girl we raised? You do not talk to your mother this way. You've changed. You're not my daughter." 

That was right. I wasn't her daughter. 

I pressed the phone tighter to my ear. 

"I'm no different than I was three months ago. I've just grown older. I've realized what needs to be done. Life is hectic for me right now." 

Eloise sighed. "I understand. Look, whatever you're going through... let's discuss it. Lunch. My treat. I'll pick you up at the dorm." 

I swallowed, knowing that I'd have to face this at some point. 

"I'm not at the dorm anymore. I've moved to an apartment and I've secured another job."

"What!" Elouise exclaimed after a moment. "When- when did this happen?" 

"Some time ago," I shrugged. "It's a good job. It pays well." 

Elouise now began hyperventilating over the phone. 

"We never discussed this! You were put through classes for a reason! Were you planning to throw our money away? We need you to come home!" 

Before, I would have thought this behavior would have been laughable but now that I knew the truth, it kind of scared me.

"I think you need to calm down," I said in a shaky voice. 

"No," Elouise hissed, "we're not done talking about this. Your father is going to be part of this discussion." 

I took a deep breath, knowing I had to take a different angle. 

"Fine. Look, I have to go. I have some files to get done before my next shift." 

"Do what you must," Elouise eventually replied, "I'm just appalled you now work for those who were once below you." 

Once I pressed the end button, I looked up to find Hero approaching me with a worried expression. 

"Kristina... is everything alright?" 

I shook my head, feeling tears gather in my eyes. 

"No. Hero... I should have told you this before, but... when I fainted, the cops visited my office and told me they were in the process of getting... my parents arrested... that was Elouise..." 

Hero grasped my shoulders. "Fuck, okay. We'll get this dealt with. Let's get ahold of Emma. She'll need to know this." 

I nodded as I saw that Dorinda and Chester were making their way towards us. 

"Hero," Dorinda began, "Kristina. Would you two like join us for drinks at the loft?" 

My eyes widened. I had never been at their residence ever.

When Hero looked towards me for my answer I simply nodded. 

"Sure. Sounds great." 

After we were sent the directions, Hero and I trailed behind his parents. Right before we left I saw the judgemental look on Dorinda's face. 

I wasn't sure whether to feel uncomfortable or not. But being in her prescence over Diedre's was something I'd take any day. 

It was a long ride, but when we made it over many curved roads and private side streets, we made it to a tall house sitting on a hill. 

It was like a bottomless mansion, jutting over the choppy rockside. It was made of what looked like the most expensive steel and glass and every ornament could be seen from below. 

As Hero parked in the elevated drive, he took one last look at me. 

"Drink all you want. I have to stay sober." 

I nodded silently as I exited the car. My heart drummed in my chest as his parents led the way to the large steel door. When I entered, I nearly fainted at the sight. 

It was like taking a leisurely walk in the sky. We were a glass skyscraper, overlooking the entire city. I felt invincible up in this mansion. 

When we turned towards a kitchen that was precisely decorated with pots and pans hanging from the ceiling, I saw the large walk in bar. As I made my way to the counter top with the millions of shot glasses, Chester cleared his throat. 

"Hero, would you mind if I had a word?" 

After much trepidation, Hero pressed a tender kiss to my face then left down a nearby hall. 

"I'm so glad you joined us," Dorinda said as she made her way to the bar. "After that fiasco at the diner." 

I paused before replying. I had to remember that Dorinda wasn't the enemy here. 

"It was the least I could do; you invited me to a family function." 

Dorinda slammed down a wine bottle. 

"My mother invited you. Let's get that clear." 

I gasped, already feeling the tension rise in the room. Great. We were already off to a bad start. 

"Look," I began, "I love your son. I really do. We both made mistakes and broke up. But we're fixing them now."

Dorinda glared. "Do you think you're the first girl to jump back on the wagon?" 

I shook my head. "Definitely not, but if him and I are going to make this work... I can't stay in bad terms with you. I know you warned me to stay away but I can't do that." 

Dorinda began filling a glass with purple wine. 

"That boiled water was just the beginning of this drama. My mother can make things worse. I'm sorry if I seem a bit harsh to you, but you are in my best interest. You have to see that. My son and I don't have a connection.. Don't you think I've tried over the years? You will not be able to reach him like you want to, bank on that sweety." 

I already knew that. I didn't need someone repeating it for me.

Though maybe this was something we could connect on. 

"Your mother undermines you," I whispered, "I know she does. I see how much pain it causes you. I know it's not the same but... I recently found out my parents lied to me and they constantly broke me down. In the long run it wasn't worth it." 

As Dorinda opened her mouth, Hero and Chester entered the kitchen once more.

I liked Dorinda and Kristina's moment ❤❤

They really are (sort of) making progress.

I swear 🤗