During the ride back with Mom, Ruby shifted, letting her gaze linger through the window. Moonlight lit trees. She ignored her own reflection in the windowpane overpped on the wilderness ndscape. Had she been given a choice, she would have preferred Or to drive her back. Mom had the final word, as she always had.

  With Or, there would be no lingering silence. Or trepidation-filled, heavy, oppressive pressure. But Morgane Spenard wore those like a business outfit.

  “Darling, are you overwhelmed?” Mom asked suddenly, breaking her contemptive silence. Mom kept her hands firmly fixed on the steering wheel. Her gaze never settled on Ruby. Instead, she kept staring ahead through the windshield, allowing her expressionless mask free rein. Except her brows slightly knitted. “I mean, both your initiation and Coven formation on the same day. Must be taxing.”

  “Not overwhelmed.” Ruby replied. Her tone came curtly. Then she realised Mom would notice, so she added. “Just drained.”

  Mom took her eyes off the road and turned her attention to Ruby. One hand pushed Ruby’s dark tresses.

  “Mom, focus.” Ruby almost shouted.

  “I am.” The smile that Mom gave suddenly seemed like they belonged to a different person. A younger version. “I am focusing on the most precious thing in my life.”

  Then Mom caught her hesitation. Her lips may not betray her, but Mom noticed her daughter’s lips falter.

  “We need to talk, if it is okay with you.” Contrary to the implied meaning of her words, Mom conveyed it with a finality in her tone. The conversation will happen irrespective of what Ruby wished.

  We need to talk. Ruby dreaded. Perhaps those were the same words Mom used with Dad when she asked for separation. Except in Ruby’s situation, as much as she detested living with Mom, she suddenly feared separation.

  “I am sorry, darling. I really am.” Mom offered her palm for Ruby to grasp. Taking that meant many a thing, and Ruby wondered if she should.

  Could she even let Mom inside her life? Or accept whatever facet she presented? Mom might just change her mood and her demeanour like a snake slithering out of old skin. Except Mom did it faster.

  “What ever picture it... I might have invoked, I only ask you to not consider them seriously.”

  Shit! Mom knew. She knew about the fantasy and calling her name out. Now the unease knotted and coiled like blood-starved vipers inside her belly. Granted, Ruby was extremely distracted, even hazy in a lucid state all through the Coven formation ritual, still she retained enough senses to infer Mom and Or never shared a private moment. Impossible since Mom’s attention remained unwavering on Ruby.

  “You mean I should ignore...” Ruby uttered while her gaze wandered. The night world may seem surreal, mysterious, magical, eerie... whatever, they mattered little. What bothered her suddenly seemed extremely significant.

  Mom’s fingers flexed. Ruby’s wrist came alive beneath Mom’s grip.

  Mom breathed deep. “I mean, ignore whatever Cybele uttered, okay? She sometimes insinuates things for the sake of a prank. They don’t carry any bearing.”

  No Mom. They carry enough bearing for you to address them while in the middle of driving.

  “You are my daughter. And I love you. As a mother should.” Within the closed confines, her voice filled. Mom sounded sincere. Her expressions conveyed depth, somewhat vulnerable and still dispyed all sincerity, but her touch carried her intentions beyond. “Darling, I am sorry. I came te in your life. I came at an inconvenient time. I may ck many traits that you seek. But know one fact. With you I can never...”

  Mom stopped mid-way. The sudden break jolted Ruby forward. The safety belt saved her skull.

  Suddenly, Mom loomed rger above. Her shadow blocked the moonlight. She wore her expressions clear, her actions gave form to her intentions.

  “Ruby, you may find my love cking, however it isn’t. My love always comes hidden, wrapped through strange yers. But it’s always true and always there.”

  Mom’s voice surged in her ears. Instead, Ruby’s gaze became transfixed, fixated upon Mom. Something lingered beneath Mom’s expressions. Something inscrutable. Something indeterminate.

  “I can’t believe you will forgive me. But I will try. I will never give up trying my best. I may fail. But I will never stop because you deserve everything. You deserve my everything. You may hate me. Detest me. Curse me. However, you still deserve my love.”

  As though she couldn’t find words, Mom’s lips pressed, forming one firm line. But her gaze never wavered. Her voice may falter, her words may recede, her expressions may betray her... her gaze conveyed her truth. The truth she may never reveal.

  Ruby sighed, an extremely stretched and resigned gesture. “Mom, can we drive?”

  “Don’t you have anything to share, darling?”

  “Mom, I am really tired. So, can we just drive, please?”

  Morning greeted Ruby in her own room. Her mobile screen dispyed a time after nine.

  Late.

  But given the events of the previous night, still Ruby extracted herself from bed. Unlike her previous room at her own house, the pce at Mom felt spacious. It made her insignificant. Neither the rge bed or the extra-soft mattress with satin covers or the special closet, the size of it belittled her previous bedroom, or the Mom-gifted wardrobe made her feel as though she belonged there. On the contrary, those extravagant dispys only justified the brewing sense of outsiderness.

  She had her own bathroom. Even if it was another paltry attempt at Mom to funt her wealth or buy Ruby’s affection, she still felt a sense of gratitude. They ensured no accidental bumping with Mom while trying to get through her morning hygiene. Ten minutes she took to finish her morning ritual. For her day, she selected a bck, low-rise jeans and a blouse with a koi pattern, simple and comfortable.

  Before heading downstairs, she caught her reflection once. That stopped her moments. The full-length mirror that Mom installed in her room did little justice to how she looked. The jeans accentuated the fullness of her rear. It was one of those five pairs that Mom insisted. That thought made a small smile unconsciously curl the edge of her lips.

  When Ruby sauntered downstairs, Mom already sat waiting. For a full five seconds, Ruby stood stunned. She had to do a double take. Mom abandoned her usual impeccably tailored-suits for a loose-fitting linen beige scks and a light orange tunic top. A folded kitchen apron rested on her p. The image seemed unreal. As though it didn’t fit.

  “What’s wrong darling?” Mom asked, smiling through her soft tones. “Come join me.”

  Ruby hesitated. Very surreal in the manner how she slipped between roles. And Mom pulled the look to go with her image effortlessly. Ruby sat beside. She clenched her caution tight, like a woollen shawl against a crispy winter wind. Mom may still carry hidden intention.

  Mom presented her phone screen. “Now, I may not know what kids these days do to rex with their moms, but I will try my best. We can choose one.”

  Ruby read through each item listed. A visit to historical museum, art museum. Only marginally appealing. A movie seemed interesting. A walk along promenade promised enjoyable given the pleasant weather. Even shopping sounded enticing.

  “Mom... these are all listed for the te afternoon.” Ruby passed Mom’s mobile back.

  Morgane smiled. Her gesture conveyed her affection. And her approval. “Sorry darling. Probably slipped from my thoughts. We are having lunch with Mr. Rosenkranz. Or tells me that you have already been acquainted.”

  Ruby kept silent, contempting. A part of her, a rge part in fact, screamed.

  Shit! Ruby’s thoughts raced.

  “I forgot my mobile in my room.” Ruby excused and raced upstairs. A truth, for Morgane Spenard denied lying. Ruby improvised. Against a determined Mom, only careful pnning and strategic moves would keep her safe.

  Clutching her mobile, she considered her options. A lunch with Rosenkranz and Mom probably topped on her list of things to avoid. Not that Jochen made her uncomfortable, but she really detested breaking bread with someone who could only perceive her faults. Besides, the whole event organised by Mom meant something.

  Ruby sauntered to her window absentmindedly. She would have enjoyed the view from her room. Dad used to mention that Mom liked her home built on higher grounds because she loved watching sunrise and sunset. That was Dad trying his hard to leave a good impression of Mom. He always tried to provide her with only the best memories. Those were so untrue. Mom preferred it so because she loved heights. So she can look down on others.

  From her vantage position, Ruby looked down on her Mom’s estate, all manicured greenery, trimmed bushed, flower buds, gazebos... everything meticulously pnned, designed aesthetically and organised impeccably as she willed. Just like her life and her schedule. The lunch never felt appealing, now more than before and not solely because of Rosenkranz.

  She tapped her mobile screen and found a notification for a new chat group. Cybele has added her. Ruby ignored the obvious question of asking how she knew her contact details. Perks of being a techno witch, Ruby guessed. That gave her a pn, a long shot, but one worth trying.

  Ruby scrolled through the chat group. The obvious names were there: Mom, Or, Cybele and Kelly. She quickly dropped a text message to Kelly.

  “Hey Kelly, thought I will take your offer, if you remember, the one where you said I can reach out to you anytime. Didn’t feel like spending time alone at home. Will it be okay if I visit you today? I could really use some pep talk.”

  Wide-eyed and with anticipation, Ruby stared at the three dots jumping, indicating Kelly’s typing. They danced as rapidly as her heartbeat.

  “Sure honey, you are always welcome.”

  Ruby gave a sigh of relief. That took care of two problems.

  Downstairs, Ruby found Mom scrolling news on her mobile screen as though nothing changed. Her apron was gone, and she had a filled cup of tea beside.

  “You know Mom, I probably forgot to tell you, but I am meeting up with Kelly.”

  Mom arched a questioning brow without taking her eyes from the screen.

  “She has a daughter close to my age, so...” Ruby dragged.

  “I think Kelly can wait.” Mom tore her attention from her mobile screen and smiled at Ruby.

  Lying will not help. Only the truth. Ruby approached. “Actually, I really want to spend time with Kelly and her daughter. Despite her kids waiting at her home, since she took time to help with my initiation ceremony, I think it is only fair to consider her invitation first.”

  “When did my daughter grew so considerate?” Mom asked. Her words seemed affectionate. They certainly carried Mom’s usual teasing tones, except her expression remained undecipherable. “I mean, it makes me gd you are putting others first, darling.”

  Ruby resisted the lull to sit beside Mom. Every moment spend gave Mom another chance to unravel her inner thoughts.

  “Think I will skip breakfast, Mom. A te brunch awaits me with Kelly’s family.”

  “Is that so?” Mom rose. Her form towered above Ruby. Even dressed casually, Mom’s presence filled the space. Her gaze never wandered. “Let me call Kelly to thank her.”

  Mom pressed Kelly’s contact, and Ruby sat in silence as the next thirty seconds passed. Mom did the casual greeting, pyed it like a social call, all forced smiles and calcuted congeniality.

  When Mom finished the call, she tilted her attention back to Ruby.

  “You didn’t believe me, did you? You are unbelievable.” Ruby accused. Her control at emotions failed. “You have to check for yourself.”

  “Darling, when another parent invites your child to their house, you must call them beforehand to express your appreciation.” Mom’s tone came slow. Her gaze held Ruby’s. Even amidst her anger, Ruby acknowledged her mother’s unwavering stare. “This is a social expectation one should follow.”

  “I don’t believe you, Mom. I did spend many a night at Uncle Craven’s pce, and Dad never had to do such calls.”

  “Ruby, that’s because socialisation is different for moms.” Mom’s tone was calm, even controlled, like she had already prepared for this moment.

  “No Mom. You called because you didn’t believe me.” Ruby snapped, finding herself unable to let go of her aggravation. “You can’t trust my words. Dad would have never done that. He would have trusted me.”

  “Yes, Marcel would have trusted you.” Mom repeated. Except her words came with scorn-filled mockery. A smile, equally derisive, curled her coral lips. “I am sure he trusted you fully with everything.”

  “Mom, stop. Dad is beyond reproach. He is respectable, upstanding and a very considerate man.”

  “Indeed, he is.” Mom’s voice remained steady and lethal, like the fatal edge of a well-whetted bde coated in potent venom. Her expression darkened to a crepuscur mood. “He is everything you said. Respectable, upstanding and very considerate to all, except...” Mom paused. Her gaze considered Ruby with the same intention of a wild cat pying with its prey. “Ruby, you are a witch of my coven. Learn to identity the pyer from the masks they wear.”

  Ruby bristled beneath Mom’s acerbic onsught. The accusation stung harder than any whips could because Mom’s tongue can cerate mercilessly.

  “Dad may ck magical talent.” Ruby spat. “But unlike you, he has plenty of humanity. Dad may never understand witches. But he understood me better than you ever will.”

  Mom’s gaze shifted, staring beyond. Her jaw clenched tight. Ruby watched her fingers curling, digging deeper. Blood dripped, forming trails along pale skin.

  Ruby waited, barely breathing. Mom may explode, she may implode. Anytime soon, she may sh. Lash her wrath. Ruby braced herself, feeling her own magic surge through her blood. It moved through her veins like molten metal.

  Morgane approached slowly. Her gaze remained vacant. She sauntered, keeping her pace steady. Half-way, Mom halted. Her attention raked Ruby from head to toe.

  Ruby cursed inwardly.

  “You don’t need them.” Mom softened. “Marcel provided for you. He proved to be a better parent than I was. For that, I cannot hate him. Now wipe your tears.”

  Ruby realised her state. A steady stream drenched her cheeks. Her own eyes betrayed her emotions.

  Mom offered her embrace, and Ruby found herself sinking with Mom’s support. Her touch conveyed comfort. One palm rubbed between her shoulder bdes. Another caressed her crown. Ruby resisted the urge to remain while failing the will to break free.

  When Ruby finally extracted herself, Mom acted. She leaned forward. Her lips pressed against Ruby’s forehead. Then Mom gently dabbed Ruby’s tear streaks.

  “I can’t have you knocking on Kelly’s door with tear-stained eyes.”

  Ruby looked through her tear-stung vision. Her watery sight might have presented her a blurred image however, it conveyed Mom’s intentions crystal clear.

  “For a second, I forgot that Marcel raised you. He was the best father a child could ever have. Your outrage is very justified. So forgive me.”

  Ruby swallowed. Mom’s apology came soft, gentle, affectionate... it came ced with care. Only Ruby found it hard pressed to believe, because Mom never apologised.

  “Wait here.” Mom’s departure was swift, but her return was swifter. In her palms, she held a small ivory enamelled jewel box. “Take it.”

  Ruby opened. Inside, against a red velvet interior, sat two perfectly round pearl earrings. Their hue glowed between pale grey tinged pink. “Mom?”

  “Tahitian pearls.” Mom picked one. Her touch against Ruby’s lobes sent sensual shivers. “They are mine. Now yours.”

  Mom turned Ruby’s lobe. Her grasp held tenderness. Her touch showed all affection, care, comfort... everything Ruby desired.

  “I cannot let you go out without any basic personal adornment.”

  “Adornment?”

  Mom’s fingers massaged Ruby’s lobes gently. Her caress tugged Ruby’s heart-strings.

  “There.” Mom smiled while she stood behind Ruby. “They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But diamonds pale before my Ruby. Pearls suit you best.”

  Ruby couldn’t speak. Mom’s gaze lingered upon her earlobes, fixated upon her gift. Her fingers held Ruby’s lobes between their tips. They moved, tracing her skin gently, finding Ruby’s pulse.

  Ruby swallowed. Her emotions stirred. Her heartbeat quickened. Those touches... they conveyed everything that Mom would never speak.

  “The pearls symbolise modesty. And purity. I am sure you will find them appropriate.” Mom acted, holding her mobile out. “Come darling, give your mother a pose. I hardly have any picture of my daughter. A grave sin, if you ask me.”

  The phone camera fshes rolled and kept continuing till Ruby groaned.

  “Mommm...” She dragged those words for a good measure. “Enough.”

  When Morgane tilted her phone screen, a proud and accomplished smile settled on her.

  Ruby observed. Her gaze remained transfixed upon her ears. From two delicate silver csps dangled Mom’s gift, two precious pearls. Mom’s gift. A gift bestowed upon her daughter. Ruby stood stupefied, lost amidst her raging emotions. She looked beautiful, exquisite... and desirable. That st emotion scared Ruby.

  “It suits you best, darling.” Mom smiled through her voice. Then she moved closer, holding her arms above Ruby. Her palms cupped Ruby’s shoulders gently. “You are adorable. Always my best girl. Remember to be careful. I have added those csps since you don’t have pierced lobes. How about we get your ears pierced for our next mother-daughter outing?”

  “That would be nice.” Ruby found herself agreeing without any real weight of thought. “But Mom, will it hurt?”

  “Only a little darling. Like a pinprick. But don’t worry a thing, your mother will hold your hand.” Mom’s palm moved to caress. Her eyes looked beyond Ruby. “I always find pain transforms beauty. You will understand when you become older.” The words sounded personal and internal.

  Ruby kept silent. That earned her one warm, motherly hug.

  “Darling, these pearls are special. Do you know why they are pinkish?”

  Again, Ruby marvelled at Mom’s ability to seamlessly shift through topics.

  “Because they are obtained by gently prying open cms with are rich pink inside.” Mom smacked her lips and winked.

  It took Ruby a few slow seconds to realise, but then she was drenched in waves of blush.

  “Mom, please. That’s too detailed.”

  “What? You asked.”

  “I didn’t. You started it.”

  “I know. Just teasing, my darling.”

  Ruby blushed deeper. “Please stop.”

  “I am only trying my best, honey. Now come, you don’t need any make-up. I mean, you are beautiful already. But I cannot allow my daughter outside bare-faced. Society may misinterpret that I don’t care about her needs.”

  “If I think about it, you don’t need all this. I mean, I will...”

  Ruby remained still as Mom rummaged through her handbag. She came up with her lip gloss.

  “I know you are reluctant, but these hardly count as make-up.”

  When Mom csped her cheeks, Ruby’s lips made an adorable pout on its own, as though Mom’s fingers coaxed her lips to move in ways she wanted.

  “What shade are you wearing?”

  Mom gnced. “This particur one? It’s peach pink.”

  “Oh, I can’t wear it.” Ruby protested.

  Mom paused, arched her brow questioningly.

  “It has touched your lips. You wear it every day.” Ruby expined, hoping her reasoning will convince Mom. “I... I might catch your ger...”

  Mom silenced Ruby’s protest, pressing her peach pink glossy lips against Ruby’s. Mom held their kiss, letting her lips linger. When she pulled back, Ruby still tasted Mom.

  “There. No more protest.” Mom fshed her her victorious smile. “You are already infected. Now stay a good girl. Let your mother do her thing.”

  Mom repeated Ruby’s earlier gesture. Her lips puckered perfectly. Ruby watched their slow rhythmic movements and repeated because Mom was mesmerising. Mom coated Ruby’s lips slowly. Very slowly. With each passing second, Ruby’s emotions stirred. She couldn’t stop her thoughts. Mom dabbed the sponge of her lip gloss one st time on Ruby’s lips before screwing the cap tight.

  “I know.” Morgane smiled. An uncanny simirity lingered between them. A shared shade of colour between mother and daughter. “What works for me works well for my daughter.”

  Ruby stared. Her blush deepened. “I... didn’t... we...”

  “It’s okay, darling. Now run. You don’t want to keep Kelly waiting.”

  As Ruby turned to leave, Mom’s hand fell on her ass — somewhere between a tender pat and a pyful sp.

  “And be back for dinner. I would be expecting you.”

  “Sure Mom.”

  Despite how their morning interactions went, dinner with Mom suddenly seemed a delightful idea. And surprisingly, Ruby was looking forward to it.

  AnnouncementWord is out on the street that one zy author is about to release a next story with a crazy human and an nihilistic alien kicking shit in another pnet. Feel Free to follow for additional updates.

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