As I watched Mom smile, I couldn't help but notice how much she and Aunt Marie resembled each other. Both had oval faces, defined brows, and the same deep, dark hair and eyes. Even their presence was strikingly similar.

It reminded me of the way prey in the animal kingdom appears—fragile, meek, and almost too delicate. But I knew better. I could see it in their eyes—there was something more beneath the surface. I remembered the saying, *The eyes are the windows to the soul.* Both Mom and Aunt Marie gave off the vibe of being warriors in disguise, quietly strong and capable.

I hadn't seen Mom in full "beast mode," but I certainly didn't want to. When you love someone, you don't want to see them hurt or upset. And I loved my mom, so even though I didn't want to go, I decided I'd take the lunch boxes and follow through with her request.

With a small, defeated stomp of my foot, I grabbed the lunch boxes, still pouting. I didn't want to go, but this was how I showed my love for her.

Mom, sensing my reluctance, gently placed her hands on my shoulders, kissed my forehead, and smoothed my hair. "Thank you, darling. You might actually enjoy spending time with your aunt. Just give it a chance," she said, still smiling.

Her smile, so similar to Aunt Marie's, made me feel uneasy. I couldn't shake the feeling from the videos—the strange smile, the panic in her voice—something about this trip felt off.

I turned toward the couch where Mom had placed the backpack and swung it over my shoulder without letting go of the lunch boxes. As I headed toward my room to change, it hit me.

Wait a second—where's Kyle? Why do *I* have to go instead of him? A small smirk formed on my face as I thought, *This is perfect. Kyle loves outdoor activities. He'd have a blast with Aunt Marie.*

"Mom~ why can't Kyle go instead?" I asked, eager for an answer.

Mom responded in a tone matching mine. "Darling, your brother and father aren't here. They're off on business together, somewhere far away."

My excitement quickly faded, and I let out a sigh, shoulders slumping. That plan was shot down in an instant. Looks like it's really up to me after all.

"Hurry up, Aria. I called a cab for you. It'll be here in about 10 minutes," my mom said, snapping me back to reality.

I rushed upstairs, nearly tripping in the process. Thankfully, my reflexes kicked in, and I managed to keep the lunch boxes from spilling. Lucky for me, my bedroom door was wide open, so I didn't have to fumble with the handle.

I quickly dropped the backpack onto the bed and placed the lunch boxes on my desk. I pulled out a pair of black cargo pants, a matching black pair of socks, and a maroon jacket—my favorite one, with a hood.

I had another favorite jacket: a yellow knee-length one that looked just like the one Coraline wore in the 2009 movie. I remember feeling creeped out the first time I saw it, but I grew to love it the second time around.

With the guys out of the house, I changed in front of my mirror without thinking twice. I didn't bother closing the door, figuring there wasn't enough time for any extra steps. The window was open, but I wasn't close enough to it to worry about anyone seeing me from outside.

After tucking my plain white T-shirt into my cargo pants, I tied my hair into a high ponytail. I glanced at my lips—they looked dry. I grabbed my lip balm from the desk drawer and shoved it into the pocket of my jacket.

I checked my wristwatch: 9:13 am. I had three minutes left. Glancing at the lunch boxes, I opened one and started nibbling at the food. It was delicious, but I couldn't finish it in time. I grabbed the other lunch box, too, and headed toward my bed to stash it in my backpack.

My bag was already organized with clothes and necessities, and there was just enough space for one more lunch box. Perfect.

I secured the ticket and decided not to bring the letter with my brother's name on it, just in case it became too bulky. I slipped on the red bracelet, adjusting it to fit snugly on my wrist next to my watch.

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I checked myself in the mirror. The bracelet looked great with my outfit, but I tucked it under my jacket sleeve to keep it hidden. A quick stop in the bathroom to brush my teeth and apply more lip balm, and I was set.

I realized the floor was dry now, which meant my socks wouldn't get wet. Relief washed over me.

"Aria, the cab is here! Hurry up!" My mom's voice echoed from downstairs.

I quickly grabbed my backpack, but just as I was about to head down, I saw the broken Canon camera lying on the floor. I wished I could've rewatched the video—it seemed so important.

After picking up my bag, I dashed downstairs and slipped on my black boots.

"Here's your phone. You almost forgot it," my mom said, handing me my phone. I must've left it on the table earlier.

"It seems so, mom." I paused and added, "Oh, sorry about my bed. I left it a mess."

"Don't worry, I've got it covered, honey," she said, pulling me into a hug and kissing my forehead. "Off you go, darling. Don't forget to take lots of pictures!"

I nodded and turned toward the cab, but before I could leave, I turned back to give my mom a tight hug.

"I love you, Mom," I said.

"I love you too, darling. Now go." She smiled and waved, and I felt a rush of emotions. Just as I walked toward the cab, a cold gust of wind hit, followed by a downpour of rain.

I opened the back door of the cab and slid into the seat beside the driver, remembering that it's safest to sit where you're aligned with the driver during a ride.

I greeted the driver, who nodded back in response. As I sat back, a part of me wished I could see Dad and Kyle before I left, but the cab pulled away before I could dwell on it. I glanced at my phone and decided to call Dad.

I glanced at my phone and decided to call Dad [https://img.wattpad.com/e5771af21caa085c74efc7d5f964892c2d5805da/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f564563306b6752325946665169673d3d2d313439363037393032332e313830383138303331316138303961333836353231393135353339372e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Bzt..

Bzt..

Bzt..

"The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of coverage area. Please try again later."

"The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of.."

I ended my call. He must be busy. I tried calling my brother.

Bzt..

Bzt..

Bzt..

"Hey yah, this is Kyle. Sorry, I can't entertain this call at the moment, but I'll try to call you back. Thanks for your understanding. Bye!"

I groaned. Great, he's busy too. All I wanted was a minute to talk to them before I left.

Then it hit me—I should call Beth.

Bzt...

Bzt...

"Yeah, hello? Aria?" Thank goodness Beth picked her phone up. It seems that the dance practice had started, as I can hear the loud music from her end.

"Ah, yeah, Beth. Um... I couldn't be there or be at our Volleyball practice, be..."

"What? Why?" Beth immediately interrupted me, clearly concerned.

"Hold on, let me find a quieter spot," she said. The music grew fainter as she moved, and I could hear her voice more clearly now.

I wish I was there with her or just at home, relaxing.

"Alright, I'm here. So, what's going on? You said you couldn't come." Beth asked.

I let out a little sigh. "I won't be able to attend volleyball practice. I have to go visit my aunt Marie."

There was a noticeable pause before Beth replied, her voice softer now. "Oh... what's wrong? You sound a bit down. Don't want to visit your aunt?"

"It's not that," I said, but my words sounded a little uncertain. "I mean, kind of... but I'd much rather be with you guys, at practice, or just hanging out. I don't like these last-minute, unplanned things."

Beth seemed to catch on. "It sounds like you're not really close with your aunt if you'd rather be with us." Her words left a slight sting, but I didn't know how to explain it better.

"How did Coach react?" she asked after a beat.

"He gave me a pass," I told her, trying to sound casual. "I think it's because I didn't go to the party with everyone or get involved with the whole beard thing."

Beth snorted. "Well, now I'm really kicking myself. I could've gotten a pass too if I didn't took that photo or be involved either." She said it with a laugh, but I could tell she wasn't completely joking.

"How long are you going to be gone?" she asked.

"I'm not sure," I said, my voice dropping a little. "Maybe a day, maybe longer. I'm hoping to come back soon, though. I don't want to miss volleyball practice. I really want to make it to regionals and nationals."

"Yeah, I get that," she said. "Then don't be gone too long, okay? If you don't message me, I'm going to assume you're having such a good time that you forgot about your bestie!" She laughed, and I couldn't help but smile.

"I promise I won't forget you," I said. Then I heard someone calling for her in the background.

"Alright, well, I've gotta go. They're looking for me. Just enjoy your trip, okay? We'll catch up later!"

"Yeah, bye," I said, hanging up and setting the phone down. I stared out the window for a moment, feeling conflicted. It wasn't that I didn't want to visit my aunt *maybe not sure*, but I didn't exactly feel excited either. I just hoped it wouldn't be too long before I could get back to the things I enjoyed.