Once Upon a Faerie

Visitors

I was glad to get home and relax after a long day at school. However, when I walked onto the hallway, something seemed off.

"I'm home," I yelled out to my mum to find out where about in the house she is.

"Don't say anything, ok?" I heard my mum hush as I walked into the lounge room.

"Darling, welcome home," Mum said, standing from where she was sitting. Her voice sounded different, nervous, and almost scared. Across from her on the other couch was a strange man I had never met before. He stood up just after Mum did, and oh my gosh, was he tall. I mean, I've only met a few tall men in my life, but he would have to be the tallest he towered over my mother, who was an average height for a woman. he'd have to be at least 6'5 ", maybe even taller.

"Harriet, uhhh, this is... Michael" she almost sounded confused when speaking his name like she didn't know him. The way Mum was acting was strange. She is usually very calm but strong and assertive. Now, she is more like a nervous wreck waiting for a bomb to explode. "Uhhh, he is an old friend of your father's from university," she continued.

"Oh, I see. Nice to meet you!" I said, trying not to sound confused. I never knew my father. Apparently, he died when I was a few months old. Mum has told me very little about him other than the fact that he was very handsome and charming. The love of her life! she would exclaim. I could always tell her the topic made her sad and uncomfortable, so I never pushed the topic.

"Nice to meet you, Harriet. I've heard so much about you," Michael replied.

"Right.. I wish I could say the same.."

"Harriet! don't be rude, " my mum quickly interrupted me and gave me a scold with her eyes.

"I mean, mum hasn't mentioned you before," I quickly said, trying to not sound as rude. There was a weird look exchanged between the two of them, followed by a weird, uncomfortable silence. I felt I was intruding on something important, so I excused myself, claiming I had homework to do before dinner. Mum said Michael would be staying for dinner and that she would call when it's ready. I was glad to get away from the awkwardness. Maybe he was her new boyfriend, and she didn't want to say anything just yet? or maybe she felt uncomfortable having someone from her past here reminding her of dad? I don't know, but I've never seen Mum act like that before. I kicked off my shoes and headed straight for my laptop to finish some last-minute party preparations. hopefully, dinner won't be as awkward!