HIS SCENT IS A MOON LIT LIE

Chapter Thirty four

Elara's POV

The soft shuffle of my feet on the tiles was the only sound that echoed faintly in the house.

Slinging my backpack loosely over my shoulder, my eyes darted towards the living room and my gaze landed on my dad.

He was sitting on the sofa with a mug clutched tight his eyes and his full attention on the magazine lying carelessly on the center table.

"Good morning." I greeted.

Dad looked up and flashed me a soft smile. "You are up early."

Hovering awkwardly for a second, I quietly took sat on the edge of the opposite couch, watching my dad take a sip from his cup.

Then this question itched at my throat, I wanted to know if mum had lied to Dad too. About the lead on Grandpa's case, it kept me awake all night.

Clearing my throat, I asked cautiously. "Hey dad, did mum mention anything to you about...a lead?"

Dad blinked, he furrowed his brows at me in confusion. "Lead?"

"About Grandpa's case."

He shook his head in disagreement. "No, just something about going to the station." He set the mug down slowly.

"Nothing else? Not even anything about finding a lead on grandpa's case?" My chest sank in as little hope lingered in me.

There was no way she could have lied to me, especially about something as critical as grandpa's case.

Dad shook his head. "No."

Disappointed washed over me, I hesitated then shrugged. "Oh."

There was a brief moment of silence between the both us before he cleared his throat and adjusted his posture on the couch.

"Look Elara, I know you are worried about your grandfather, we all are but I think you should try to go easy on your mum, okay? She is handling a lot." His voice was gentle and cautious.

I forced a smile. "I can handle her."

Speak of the devil, mum's voice sliced through the room. "So good to know that you have got it all under control."

She stood by the doorway, arms crossed and her expression unreadable. She must have overheard because of the obvious sarcasm laced in her tone.

Rolling my eyes, the urge to confront my mum about the lie tugged at my lips but the thought of getting involved in another fight with her made me swallow everything back. Not now.

I rose to my feet and gave my dad a quick hug. "Bye dad."

"Really? Just him?" As expected, mum snapped but that was not enough for me to look back. "Just so you know you are still grounded!!"

I pushed open the front door and slammed it right behind me.

Stepping outside, the sun suddenly hit like a slap. Quite bright and harsher than usual.

I winced in pain before brushing off the feeling as I made my way down the street.

As usual, school was noisy, the chattering noise echoed in the hallways. Maya was already at by my locker but her attention was on the mirror clutched tight to her hands.

"Good morning." I mumbled dryly.

"Hey." Maya said, she leaned in and slowly whispered. "Did you talk to your mum? About the whole fake lead situation?"

Just the mention of my mum made me groan and toss my bag into my locker. "No, I can not even imagine the kind of drama that would come with that. She is so annoying, all she does is basically snoop into my life and then lie straight to my face."

Maya sighed. "I still think it is weird, or maybe she just wants you to feel at ease about your grandfather. She might not want you to get all worked up."

I rolled my eyes. "I am never giving my mum the benefit of doubt."

Grabbing my biology textbook out of my locker and slamming it shut. My eyes landed on Maya. "I am going back to my grandfather's house after school. Maybe I can find something."

The look on Maya's face changed. "You do remember that your mum's hot friend stalks you right? He probably reports every of your single move to her."

"Well, I do not care and ew Maya, Gabriel Cross is not hot!"

Maya grinned and it looked like she had more disgusting stuffs to say but a familiar voice suddenly interrupted.

I felt sparks fly like electricity and it was hard not to smile at Jordan as he slowly approached us.

"Hey, you okay?"

Chewing my lower lip shyly, I nodded. "Hey."

He nodded to Maya. "Hi."

"Hi me? Oh hi right back at you but just so you know, telling me hi does not mean I will easily grant you my blessings." Maya smirked.

My cheeks flushed in embarrassment but thankfully Jordan ignored the tease. His eyes darted back to me with a flicker of worry. "Are you sure you are okay?"

Jordan's concern made me feel warm on the inside.

"Yeah, all good." I said, brushing my back.

Before Jordan could press further, Ethan approached us, his eyes settled on Jordan for a second but he did not acknowledge Jordan.

Deep down, I was hoping Ethan would not make any unnecessary fuss and thankfully, my prayers were answered.

He turned to i and Maya with a curious look on his face. "Hey, did you guys notice? There is a police car parked outside and some officers are in the hallways."

"I think I saw your uncle." He said to Maya.

Officers? My heart skipped. Why?

Maya gasped dramatically. "Maybe someone got arrested for sneaking snacks into chemistry or for hacking the school wifi."

Ethan and Maya shared a laugh but I could not help but find all of it suspicious.

All of a sudden, Gabriel Cross was walking towards us, with a police officer besides him.

Silence befall I and my friends as we anxiously watched him halt right in front of us.

Surprisingly, Gabriel's eyes drifted to Jordan. "That is him." He nodded towards the officer. "He is the one."

The officer turned to Jordan calmly. "Jordan Vale, you are going to need to come with us to the station."