Bella:
“Hello, Mother,” I said in a cold tone as I slid into the front seat and shut the door behind me.
A tense silence filled the car, one that made me want to bolt. What could she possibly want with me? She had barely shown any interest in seeing me, and suddenly, she decided it had to be today.
“How are you? And how has the semester been?” She started the car, steering it towards the gate while I remained quiet, trying to figure out the most respectful way to blow her off. “I asked a question.” Usually, this would be said with a sharp edge, but now her tone was oddly calm and warm.
I cleared my throat.
“It’s been good so far,” I replied. “So, where are we going?” I added, unable to keep the question that had been burning inside me.
“Someplace nice. I thought it was about time I t
