In the Shadow Of Memory

Chapter 30

Ellen picked up her phone and dialed Mia's number, hoping to hear her daughter's voice.

"Mia, honey, are you coming over for the New Year's party?" Ellen asked, trying to keep her tone light despite the flutter of anxiety in her chest.

There was a brief pause before Mia replied. "Hey, Mom. I... I won't be able to make it. I'm going to a party with some friends."

Ellen felt a sinking feeling, her heart tightening. "Oh. I see." She struggled to mask her disappointment. "Are you sure? It's a special night, and we'd love to have you here with us."

Mia's voice was upbeat, almost too cheerful. "I know, but it's just one night. My friends have been planning this for a while. You understand, right?"

"Of course," Ellen said, but the sadness crept into her voice. "I just thought... Well, I hoped we could all celebrate together as a family."

"I'll be fine, Mom. Really," Mia reassured her, but Ellen could sense the distance in her words.

Ellen sighed, unable to hide her emotions any longer. "I just miss having you here, sweetheart. It feels like it's been so long since we've all been together."

There was a moment of silence, and Ellen could almost hear Mia's internal struggle. "I'll try to come by soon, I promise," she said, but Ellen could tell it was a half-hearted promise.

"Okay, Mia. Just... be safe, alright?" Ellen's voice softened, but the heaviness lingered in the air between them.

"Will do, Mom!" Mia said, her tone brightening slightly before the call ended.

Ellen stood there, staring at the phone in her hand, feeling a mix of pride and sorrow. She knew Mia was growing up, making her own choices, but part of her couldn't help wishing her daughter would choose home more often.

Mia lounged on Lucas's couch, a bowl of popcorn between them, as they binge-watched their favorite show. The easy banter and laughter filled the room, and for a moment, it felt like everything was perfect. She loved these moments, where it was just them, away from the world's chaos.

Just as Lucas leaned in to make a joke, his phone buzzed loudly on the coffee table. He grabbed it, glancing at the screen. His expression shifted, a mix of urgency and frustration crossing his face.

"I have to take this," he said, his tone serious. He stood up, moving toward the window, where he could talk privately.

Mia watched him, a knot tightening in her stomach. She tried to focus on the show, but the sound of his voice faded into the background, his conversation growing more intense. A few minutes later, he returned, running a hand through his hair.

"I've got to drop off some files. It's important," he said, his eyes apologetic. "I'm really sorry, Mia. We can hang out some other time?"

Mia felt a wave of disappointment wash over her, but she forced a smile. "Yeah, of course. I get it. Work comes first."

He looked relieved but still concerned. "I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"Just go. I'll be fine," she replied, trying to sound upbeat.

As he rushed out, Mia's heart sank a little. She understood his job was demanding, and that he had responsibilities, especially working for the Mafia. It was a reality she was gradually getting used to, even if it made her uneasy at times. She knew it wasn't just a job; it was a life filled with danger and decisions she couldn't fully comprehend.

Once the door clicked shut, the laughter from the show faded into silence, leaving Mia feeling a bit hollow. She took a deep breath, shaking off the heaviness.

Deciding it was time to head home, she grabbed her coat and stepped outside. The cool air hit her, grounding her in the moment. As she walked, her thoughts drifted to Lucas—his kindness, his laughter, and the way he always seemed to make her feel safe, despite the shadows that loomed over his life.

With each step, she reminded herself that she understood the complexities of his world. She had to trust him, even if that meant learning to accept the parts of his life that felt so foreign. After all, he was still Lucas—the boy she had known, who had become something much more in her heart.

As Mia walked home, lost in her thoughts, she spotted Detective Jonathan standing at the corner of the street. Her heart raced; she didn't want to deal with him right now. Instinctively, she turned to leave, but he called out to her.

"Mia! Wait!"

She quickened her pace, hoping to slip away, but he was already on her heels. "Why are you avoiding me?" he shouted, his voice cutting through the crisp air.

Mia glanced back, her frustration boiling over. "I'm not avoiding you! I just don't want to talk!"

He caught up, stepping in front of her. "That's not true, and you know it. Why aren't you trying to find out what happened to Mason?"

"Because I don't need to!" she shot back, her voice rising. "You think I don't care? I've been living my life, trying to move on, and all you do is dig up the past!"

"This isn't about the past; it's about the truth!" he insisted, his gaze intense. "You're acting like you're fine, but I see it—the way you look over your shoulder, the way you hesitate when I ask questions. You know something, don't you?"

Mia clenched her fists, anger flaring. "You don't get to judge me! I'm trying to live my life without being haunted by ghosts! Mason is gone, and I can't keep chasing shadows!"

"And what if those shadows are still lurking? What if they're coming for you?" He took a step closer, his voice dropping to a low, urgent tone. "You think ignoring this will keep you safe?"

Mia took a step back, breathing hard, feeling the weight of his words. "You don't know anything about me! You're just a detective chasing a lead, while I'm the one left to pick up the pieces!"

The tension crackled between them, raw and real. For a moment, they stood in a charged silence, each refusing to back down.

Finally, Mia shook her head, determination hardening her expression. "I can't do this right now. I need to go." She turned on her heel, walking away, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Mia!" Jonathan called after her, but she kept moving, ignoring him.

He watched her retreating figure, suspicion gnawing at him. Deep down, he knew she was hiding something—something important. The chase was far from over.