DECEPTION

Chapter 3

It takes me several moments before I realise just how bizarre this situation is.

Some creep in a hoodie is standing a few metres away from me, and I'm just acting like a dumb bimbo in a horror movie.

I clutch the door, ready close it, but it's as if my arms are no longer working. Fear and apprehension grip me as I continue to stare at the mystery man.

"If you don't leave I'll... I'll call the police!" I manage to say, my voice hoarse.

"Audrey, soon everything will change..." he trails off as a pair of bright headlights shine down this street, and I breathe a sigh of relief as I recognise my mum's red Porsche in the distance. My eyes widen in shock as I turn my attention back to the hooded man, only to find him gone.

So many questions instantly swarm my mind.

Who is he? How does he know my name? How does he know where I live? Is this just a prank? If not, what does he want with me?

Too enwrapped in my thoughts, I barely notice when mum walks up the front steps.

"Audrey, dear! What are you still doing up?" she flashes me a radiant smile before pulling me into a hug.

Her red dress, which happens to be the same brilliant shade as her car, clings in all the right places, emphasising her hourglass figure. She had curled her hair for the occasion, and her bouncy brown hair cascaded freely down her back.

Despite still being in a state of shock, I couldn't help but marvel at my mum, and then wonder 'where the hell did mum go wrong with me?'

Realising I still haven't answered her question, and that I'm blocking the entryway, I step inside and force a smile.

"I couldn't sleep," I lie. "You look beautiful mum." Not a lie. "How was the date?"

"It went pretty smoothly actually! You know, I think this could finally be the start of something. Oh, and thanks for opening up the door. I can't believe I forgot my keys again!" she laughs.

"Dad would've wanted you to be happy," I give her a small smile.

For a split second, she has a distant look on her face.

I bite my lip worriedly. "Mum?"

She shakes her head as if getting rid of an unwanted thought. "It's nothing... just..." she sighs, and her hazel eyes meet my green ones. "Sometimes I think it should have been me in that car instead of him. Then maybe..."

I stop her before she can say anything further. "Mum, it could have happened at any time. It wouldn't have made a difference. It's not your fault. It was just bad luck." I can't stop my voice from quavering, so I decide it best not to say anything more.

My mother nods, embracing me into a tight hug. "Go to sleep, dear, or you won't feel fresh for school tomorrow."

I laugh at that. "Fresh? For school? When has that ever happened?"

She raises her eyes towards the ceiling. "Oh come on, you only have three weeks left of school. Just think, after the holidays, you'll only have a term remaining, and then you're graduating! My baby girl is growing up so fast." She reaches out to pinch my cheeks, but I quickly dash up the stairs before she has the chance.

"I'm going to bed, good night! Love you!" I call half-way up.

"Night, sweetie!" she chuckles.

I jump straight into bed, feeling a bit like a five-year-old girl who's scared that the boogieman is hiding in her closet.