“And I refuse to cower in fear and be threatened by a soccer mom.” Paula cuts off what little space I created. She whispers so low that only I can hear her.

“I’d be careful; this soccer mom has a way with capitalizing on her threats. You don’t want to have an unfortunate accident like your mother did.” She smiles smugly. Her condescending words push me to the limit. A prickling sensation starts flowing from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. My heart is pounding vigorously as I try to contain the raw energy trying to force its way out. Screw the consequences, killing her right now sounds way too appealing. This woman knows way too much about us, we made the mistake of underestimating her and now I feel like she has the upper hand. I want nothing more than to wipe that smug smile off her face and make her suffer as much as she’s made others suffer, but as quickly as my anger filled me it receded just as fast causing my body to slacken uncontrollably. I frown at the bizarrely calm emotion subduing my anger. I quickly dismiss what happened when I see who Paula is aiming her fierce gaze at. Spencer seems unfazed by her mother as she silently walks downstairs. She obtains my full attention and everything that’s happened in that past few weeks just fade away. She looks radiantly beautiful, painstakingly putting everyone else to shame.

“What are you doing here?” Spencer asks bewilderedly. At least I can find some comfort in the fact that she had no idea I was coming, but sadly she doesn’t look happy to see me.

“I was invited for dinner.” My voice wavers slightly, what little confidence I had has been diminished.

“I thought it would be nice if she finally met Aiden.” Paula adds casually. “So she won’t have to chase you around so blindly and blatantly anymore.” Spencer’s look turns murderous, surprising the hell out of me but Paula doesn’t back down.

“That’s not your decision to make and you have no right to do this behind my back.” She boldly replies. I quietly step away from them, my presence clearly forgotten. They look like they’re about to tear each other apart.