Page 29 of Frozen Hearts

Angela noticed Mel for the first time and turned her attention towards her. Willow made a silent plea for Mel to run.

“Oh no, did I interrupt something?” Angela asked.

She glided over to Mel before anyone could answer her question. She extended a hand to Mel.

“I’m Angela, Willow’s mother.” Mel took Angela’s hand and shook it.

“Now that we’re friends I wonder if you could give Willow and I a few minutes to talk? I have something important to discuss with Willow.”

Willow wished she could shout out to Mel. She wanted to beg the woman not to go. But Mel wrapped her arms around Willow in a hug.

“Text me later,” Mel demanded.

“Of course.” Willow said.

Then Mel was gone, leaving Willow alone with her mother. Angela gave her a coy smile.

“So who’s the girl? Whatever happened to…”

Angela broke off. She had never been great at keeping track of the people in her life.

“Amy,” Willow supplied when it was clear that her mother was waiting for a response.

“That’s right, Amy. Whatever happened to her? The two of you were together for a while weren’t you?” Willow forced herself to maintain a neutral face. It was hard when her eyes wanted to roll so badly.

“Amy and I were together for a couple of years. We broke up six months ago,” Willow answered.

“Mom, why are you here?” Willow asked.

Willow watched as her Mom’s lips curved up into a smile. The expression filled Willow with dread rather than comfort. She had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Willow couldn’t keep a grimace from spreading across her face. Her mother laughed at her reaction.

“Don’t make that face, dear. Your face might freeze that way,” Angela warned.

Willow gave an audible scoff. That warning hadn’t worked on her since she was a child. Willow narrowed her gaze, taking in the sight of her mother.

“Mom. Why are you here?”

“Can a mother not come to visit?” Angela asked.

“Other mothers can. But I want to know what brings you around?”

Angela gave her an expression of mock surprise.

“Fine. If you must know I need a place to stay for a while,” Angela offered.

“And you want to stay here?” Willow asked.

“I don’t have anywhere else to go,” Angela folded her arms over her chest.

“How long do you need to stay?” Willow asked. She purposefully didn’t answer Angela’s question.

“Not long. A few weeks. Maybe a month. NO more than that I promise,” Angela pleaded.

“What happened to your place?” Willow asked, still hesitant to agree to anything involving her mother.

“I’m having a little trouble renewing my lease. It won’t be a problem. Scout’s honor.”

“Okay. I’m letting you stay no longer than one month,” Willow said coolly.

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