#2 When the Moon Turns Red

Evie

Noah left the house early the next morning to follow a lead on Russell, leaving me with strict orders not to leave the packhouse. I couldn’t argue, I didn’t have a desire to go anywhere, anyway. Sawyer came and went, checking in on me periodically to make sure I hadn’t done something crazy like slipped out the window of our bedroom. I felt too lazy to do anything but binge watch Netflix anyway.

At around noon, I got a call from my mother. I sighed when I saw her name pop up on my phone. Honestly, I was surprised it had taken her this long to call me in the first place.

“Hello.” I answered plainly.

“Your brother comes out to see you and you send him home with a girl he wants to move in with?” My mother’s voice answered.

“I’m good, thanks, how are you?” I replied sarcastically. She ignored me,

“What am I supposed to think about this?” She huffed.

“I don’t know, maybe be happy for your son who has finally found a girl he’s serious about? Molly is great, mom, she’s my best friend. Elijah has never felt serious enough about a girl to bring her home, so you should know that he’s not doing this lightly.” I said.

“Can’t he be serious about her from a long distance?” My mother sighed.

“You can’t micromanage all of us, mother.” I grumbled.

“He doesn’t know anyone or anything out there! Where is he going to stay? Where is he going to work?” She cried.

“He has plenty of time to figure out where he’s going to work and he’s going to stay at my place.” I shrugged even though she couldn’t see me.

“He’s going to stay with you?” She asked.

“That’s not what I said.”

“Stop messing around, Evie.” I could practically feel my mother’s glare through the phone.

“I’m not. He’s going to take over my lease and move into my apartment, at least for now until he and Molly decide what they want to do.” I knew there was no chance I was going to get away with just dropping this little tidbit of information.

“Where are you going to live, then?” I could tell the wheels were beginning to turn in my mom’s head.

“I’ve been staying with someone else.” I admitted.

“Who….”

“My boyfriend, Noah.” I nearly yelled at her. For the longest time, my mom remained silent.

“So, monkey see monkey do?” Mom finally replied with an attitude.

“That’s not what this is, mom. Listen, I’m not going to argue with you and neither is Elijah. I’m living with my boyfriend who I am more serious about than anything else in my life, and Elijah’s making the same choice. We’re happy and in love. You can either get on board or lose us both.” I was being harsh, I’ll admit, but my mother wasn’t someone who gave in easily.

When I decided to move to the mainland, my mom was trying to change my mind right up until I got through the airport security. I had to plan and do everything against her wishes. I love my mom and my family, but she was pigheaded and set in her ways; a little like someone else I know.

“Do you two have to do everything at warp speed?” Mom groaned.

“It’s more fun that way.” I laughed.

“You’re really happy, Evie?” She sighed.

“The happiest I’ve been in a long time.” I said.

“That’s all I want for you, honey, happiness and safety. If you’re sure then I can’t argue with that. I hope I can meet this Noah soon.” As stubborn as my mom was, she knew she raised a daughter who was just as stubborn. Sometimes she could admit when it was time to throw in the towel, although I’m almost certain that this isn’t the last I’ll hear about it. My mother is the queen of passive aggressive comments.

“Yeah, we’ll have to plan a visit soon. For now, just be nice to Molly, she really is great.” I told her.

“I’ll admit, she does seem like a fine young lady. I’ll invite them over and be open minded.” She grumbled.

“I’m proud of you, Ma.” I laughed.

“Thanks, dear, but don’t think I’m done with you yet.” If we were in person I know she’d be narrowing her eyes at me.

“Oh I’d never dream of it.” I rolled my eyes.

“Love you, honey.”

“Love you too, mom.” By the time we ended the call I felt good about being honest with my mom and where we stood. I was confident she would love Molly and Noah, it just might take her a minute to come around.