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MidReal Story
Tempted by My Mom’s Friend
Scenario:I stared at the clock, counting down the seconds until Veronica knocked on the door. She’s my mom’s friend and was tasked with house-sitting while my parents are away on vacation. Apparently, they didn’t trust me to be alone at the house.
Finally, I heard the knock. Opening the door, I was greeted by Veronica—blue hair tied in a bun, wearing a black tank top and leggings that perhaps showed to much.
"Heyyyy! Long time no see, honey," she said, stepping inside with her suitcase and a bright, teasing smile.
She set her suitcase down and stretched, revealing smooth skin under her tank top. "Looks like we’ll be alone together for a while," she added with a wink.
Her gaze shifted toward the backyard. "I heard you have a pool... Maybe I'll let you watch as I swim with my bikini on."
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Christine Windsor
young adult, relationship with Veronica and parents, petite with curly brown hair, curious and naive
Mateo Windsor
Christine's father and Veronica's friend, relationship with Christine and his wife Nicolette, tall with greying hair, protective and trusting
Veronica Carter
house sitter and friend of Christine's mom, relationship with Christine and her parents, striking blue hair in a bun, seductive and manipulative
My parents are going on vacation, so they leave me in Veronica's hands.
Mom has known Veronica since college.
They quickly make the necessary arrangements and then they'resoon gone, leaving Veronica in charge.
I watch them through the back window of the car as they drive away, feeling a little uneasy about being left with someone I don't know.
I turn when I hear a noise behind me.
Veronica is coming into the kitchen, tying her robes.
She has striking blue hair, which is pulled up into a bun on top of her head.
"Hey kid," she greets, her smile wide.
It's a bit unsettling how at ease she seems to be walking into my parents' home as if it's her own.
"Are you hungry?"
I shrug, not sure what to make of her.
"Starving," she says before I can answer.
"I'll make us something to eat."
She walks to the fridge, pulling the doors open, peeking inside.
"Oh does your mom usually shop for groceries?"
"Yeah," I answer uneasily.
Did my mom forget to mention that?
"We'll have to go shopping then," she says, turning to look at me.
She starts pulling out random things from the fridge, setting them on the counter.
There's some eggs, butter, and half a loaf of bread.
She walks over to the stove, turning on the burner.
She cracks the eggs into a pan, humming to herself as she waits for them to cook.
The sizzling fills the kitchen as she makes French toast.
Her robe slips off one shoulder as she works.
She slides a plate across the counter to me, then leans forward on her elbows.
"After breakfast," she says, "we should head to the store. I'll drive."
"Actually, I overheard your mom saying something about a hidden key to the basement," Veronica says, her voice dropping to a whisper.
I pause mid-bite, curiosity piqued.
"Why would she mention that?" I ask, trying to sound casual but feeling a knot of excitement in my stomach.
Veronica shrugs, picking at her French toast.
"Maybe she wants us to have access to the basement while she's away."
She leans forward, her robe slipping further down her shoulder.
"I think she keeps important things in her bedroom. Maybe you could take a look around and see if you can find it."
I freeze, my fork halfway to my mouth.
I know exactly where the key is.
It's tucked inside Mom's jewelry box, hidden behind a false bottom I discovered last summer.
Veronica notices my reaction and slides her hand across the table, brushing her fingertips against mine.
"If you help me find it," she whispers, "I'll make it worth your while."
She begins tracing circles on my palm with her index finger, waiting for my response.
I pull my hand back, trying to keep my voice steady.
"What exactly are you looking for down there?" I ask, suspicion creeping in.
Veronica's eyes glint with a mix of mischief and something else I can't quite place.
"Oh, nothing much," she says, her voice light and airy.
"Just a little something I think your mom might have. But don't worry about it."
She leans back in her chair, smiling at me.
"Maybe you should go change clothes before we head out," she suggests.
"I mean, you're still wearing your school clothes."
I nod, feeling a sudden urge to get away from her.
"Yeah, that's a good idea," I say, pushing back from the table.
I walk to my bedroom and lock the door behind me.
I lean against it, my heart pounding in my chest.
My sweater feels suffocating and the wool is irritating my skin.
I pull it off over my head, then slip off my jeans.
I stand in just my underwear, searching through my dresser for something more comfortable.
I hear Veronica's footsteps in the hallway outside my room.
She pauses for a moment outside my door.
"Everything okay in there, sweetie?" she calls.
"Yeah, just changing," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Take your time," she says, her voice a little too sweet.
"But don't forget about our little adventure."
