Nowhere to Hide

I get out of the car and see Mom waiting by the corner.

"Mom," I call, shutting the door and going to her.

Her arms are folded below her chest, and she has a frown on her pretty face. "What are you doing out here?" I ask, stopping before her.

"Where have you been?" she questions.

I look behind me, at Alaric, who's still in the car.

"Uh, I..." I hesitate as I think of what to tell her. Should I tel