I almost laugh at the idea. Us, friends? We couldn’t be further from it. Of course, if my mother would have listened to me back then, she would know that. But just like my mother has always been, she only listens to the part she wants to, and her daughter being bullied wasn’t something she was interested in.

Tilting my head up, I take in the large three-story family home. Of course, the Alistairs live here. A beautiful, luxurious, and well-taken care of home. A perfectly manicured yard and a garage big enough to hold three cars. Everything is flawless on the outside, but it’s what’s on the inside that I’m worried about.

I sling my backpack over my shoulder and follow my mom up the small path leading to the front door. My heart beats irrationally fast against my ribs, and my stomach churns at the thought of what awaits me behind this door.

My mother doesn’t knock. She simply reaches for the brass handle and pushes it down. The door opens, and we step into the large foyer. The old sneakers on my feet squeak on the polished tiled floor while my mother’s high heels click and clack, both sounds echoing off the walls.

An eerie feeling festers in my gut. Something tells me I’m not supposed to be here. I don’t belong here, and I still don’t believe my mom does either. Nothing about this feels right.

“There you two lovely women are,” a deep male voice fills the space. My head snaps to its origin, and I come face-to-face with James Alistair.

I have only seen him once before, at a school event, but I’ve never actually talked to him. He is leaning against a doorframe, his body language relaxed. His light blue eyes are soft as he smiles at me with genuine fondness. His demeanor takes me by surprise.

James looks very much like an older version of his sons. His short hair is graying, and his masculine face weathered, but he clearly still works out. The white polo shirt he is wearing stretches over his muscular chest and arms. Most people would say he is a handsome guy.

“James, meet Lenora—my beautiful daughter,” my mother coos.

“She is beautiful, indeed. Just like her mother.” He grins at my mom like a lovesick puppy.

Wow. This is so weird.

“Oh, stop it with your compliments. You’re such a charmer.” My mom giggles and swats the air. “Let me finish dinner. Why don’t you show Leni to the dining room?”

“Don’t you need help?” James seems nice and all, but if his sons are around, I’d rather not see them.

“No, no, it’s fine. I prepared everything this morning. Just need to heat it up. You go and relax. I’ll bring dinner out in a few minutes.”

“Uhm, okay.”