The next day felt like any other—at least on the surface.
Bree had originally planned to visit the doctor, but with her mum arriving, she decided to postpone it. She didn't want to raise any suspicions.
After work, she and Avery drove to the airport to pick up Braddy and Betty.
When they arrived, Avery parked the car neatly and they both stepped out. They joined the small crowd waiting to receive arriving passengers.
"Bree, are you okay?" Avery asked, noticing how Bree kept rubbing her palms together.
"Yeah… just nervous," Bree mumbled, still fidgeting.
"There's no reason to be nervous. She's your mum. You haven't seen her in years—you should be happy."
"I know," Bree replied. "It's just… the pregnancy. She knows when I'm lying or hiding something."
"Then don't give her a reason to suspect anything," Avery said. "Or maybe you should just tell her the truth if you can't hi—"
"Bree!!" a voice interrupted.
Bree turned toward the sound and saw her mum and Betty waving enthusiastically.
"Mum…" she whispered, emotion rising in her chest. She ran forward and wrapped her arms around her mother.
"Oh my God, Bree! I missed you so much, love," Braddy said, hugging her tightly.
"I missed you too, Mum. I'm sorry I couldn't come visit," Bree said, glancing toward Betty.
"Betty! Look at you—all grown up!" Bree exclaimed, hugging her sister.
"You too," Betty replied. "You've gained some weight though. What have you been eating?" she teased, and they all laughed.
"Mum, Betty—it's so good to have you both here," Avery said, joining them and hugging Braddy.
"Avery, darling! How are you?" Braddy asked warmly.
"I'm fine, Mum," Avery said with a smile.
"Aunt Avery!" Betty greeted, beaming.
"Betty, look at you. You've become so beautiful—more beautiful than Bree," Avery teased.
"You wish," Bree said, rolling her eyes.
"Thanks, Aunt Avery," Betty replied sweetly.
"Come on, Mum. Let's go—it's getting late," Bree said, changing the subject. She and Avery helped with their luggage.
"Aunt Avery, you have a car? Will you teach me how to drive when I'm old enough? I'm 17 already. I want to get my license at 18," Betty said excitedly.
"Dream on," Bree said before Avery could respond.
"Mum, tell Bree to stop interfering in my conversations," Betty complained.
"Bree, please let her be," Braddy said gently.
Bree rolled her eyes as they loaded into the car and drove off.
Back at the Apartment
A short drive later, they arrived. Avery parked, and everyone got out while she and Bree carried in the bags.
"Your apartment is nice," Betty said, looking around curiously.
"I know," Bree replied quickly.
"I wasn't talking to you," Betty snapped. "Aunt Avery, your apartment is really nice."
"Thanks, Betty—but Bree and I both live here," Avery said, giving Bree a subtle signal to stay calm.
"Oh… I thought she was squa—"
"Finish that sentence, and I'll shut that hole you call a mouth," Bree snapped.
"So mean," Betty muttered, pulling out her phone.
Bree and Betty often argued, and Bree usually brushed it off as harmless sister fun. But today, her tone was sharper—something Braddy quickly noticed.
"Bree, what's with the mood swings?" Braddy asked. "You know how Betty talks—she doesn't mean half of what she says. But you're taking it too seriously."
"Sorry, Mum," Avery interjected quickly. "Bree just had a tough day at work. Come, let me show you to your room."
Braddy and Betty followed her to the second bedroom.
"I'll leave you both to freshen up," Avery said. "I'll be making dinner, so don't forget to come out when you're done."
Just as she was about to leave, Braddy gently held her wrist.
"Betty, go freshen up first," Braddy said.
Betty nodded and went into the bathroom.
Avery turned, heart already skipping a beat. "Mum? Is something wrong?"
"Avery… if something's going on, please tell me. Bree's mood—it's not just work stress. I can feel it. Something's not right."
"Mum, what are you saying?" Avery said, forcing a smile. "I promise, everything's fine. She just had a rough day."
"Are you sure that's all?" Braddy asked, unconvinced.
"Mum, trust me. If something was wrong, I'd be the first to tell you. Tomorrow, you'll see—she'll be back to normal."
Braddy looked at her for a long moment, then smiled. "Okay. Sorry for bothering you. I was just worried."
"I understand, Mum. Let me freshen up quickly so I can start dinner," Avery said.
"Okay, dear," Braddy replied.
Back in Bree and Avery's Room
Avery walked in just as Bree stepped out of the bathroom. Without warning, Avery pulled her aside.
"Avery, careful! What if I fall?" Bree protested.
"You won't fall. But Bree, you need to get a grip on your emotions. I know it's not easy—but you have to try."
"What happened?" Bree asked, concerned.
"Mum suspects something. She asked if you were okay because of how you snapped at Betty."
"And what did you say?"
"I told her it was just a bad day at work, and thank God she seemed convinced."
"I really hope she doesn't bring it up again," Bree muttered. "Because if Mum suspects anything, she won't rest until she finds out."
"Exactly. That's why we need to be extremely careful while they're here."
"I know," Bree said quietly. She walked over to the wardrobe while Avery headed into the bathroom.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
When Avery was done freshening up, she went to make dinner. Everyone gathered to eat, and Bree made sure to stay calm and act normal.
She smiled when appropriate, joined in conversations, and didn't let anything raise suspicion.
After dinner, they all said goodnight and went to sleep—at least for now, everything was still under control.