I Am The Luna

68. A Confrontation

ZAIA. The moment of truth is finally here. The time to confront Mom about this. Sebastian had it sent over faster than I was expecting and as Mom and I enter the kitchen, I feel my stomach flip nervously. My heart is pounding and the fear of what might actually turn out to be the truth is making my heart clamour with anxiousness.

What if it’s true? I was in denial. The fear inside of me is proof that I was not expecting this. I look around the large kitchen, where I have lived for the last few years. A home that we made together…

I still remember the moments Mom and I shared here over hot drinks. She has been there for me through all my worries and is always someone I could lean on. The one who has looked after my children when I have been busy.

“Zaia, why are you so pale?” Mom asks me, concerned, as she goes over to the sink and fills a glass of water from the tap. The sound of the water seems to echo loudly in the silence of the large kitchen. I look down at the paper. Sebastian had kept it to what I had asked him to include, but now that it’s in my hand…

“I’m going to ask you something, Mom and I want the truth. Take an oath upon me that you will tell the truth and only the truth.” My voice is shaky, and I observe her carefully as I await her answer. She looks concerned, worried, and even uneasy…

“I swear upon your life, Zaia. I will speak only the truth. Honey, what is it?” She asks, taking a gulp of the water as she approaches me. How do I ask her?

How do I accept the answer if it turns out to be true? This could change things between us forever if it is the truth.

“According to this… You were having an affair with someone by the name of Adam Toussaint, whilst you were with father. Is it true?” I ask. My heart is pounding incessantly as I stare at her.

Her face turns ashen, her hand flying to her chest as she steps back as if seeing a ghost. The moment she begins to tremble, her hands clamping over her mouth, I get my answer. It’s true.

How?

Why?

“You can’t show that to anyone!” Mom whispers as she rushes over and snatches it from my limp fingers.

I feel sick, but I simply stare at her. Her face turns even more pale as

ARE NEVER A SECRET. SOMEONE ALWAYS KNOWS. YOUR MOTHER WHOM YOU ADMIRE IS NOT WHO

AN AFFAIR WITH

AFTER ALL. WE ALL KNOW HUGH TOUSSAINT IS NO SAINT, GET

Sebastian’s humour.

HIMSELF, HE GOT A TASTE OF HIS BROTHER

IT’S FAIR, ISN’T IT?

WHEN HE REALISES THAT

HOLLOW FALLS PACK OR I WILL MAKE

was something I had added to see how terrified Mom would be if this came out. “Why can’t I show it to anyone? It’s not true, is it?” I ask quietly.

to me!” she screams, shocking me. “Mom!” I shout. My eyes flash as I step back, holding

hand through her hair

a hushed whisper, grabbing my arm. “Your father also cheated on me! It’s no big

make a right! Tell me, Mother, were you even hurt? Did you really cheat on Dad after you found out? Because that makes no sense! Dad left you when he told

“You yourself told me how he told you his mistress is pregnant and he broke up

crumbling a little more. Mom cheated on Dad. She has

is dead! I don’t know how this person has found out, I need- I need- just don’t tell anyone!” Mom’s jumbled words are erratic as she holds onto me as if for dear life. Desperation

you yourself are just the same as

me how you are not! Why? Why did you do it? You said you Dad. Did you really fake

work that he didn’t

tell her that Dad had never cheated on her! Is this really my mom? “True love means you can be apart for weeks, months or

scream, cutting into her rambling of hatred. I know Dad is innocent, but I won’t tell her that. “You did the same to him as he did you! It doesn’t make it right! You lied to me, Mom! You always pretended to be a victim when you have done nothing but lie to me! How dare you?!” My own voice is trembling. It sounds pitchy to even me, but today I feel like I’ve just lost so much. How can I

it!” she hisses, glancing at the door worriedly, her tears

hated Sebastian and called him a cheat, and so much more, yet YOU are the cheater, not him! How could you even be so rude

young… and

fill my ears against Dad when

one another. Neither of us speaks for a moment, our emotions

the knife to her neck. I stare at her, unable to believe this. “Put

pack, and that means it might come out “Then you can’t go!” She cuts