Suzie’s House 410 : Living Room Encounter

“What is that on your head?”

“M-m-mom!” Emma’s mother’s voice came from right behind her, making Emma whirl around. When she saw the tight-lipped expression on her mother’s face, Emma’s hands flew to her mask. She whipped it off. It was already too late to make a difference, but she couldn’t resist hiding her mask behind her back.

“You actually wear them?” Emma’s mom stepped into their house and closed the front door as if she hadn’t noticed all the weird people in their living room.

“S-s-sometimes.” Emma had never said a word to her mother about the band, or singing on stage or anything. Until her father took her brother away, Emma didn’t even sing in the house. She couldn’t even begin to explain about the masks.

“You’ve seen the other masks I’ve made?” Bruce stepped forward. His eyes held a spark of interest.

“Well of course. She has quite a few hanging on her walls. You’re the one who makes them?”

Emma cringed inside. Did she have to say that in front of him? At least he didn’t actually see them there. She’d never live it down. But really, a wall was the best place for all the feathers and lace.

“Yes.” Bruce drew himself more erect and smiled a lopsided smile. He looked so proud and abashed that Emma wanted to slap him.

“And you are?” Emma’s mom looked right at Drew.

“Oh! Um… M-mom, this is… this is… um….” Emma had no idea how to explain either Drew or Walter.

They must look very suspicious to her mother. Emma had never even brought her school age friends home, and here she had these two old guys along with Bruce and Tracy. Emma couldn’t even begin to imagine what her mother was thinking.

“My name is Drew Banks. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ma’am.” Drew shook hands with Emma’s mother. It felt weird to see him act like that. “This is Walter Branagan. Your daughter was kind enough to invite us over.”

“Drew is an FBI agent,” Walter piped up.

“Former FBI agent.” Drew corrected with a grimace. “Now I’m just a computer consultant.”

“Computer consultant?” Tracy piped up. “But then how did you get hired to take care of Walter?”

“It’s a long story.” Drew forced a smile for her. “Ma’am, thank you for your hospitality, but I need to get Walter home now.” He gave Walter a sharp look. “I assume there are no objections.”

“No, no. I’m ready to go home.” Walter nodded vigorously with his eyes as wide as the wrinkles and folds would allow.

“If you’ll excuse us.” He and Walter left as he spoke. They didn’t really leave enough time for anyone to react.

As soon as they were out the door, Bruce and Tracy looked at each other with panicked expressions.

“We have to go, too.” Tracy rushed for the front door. “See you tomorrow, Emma.” She gave a cheery wave.

“Yep. Tomorrow.” Bruce grinned, then rushed out the door behind Tracy. They left Emma staring at the unblemished door.

“Honey, what on earth is going on?”

“Um… you… you’re guess is as good as mine.”

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