Chapter 123. Double Life

The sound of loud giggling and laughter pilfer into Lara’s subconscious. Slowly, she opens her eyes to the very familiar sounds. She has been asleep and her body feels heavy. Twitching her eyes, she comes into a funny staring contest with Zayn and Dwayne. Their countenance seem harmless—or so she thought.

“Come here, you two. Hug mommy, will you?” She groans, spreading her arms wide for her boys. Zayn and Dwayne stare at each other and then back at their mother. Then they walk slowly to her, guilt evident on their boyish faces. Lara notices this but decides to embrace them anyway. Her conscience tugs at her.

She has not been a good mother, has she?

Lara engulfs them in a bear hug, pressing them tight against herself and refusing to let go.

“Mom!” Zayn grunts, unable to free himself or his brother from her grip.

“Now, tell me what you did, or Mama won’t release you two.” The boys keep struggling to free themselves from their mom’s stronghold, but