Veiled Affections

Chapter 9

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Copyright © 2024 Cassey9

"We'll be there, sweetie," Meghan chirped to her daughter. "Here you go, darling." Jeff Wilder graciously accepted the platter from her wife, serving himself handsomely before passing the pasta to his son.

"Thanks, Mom," Mitch mumbled with her mouthful, momentarily forgetting her table manners as she scooped another forkful. She was always famished after her training and today was no different.

"Mitchell Wilder! Haven't we addressed table etiquette countless times," Jeff gently reprimanded her daughter.

"Sorry, Dad," Mitch responded apologetically after swallowing her food, her cheeks slightly flushed with embarrassment. "It won't happen again."

"Your mom and I are immensely proud of you both," Jeff chimed in, his eyes brimming with pride as he glanced at his children. They were the center of his universe, a divine blessing bestowed upon his life by the heavens above.

"I might have heard that college scouts may be at the game, Mitch," Kurt interjected, noting how his sister quickly straightened in her seat. It was his sister's dream to play soccer for a university team which would also serve as ticket to a potential professional career, he added, "Defend well out there, sis."

Their shared love for soccer had always been a cornerstone of their relationship and upbringing. It added more onto their deep bond between them as siblings.

"I always give my best," Mitch affirmed her eyes flickering in determination.

"That, you do sweetie."

Mitch beamed even more at her mother's sweet sentiment. Warmth and love flooded through Mitch at the strong sense of support she got from her entire family.

"Will you be going with Mom and Dad, Kurt?" Mitch questioned.

"Hell no," Kurt retorted loudly, "Wait, I... I mean..." At her mother's raised brows, Kurt paused trying to search for the right words to back up his reaction. "You know I love you guys, but I'll be hanging out with my friends."

"Are they all coming?" Mitch prodded further, her interest piqued by the mention of her friends.

"Yeah, Rayland, Lewis, Piper, and Nat. Not sure about the rest," Kurt nonchalantly replied, his attention returning to his plate.

Mitch set her fork down, a sense of dread sinking into the pit of her stomach. The encounter with Piper lingered in her thoughts, the memory playing in an endless loop, each detail vividly engraved. Her standoffish behavior toward Piper haunted her. Honestly, Mitch was surprised to knoe that Piper would still be attending her game.

"Sweetie? What's wrong?"

"Nothing... nothing mom?" Mitch sighed. She internally wrestled with the herself, the last thing she wanted was to come between Kurt and Piper. Her unresolved feelings could take a back seat, family came first.

~~~~~~~~

"Heading for school?"

Startled by the unexpected voice, Piper glanced up from her phone to find her mother standing by the small kitchen island, holding a glass of juice. "Oh, hey Mom. Yeah, just about to head out," Piper replied, slipping her phone into her bag.

The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow across the kitchen.

Becky Sutherland smiled gently as she sipped on her juice, "That's good, honey. How was your morning?"

"It's been okay, nothing special," Piper replied, zipping up her bag. She momentarily stared at mother, unsure of what to make of her presence. "What? What are you doing at home, Mom?"

"Took a day off. Well, two," her mother replied with a faint smile.

"Okay," Piper murmured, uncertain about what else to say. This was a new development.

"I was thinking that tomorrow we'd spend the day together... Then maybe go out in the evening for a movie and food," her mother proposed, watching Piper closely as she hoped for a positive response. It had been a very long while since they'd both had some quality mother-daughter time.

"There's a game tomorrow, Mom," Piper replied in a low tone. She didn't want to miss Mitch's game despite her recent, odd standoffish attitude towards her.

"Oh okay," Piper's mother whispered her spirits dampening. She wanted a chance, even the slightest, to reconnect with her daughter.

Piper felt a pang of guilt at the look of disappointment in her mother's eyes. Nat needed help with the cheer squad to polish on their routine. Despite her injury hindering her cheering, helping Nat helped put at bay, her sense of despondency at the loss of cheering.

"We can do something in the morning. I'll be here, Mom," Piper gently stated trying to lighten the mood.

"That's great, sweetie," Mrs. Sutherland murmured as she moved moving to hug her daughter. Her hands trembled slightly, a sign of the internal struggle she was facing. "Well, you go to school, sweetie, and have a great day and I love you."

"Thank you, Mom. I love you too," Piper said, grabbing an apple from the counter. Piper paused by the kitchen threshold and glanced back at her mother, a mix of concern and affection in her gaze.

"I'll be fine, sweetie," her mother assured her, folding her hands away in a silent pledge to herself to stay stronger. Her previous night's state of soberness had been a shock to Piper and their meal had gone on quite well despite the strain in the air. The thought of disappointing her daughter had deterred her from touching any alcohol.

The sound of the door shutting echoed in the house, and Becky Sutherland moved to the living room, switching on the television. She hoped that whatever was on, would distract her from the disastrous thoughts swirling in her mind.

~~~~~~

Piper let out a sigh as she felt the frustration build within her. Mitchell Wilder subtle but deliberate avoidance was starting to grate on her nerves. Piper was starting to feel like a leper when it came to Mitch, as the girl effortlessly evaded her. Not to add to the barely sentence enough responses whenever they spoke, those too were starting to get on her.

Had she done something wrong to Mitchell and forgotten about it? As much as Piper tried to rake her mind for a suitable answers nothing came up. Now, her desperation had led her to Kurt.

"What's up with your sister?" she inquired.

Kurt glanced at her, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"She's seems... she seems quiet."

"I think she's just focused on the upcoming game, Piper," Kurt offered.

"Sure," Piper responded.

Piper glanced up, meeting Mitch's gaze briefly. Her attempt at a smile was met with rejection as Mitch averted her attention back to the table. From where she sat, Mitchell Wilder didn't look stressed. She wasn't. Instead, it was evident that she was actively avoiding her and Piper vowed she'd get to the bottom of it come rain, come sunshine.