as the world caves in; mattheo riddle

"Merry Christmas..."

~~~

December 25, 1996

"Amora Marie, come downstairs," I hear my mother's voice calling out. "We have company!"

An audible groan escapes my lips, running a hand through my hair as I already dread whatever– or whoever– awaits me downstairs. I take one last look in the mirror, leaning in to fix the corner of my eyeliner. I stare into my reflection for a moment, painting on a fake smile before leaving my room. 

I head down the spiral staircase that leads to the front of the house, the soft hum of voices growing clearer. I reach the bottom step, smoothing out my sweater before stepping into the living room. 

I let out a small sigh, seeing that it is only my mother's mother. 

"Hi Nan," I greet, a sincere smile tugging at my lips as I hold out my arms to hug her. 

She turns around, her eyes brighten instantly as a warm smile grows on her lips. 

"Amora, sweetheart, it's so good to see you," she exclaims. 

She holds me in a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around me like a warm blanket. After a moment she pulls away slightly, still holding onto my arms as her eyes study me. 

"Goodness, you just get more and more beautiful each time I see you." she adds. 

"You say that everytime, Nan." I laugh softly. 

She shoots me a smile, giving my arms a small squeeze before letting go. 

"Well, it's true!" she hums, a small glint in her eyes. "Now sit darling, tell me everything you have been up to." 

She gestures towards the couch, urging me to sit with her. I take a seat on one side of the couch as she sits on the other, turned towards each other. 

Merlin, theres so much I could say, but not much I actually want to discuss. She looks at me expectantly, folding her hands in her lap as she waits for me to speak. I swallow hard, finally meeting her gaze. 

"Schools been... busy." I allude, trying to find the safest answer. 

She raises her brow, giving me a skeptical look. Nan could always see right through my bullshit, making it impossible to lie to her. It's like she had some sort of psychic sense. 

"Busy emotionally?" she questions, "Or busy as in drowning in coursework?"

"Both." I sigh, sinking lower into the couch. 

Nan hums knowingly, eyes staring into mine as if she could read me, waiting patiently for me to elaborate. 

"It's just been a lot," I start. "School, people, everything." 

She nods softly, taking a sip from her wine glass. 

"Is there a particular 'everything' you're referring to?" she lowers her eyes at me. 

I let out a small laugh, nodding my head. Her voice is smooth, a comforting tone that always leads to me spilling my secrets. 

"Of course there is," I take in a sharp breath. "It's such a complicated situation– I don't even know where to begin." 

Her lips curl into a small, knowing smile, her eyes lingering on me as she stays silent for a moment. 

"You remind me a lot of your mother when she was your age." she says suddenly.

I look at her curiously, raising my brows. 

"How so?" I question.

She laughs softly, shaking her head slightly. She takes another sip from her glass before setting it on the coffee table in front of us.