Chapter 3
My Night Just Keeps Getting Worse
*Macie*

I opened the door to let Jamie, Mathew, Kaitlyn, Uncle Lucas, and Aunt Kaielyn inside. We hugged and greeted each other and everyone was happy, except for Kaitlyn of course. Uncle Lucas had dirty blonde hair and dark brown eyes like Mathew. Uncle Lucas looked at me quizzically; he knew Mom wasn't here. His stare was scaring me. I had hoped he wouldn't notice right away.

"Mom is going to be a little late," I said, emphasizing "little" so he wouldn't get angry. It didn't do any good. Uncle Lucas practically exploded.

"Of course she is! Cassandra is always overworking herself because she volunteers at the homeless shelter, and it isn't even her job to do it!" he raged. Being Mom's older brother he was quite overprotective.

"Whatever. I knew she'd do this. She probably thinks watching us for two weeks is too much of a burden. I guess we weren't important enough to be graced with her presence at this time," Kaitlyn said this, rolled her eyes, and lead her siblings out of the room. I winced, knowing Mom didn't think that. Why did Kaitlyn have to say things like that?
Uncle Lucas was still steaming, and Aunt Kay didn't know who to tend to first: her husband or her moody teenage daughter.

"I'll get Kaitlyn," I told her, and she nodded thankfully. She was in the guest bedroom that she stayed in when she visited. Jamie and Mathew were sitting on the bed whispering. Kaitlyn sat watching them with a smile. "It's almost time for dinner," I said, breaking her focus. She looked at me and her smile disappeared.

"I'll be there," she said without emotion. I moved back to the kitchen and helped Aunt Kay make dinner: BBQ ribs. The meal was so tense and quiet, it was like a fault waiting to slip and cause an earthquake. I was extremely grateful when it was over. Mom had yet to return, which worried me.

When my aunt and uncle were ready to leave, Jamie and Mathew watched with sad eyes. Kaitlyn gave a sort of half wave and stalked back to her room. Jamie grabbed her baby doll and looked at it with sad, blue eyes. She silently started crying. Mathew just stood there in deep-thinking mode, as if he were constructing a plan to get them back. Mom had always been the one to comfort them, but I don't think even she could've helped. I considered getting Kaitlyn, but with attitude, she'd just make it worse.

I looked at my phone for the time: 8:00 pm. I wanted to go to bed, even if it was early. I walked Jamie upstairs to Kaitlyn's room and helped her to bed. Kaitlyn just watched. If looks could kill. . . Jamie's deep blue eyes were red and puffy from crying. I gave her a hug and took Mathew to his bedroom. I flipped the closet light on and closed his door. I walked into my room exhausted. I fell asleep instantly.

I jerked awake at an abrupt sound. I jumped out of bed thinking it was Mom. I peered at the clock. It was midnight, but I had to talk to her no matter how late it was. As I walked out of my room, I saw Kaitlyn who must have heard the noise too.

"What are doing?" I hissed.

"I could ask you the same question, couldn't I?" She had the retort ready and seemed pleased to deliver it.

"Well with your big attitude, I didn't think you'd care about what I'm doing."

"Whatever. It doesn't matter."

"Why are you so angry all the time? You know your sister was crying and you didn't do anything!"

"Shut up. You don't know me anymore Macie." She flicked some ink black hair in her face, covering her pretty green eyes. She's right, I really don't know her.

CRASH!

A look of worry flashed across our faces. Someone was in my house and they didn't sound friendly. We crept downstairs like ninjas, as quietly as possible. I was scared out of my mind, but Kaitlyn looked brave, even determined, to face the mystery. As we got to the bottom of the stairs, I could see two figures standing in my living room.

Two people were standing there and I had no idea what to do.