I don't own House of Anubis or any of the characters

Visitor

We turned around the corner. As I got closer to my house, I noticed a remarkably familiar car. A woman was exiting it. I gasped in excitement. "Gran!" I called to her. She looked up and smiled at me. I ran to her as fast as I could, but it seemed the world was on slow motion, trying to annoy me. I wouldn't, nothing would dampen my spirit. It was turning out to be a perfect day. It took me longer than it should be, but I finally reached her. I pulled her into a hug. I felt wetness in my eyes, tears trickled down my cheek. I couldn't stop them, I was too happy. Gran pulled away and studied me.

"Oh. It's so great to see you, sweetie!" She said, beaming.

I gave a sob-laced laugh. "I know. Let's go inside." I said. We started walking towards the house. I almost forgot about Fabian. He was still standing in the corner where I left him. I gave him a wave before he left and went back to his home. We reached the door and Mom opened it before we could knock. She stopped in her tracks, caught by surprise when she saw our visitor. She forced a smile.

"Mother, what brings you here?" She asked, 'cheerfully.'

"Well, I can check up on my grandaughter anytime, can't I?" Gran said. I smiled.

"Of course!" Mom said. I could see Mom fuming inwardly behind her smile. "Come in, come in." She told both of us. Gran and I settled on the couch as Mom hovered around us awkwardly.

"Nina, you look wonderful! You're growing into a fine lady." Gran said to me.

"I'll get us some drinks." Mom excused herself and went to the kitchen. Gran stared after her.

"Thanks, Gran. Means a lot coming from you. So how are you?" I asked.

Gran turned to me again, there was a different air to her now. "Now, Nina, you have to-" She started to say in a whisper but she stopped when Mom came in.

"Here you are." She handed juice to us and placed a platter of crackers on the table. Gran thanked her. "How you been doing, Mother?" She asked as she settled on the seat across us. She was smiling, but I she eyed Gran intently. I wondered what went between them that they acted this weirdly.

"All's well. Thank you." Gran answered. Just then, I heard Dad's car outside.

"Oh, Dad's here." I said. A few moments later, he entered. He paused when he saw Gran.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" He asked, confusion in his eyes.

Gran made a show of being offended. "You say that like you're not glad-"

"Mother, surprised us by stopping by." Mom interupted. Gran looked at her, slightly glaring. I knew in-laws didn't always get along, but there was something with Gran and Mom, even Dad, that was more than just irritation. Like pure hatred they tried not to show, they failed miserably.

We chatted for a little bit. Well, Gran chatted. We all just listened to her. She told us about her high school reunion in California, about her retirement and what she's been doing. She had stories about her bingo buddies, gossiping a little. Sometimes she asked me about school, and boys. That was it. It wasn't really a conversation, more like a monologue. Mom and Dad just listened, or at least they seemed to be, but I tried to remember everything Gran had to say. I compared it with 'reality-Gran.' There was not much difference. There was something about Gran that wasn't in Mom and Dad. Something I couldn't point. She was animated and cheerful, despite her tough audience. Mom and Dad never told any stories. Maybe they had nothing to say, I didn't know. Gran kept talking. I was starting to think that she was just filling in, making distraction. It wasn't her true purpose of being here.

It got darker outside and Gran decided it was time to leave. I didn't even notice time pass. I was disappointed she was leaving so soon. To me, she just arrived.

"Don't you want to stay for dinner?" Mom asked, but her tone sounded like she didn't really want Gran to.

"Oh, no. Thank you. Would you walk me, honey, to my car?" She said to me. I agreed. We went outside. It was darker than I realized. I looked up and noticed there wasn't any stars out, not even the moon, was showing.

I gave Gran another big hug. "Come back again, okay?" I asked her.

"Of course, dear. Nothing could keep me away." She said as she entered the car. I smiled to her as I lean on the passenger seat window.

"Promise?" I asked. Then I saw Gran's face in the dim light that the house was shining. She wasn't all smiles anymore. I could see hesitation and worry in her eyes. She looked back to the house, then she turned to me.

"Nina, be careful. Don't fall for the trap." She whispered, seriously.

"What are you ta-" I started but she interupted me.

"Don't trust anyone."