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I blinked, feigning innocence. "Who? Oh—just a friend. Nothing major."
"But you called her 'Mum.'"
My heart leapt into my throat, but I forced a nervous giggle. "Oh, this?" I picked up my phone and flashed the now-blank screen. "My school mum. A senior two years ahead of me—she calls me her 'daughter.'"
"Two years?" Mum wasn't entirely buying it.
"Yeah, that was when I just got into the school. She was pretty cool and helpful. We were just catching up about school, my birthday party… and then, well, the whole mess with Spring came up."
Her expression softened immediately. She crossed the room and wrapped her arms around me in a warm hug. "You don't have to worry, sweetheart. I won't let that girl bully you anymore."
I closed my eyes and melted into her arms, a perfect picture of the victim.
"Thank you, Mummy," I whispered. But inside, I was already plotting the next move.
