When I got home, the shadows were already lengthening and I was getting twitchy.

You should've gotten off of work, sooner. Then, you wouldn't be this twitchy, Voice said, making me jump and almost fall off of my bike.

Crap! Don't do that. You freaking scared me and made me almost fall off of my bike! I said as I cursed, getting off, safely.

Well, you should've.

I sighed sarcastically and looked at the dog. "Come on and let's get in, or else, Mom's going to have a cow. She'll be yelling her head off at me, again." I took off my helmet and shook my head, before putting the helmet in the basket, that was on my bike.

I opened the door to the house and walked in, trying to be stealthy as possible. The dog followed me into the kitchen, staying silent.

"You're late," someone said from behind me. The voice made me turn around quickly, getting prepared to fight. I looked to see that it was my mother standing and watching me with her back leaning against the counter.

Geez, she's worse than you, I said to Voice. It chuckled and probably smirked a little. Well, she is.

"Why did you have to scare me?" I asked. "I'm all ready jumpy as it is."

"What were you doing that made you get home so late?" Mom asked. "Don't lie to me," she warned.

The dog barked and wagged his tail at her. His tongue was lolled out of his mouth while he smiled.

"Quiet," I hissed at him, hoping Mom didn't see him.

"Where did you get that dog?"

I swore under my breath. I couldn't get anything past her, even though I needed this dog to be with me. "Dog followed me home from work. Seems like he needs a place to stay."

"So, why did you get home late? And, I know that you had quit your job, so don't lie to me."

Well, I'm sorry, but I will have to lie to you. I can't tell you this stuff, and you wouldn't believe me, even if I didtell you, I thought, gritting my teeth together.

"Joes," Mom warned.

"Luke and I went out, as friends, and caught a movie that let out thirty minutes ago."

The dog looked at me as if to say 'liar'. He frowned, before he looked up at my mother.

She said not to lie, Voice said.

Which side are you on?

"Go to your room and think about not lying to me," Mom said, pointing up the stairs, towards my room. Her nostrils flared a little, because she was annoyed at me for lying.

"I'm sorry, Mom, but I have to lie about this stuff," I cried and then ran out of the room. It is to protect you.