Porcupine Ridge but i am drifting

"i don't think aunt laurel likes me much," marten said to his mother as she gave him an inquisitive look. he got straight to the point, not really one to beat around the bush. marten never really had much problem with anything, so there was never any reason to keep quiet... he just didn't see the point, though. it was easier just to say what was on your mind instead of harboring ill feelings -- even at his young age, marten knew it was better for everyone to be completely transparent. 

his tail flicked. "i think it's because she doesn't like dad," he said, his ears flicking back, "and maybe my -- other mom." real mom didn't feel right. marten had never regarded anyone except for indra as his real mom. but he had met the lady who had given birth to him a few times. it was always strange and tense, and xan never seemed to be happy to take him to see her. marten didn't really care to see her. "and cause i was honest with her the other day," he added, as an after thought. that was probably more surface level than the rest.