Chapter 57

My mom comes around the table and kisses my cheek, soothing the hurt caused by dad’s reaction. “I like your makeup. It does so much more for you than the three inches of ‘smokey’ eyes you are fond of. This is so minimal, yet stunning.” She brushes a hand over my cheekbone, brushing back my new silky hair, revealing my liner and red lips. Nothing much else is going on except a bit of highlight and blush. Understated glamour.

“I made a new friend,” I cut in, trying to redirect her attention and ignore the utter disappointment still reeling inside. I know it’s stupid always to get like this when they disapprove of something that matters to me, but I can’t help it.

“You did? Anyone, we know?” Mom moves with the paper bags to the fridge and unloads the delicatessen boxes she’s come home with. As much as we have cooks and cleaners, and Mom’s not against the odd cooking splurge, she prefers health food takeaway for convenience. She has a weakness for the couscous concoctions fr