Page 9 of The Strength Of A Woman

It looks like we’re now doing things as a family.

Barf.

I listen to them, thinking of how not to attend this party. I could fake an enterovirus or the flu. That would keep me away from the event.

They ruined my birthday party.

Chances are, it won't be more than another pony show. I’ll meet and greet another group of assholes.

What else?

I nod along, keeping to myself, and as quickly as I get the opportunity, I flick my chin in the direction of my friend, and we both rise.

“If you’ll excuse us,” I murmur, tossing my napkin to the side and already rounding the table to pull away from them as swiftly as possible.

“Where are you two going?” Sylvia asks, with the same worn-out, fake grin on her face.

Our eyes lock briefly, but no truth is being exchanged.

It’s like I’m looking at a wall of glass. The woman is strange and aloof while pretending she is here.

I fear that something worse than my harsh words happened last night.

Maybe I was late in spilling the truth about her life.

Maybe she knew that all along, and by saying what I had said, I unleashed something dormant in her.

Something vile.

A deep hatred for this world, the one she’s shoving down my throat. If it’s so good and the rules are so magnificent, why isn’t she enjoying herself?

Her disdain for me is glaringly painful. I feel a knot in my stomach while she flashes a grimace as if she’s wearing shoes that don’t fit her well.

And then it dawns on me.

Oh, it’s not about the world we’re living in.

It’s about my making her life difficult and her being forced to face her own reality.

If only I could go along with anything they’re saying and not have a thought of my own in my head.

If only I could be what they had always wanted me to be. A pretty doll, blinking happily, while the adults are finding something for me to do.

I flick my hand toward the pool.

“Over there.”

I point to the lounging area.

“Are we allowed?” I ask maliciously.

The biting irony in my voice doesn’t go unnoticed. She dismisses me with a soft gesture before shifting her focus to her guest. The woman is indeed one of their accountants.

LEILANI

We turn left as soonas we reach the lounging area and go straight to the pool in the back.

“Ugh. I can’t wait for them to fly back,” I say, pacing to the other side of the property while Rory does her best to keep up with me.