The place feels empty without her even though all she took was her suitcase and a few things from the bathroom. I should have started my period six days ago. I unsnap the compact and click it to today’s date so I don’t forget to take one tonight … only there’s one small problem. Perhaps she couldn’t stand to see her precious daughter’s face marred with ugly red zits. I was shocked when my mother agreed, though looking back, sometimes I wonder if it had more to do with vanity than anything else. I’ve been on the pill since I was sixteen and desperate to regulate my cycle and calm the acne maelstrom that was happening on my face. My birth control pills are at the bottom of the bag. Heading back out to my suitcase, I grab my toiletry bag and begin to unpack everything, placing my hair, makeup, and skincare products back in their original drawers. I tiptoe into the bathroom and start filling the tub with hot water, dropping in the lavender chamomile bath bomb as I undress. I can already hear her saying, “I’m so glad you came to your senses” and “education before boys” and “you were too good for him from the start.” I’m sure she’ll feed me full of all kinds of positive reinforcement. She seemed fine about it over text, but I’m sure she’ll have something to say about it when she sees me in person.Īs soon as I get into my room, I click on the bedside lamp and find a fluffy robe waiting on my bed as well as a bath bomb and a note. I told my mother this would only be temporary, that I’m looking into renting a place near my job. I head up to my room and unpack my things.

I was the deceitful one, pretending to go along with the original terms of our arrangement while secretly enjoying every minute of being with him and making dandelion wishes that one of those days he’d change his mind and give us a shot.

I got attached when I knew damn well not to.Īnd honestly, as painful as this is, I don’t blame him. If my mother sees me like this, she’ll blame him for hurting me, for breaking my heart, but the truth is, I did this to myself. I fought tears the whole ride here, losing the battle a time or two, and as a result, I’m sure it’s glaringly obvious. I figured she’d be waiting by the door with bells on, but alas, no Temple Karrington in sight.

Pricked by Winter Renshaw