Page 24 (1/2)

“Get your hands off me!”

“I am your mother, Kayla, whether you like it or not I won’t tolerate your disrespect”

“My mother? My mother wasn’t a slut!”

“Watch your mouth!”

“I don’t even want to be here Oh, my God, I hate you! I wish Dad hadn’t died!”

Jessica blinked and drew back “Of course you miss your father, I—”

“Do not tell me that you miss hier and deep sadness “He wouldn’tIf you had diedhe would never have”

“He already was,” Jessica said As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she blanched, covered her mouth with one hand, and reached for Kayla with the other Kayla slapped her hand away

“What did you just say?” Kayla demanded “What did you just say? What did you just say?”

“No one in this world is perfect or without failings, Kayla Not even your father”

The rooray, as the two looked at each other Kayla’s face was red with anger; her eyes blazed through tears Her mother was abashed but also, somehow, relieved of a burden

“Go away,” Kayla said “This is my room”

“Kayla”

“If he did, it was your fault!” Kayla said “Now get out Get out Leave me alone”

At that h of course it was no picture but a reality, an actual scene that must have played out in soer so casually defied