Page 14 (1/2)

“It doesn’t“I could afford to lose a few pounds,” I say “Missing a meal won’t kill me”

Michael frowns, givingabout it

Another buzz at the door ain, but it’s my mom

Michael throws the door open, ready to give the steward a piece of his mind, but his expression flips as soon as he sees who it is

How e

For me I mean

I want to tell s, none of the only how fast time flies

“I just wanted to borrow Natasha for a iving her that I’m not happy to see her

Not right this minute anyhow

Michael holds the door open for ives me a look as I join my mom outside

Don’t be long, his eyes say

“Mo?” I hiss underto keep quiet

“I just calancing atit crystal clear there’s no real reason for her to be interrupting us

“Not a cri to keep my voice down

“It’s just… I have to go soon, Natasha, and I’ you on the train with” she trails off

“Inew people, but she’ll be down there all alone”

“Is that what she told you to tellto hide my annoyance anymore

Mo,” she snaps, and I hush her withfor her to keep her voice down

If ere anywhere else and starting to argue like this, one of us would just walk away, but I’ from my spot with Michael

And it’s pretty clear that e either

“What do you want me to do mom?” I ask “Put everyone else first as usual, just so you don’t feel bad?” I snap back at her

I forgot how mad my moether and already I feel like she’s on my case

Like she can’t stand to see me happy, almost as much as all she wants is to see me happy

I don’t get it