Sacrifice: Beyond Series, Book 2

Chapter 3

Eve

I finish drying my hair and decide to let it be natural. It's a perk of having naturally curly hair. I don't have to style it. When I get to the living room, Allie greets me with a smile. That smile always makes my heart skip a beat, because seeing her truly happy is what matters most to me.

"Can you help me with this?" she asks, holding out a beaded necklace.

"Of course," I say, taking the necklace from her hand. She turns and I place it around her neck, clasping it in the back.

"Lindy gave it to me. She thinks it'll help with my anxiety." Allie tucks the necklace under the collar of her shirt.

"The stones have properties that have shown to help reduce anxiety," I say.

"You know about this stuff, too?"

"My mother was spiritual. I know a little but I didn't pay as close of attention as I probably should've," I say.

"You haven't mentioned your mom very much."

"Now isn't the time either, Allie."

"Okay. Well, maybe we can share it." she says.

"It's a gift for you, baby."

"I know, but I know you're struggling too."

I catch sight of the clock on the wall. "We better get going," I say.

"You just want to change the subject." Allie sighs.

"We don't have the time to dive into my darkness, baby. Besides, this is a happy day. It's your day."

Allie stares back at me. I can feel the millions of thoughts racing through her head, and I hope she doesn't start badgering me again. I get to the door and slide on my black heeled boots while Allie slips on her Vans.

X X X X X

We walk hand-in-hand down the sidewalk as the streets buzz with traffic beside us. Allie and I make our way to her parents' house. I'm trying to keep myself from being disconnected with her today, but something is going on. The uneasy feeling in my stomach keeps my nerves on edge. I shouldn't have let my feelings out before we left the apartment like that. I didn't want to be emotional on her birthday. I stopped it before I let too much out, but I still feel bad for allowing any of it to happen. Especially before we had to leave.

Allie flips her sunglasses up on top of her head as we stride up the porch steps. Her vibe seems happy and calm. I can't tell if she is pretending or not. I hope she isn't faking her happiness. She opens the front door, leading me inside. Kathryn, her mom, peeks around the doorway from the kitchen.

"There's my birthday girl," she says, rushing in to hug her daughter.

I let go of Allie's hand and watch as she embraces her mom. It wasn't so long ago that their family shared a strained dynamic. Now it is an entirely different thing. I can still feel Allie's nervousness when she has contact with her mom. Rightfully so. For years, she spent day after day hiding who she was and pretending to be the perfect child in order to please her mother.

"Hi, mom," Allie says, smiling.

"I'm so happy you and Eve could come to lunch today. I made your favorites," she says, directing us in to the dining room. The freshly ironed tablecloth lays perfectly on the table, accompanied by fine china and sparkling crystal glasses.