The Other Side of the Tracks

Chapter Nine

      A/N: My first update/writing time in my new house! Eeeep!

    Chapter Nine

    Meadow

    “Do my makeup!” Lily squeals, inching closer to me on the carpet in my basement. We’re both decked out in our coziest, fluffiest pajamas and though Lily is young, we’re planning on staying up as late as possible. “This is so much fun!”

      I dip a brush in my light pink eye shadow and swirl it around. A grin has been plastered to my face all night and I feel like it will never fade. “If I do your makeup, you have to do mine.”

      Lily giggles. “But I don’t know how. I’ll probably make you look like a clown.”

      I laugh lightly and give her a wink. “But that’s what sleepovers are for.”

      I rub the brush on Lily’s eyelid. I gently grab the back of her head to hold her still and start to apply the makeup. Halfway through, my mind starts to wander, wondering what Grayson’s been up to. I haven’t heard from him since he abruptly left the hospital and when I called earlier today and last night, his mom said he was sleeping or not home.

      “Meadow,” my mother chimes from the top of the stairs, “your popcorn is ready.” I hear her take a few steps down and drop my brush before climbing to my feet.

      “I’ll be right back,” I tell Lily before taking off. On the steps, I catch my mother when she’s halfway down. I specifically told her and my father to stay upstairs the whole time. Not only is she putting on a fake smile for Lily’s sake, but I see the way she looks at her. I brought it up to her earlier and she swears Lily can’t tell, but I know she can. They’re the same eyes that her parents look at her with. Tonight is an escape for her; I don’t want it to be a reminder.

      “How is it going?” she asks, holding a big bowl of warm popcorn. The steam rises and tickles my face, filling me with the yummy smell.

      “Great.” I smile and try to take the bowl from her but she doesn’t let go.

      “Can I join you girls for a few minutes? I remember when I used to have sleepovers when I was Lily’s age. It was the best time-“

      I cut my mother off with a concerned look. “Remember what we talked about earlier?” I ask gently. My mother’s mouth hangs open and I take a deep breath. “It’s a big night for Lily and I think it’s best if it’s just us two, you know? It’s like we’re sisters.”

      My mother closes her mouth and frowns. Instantly tears form in her eyes and a pang of guilt fills my chest. This is exactly why I didn’t want her to come around tonight. If anything even slightly related to my condition or even Lily’s came up, she would turn into a blubbering mess.

      “Meadow,” she whimpers quietly, trying not to cry, “I just want to spend time with you. We haven’t had much of a chance and I want to be around you as much as you can.”