The Division

41

I gently combed my hair in the bathroom, moving slowly in order to avoid the pain from my sleeves rubbing against my burns. I winced every now and then, trying to distract myself by listening to Simone and, my aunt bicker. 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight.' by Elton John being played in the background was the reason for their petty row.

It's Aunt Cecilia's favorite song and, every time she plays it, her and Simone start arguing. I'm not really a fan of the song either but, I don't go complaining about it unlike my cousin who usually speaks up about anything that bothers her. She is more assertive while I am mostly passive. It works for me though and, helps me avoid unwanted conflict.

"Mom!" Simone moaned, "Not this ancient music again!"

I glanced back at the mirror remembering when my mother and I used to argue on movie night. The core memory helps me momentarily forget my pain until I move harshly and hurt myself.

"Ouch!" I winced in pain, dropping my hands and, letting the comb fall into the sink where some of my white hairs lay. Tears brimmed in my eyes as, I rolled up my sleeves staring at the red skin under. It was disgusting. I was disgusting.

"It's 1994, Simone!" Aunt Cecilia's voice snapped me out of my thoughts and, I rolled my sleeves back down. I would've worn a short sleeve pyjama shirt but, Simone shares a room with me and I didn't want her asking questions. "Only a sixteen year gap! This song is as old as you." She retorted,  her voice sounding closer with every syllable. 

I froze listening carefully as her steps retreated to the kitchen, wiped my brimmed tears and, removed the hair from the sink before disposing it.

"People and, music are two completely different things mom." Simone's tone was lower now indicating her and, her mom were only a few feet away from each other.

I listened to the rest of their banter in the bath, my hair put up in a messy bun. The water was cold and, good for the burns Lisa gave me, a sweet vanilla scent came from the tub, entering my nostrils and giving me a sense of calm. I ignored the stinging burns knowing the water will somehow help my situation.

After my bath, I styled my hair again just in case and, carefully put on a slightly cropped black long sleeve turtle neck shirt along with some jeans and, silver heart necklace Michelle had given to me. She also gave me a chain necklace to wear with the heart one saying it would match the outfit and, my aesthetic well. I had originally planned to wear an off shoulder top that once belonged to my mom but, after Lisa did what she did, I had to settle for the alternative.

I put on my shoes and, left the bedroom meeting Aunt Cecilia and Simone in the living room with their breakfast eating peacefully, the glaring sun beamed through the windows unleashing it's full power after days of merciless rain. The pair stared at me, eyeing me up and down curiously. Aunt Cecilia spoke first, "Well, well, well Gwen." She wore a smug grin and tilted her head to the side as she admired my outfit. "Who are we trying to impress?"

Unlike Michelle's mother, Aunt Cecilia supports teens having boyfriends, crushes, going on dates and, all that. Sometimes, she even teases Simone about not having a lover. I was also a victim when I was caught in cross fire during one of their many bickers. Ironically, Aunt Cecilia isn't looking for a husband and, hasn't been for a while. Simone says she prefers it this way though saying that a man would just get in the way of her and, her mother's close relationship.

A blush made it's way onto my cheeks at the comment. I rubbed my palms together and, distracted myself with a freshly made croissant on the table.

"No one really." I shrugged timidly. "I'm just going on a little date."

I heard Simone cough at that. Aunt Cecilia shot her a look while drinking her coffee.

"Date with who? A boy at school maybe? Simone did you know about this? Why didn't you tell me?" Aunt Cecilia asked.