A Demon's Kiss

Chapter 2

A Demon's Kiss ©

Chapter 2

The moment my mother was informed of the set time, she went into crazy-mode and ran around the house frantically, grabbing the belongings I needed as well as the additional files. She had me convinced I’d win, and I hated to admit it but it made me feel better. At least it stopped the nausea.

“Mom, calm down,” I ordered her fiercely this time. By the time I reached her room, she was standing on the tips of her toes reaching out for another file. Her fake arm acted as support against the wall, and even though I knew she was skilled at using it, I couldn’t bare to watch her use it. After living with an armless mother for eighteen years, I’d learned losing a limb was one of the worst things that could happen to a body. She could never fight again like she used to.

I pulled her down from the chair by the waist and placed her to my right. I ignored the stare she’d given me, as if I’d broken her pride, and for a few seconds after grabbing the files for her, I regretted it, because maybe I did.

“All of these?” I sprawled the five folders across my mother’s tidy bed. On each mustard-toned folder was my name: Joanna Zara Turner. My mother took her time taking a glance inside each of the files, and I grew curious to know what laid in there. When she reached the last file, her face twisted, and she shut the file closed, piled the five folders atop each other, and scurried from the room.

There must’ve been mention of my mother somewhere in there and the fact that she failed her task in the Assembly. She wouldn’t have wanted me seeing it, and I knew it would kill her if she knew I knew her secret. For now, I decided keeping silent about it seemed the best option. It was going to be my last night with her before leaving for the Assembly, and an arising fight, or even worse—guilt would spoil the night. Besides, I couldn’t think of anything else to add to my anxiety but that, so it would be kept away.

My mother called my name from within my room. Just as suspected, she figured it was time to choose the three dresses eligible for the coming week. She had the list of “materials” I needed to bring along in her hand, and my silk, long, black dress lying next to her fake hand. I found a comfortable spot to sit and relax for a bit.

“Try this on.” Her order broke my few seconds of relaxation, but I didn’t say anything. Instead, I removed my clothes and slipped on the sleek dress which hugged my hips, and complimented my body beautifully. It’d been a while since I’d dressed up, seeing as we had minimal occasions. I was a little surprised the dress still fit me.

My mother was speechless, and she gazed at me adoringly, seeing a future successful SH who would be accepted by the Assembly. Her examination started to get me uncomfortable as she didn’t say one word the whole time.

“Well?” I spoke up. At the sound of my voice, her gaze broke, and she was back to her strict manner once more.

“You look beautiful, Joanna.” My already fast beating heart picked up its pace, and it felt like a butterfly was fluttering inside my ribs. I’ve never heard my mother say such a thing. She may have been more affectionate when I was in my younger years, but never in my teenage years has she complimented me in any way. To hear those sweet words come from her mouth was surreal, and I started to suspect it wasn’t my mother. It was hard to find, but deep in her brown eyes I saw what looked like love. She was my mother after all.

“Thank you, Mom,” I replied, grateful my voice didn’t come out in a squeak. I tore my gaze away from her and removed the dress from my body as she handed me the second one.

“Long dresses are more classy, and that’s what the Assembly wants. Classy. They need a girl who is strong but also formal and feminine.” She zipped up the back of this ruby red dress with ease and applied a small bow into my brown hair. She undid my bun, and my hair tickled my bare back. I wasn’t used to having my hair down too much. I was so used to SH uniform that even on days off, my hair always found its way up.