CRAZY | beautiful.

Porcelain Doll

A/N: Warning, disturbing scenes ahead! This chapter is heavy in more ways than one. It'll probably have your emotions all over the place.

11.
Porcelain Doll

"Pretty does not always act as pretty should, but I will not break."

July 2006

Imani Marie James sit up straight.

Imani Marie James speak only when spoken to.

Imani Marie James never slouch, walk tall with the utmost elegance, you have a purpose.

Imani Marie James remember to smile, frowning will only lead to punishment.

Imani stood quietly with her eyes steadily roaming over the small piece of paper taped to the corner of her floor length mirror. It was a reminder, one that she dared not forget when company was to be present at her family's home. She was prepared to prance around all evening, prepped to be the James' sweet little girl. "She's such a doll," She knew there would be no shortage of that overly used phrase. She could imagine the friends of her parents all fawning over her. A prop, a trophy, a mannequin – that's all she seemed to be. She'd realized around the time that she was five years old that clearly, that was all she was fit to be. At least her mother made it clear, her father didn't seem to feel that way. He chose the easy way out though. He decided not to get too involved. His excuse was it's a mother's job to teach their daughter to be a woman.

"Imani,"Her mother called while raking a brush through her long tresses. She stared back at herself. She didn't recognize the little girl peering back at her. Thick jet black hair that had been straightened to show off its long length. Two baby blue barrettes pinned to each side to keep her hair away from her face. Long eyelashes that framed a pair of big brown eyes. "The perfect little baby doll."Her mother murmured among the two of them. "Yes mother," Imani replied quickly. Lauren hated to be addressed as anything other than that. She said mommy was for the improper children and that it should have no place in her vocabulary. "You look absolutely darling."She cooed, squeezing the top of her shoulders. That was the most affection she got from her – the only kind that didn't make Imani feel uncomfortable. Lauren then pressed her face to hers,"Just beautiful." Her mother then handed off the brush to her, awaiting the moment she'd place it back into her miniature vanity.

Imani would have frowned at the sight before her if she were allowed to. She was clothed in a fair blue dress to match the bows in her hair. She couldn't get past all of the frills and ruffles. Even the white socks she wore were ruffled around the ankle. "Thank you mother."She answered, pulling her lips into a small smile, it having taken years of practice. Lauren ran her fingers through her hair one more time before she seemed satisfied enough to take a step back. "The guests will arrive in thirty minutes..."She said over her shoulder, her equally dark eyes giving Imani one last once-over. She simply nodded and that stopped her mother in her tracks.

"Excuse me..."

"I mean, yes ma'am."

"Good, and what do we say?"

"Those that are on time are late, and those that are early are on time."

"Correct, you have fifteen minutes before you're to be present downstairs."