After discovering the truth behind her part in Richard's life Juliette returns home. They say time heals everything, but as time goes on both break more and more inside with each passing day. Everyday life without each other isn't the same, and it i...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
J U L I E T T E
"Like mommy!"
I turn away from my reflection in the mirror, with makeup half done, and spot Aaliyah by the door frame. She looked adorable in her white tutu, lose curly hair and little ballerina flats. Richard looked up at me as he placed shoes on his feet, and I could tell by the way the color from his face flushed he'd heard too.
I squatted down to Aaliyah's level, smiling at her in awe of how smart she is, and knowing she meant Yocelyn also does her makeup. Which she's honestly very good at. "You're such a smart little girl, Lia." I kissed the top of her head and the sat her down on the bathroom counter. I made sure to give Richard a smile before getting back to my makeup and by his relieved expression I guess he got the memo.
The next ten minutes consisted of me and Lia making faces back and forth, giggling, and Aaliyah asking lots of questions. She wanted to know the names of all the products I picked up, and I gladly helped her pronounce them. I couldn't deny that this side of her was definitely a lot like Yocelyn, and knew that maybe if we hadn't gotten in the wrong foot, Yocelyn and I would get along like this too. Then, with Richard's permission, Aaliyah began to put some makeup on herself with my help of course, and we killed the remaining time. I was surprised to know that she knew how to use a beauty blender, and also could apply the right amount of blush to her chubby cheeks.
With two minutes before we had to be down in the lobby, I organized my makeup back in my baggy and then sealed it shut. Just as I extended my arms to Aaliyah she asked the darnest thing.
"Are you my mama?" Aaliyah frowned and tilted her head. I was shocked because first, Aaliyah usually doesn't speak in a full sentence around me, and second by her question. I mean, did she consider me a mom? Did she want me to be? Or is she confused because I'm with Richard? I didn't know what to answer, usually when the kids at the art center accidentally called me mom it wasn't a big deal, I just reminded them I was just Juliette, but this seemed and felt way different coming from Aaliyah. My heart was caught in my throat, but she frowned at me and looked at me with her big brown eyes and I was completely lost and frozen in place.
"I..I-I.."
"Aaliyah, lets go!" Richard quickly came in and scooped her up, mouthing a sorry as he did, and I honestly wanted to tell him that it's no big deal, but now I was at a complete loss of words when it came to him. "We'll meet you downstairs in the lobby?" I nodded, way too fast, and now it seemed like my nervousness has gotten the absolute best of me in this situation. Richard left the bathroom, picked up Aaliyah's leather jacket and headed downstairs. After taking a breather and managing to ease myself, I grabbed my matching leather jacket, phone, lipstick and card, sliding these into my small purse. The elevator ride down seemed longer than ever, and I seriously didn't want Richard thinking I wouldn't be coming down for his show, and just as I fished out my phone it came to a stop and the door slid over. Instead of seeing them there I saw two security guards, who I greeted, and then followed over to the lot where the gray van waited.
