Sharing Annabelle

Chapter Five - Annabelle

Part 5

Annabelle

I stand on the corner, outside of the gym, and wait for my sister, Vivian. I don't know which car to look for, so I just keep my eyes peeled for her bright blonde hair and heavy lipstick. She's had lip implants and I'm not sure what else done recently, so I'm honestly not sure what her face is going to look like when I see her.

Just don't stare at one part too long, I remind myself. She's a little insecure about her face. Well... what's left of it.

I shake my head, admonishing myself. That was mean.

Vivian's obsession with having the 'perfect' face is not too different from my obsession with my body. Only while she chose plastic surgery, I chose... something different. But just as destructive.

My stomach rumbles. I didn't eat before heading to the gym. I run through everything I'd eaten all day in my mind. Oatmeal and berries with Jessie this morning. Smoothie at work. And for lunch... I skipped lunch.

You were busy, I say, excusing it. No big deal. No need to call Dr. Malloch. Plus, you're on your way to dinner now.

Finally, a black SUV pulls up in front of the gym and my heavily botox-ed sister waves at me. I wave back and climb on in. I give her an awkward hug over the center console.

"Did you, um, do something to your lips again?" I ask, trying to keep my face neutral. Her lips are massive, almost comically so. I want to laugh. And cringe. They look pretty painful.

"Yes!" she answers, excitedly. "I had to go to Tijuana to find a guy willing to pump this much filler in, but it was totally worth it."

"You're happy with them?" I wonder, hoping that I sound more encouraging than critical. The last thing I need tonight is Vivian feeling attacked.

"Of course I am," she replies, a little testily. "Is there a reason I shouldn't be?"

"Of course not."

Her smile fades. "You think they're too big."

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you..."

"And what does it matter anyway what I think?" I argue. According to Vivian, each of the three of us Bauer sisters has her thing. Vivian is the pretty one. Lissa is the smart one. And I'm the funny one.

Which, knowing my sisters, is code for the fat one.

"Hm... I guess you're right," Vivian concedes.

I sigh out in relief. I'd rather be the target of a thousand fat jokes than deal with a Vivian freak out tonight.

"You look... healthy," she says.

I roll my eyes. Healthy is code for you've put on weight. I know it.

"Is Lissa meeting us here?" I ask as she pulls into the valet at a Mexican restaurant. We get out and Vivian hands over the keys.

"Yeah, but she's going to be late," she replies. "Let's just get a table."

I nod, we head inside and a hostess in a ruffled blouse and traditional skirt shows us to a table.

"Skinny margarita," both Vivian and I say at the same time. The hostess laughs before heading to the bar.

"So," she says, sipping her water. "What's new with you?"