LUXURE

21. THE STORM

*Author's Note*

This is a long chapter, grab your tissues!

The next day I had finally worked up the courage and energy to go to work. When the alarm went off I groaned and made my way to the bathroom to shower. I turned on the water then looked at myself in the mirror. My face was still grossly bruised and I sighed knowing it was going to be a problem with Mr. McConnor, but I needed to go back to work eventually. I stripped my pajamas off and climbed into the hot water. I sat on the shower floor and let the hot water run down my face and chest hoping to wash away the remnants of my injuries. After washing my hair and body I climbed out of the shower and wrapped myself in a towel. I started blow drying my hair and applying makeup. I put a whole buttload of concealer on my bruising, avoiding the cut, to no avail though, the bruising was still visible. I put on some darker eyeshadow and lip gloss and called it quits. I stepped back and looked at myself, the bruising showed through the makeup, but at least my eyes really popped with the darker eyeshadow. I slipped on a silky blouse and my ugly black pencil skirt. I left the bathroom and put Jordie's backpack together while I heard mom rustling around in the kitchen as I headed into Jordie's room.

"Good-morning, Jordie." I said with a smile as I stroked his hair to wake him up. He groaned and rolled over before I ripped the blanket off him. "Get up Jord" I said with a laugh as I walked out of the room.

"Good-morning mama." I said as I kissed her cheek. "Does my face look tolerable?" I asked as I turned my cheek to show her the bruising. She leaned in to look at my cheek and really inspect it.

"It honestly doesn't look too bad sweetie." She said with a smile. Her eyes looked tired today.

"Thanks mama." I looked down at what she was making. It looked like she was trying to make muffins or some sort of batter, but it was all over the counter and her hands were shaking. "I'll take it from here mama, you go sit down." I said as I picked up the bowl from her and started mixing. She let out a small huff and walked over to the table where she sat down.

"Got any plans today, mama?" I asked as I poured the batter into the muffin tin.

"Oh, hm, probably just going to clean, maybe make some bread, not sure yet." She said with a smile.

We ate our blueberry muffins together, all laughing about something stupid Jordie said. Not long after we finished eating Jordie and I put our shoes on and grabbed our bags.

"Alright mama, we gotta go." I said as I kissed her cheek.

"Bye mama! I love you!" Jordie said as he hugged her tight.

"I love you both very much." She said with a smile on her lips as she followed us to the door. Her eyes had a sparkle in them, she stood there and she looked beautiful, for just a brief moment she looked like she was untouched by the sickness that ailed her.

"love you!" I said to her as I grabbed Jordie's hand and skipped down to the elevator. When the doors opened Jordie's eyes widened in shock.

"Whoa!"

"Guess who got it fixed." I leaned down to say in his ear.

"You?" He guessed. I let out a small laugh.

"Giovanni."

"No way! Did he do it himself? I like him Scar, he's really cool." He said confidently.

"Yeah, I think he is too." I smiled to myself.

The walk to school and work was peaceful and easy, Jordie only had a few more days in school before summer break and he was getting really excited about it.