Page 20 of Love Her

Chapter 10

Felicity

Each month I check my child support account to see if anything has changed. Like the dozens of months before, today is no different. No payment. Only a balance that will likely never get paid. I don’t know why I expect anything different. Michael Thorne was never interested in our children during our marriage, considering them more of an accessory than anything else.

I can’t say I was much different for many years. Sucked into the life he created and convinced me we needed, I put their needs second to his. It’s a decision I have to live with, but one I have tried to make up for since he left us.

I double check my bank balance and smile at the reality there is actually a balance. I’ve paid what little bills I have, added to my savings, and even planned a special day for my daughter. She’s had such a tough go of it lately I wanted to do something special for her.

Leaning over the sink, I get close to the mirror, swiping the wand of mascara across my lashes. Next to me, Clementine brushes her hair, humming a tune I don’t recognize. She’s been doing that a lot. Humming and singing softly as she putters around the house. My mom suggested we encourage her to join the school choir, maybe find a new set of friends with similar interests.

“Mom, can I wear some makeup?”

Slipping the wand into the container and twisting it closed, I toss it in my makeup bag and turn to face my little girl. She’s changed a lot in the last year, growing up before my eyes. I knew this conversation was coming but I can’t say I’m ready. We still have a few years before she’s a teenager and I’d like to keep her young as long as possible.

“What are you thinking?”

“Maybe some lipstick and mascara,” she replies with a one-shoulder shrug. Her efforts to be nonchalant entertain me.

“Hmm . . . How about a swipe of shadow and a little lip gloss?”

A huge smile takes over her face as she nods her head vigorously. Taking a light taupe shimmery shadow, I instruct her to close her eyes and gently swipe a little across her lids.

“There, how does that look?”

Turning to face the mirror she inspects my very handy swiping work and smiles in approval. Handing her the clear gloss, I watch as she slowly and meticulously applies it to her lips. When her tongue runs across the gloss she scrunches her nose in disgust.

“Yeah, not the best tasting stuff. There are some that don’t taste as bad and aren’t as sticky. When we’re shopping, we’ll get you some of your own. The eyeshadow though, that’s for special occasions only. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Her body slams into mine, her arms wrapping around my waist. I hold her to me, relishing in the moment. When I was little, my mom and I had these moments and they remain some of my favorite memories of growing up. Sitting on the bathroom counter watching my mom get ready for date night with my dad or standing on a stool at the kitchen counter while I helped her make cookies are some of my favorites. Clem may not be able to see me get ready for dates with her dad anymore but the cookies I can do. Actually I can’t but my mom can and I’m an excellent support system.

“Alrighty kiddo, ready to go?”

“Yep.”

Clem skips out of the bathroom as I quickly clean the counter and put everything away before following her out to the living room. As I turn the corner from the hallway, I hear her asking my dad if he sees anything different about her. Standing with a hand on her hip and a huge smile on her face as she waits, I can’t help but giggle at the look of confusion on his face.

Stepping behind her, I tap my eye lid and mouth “makeup.” He smirks and offers me the slightest nod of acknowledgement before saying, “Clementine Jean Thorne, are you wearing makeup?”

Bouncing on her heels she squeals, “Yes! Isn’t it great?”

“No. You are still my baby girl. I’m going to have to speak with your mother about this.” He attempts to be stern but fails to hide his smile.

“Mom is the one who put it on. She’s the best.” Turning her head, she looks at me like I have given her the greatest gift, and my heart swells at the adoration on her face. I’ll take it. The teenage years are going to be the polar opposite of this moment if she’s anything like I was.

Leaving Clem with my dad so he can fake lecture her on growing up, I move through the house, picking up abandoned toys and discarded shoes before tossing them in a basket near the door. When I make it to the kitchen, I spot my mom chopping and dicing vegetables at the counter while Jacob sits at the table. His little tongue is sticking out between his lips as he concentrates on the book in his hands.

“What are you reading, buddy?” I ask, taking the seat next to him.

Never taking his eyes off the pages he murmurs, “A book.”

Glancing at my mom, she smirks at his response and turns her attention back to her vegetables. Clearing my throat to get his attention, I wait with a raised brow until he turns to look at me.

“Do you want to try that again?”

“Sorry. It’s a book on a baseball player. I want to know as much as I can before the first practice. Kyle already knows so much because he played last year. I have a lot to learn.”

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