Page 128 of Roulette: The Madam

“Babe?” I chuckled. “Girllllaaaa–”

“I’ve really enjoyed myself today. Being around you all– it was just different. Something I’ve never experienced before. I’ve been imagining myself with seven siblings all day and my heart is so full of joy. Like, six sisters. My head would explode on a daily basis, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

“That pretty much sums it up.”

“My mom is my only hope, but there’s not much hope there if she doesn’t win this battle with her addiction. My father has made it clear that I’m his only child.”

Damn fucking right. If I have anything to say about it.

“Maybe he’ll find someone that convinces him otherwise and you’ll have a little sibling you can spend the day playing dress up with.”

She paused after applying the second lash flare.

“If you don’t come with that sibling then I don’t want it. My father really adores you. When you’re not around, you cross his mind often. I can tell when he’s thinking of you, too. He gets this random, weird smile on his face.

“Sometimes, he shakes his head and chuckles, probably at something you’ve said. Other times he’s sad. Probably because you aren’t around. But, you’re hardly ever around. I think he misses you the better half of his day.”

“A lot of assumptions, girl. But, it’s not your father I want to talk about. It’s your mother. Has she contacted you?”

She remained quiet and steady until she placed another flare in position. Then she spun on her heel, leaving my reflection to the mirror. She faced me instead.

“I don’t want to go back, Roulette. I was wondering if I could just stay here until my father returns. I know that’s probably asking a lot. Too much, maybe, but I just– I can’t. She worries me. She worries me to my core. Deep down in my bones.

“I can feel her struggle. Almost too much. And, it hurts. I feel li– I feel like it’s just getting worse and worse. To the naked eye, she’s fine, but behind the doors of my childhood home, the one that always brought me joy, is nothing but turmoil.

“Sadness. Depression. Since I met you last week, I’ve felt better than I have since I was thirteen and my mother spent her last days sober. Since then it’s been downhill for me. Not all at once, but my descent progressed faster than I had time to notice what was really happening.

“She called me. I didn’t have the heart to answer because I was feeling things I’ve never felt before. I was surrounded by beautiful women. My awakening was happening, and for the first time, I couldn’t allow her to crush my spirit. Even talking about her now– It’s disturbing my joy.”

“Then we won’t talk about her. But, I do want you to let her know you’re safe. Just in case she’s worried.”

“I did. I texted her and let her know I’m fine.”

“Good. I’ll handle it from here. And, don’t worry. If you don’t want to stay with her, then you won’t. My doors are always open, even if your father and I are no longer involved with each other. I want to make that abundantly clear. You’re fifteen, so I’m sure you understand these things don’t always move forward. But, you and I, we’ll always keep pushing forward. Keep progressing. Keep in touch. Okay?”

“I understand, Roulette. And, thank you. I will take you up on that offer.”

“It wasn’t an offer, babe. It’s a rule. A rule I will enforce strictly.”

She sniggered, “Noted.”

Malaya turned and faced the mirror again. Silently, she finished her lashes and then turned to face me again.

“So, what do you think?”

They made her big, round eyes pop.

“Oh, baby, they are perfect.”

“Yay. I was so nervous. Didn’t want to let you down.” She sighed. “That’s a relief.”

My smile nearly split my face permanently. Malaya was such a good-spirited girl. Having someone disrupt it felt like a personal blow to the gut.

“Now, let’s tackle these brows. We’re going to leave them full and thick, but the unibrow has to go. And, these bushy ends.”

She was already perfect, but she’d expressed her interest in elevating her beauty. That was music to my ears. The girls had departed at least an hour ago, full off wine and pizza, leaving us to the magic. Malaya was learning fast.

We’d pressed on nails and secured them with two layers of glue. We’d created a four-step skincare routine with products I had in my bathroom and planned to order for her as well. Her legs were shaved, and her lashes were on. She was ready to conquer the world in the beige tennis skirt and fitted top to match tomorrow.

---