Page 36 of Such a Sweet Girl

‘I know it doesn’t mean much yet, but I’ve got one hundred followers already.’

My mother’s voice was tight when she spoke. ‘And are they going to pay your bills?’

I tensed. Always with the negatives. Would a little support kill her?

‘Can I show you? Maybe you’d understand if you look--’

‘Darling, I’ve only just gotten home. I’m all sticky, and need to shower.’ She turned before I could so much as pull up my profile.

‘Of course you don’t have time for me. You never do.’ Thrusting my phone back into my pocket, I picked up the tripod, battling the rising anger.

‘That’s uncharitable,’ she said, rounding on me.

‘You know what’s uncharitable? Expecting your child to become a fucking mini-me repeat of you.’

‘Francesca Marie,’ my father said, his voice raising. ‘Don’t cuss at your mother.’

‘It’s about time I cussed at the both of you. Giving birth to me doesn’t give you the right to control my life. I don’t want your lives on repeat. I want my own. I’mnotyou.’

‘You’re being an ungrateful little b--’

‘I am grateful for the things you’ve both provided me with. But expecting me to worship the ground you walk on because of the unwanted things you gave me is like making me thank you for the rod. I love you both. But I want to spread my wings. I need to. I need my own life.’ My voice trembled as I fought down tears, not from upset, but from confrontation.

‘So what? You intend to throw away your education to make somestupid little videos?’ Dad’s voice joined the fray.

‘No. I’m going to finish my degree. I have aspirations, but I’m not frivolous. Dentistry can be my backup. And while I complete my degree, I will grow my business. Then I’ll take a year out and travel. Try to attend some renowned pastry courses. Taste the baked goods in their countries of origin. Experience life for myself.’

Dad’s arms folded while Mom’s mouth formed a line. ‘And how are you going to fund this?’

‘I don’t know. I’ll figure it out. You guys did.’

Mom gave an exasperated shrug before Dad looped an arm around her shoulders.

‘Your support would mean a lot,’ I said, trying not to give in to the hot tears threatening to escape.

‘Francesca, we love you. But we can’t support this. We expect you to join the practice. We’ve made space for you,’ Mom said, a finality to her words.

‘I’m doing it, anyway.’ I gathered my things to my chest and turned, heading for the door.

‘Where are you going?’ Dad asked.

‘To sleep with the man next door.’ Even I cringed at my words. I couldn’t help it. They’d ignited a fury inside me. Why couldn’t they see me?

‘Why are you still wasting your time with him? Is this where all this is coming from? He’s a waste of space...’ Mum demanded.

‘No, not him. I’m fucking his dad.’

‘What?!’ Their shocked voices were in unison. The glee I took from walking out on that bombshell followed me all the way into Alex’s arms.

EIGHTEEN

ALEXANDER

‘You did great, Frankie.’

‘I feel like an idiot. I should have just kept my mouth shut. What if they say something to Nick?’ Her chest rose erratically as she wiped away the tear tracks on her cheeks. ‘I didn’t mean to cry. Sorry.’

Taking her jaw in both hands, I kissed her gently. ‘Don’t apologise for having emotions. We all do. Let them have their moment, then go on, stronger for having felt them.’

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