AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Oh fuck, why was this my life?
"I hope this is okay," I indicated at my outfit, trying to draw her attention away from the messiness that was my life. They'd instructed me to be ready at seven a.m. sharp, dressed in business clothing. I’d done my best to find what I could in my mother’s closet, but I could only do so much with what limited clothing there was available.
The sweep of her eyes took in the wrinkles and, once again, landed on the wet spot. "That'll do." She didn't sound very convinced, but once her sharp gaze took in my hair, wild and untamed this morning, she frowned, shaking her head, "But that won’t.”
She walked towards her car, reaching inside, and I followed her, unsure what to do next.
"Turn, please."
I turned my back to her, giving a small squeak of surprise when strong and forceful hands wrapped around my hair, tugging it backwards.
She brushed my hair roughly, making it frizz even more, but then pulled and fussed with it until it was in a tight bun. “There." When I rotated back towards her, she gazed at it with pride. "Now, let's inspect your makeup."
I shifted on my feet, glancing anywhere but at her while her sharp gaze scrutinized my face.
I was somewhat used to it; my school was strict and we often had appearance inspections; if I’d have known, I would've made sure to be more careful this morning.
Her eyebrows furrowed, staring at the slash of my blue eyeliner but finally she nodded. “It’ll do. However, demure and modest makeup will be expected from here on.”
I now noticed that her own makeup was almost nonexistent, with just a touch of mascara and a pale rose-colored lipstick. Her white, immaculately pressed, dress shirt was buttoned to her neck beneath a serious-looking grey pantsuit.
“Wait for me in the car.” She disappeared up my porch as I climbed into the passenger seat, trying to settle my anxiousness.
Then, groaning as she picked up the napkin I'd discarded, I smoothed over my clothing, willing my wrinkles to disappear. She stuffed the napkin into a trash can located in the back seat of her car as her light perfume filled the space between us.
"From here on out," she explained, “if you are to meet with any members of the Magnolia, you will be neat and orderly."
"Okay," I tried to be agreeable, copying the way she was sitting, with an almost impossibly straight back, not even touching the seat behind her. "Where are we going?"
"To see Dr. Tyler."
"A doctor?" I stared at her in surprise. “But. I’m not sick."
"Of course you're not," she looked down her nose at me. "If you were, you most certainly wouldn't be a candidate."
I scowled, turning away from her to stare out the window. "Then why're we going to see a doctor?”
“Why are we.”
“What?”
“You said, why’re we. It’s ‘why are we’.”
Christ.
“Why are we going to see a doctor?” I barely managed to keep the snark out of my tone.
“To see if you're a viable candidate for the position."
"And what are the qualifications?”
She didn't answer, pressing her lips together instead, and the car fell into silence.
I squirmed, the supple feel of the leather under my skin reminding me that these people had money, and I didn't.
I was doing this for Callie, and Benson. He deserved to retire with dignity. And Callie was too talented to go to a community college. Plus, the house and my parents memory… I cleared my throat, softening my tone, trying to soothe the situation.
"Whatever I can do, please let me know. I'm happy to do whatever it takes to make this process easier."
