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My feet were hurting, and we had already dropped off one load of bags to the car, but Jemmy wasn’t done. She insisted that we needed more than two pairs of shoes, and I needed a hair straightener, hair products, make-up, and more ‘fun’ accessories.
No matter how hard I tried to tell her otherwise, she was determined to buy me everything and anything she thought I needed.
“Aren’t we headed to New York soon?” I asked, hoping to end this endless torture.
She gave me an exasperated look. “No, Pops texted me and said he’s still working on getting medical files, school transcripts, and everything else he needs for you and Ella. He said plan to meet him at Jace’s for dinner, and we will fly out after that.”
She led me into a Sephora store, and, despite my objections, set me up for a makeover. Ella was excited to be included in this little ‘adventure.’ She prattled on excitedly as her make-up artist put light, natural looking make-up on her. I would normally object to putting makeup on a seven-year-old, but I wanted her to feel girly too. Although I did warn her she shouldn’t get used to it.
“I know,” she said with exasperation.
I laughed at her and turned to admire the work that my make-up artist was doing. I had to admit, I was really impressed. It looked so natural; I may very well continue wearing makeup if I could imitate this look. I was told on numerous occasions that my green eyes were stunning, and the shades of purple that she used made them pop. My eyelashes looked darker and longer. My skin was perfectly blended and looked flawless. The pink lip stain she put on my mouth made my lips look fuller and naturally pouty; she smeared a gloss over them and stood back.
“You were a looker before, now you’re positively gorgeous,” she gushed genuinely. I could tell she wasn’t just saying it for a bigger sale, and I ducked my head to hide my blush.
I’ve spent so many years trying to blend in and not stand out. I wasn’t used to the compliments.
Jemmy had stepped out of the store during our makeovers, and she whistled loudly when she walked back in. “You look hot, Mama! Now, let’s go get your hair did. And,” she turned to look at the make-up artist, “we’ll take everything you applied to her today.”
“Jemmy, we’re not doing anything to my hair. I like it just the way it is.” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.
Jemmy sighed. “Don’t worry, I don’t want to do anything drastic. I just think you need a little trim, so does Ella. Maybe they can wash and style it too. Come on,” she pleaded. “You start a new school on Monday, it’s time to reinvent yourself.”
“You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig,” a snide, feminine voice said coolly from behind us.
I turned and inwardly groaned as I saw Bridgette and the Bubble Gum Squad behind me. “Go away, Bridgette,” I said coldly.
“Aww,” she turned to her friends and gave an artificial laugh. “The town whore is so brave all of a sudden.”
Her friends laughed. It really was so sad what sheep they were; the lengths they went to, to stay in the ‘squad.’
I suddenly felt bold. In the past, I would have avoided conflict because I would have to face her again, but I was emboldened by the fact that I was leaving the state. I would never have to see her again.
I let out my own mocking laugh. “That’s rich, coming from the girl that’s slept with almost the whole football team, and gets drunk almost every weekend and doesn’t even know who or how many guys she’s slept with,” I paused seeing her shocked expression. Her friends had even taken a step back and were looking anywhere but us. They were aware of her hypocritical behavior. She was quick to get on them or judge them if they didn’t have high standards, but she broke all her own ‘rules.’ “Let’s be real, the only reason you hate me is because your ex-boyfriend had a crush on me, and you were intimidated.”
She wasn’t shocked for long as she realized she was losing face. “Says the crack whore that has a crack whore mother. My daddy heard how her boyfriend tried to rape you, but it’s not rape if you want it.”
I felt like she had physically hit me. I took a menacing step towards her as I heard Ella’s shocked gasp behind me. She had been shielded from this drama, thus far,
and Bridgette hadn’t just hurt me with her words, but Ella as well. I had my fist ready to connect with her face when her phone, along with all her friend’s phones, started going off. As they went to reach for them their purses, jeans, and their phones erupted on fire.
I looked over, shocked at Jemmy, knowing she had a hand in this. She was signing a receipt as she quickly gathered our new purchases. “Let’s go.” She threaded her arm through mine. “Good luck with that ladies, hope you have insurance.”
We left the Bubble Gum Squad, crying, screaming, and cursing.
I was still slightly shaken when we left the mall an hour later. My hair had been washed, deeply conditioned, trimmed, and straightened. I never took the time to straighten my hair, nor did I care to, but Jemmy made me a believer. My hair wasn’t nearly as annoying when it was straightened. The curls normally fell to below my shoulder blades but straightened my hair fell to my hips. The conditioning treatment even made my hair look shinier than it ever had.
We had stopped at the shoe store and got seven new pairs of shoes for me and four for Ella. Jemmy even insisted that I put on one of my new outfits for dinner tonight. We were told to meet Jace and Will at a nice little Italian restaurant on the outskirts of town. Jemmy even purchased an outfit for the occasion.
I truly felt like a new person as I looked at myself in the department store mirror. Jemmy had shoved a pair of dark washed skinny jeans in my hands, a white tank top, and a camel-colored chunky sweater. The sweater fell off one of my shoulders and you could see the tight tank top underneath. I did a little twirl in the mirror and gave myself a small smile. It was dressy but casual; modest, yet provocative, and I loved it.
“You know Jem,” I said as I stepped out of my dressing room waiting for her. “I have to admit I was a little bit scared that you would dress me like…well like you, but I’m impressed.” I admitted, knowing I was baiting her.
Jemmy came out with a scowl on her face. “Not everyone can pull off my amazing look,” she stopped short as she looked at me. She pretended to wipe away tears from her face. “My little girl is growing up.”
I rolled my eyes and smirked. “Whatever.”
I had time to admire her short, floral skirt and white, lacey camisole top. An army-green utility jacket completed the outfit. On her feet were black ankle boots with heels higher enough to be dangerous. Her legs were already amazingly long, and with heels on she was going to turn heads. She dug in our shoe bags and pulled out a pair of camel colored boots with a slight heel that went up to my knees. Then, she ran up front and came back with costume jewelry for me. She handed me several gold bracelets in different widths and styles, and a pair of long dangling earrings.
