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“Why’d you put on so much makeup?” Luciana rubbed her face all the harder.
“It’s just the normal amount.” Because of her skull mask, she hadn’t put on anything extra for her costume. She only wore what she’d applied for the day.
“No matter what the world considers normal, it’s too much.”
“It would also be easier to get off with the right kind of wipe.”
“Don’t talk back to me.”
“I’m not one of your kids,” Bella quipped.
Luciana made atsksound. “Look at what such a short time away from our community has done to you.”
“It’s shown me freedom.”
“Don’t let Mother hear you talking like that.” Luciana glanced over at their mother.
If Bella had on more than her undergarments, she’d run through the church and take her chances with the woods.
Maybe that was her best bet even without clothes.
She glanced around. Upon seeing Ariana slumped in a corner, her heart sank. Her new friend had risked everything for her. She couldn’t leave without her.
But she also couldn’t marry Neil. Marriages in the church were permanent, unlike those outside of it. Rita had gotten away and had been able to get married to someone nice. Grayson treated her well, and her sister was happier than she’d ever seen her. Even if she did try to act like her mom.
If Bella had listened to Rita, she wouldn’t be in this mess.
Now she had to figure out what to do on her own. Nobody would let her talk to Ari, and Rita probably hadn’t even noticed Bella was missing from the party. She, her husband, and the kids were probably having the time of their lives with no clue Bella was about to marry Neil.
She pulled away from Luciana’s grip. “Enough! I’m done.”
“There’s still makeup on your face.”
“Then using that gross water isn’t working.” She rubbed her skin, which felt raw.
“You’re the one who decided to put the tools of the devil on yourself.”
Bella ignored the dig. “Isn’t there any soap around here? That would make it easier.”
“Don’t make anything easier on her.” Their mother turned and glared at Bella. “You made your choices, and now you must pay the consequences.”
“It’swaterproofmakeup!”
“Should’ve thought about that before you put it on.” Mother turned to Luciana. “Rub as hard as you need to. Just get that trash off her.”
Luciana reached for her.
Bella recoiled and stayed out of her reach.
“Mother!”
“Get the belt if you need to. I’m busy.”
Bella’s entire body froze.
Her sister lifted an eyebrow. “Do I need to get a belt?”
Before she could respond, Luciana spun around and marched across the room.
