Page 5 of Into These Eyes
Straightening, he gently squeezes her shoulder as he gazes at her reflection. “You look amazing, Mattie. Seems every time oneof these girls’ nights comes around, you look more beautiful, more alive. Kinda makes me want to tag along.”
“That’s sweet of you to say,” Mum laughs, “but I really doubt you want to be around a bunch of gossiping women.”
He drops a kiss on top of her head. “You’re probably right. So, you’ll be home at the usual time?”
“Yep,” Mum answers, watching him in the mirror. “Unless you need me back earlier?”
Dad shakes his head vigorously. “The kids and I are in the swing of things now. We can handle one or two nights a week without you. Right, Jamie?”
I grin. “I don’t think so. You’ve been like a lost puppy the last couple of times.”
Dad rushes me, catching me in a playful headlock. I squeal with laughter as he tickles my side. “Take it back!”
Barely able to get my breath, I shriek, “Okay! Okay!”
Knowing I hate it, he ruffles my hair.
“Dad!”
Grinning like an idiot, he backs toward the door. “Oh, by the way, can you clean up Anika? She’s got black marker all over her face.”
“Can’t you do it?” I ask, wanting to talk to Mum.
He gives me a quick shrug before disappearing down the hallway. It drives me crazy the way he never helps with my sister. Mum doesn’t like it either, but she never calls him out on it. Which pisses me off even more.
She turns to me, an eyebrow raised. “Black marker?”
“That’s what I was trying to tell you. She went into my room—withoutpermission—and got my eyeliner. She scribbled all over herself and somehow managed to break it in half. It’s not fair that she gets to destroy my things. Can Ipleeeeasehave a lock on my door?”
“Come here.”
I reluctantly rise and shuffle over. She plucks a black eyeliner from her own makeup collection and hands it to me.
“That’s not the point,” I say, but take it. “Anika gets away with everything.”
“Because she’s two.”
I let out a small huff. Smiling up at me, Mum gives my arm a comforting rub.
“I know it’s not easy being sixteen and having to deal with a toddler. But Ank loves you. She thinks you’re the best, the most special person in the world. Sometimes, I get jealous of how much she adores you.”
“That’s stupid.” Though I’ll never admit it, that feels kind of good.
Mum squeezes my arm. “Just think about it, Jamie. In a few years, you’ll be off to university. Ank will only be four. She’s going to miss you so much. So, for now, just forgive her. No matter how old we are, we all make mistakes. It’s part of life. What doesn’t have to be part of it, is holding a grudge, especially against someone who’s family. It’s no good for the person you’re accusing, and it’s especially not good for you.”
“Fine,” I sigh.
“Good. Now, do you mind going and checking on her?”
“Okay … but Mum?” I ask, meeting her eyes in the mirror. “You know what’d be really nice? If you, me and Anika had our own girls’ night.”
She smiles. “That’s a good idea, hon. But tonight, it’s adult time. I need a break too, and having a laugh with other women, well, it just detangles me. You understand, don’t you?”
I shrug. “I guess.” Hanging out with my best friends is a huge part of my life. How can I deny Mum the same thing?
“But what about Saturday mornings?” she asks.
“Huh?”
