Page 38 of Spiteful Lies
Gemma greets her mother with a warm hug on the walkway, and their happy voices drift through the window. Her mother is dressed like a mother in a short wool coat and mom jeans. Her light blonde hair is held back with a headband, and she has on practical lace-ups that a person can actually walk around this huge campus in. I continue to watch as if I’m a med student taking notes during delicate surgery. Why did it never occur to me that someone might have a normal parent?
An older man waves his hand as he turns the corner of the building and heads toward them. Gemma rushes up to him and gives him a big hug. He kisses her forehead, and I continue to watch as they depart toward the campus green. Gemma walks between them, holding her mother’s hand. Maybe Gemma did want to meet my mom? Maybe she wasn’t being mean?
“What are you staring at?” Roni looks over my shoulder at the campus and frowns at the collection of people mingling below on the walkway.
“Didn’t Gemma just see her parents over Thanksgiving?” I continue to stare as they walk away.
“Yeah, but they’re really close.” Roni pulls on a navy sweatshirt with the Stonehaven crest on the front and smoothes it down. “And they live in Virginia, so she’s excited to have them come up to see the school.” Roni looks out the window again. “My parents just texted. You want to come down and wait with me?”
I do, but I don’t. Plus, there’s Charlotte. Today is going to gut her. “I can’t right now. I have to check in with Charlotte. You know this is going to be a rough day for her.”
Roni covers her mouth with her hand as she stares at me with wide eyes. “Fuck, I’m so sorry, Astrid. I know you don’t get along with your dad. Today must be tough on you too.”
I shake my head dismissively and try my hardest to smile without looking like I’m in pain. “It’s okay, but I better see how she’s doing.”
Roni wavers a little as if she wants to say something else, and I wait for it. “I know I’m not supposed to like her,” she says, “and she probably would be annoyed if she knew I felt bad for her. But I do feel bad for her. But only for today.” Roni scowls. “She’s still on my list, but I hope today doesn’t suck entirely for the two of you.”
I reach for Roni, and we hug each other tightly. Women get it that sometimes a person just wants to be sad and not hear a plan on how to fix her crap. Roni’s phone chimes, and we let go so she can check it.
“They’re here,” she grimaces a little, trying not to look too happy, “I have to leave.”
I smile. “Have fun, Roni, and we’ll look for you. Okay?”
She smiles and heads for the door. “I’ll be looking for you too. Good luck with your mom.”
I head down the hallway toward Charlotte’s room. My footsteps are determined as my heels click against the wood floor. I don’t know which Charlotte is behind the closed door. Will she pretend it’s all okay, or will she curse her way through her crisis? I smooth my hand against my hair and knock twice. The sound echoes in the hallway, but there’s no sound coming from inside her room, so I knock louder.
“Charlotte,” I call out, “It’s Astrid. Are you in there?”
“No, I’m right here,” Charlotte answers as she opens the door leading down into the stairwell. “And look who I found walking around.”
“Astrid, sweetie.” My mother steps into view and opens her arms for me. She smiles, but I freeze, gawking at her.
She’s dressed in a beautiful black wool coat and matching leather boots. Her hair is pulled up into a complicated bun, and a streak of gray is growing in from her widow’s peak. My mom doesn’t look like the mother that bakes sourdough bread while running an Etsy shop, but she looks respectable, with a touch of posh.
The scent of her favorite perfume reaches me, and a feeling of home releases my nerves with a low sigh. The imaginary version of home, of course, that I like to remember, is standing before my eyes.
“Mommy,” I squeal, running toward her with my arms outstretched. “You came.”
She laughs, pulling me snugly into her arms. “I wanted to see the legendary Stonehaven. It’s quite sprawling once you enter the main gate.” She kisses my forehead. “And I especially wanted to see you. Astrid, you look lovely in your uniform.”
“You’re doing okay?” I ask softly.
“I still have some pain, but I’m learning how to manage it better. Without pills.” She holds out her foot and wiggles it, showing off her boots. “I should’ve worn flats, but I want to make the best possible impression on everyone, including you.”
A burn creeps over my cheeks. “Mom, you don’t have to impress me.”
She holds my chin in her fingers and makes me look into her eyes. “Yes, I do.”
Charlotte taps me on the shoulder. “Should we show Evelyn the rest of the campus?” Charlotte beams at Mom. “We will be your personal tour guides. Your entourage.”
Mom clasps her hands together. “Thank you, Charlotte. I’d love that.”
I swallow down my tears and silently thank Charlotte for being on point today. “How’d you find Mom, Charlotte?”
“It was easy,” She loops her arm into Mom’s arm, and I do the same on the other side. “I looked for the nicest person in the crowd, and instantly, I saw her.”
I wink at Mom. “She’s smooth like that, our Charlotte.”