My Mother Ruined Christmas (and My Life) / Chapter 11: Birthday Interrupted
My Mother Ruined Christmas (and My Life)

My Mother Ruined Christmas (and My Life)

Author: Mary Schmidt

Chapter 11: Birthday Interrupted

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Auntie came to pick me up, and my two best friends came as promised. They brought birthday gifts—Ashley gave me a pair of rhinestone hair clips, and Jordan handed me a lipstick.

The gifts were wrapped in sparkly paper. Ashley’s sparkly paper left glitter on my hands. Jordan’s lipstick smelled like vanilla and hope. Ashley squealed, "These will look so cute for prom!" Jordan grinned, holding up the lipstick. "You deserve this, Nat."

"Natalie, this lipstick matches the dress you bought last time."

Jordan’s eyes sparkled with excitement. I couldn’t help but blush, happiness blooming inside me despite everything.

I couldn't wait to swatch the lipstick on the back of my hand. The beautiful coral-red color made my whole world feel warm.

It shimmered in the sunlight streaming through the restaurant window. For a moment, everything felt perfect—like maybe I could really belong here, laughing and celebrating like any other teenager.

Suddenly, my smile froze.

The warmth drained away as I caught sight of a familiar figure weaving through the tables, her face set and determined.

Mom appeared at Olive Garden.

I felt the promise shrivel up inside me, like a balloon popping in slow motion.

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