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Because I knew that as soon as I let my guard down, something bad would happen.
That was just the way life worked.
Chapter26
Lux
It was a normal morning.We had gotten up, and Juliette had just finished braiding Bella's hair and added a special pink sparkly bow that she had gotten for her at a boutique we randomly walked by one day.
She had kept it a secret until she finally found a chance to give it to her as a present.Juliette had been happy to give it to her, but there was also that small bit of anxiety thrumming underneath.She had been worried Bella would hate it.
But Bella would never.
It warmed my heart to see Bella immediately lighting up when Juliette hesitantly gave her the package.She let out a squeal of happiness right then and there, and an even louder one when she actually opened it.
It just reinforced how perfect they were together.How perfectwewere.And how lucky I had been to find someone like Juliette.
Less than half a year ago, it felt like my heart had been torn out and ripped to shreds.I had been overwhelmed, unsure.Everything seemed like it was going to shit.
Now, I just couldn’t believe this was my life.
I was sipping my coffee and looking at the two of them as they interacted.
Juliette had her hair up in a messy bun, her face bare but glowing.She wore her lounge clothes, an oversized light blue shirt and sweats.When she looked at me, she sent me a warm smile.
She’s so perfect.
Bella was in front of her, chomping on some waffles.
“No, you should try it, really.No one in my class could do it.”
“I am positive I cannot lick my elbow,” Juliette said with a light laugh.
My smile widened then as Bella shot me a glance.
“Try it, Auntie Lux!If anyone can do it, it’s you!”
I shook my head and took a sip of my coffee.“I was young once too, believe me.I’ve tried.”
Bella pouted, and just as she was about to push us to try again, the doorbell rang.
“I'll get it,” Gina said, placing the dishes back in the sink.I thought nothing of it.Even though we didn’t usually get visitors, my mind was only on my girls.
But when she answered the door and her voice cut out, I knew immediately that there was an issue.“Hey!You’re not supposed?—”
Before I knew it, my mom was rounding the corner.As always, she was dressed as if she was going to some type of city council meeting.Perfectly coiffed curly black hair, flawless makeup, not a single wrinkle on her outfit.
She wielded a large white stack of papers in her hands as her eyes sat on me.She had this look on her face.One I had seen many times growing up.She thinks she’s won.That whatever was in her hands was the key to getting one up on me.
Even when I was a young teenager, she had wanted to be better than me.Always had to knock me down.Whether that was through ignoring me, paying more attention to my sister, or pointing out—or feeding—my insecurities.
She’s thinking she’s better than me.She wants this to hurt.
Juliette moved in front of Bella immediately.My niece held onto the back of Juliette’s shirt and glared at my mother.If it weren’t such a dire situation, I would've applauded her for her courage.
I was up immediately, but she simply shoved the papers into my chest and made a beeline for Bella.My hand reached out and gripped her arm.
“I told you you're not allowed?—”