WHIPLASH

288 Vouchers

WHIPLASH

LAURA

The door had barely clicked shut behind Josh when my mother turned to me, her eyes glassy and unfocused. The smell of vodka clung to her like a second skin. I stood frozen, still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions that had followed Josh's visit. My cheek throbbed where the ice pack had once rested, and the dull ache in my nose pulsed in time with my heartbeat.

"You didn't have to embarrass me like that," I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. But I wasn't quiet enough.

My mother let out a sharp laugh, the kind that always set my nerves on edge. "Oh, please, Laura. Don't be so dramatic. I was just having a little fun."

"Fun?" I repeated, incredulous. "You were hitting on Josh! A boy from my school. He's my age, Mom!"

She shrugged, pouring herself a glass of something amber from the cabinet, her movements too careless to be sober. "So what? He's cute. And he seemed interested."

I stared at her, my mouth opening and closing as I tried to find the right words. "You're unbelievable," I finally managed. "Do you even hear yourself? He was uncomfortable! He didn't know how to handle you because you're-you're an adult! You're supposed to be the one setting an example!"

She took a sip of her drink, her expression indifferent. "Don't

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WHIPLASH

me, Laura. I've had a long day. You

11 288 Vouchers

getting drunk in restaurants

your tone, young lady. You think you're so much better than me? Sitting here

burned in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. "This house is the only thing keeping you here. If Dad hadn't put it in my name, you'd have sold it

from my already sore nose down to my jaw. The world seemed to stop for a moment, and all

touched the tender skin. Tears blurred my vision, but I refused to let them fall. Not in front

with the effort

was just another inconvenience in her already miserable day. Without a word, she turned

WHIPLASH

288 Vouchers

pouring herself another drink as

from my hand, my chest heaving with the weight of everything I

the door and locked it behind me. I leaned against

the floor, I pressed the ice pack against my cheek, the cold a welcome distraction from the pain and humiliation swirling inside me. My thoughts drifted to Josh, his piercing blue eyes

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