57. Storybooks.

DIANE

Kate Brandon follows me behind as I walk towards the checkout carrying the basket containing the books I want to purchase. Mrs Jones is leaning on her checkout desk, her eyes and fingers busy on her tablet with whatever that is holding all her attention to the screen.

Whatever that is, I am too selfish right now to care or know. I am dying to pay for these books and get out of here. To be in any place that is void of my mother's presence. The scent of her Fenty is killing my wish to be away from her, and the more I get closer to the desk, the more my throat feels parched. Scorched.

I am stuck with her.

When I finally arrive in front of the desk, I tap on it a couple times to get Mrs Jones’ attention. She looks up from her tablet, adjusting her small eyeglasses on the bridge of her nose as she shifts her attention from me to my mother, and then right back to me.

I keep the small basket down on the desk. “Mrs Jones, I am done shopping. I want to pay for—”

“Allow me darling.”