Brutal Truth

I sat there with my friends watching over me as the tears flowed down my cheeks, unchecked.

Finally, I composed myself enough to stand up, pick up my book bag and give them a brave smile.

'Kid, do you want to stay over at our place? 'asked Tanya anxiously, worrying her lip as she looked at me, concern writ large on her pretty face. Rachel stood too, frowning, ready to take up cudgels on my behalf.

Smiling through my tears, I shook my head. I know very well that Lucien would be furious if I stayed over with them. And the last thing I wanted was to face his wrath. I was too broken, although I put on a brave face before the girls, who were upset to see how affected I was.

'I'm good!'I smiled and hugged them briefly, then I walked out, my heart

***

That night, I could not sleep. I kept reading and rereading the news item. The photo showed Lucien and a woman, considerably older than me, a silver blonde, tall and willowy. pretty in a vague sort of way, I thought cattily. Almost flat-chested