Damaged Girls I: Urban Fiction by Janice Ross

Author:Janice Ross [Ross, Janice]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: United States, Romance, Coming of Age, African American, Genre Fiction, Literature & Fiction
Amazon: B00AMLEZ7Q
Publisher: Cultural Cocktails
Published: 2013-12-09T05:00:00+00:00

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Jillian’s Family Dynamics

“Child, why can’t you be more like your sister Sasha?”Mrs. McConnell was always critical of Jillian. It had been three years since Jillian had last seen her mother. Nonetheless, she cowered beneath the woman’s harsh yet subtle criticism.

“I keep telling you, dear, they are not made the same. Jillie can’t help it if she’s not as organized as Sasha.”Mr. McConnell smiled almost lovingly before continuing,“Jillie is pretty good at following directions. Not everyone can take the lead on planning events like Sasha.”The game of‘bait the siblings’was a regular with her parents, and the very reason that Jillian maintained distance.

From the moment they had arrived with her Uncle Ted, the two offered up phony compliments on silver platters, only to clamp down with an insult. The majority of this criticism was directed at their daughter. The matron of the family was a grown-up version of Jillian, only barely fairer in complexion. The woman stepped through the park celebration in full red summer attire—red slacks, red shawl over a red rhinestone tank, red-brimmed hat, and red kitten heels, even down to matching nails, lips, eyes and earrings. And Mrs. McConnell sashayed around all the little people. Her wide hips and shoulders would sway. She caught some of the forty-plus partygoers off guard at times.

“Well . . . dear . . . I think you’re right. Jillie’s abilities are quite limited.”

I grew annoyed with her snobbish parents, and before I knew it the words tumbled out of my mouth.“Jillie, I think the birthday party is excellent! Everything’s wonderful, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Everyone in close proximity paused to look at me. Big deal. I’d allowed my mouth to get the best of me for once in my life. So what. Trisha was unavailable for the day so I had taken over. Really, I could not bear to hear them rip her apart any longer. Besides, the day was difficult enough since Stevie had invited Jessica to come along with his other son.

Ignoring the present drama, Mrs. McConnell dismissed my statement. A wicked smirk extended across her cheek corners. She turned to face Jessica and her child as they stood next to a sunburned table and bench. I followed her gaze and instantly knew her plot.“Wow . . . is that Stevie’s girl? What a stunning young lady. And look at that child.”The older lady grazed past her own child and grandson, nearly knocking them over as she swayed towards her daughter’s adversary. Although her exit should have lightened the tension in the air, the opposite occurred. A well of glistening tears formed in Jillian’s eyes. She remained still—not wanting to show further weakness.

“Jillie, you don’t mind if I go meet my grandson’s brother, do you?”Mr. McConnell was more tactful, but still quite tacky. He asked as a courtesy, but meant it as a statement. Before exiting however, he performed a slight nod towards his daughter, not entirely making eye contact. As I ogled in shock, a gentle hand clasped mine.

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