started with a lie ➳ raura revised

Chapter Twenty-One

"As you say so," she smiles.

"First thing's first," I say. "Let's get you in comfortable clothing."

Madam Jong gives me a strange look. "But I am in comfortable clothing – not to mention the most updated fashion look of the week. I just bought this dress from Europe a couple of—"

I drag her up with me and I hear a "Woah!" as I run up the stairs to my mother's bedroom. She's barely catching up with me but I've just always wanted to do with an aunt, or a grandmother, or anyone else. My mother is always working away in her studio and the only time I really see her is meals and when I get in trouble. I can feel my body shaking with excitement.

In Mom's room, I dig through her closet. There's always a pile of clothes to the side where Mom puts her old tshirts, oversized or too tight, or out of fashion clothes. She never throws them away because she always thinks it's a waste of money. Usually, she ends up using them as towels to wipe her hands after working on some painting.

"Laura, what are you doing?" Madam Jong asks.

"Hold on, just a moment," I say. I put to the side all her jackets and pants. I don't know why but with Madam Jong here, I feel like Mom is going to be all right. "Found it!" I take the clothes and hand them to Madam Jong. "The bathroom's down the hall. Try these on."

She holds the clothes to her eyes and examines them. "You want me to wear these clothes?" It feels like deja-vu. And then I remember. Ross reacted exactly like this before. I scoff. Rich people.

"Yes, Madam Jong." I turn her around and push her out the door. "Now go!"

I hear her heels clacking down the hallway. She'll need some proper shoes, too. As she enters the bathroom, I head to my room and go through my closet. I know I had thrown some slippers in there the other day. Finally, I find my pink pig slippers that feel like you're walking on clouds and go wait outside the bathroom for Madam Jong to finish.

"Are you sure this is okay?" she asks from the bathroom.

"Yes," I say, "it's fine, Madam Jong! Nobody is here that will take a photo of you and post it on some website." I tap my foot as I wait. "I'm sure you look just fine."

The door clicks open.

Madam Jong walks out in an oversized pink shirt and neon sweatpants. Her hair is still in the bun, and with the heels that she is wearing – the whole outfit looks hilarious. I bring a hand to my mouth, but small giggles escape. She puts hands to her hips. "Are you laughing at me, Laura?"

I make a muffled laughing noise. "What? No, of course not. You look simply... amazing." I grin. "I think you really work this look."

"Hush now, child," Madam Jong says, faking anger.

"Okay, okay," I say. I pass her the slippers. "Here. The heels can't be that much comfortable either. These are really good for your feet. Not to mention they totally fit with your outfit."

She takes the slippers and steps out of her heels. I see the surprise on her face when she wears the slippers. "Wow," she says, her mouth agape. "I've never felt something so soft." She brings her fingers and touches the pigs' heads. "Where do you get these? They must be expensive. Forty thousand? Fifty? This must be imported silk from China."

That causes me to laugh. I clutch my stomach, "No, actually. I got it from Dollar Tree." Madam Jong arches an eyebrow.

"It's a store where everything's cheap." She still looks confused. "Nevermind," I say, "let's go downstairs. The boys must be setting up dinner."