BEAUTIFUL MONSTER

49 : Puffs and Whores

REMINDER: this is a work of fiction. Character views are not my own.

"When are we going to talk about it?" Darius asked lowly as he walked past me to put some bread slices into the toaster.

"Never," I said, grabbing the milk gallon from the fridge and setting it on the table. "Now shut up."

Mum came into the room, smiling. She straightened out her uniform. "Are you excited to be going back to school, Beatrice?"

I made a noise of contempt. "As excited as God was to kick out Satan."

"You need Jesus," Ellie followed Mum into the room. "Come t-to church with u-us."

"Ellie, the day I need Jesus or any God would be the day the earth comes crumbling down."

"Maybe having a religion would be good for you, Beatrice." Mum hummed as if she was thinking about it.

Darius snorted. "When has religion ever done anyone any good?"

"I gotta agree. Don't stuff your religion down my throat. Anyway, you've never had a problem with me not following any religion before. Why are you guys starting now?"

"It's just an idea. Ellie and I were talking about it the other day. Clearly, you're in need of some guidance. You could try it out?"

I made an annoyed face. "Look at me. Do I look like I'm ready to drop to my knees anytime soon and start praying?"

"Maybe not," Mum frowned, worrying her bottom lip.

"If I do need guidance, mother dearest, I have you. Right? You're the perfect role model."

Mum smiled brightly at me, squeezing my cheeks. "There's my good girl."

"Alright, Ma," I moved back. "You're hurting me now."

Ellie sat down on the kitchen table. "I'm c-curious. Do y-you even believe in G-god?"

I thought her question over for a quick second and then shrugged. "I believe in a God, not any specific God. I mean, I can't exactly put down Zac Efron's existence to science. Some greater being up there did us a solid."

"You for-g-got Angelina Jolie,"

"And Adam Levine," Mum sighed dreamily. "His voice gives me hot chills."

Darius made a face behind his cup of coffee. "This family is disturbing."

I yawned loudly, scratching the side of my neck. "I do not want to go to school. Can I just set fire to myself or go back to sleep instead?"

Mum shook her head. "Don't you dare mess up this time, Beatrice. You're lucky to be getting back in." She licked her finger, wiping it on my cheek.

"Mum!" I groaned, trying to get away.

"Hold on a second. You've got a mark,"

"Ugh, I don't care. This is abuse. I'm going to report you to my teachers."

"I almost forgot to ask. Have you done the work your teachers set you?"

I inhaled deeply, squinting at Mum. "I think I want strawberry jam on my toast."

Mum didn't look amused. "Beatrice. What have you been doing all this time?"

"Mum, please. I'm going to get my ass whipped when I get to school anyway. No need for you to yell at me. Just play the role of the good mother and be proud of me."

Mum sighed, giving up. Darius handed her the cup of tea he made for her. "I'll drop the two of you to school once you're ready to leave."

"No," I frowned, saying quickly. "It's fine. I can get there myself."