Too Late for Redemption

Arrogant Lawrence

That grabbed my mother's attention, and she looked away from me. "You look great."

Yvette just stood there and smirked at me. "You're wearing an awful lot, Eve."

Everyone turned their attention to me. I met Yvette's eyes, and her gaze was sardonic. My heart skipped a beat, but I did not talk back like I used to. I composed myself and was about to say something, but Yvette held my mother's arms, smiling sweetly.

"I bought the same dress for Eve, too, Mom."

Mom nodded, apparently happy that Yvette was so thoughtful.

Yvette looked at me again. I did not miss the malice in her eyes. "Do you want to get changed, Eve?"

I stayed quiet, thinking about my scars. I declined, "No, thank you."

Yvette looked hurt, and she forced an answer. "O-Oh, alright."

Lawrence did not look happy at all. He gave me a glance. Maybe it was a warning, but he didn't make it too obvious. After all, he was a guest in someone else's house.

My mother noticed my clothes and frowned. She lectured, "Yvette's just being kind."

Yvette paled, as if on command. I had no idea humans could do that. She forced a smile as if Mom had just brought up something sad for her. "It's alright, Mom. I can understand why she hates me."

I did not talk back to Mom or call Yvette a hypocrite like I used to. I fell silent for a while and answered, "Thanks for the gift, then."

Whatever my mother wanted to say to me, she choked on it. Lawrence was surprised as well.

We started dinner, and my mother eagerly filled my plate with food. Unlike my old self, I kept thanking her. That shocked her so much, she nearly checked if I had a fever. I did not.

She heaved a sigh of relief and said nothing. Instead, she gave me back the card she had taken from me. "Your father and I were worried sick when you left the house, Eve. We'll never try to control you again. Here's your card. Your father put some money into the bank."

I gripped the card tightly and loosened up. This card came too late.

Yvette's knuckles were white from how hard she was holding her fork. She kept staring at me, and when I met her eyes, she smiled again. "Law, you still haven't given Eve any present."

She leaned forward just to get closer to Lawrence. The necklace that was perched on her collarbone slid down, and it stood out. I remembered that necklace. I saw it in an auction, and Lawrence was there as well.

I adored the necklace, but I didn't have enough money. Lawrence told me he would buy the necklace for my birthday if I behaved myself.

And now Yvette was wearing it.

Lawrence looked at me and, as if he wanted to explain himself, spoke. "The necklace goes better with Yvette, so…"

'So, you gave it to her,' I finished in my mind.

I hung my head low and said quietly, "It's alright. You can give the necklace to whoever you want."

'You don't have to tell me. I know you hate me,' I thought. I cleaned my hands and stood up.

"Thanks for the food. Enjoy the rest of your dinner, Mom. You, too, Mr. Seinfield."

As I expected, Lawrence gave me a surprised but satisfied look. I got to the second floor and ran into him at the corner.

Lawrence was leaning on the wall, playing with his lighter. He puffed a ring of smoke, but I stood in my place. I did not pounce at him like the old me would. He arched an eyebrow. This was not what he was used to, but he seemed happy about it.

"So, you really have learned your place, Yvonne." Lawrence tucked his lighter away and closed in on me.

The stench of tobacco was taking over the air around me. It choked me, and I scrambled backward. Lawrence stopped in his tracks and did not go any further.

He looked at me and, as if he was pitying me, spoke. "That necklace belongs to Yvette, but since you behaved yourself, I can also give you a present."