Until Sunrise

They never acted like cousins, they were sworn enemies. In the seventh grade, Angie had beaten her out for head cheerleader and caught her at the drive in with her childhood crash. A girl never forgets something like that.

“Angie Brooks,” she said. She hated to admit to herself that except for the hair, her cousin was still pretty.

“Nice to meet you.” Angie grabbed one potato and stuffed it in her mouth. “I have a boyfriend now and we are getting married soon.”

Flora forced a smile on her lips. “Just great.” She told herself, she never cared about her or her random boyfriends but she’d entertained the thought and fantasy of Romeo and Juliet ending for her cousin and her loser boyfriends.

“Are you married?” Angie asked.

“No,”

Angie gave her a look filled with pity.

“Are you dating someone?” she asked curiously.

“No, I’m single as always.” Flora said in a defensive tone.

“I bet you are still a virgin as always.” Angie concluded. Flora fought the urge to shove the potatoes up Angie’s nose.

“So, I hear you decided to disown your mother.”

“I haven’t done such a thing.”

“Oh,” Angie reached for another potato and scooted down the line. “I must not have heard correctly.” Flora doubted there was anything wrong with Angie’s hearing. She wished she could slap some protein pack on Angie’s fizzy hair. Her gazed looked through the living room filled with people, some she didn’t recognize. She located her mother, her blond hair was in perfect order, her make up flawless. She resembled her mother. At forty six, she looked young and could pass for thirty.