Picture Perfect by Camille Dixon Page B

fumbled to dig out my change of clothes. Every second in here with him made the air thinner. I had to get out. Now.
    Lionel chuckled. “You get your talent from me, too.”
    My chest pinched, knowing he meant “you couldn’t possibly have any talent of your own.” I remained silent as I dressed, hoping Lionel would grow bored and walk away.
    No such luck.
    “I came because of your mother,” he said after I’d slammed my locker.
    That halted my retreat. My hand trembled against the locker as I stared at the floor, my back to my father.
    “You should come see her, before it’s too late,” Lionel said. “Her health isn’t getting any better.”
    “And who do we have to blame for that?” I said, whirling on him. “Besides, I thought I wasn’t welcome in your house anymore.”
    “Well, I’ve changed my mind.”
    “Because she asked you to. Not because you want me there.”
    He pretended to adjust the cuff of his shirt.
    I nodded, nearly chewing a hole in my lip. “You had my number blocked. You got a restraining order so I couldn’t come near the house. I can’t say I’m surprised by anything you do anymore, Dad.” I smeared the last word with as much sarcasm as I could, hoping it hurt him as much as I was hurting inside. But I knew it wouldn’t scratch his glass heart. Nothing did.
    “That restraining order was for our protection and yours. Besides, I had it rescinded two months ago.”
    I stared at him. “And you couldn’t fucking tell me? So I could see my mom before she croaks?”
    “Watch your mouth!” Lionel snarled, stepping closer. “That woman gave you everything, and you took it all away from her. You had no right to see her.”
    I stayed put, glaring face to face with the stranger in front of me. Raw regret and shame tore me apart inside.
    “Her birthday’s coming up,” Lionel said. “And for reasons unknown to me, she’s asked specifically for you as a present.”
    Tears shot to my eyes, but I held them at bay. Twenty-one years of backhands taught me never to cry in front of Lionel Thompson. “When is it?”
    “You don’t know your own mother’s birthday?”
    Of course I did, but my face burned anyway. The familiar guilt of stupidity, of unworthiness, rose from its grave to gobble up my shredded self-esteem up. “March twenty-third,” I whispered. “What time do you want me there?”
    “Noon, sharp.” He started to walk past, his task done.
    I didn’t try to stop him as he left, nor did I halt the tears that spilled onto my cheeks.
     

CHAPTER 14
     
    Angel
     
    MY READING DEVELOPMENT MIDTERM couldn’t have gone by any slower. Considering how little sleep I’d gotten this week, I was surprised I could stay awake for it. Thank God spring break was around the corner.
    On the edge of exhaustion, the questions kept blurring in and out of focus as my train of thought wandered back to the almost kiss in Devin’s car for the umpteenth time. Rubbing my eyes, I finished out my answers and turned the test in, finding the class now empty. We had a full hour and a half to complete the midterm, but most of the students had trickled out before the one hour mark.
    “Angela,” the teacher said, an older, attractive man with graying hair. “Could I have a word with you before you go?”
    “Sure.” I finished gathering up my things and dragged myself to the front of the class room.
    Mr. Lekowski sat my test down on his desk and leaned against the front of it, crossing his arms. “I’ve noticed you’ve been falling asleep in class these past few times. Now, I know you’re in college and I’m not your father, but I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help.”
    I started to shake my head, automatically telling him I was fine, but instead I nodded and gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks, but it’s just been a rough week.”
    “Well, if you need anything…” He reached up and rubbed my arm. “Don’t hesitate to ask.”
    The way he looked at me made my insides