Chapter 15

• Marta
• I entered the room where the kids were fast asleep. Closing the door behind me, I went straight to Xyla’s bed and gave her elbow a little pinch to wake her. That’s always how I wake her. I think I was gentle, but with these big acrylic nails, I knew it probably stung a bit. Sometimes, it even left little bruises on her skin. She was used to it by now. She wasn’t some innocent little girl to be treated differently.
• “Mommy, is it time to get ready for school?” she mumbled, rubbing her elbow, then her eyes. I knew what she was trying to do, trying to act like my pinch hurt. I knew she was full of drama. Always has been. I’ve seen how she never misses a chance to run to her father, acting all babyish and innocent while tattling on me. I’ve told her plenty of times—clear as day—that she’s not to talk to him more than I allow. But Xyla was stubborn and disobedient. I was starting to realize that if I wanted her to truly listen, I’d have to give her lessons she wouldn’t forget. Harsh ones.