She's Jealous

"She's jealous!" Mimi said, reaching for her Marlboro's cupping her match. Her fingernails painted red. Her tan chest wrinkled above her cleavage.

"She's jealous that you got away and have built an authentic thriving life. Some part of her knows she is still living a lie. Remember when she scolded you for answering her children's questions about why your last name was different than hers?"

"It doesn't matter how many gourmet restaurants she eats at, outfits she purchases, trinkets she acquires, or overseas vacations she takes. Deep inside she knows the mask has slipped and she is trying to cover it up. She's trying to stop the flood from reaching her."