Page 150 - The Life of A Teenage Girl (Stories About Finding Your Way)

CHAPTER 5

M
ama didn’t respond. She simply turned away, climbed

the stairs without another word, and closed her bedroom
door behind her—hard.

I looked over at Jirelle, who was still standing in the same spot,
breathing unevenly.

“That was... harsh,” I said quietly.

She turned to me like I was someone she’d never seen before.
“What?”

I hesitated. “Don’t you think you were out of line?”
She stared at me, then, after a long pause, said, “Stay out of this,

Jo. You don’t get it.”

And just like that, she disappeared upstairs too, her door echoing
just like Mama’s.

I stood alone in the hallway, unsure of what had just happened.
Maybe she’s right. Maybe I don’t get it. But part of me thinks I do.

Jirelle used to be so determined, so full of plans. But ever since she
lost that office job, she hasn’t moved forward. No new applications, no

college forms, no next step. That job gave her money, yes—but it also

gave her purpose. Without it, she’s been drifting, clinging to whatever
makes her feel in control.