Chapter 43

“Someone help me!” I called out, feeling frantic.

We were still at home, about ready to head out to the church. Mom and I were both already in our dresses. She had her friends around, and I had mine, and yet somehow, my house had been made into chaos.

“What is it, honey?” Mom asked, coming up to me.

“My earring. I can't seem to get it on,” I lamented. I was bent over a vanity mirror, in my dress but nothing else. I still needed to have my make-up properly done, then get my hair done. I glanced over at Mom and felt a little like crying.

She was mostly done already, and I was barely halfway! How much time did we still have to waste!

“Shit!” I cursed, straightening up with a wince.

“Language!” Mom said automatically. Then, she added, with some level of concern, “Adele, what’s wrong? Give me the earring; I’ll help you.”

“I think I broke it,” I said in a wobbly voice, holding it out for her to see. I rubbed my ear with my other hand because it stung a little. “Seriously, Mom! I’ve put on e