Page 2 of A Devious Arrangement
Glancing from side to side to check no one is here, I grab a cupcake. I have to hold it with two hands to take a bite. It’s sweet and delicious, and I try to finish it quickly.
There’s laughter coming from the doorway, and I look up to see my mama beaming down at me. She looks like an angel, light floating in around her, making her red hair glow.
Mama is never mad. Unlike Papa.
“What am I going to do with you?” She crouches down in front of me until her eyes are at the same height as mine and wipes my face with a cloth. “There, now you look like a princess. Now, let’s see your dress.”
I spin, the pink skirt of my dress fanning around me, twirling over and over until I get dizzy.
Mama’s warm fingers catch my shoulder. “Happy birthday, Anastasia.”
My cheeks hurt from my smile, and I jump into her arms, wrapping mine around her neck, holding her closer.
She squeezes me once more before settling me onto my feet. Her eyes shine when she says, “Be good today, alright. I’ve got something extra special for you tonight.”
I bite my tongue and nod. I’ll only get in trouble if Sebastian teases me. I can’t help it if he deserves it.
Mama leans in and whispers, “You’re more and more like me every day.”
I wrap my arms around her and bury my face into her stomach. Her soft chuckle vibrates against me. She smells sweet, like cupcakes.
“We don’t want to ruin your hair.” She pulls away, and the corner of my lips turn down. I’m not ready to let her go. I know parties are fun, but I like being with Mama more.
Her fingers are warm as she brushes my curls from my face, adjusting my tiara, and leans down to kiss my forehead. “How about we cuddle and watch a movie in bed when everyone goes home?”
“Okay!” I say, a lightness lifting my chest. She always knows what will make me happy. “I get to choose.”
Her laugh is bell-like. “Of course. It is your birthday.”
I twirl, and my arms fly up above me, just like I learned in ballet class.
I didn’t do it right because the world keeps spinning when I stop. Mama reaches out to steady me just when the balloon’s red ribbon slips from my wrist. I leap to catch it, but my fingers don’t reach.
“Mama!” I jump again.
She tries too, but the ceiling’s too high. It towers above us, and my silver balloon rests at the peak.
“We’ll just have to grab you another one.”
“But I want that one. It has a unicorn on it.” Hot tears leak from my lashes.
Mama looks up, then smiles at me, cupping my face and wiping my tears. “Don’t cry. It makes Mama sad when you cry.”
All the other mamas are strict and cold, but my mama is warm.
I sniffle and nod. “Yes, Mama.”
“Good girl. I’ll get it for you.”
I watch as she jumps up to sit on the counter and slowly slides her feet under her. My eyes widen as she stands. Mrs. Irina and Mama always say I’m not allowed on there. I want to tell Mama it’s not safe, but she’s reaching up for my balloon.
There’s a creak in the hall and a soft shuffling sound. I run out to check who it is. I haven’t seen my older brother, Nikolai, all morning, and I want him to see my dress. He’s four years older than me, and everyone says he looks just like our dad. The living room is empty, so I walk deeper through the house until I’m almost at the front door.
There’s the shadow of a man through the glass. Is he here for my party? I raise my hand to the handle but drop it. Mama told me to never open the door.
A scream pierces the room, and the loud crash from the kitchen has me running.
She’s lying on the ground. The red of her hair that matches mine looks weird. It’s dark.
